Kennedy steps down over RCO row

Board of Commissioners president to serve out term as member after contentious vote

WEST NORRITON » The township’s board of commissioners regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday took a turn in front of a room packed with committee members and neighbors after board President Brian Kennedy resigned.

The commissioners first joined Township Manager Jason Bobst in showing appreciation to the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company, the police department and members of public for all the hard work and dedication they displayed during the township’s flooding over the last few days — helping evacuate residents, control traffic, clear debris and hose down roadways.

The board and Bobst also recognized the effort that went into the township’s first National Night Out which featured inflatables, food, a car show and other attractions that residents enjoyed despite the heat and sudden rain. “We already look forward to next year,” said Bobst.

An anti-discrimination Human Relations Ordinance was enthusiastically approved by the board. “It’s a long time coming and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Commissioner Martin Miller.

Many residents came out to show their support for the approval including rainbow-garbed resident Mark Cohen who said, “We welcome West Norriton to the 21st century.”

But the meeting took a more acrimonious tone when a motion to adopt an ordinance amending the township code to add responsible contractor provisions was approved despite board President Kennedy’s strong objections.

Kennedy argued the board needed more information and felt the research done on the ordinance did not best benefit the residents. He argued it as a budgetary issue and said it might raise taxes.

Kennedy also argued that students from tech colleges would not be able to work on projects in the township as a result of the ordinance and said there were more questions that needed to be answered in terms of its impact on the limitations of the use of nonunion labor. “Eighty percent of contractors are not unionized,” he said.

Commissioner Rozanne Milazzo argued that many companies use quality apprenticeship programs and “the governor (Tom Wolf) has invested $10 million into apprenticeships. In response to not having enough skilled workers.”

Milazzo argued this ordinance would “ensure West Norriton better quality in projects and more assurance.”

Kennedy motioned to table the ordinance and bring it back for a later date following further investigation, but that motion failed.

“At this point, I have no impact on where we’re going,” Kennedy said solemnly, refusing to sign the ordinance and resolving to serve the remainder of his term and become a regular ember of the board.

Kennedy claimed the board was no longer looking out for the best interest of the township but had become politically motivated and his years of experience were not respected.

West Norriton United member Jim Thomson said Kennedy’s resignation was “stunning but not unexpected” and called Kennedy “top notch.”

Thomson said due to the apprentice requirement, “The ordinance will eliminate most contractors from bidding on the proposed clubhouse for Jeffersonville Golf Club. Union contractors will meet this requirement.”

Resident Connie Whitson said she came out to support the commissioners. She said the apprenticeships and vocational school education should be respected. She finds the ordinance “better for residents and the county.”

On the other hand, Resident Mary Ellen Moran said she was disappointed at the prospect of having a Responsible Contractor Ordinance, saying, “the three new commissioners outvoted [Kennedy’s] experience.”

In other business, a motion was passed granting permission to join a consortium for the purchase of sodium chloride for the 2018-2019 winter season.

Additionally, the commissioners passed a resolution allowing the township manager to execute an Automated Red Light Enforcement Program Funding Agreement on behalf of the township and approved a 2019 Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for police in the amount of $1,058,363 for officers and $465,570 for non-uniformed personnel.

A cosmetic change was approved to re-zone four parcels on West Main street from mixed zoning to Commercial Zoning for uniformity.

Since the Norristown State Hospital Campus is currently under review for current land use, residents were encouraged to fill out a Norristown State Hospital Land Planning Study and voice their opinions for future land use, environmental concerns, infrastructure, zoning, and economic impact.

More information can be found on the township’s Facebook page and website.

The West Norriton Parks and Recreation Department will be presenting Free Family Movie Night with the showing of Coco at Padden Park on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Fireworks and a live band are scheduled at Norristown Area High School on Sunday, Sept. 2 as well as multiple food vendors.

Board President Brian Kennedy claimed the board was no longer looking out for the best interest of the township but had become politically motivated and his years of experience were not respected.