The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Newest police officer sworn in
WEST NORRITON >> The West Norriton Board of Commissioners began their regular meeting on Nov. 13 by welcoming the township’s newest police officer, Anthony DiNolfi, who was sworn in by District Justice Marc Alfarano.
According to Police Chief Dale Mabry, DiNolfi has been a resident of East Norriton for 15 years. He is also a 2011 graduate of Norristown Area High School and a 2016 graduate of Kutztown
University. DiNolfo began training at the Delaware County Community College Police Acadamy in January.
Chief Mabry thanked the board and Township Manager Jason Bobst for their support and timely filling of vacancies in the police department — roles that “continue the level of service our residents expect,” he said.
New to the board of commissioners meeting is the inclusion of audio and video streaming and posting to the township’s Facebook page.
West Norriton’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget, which includes no tax or sewer fee increases and has a “projected surplus of $62,474,” was approved for advertisement at the meeting.
“Everything is pretty much what we proposed in 2018,” said Bobst.
The budget was originally presented at the commissioner’s Nov. 7 work session, where Bobst mentioned that he and his staff were proud that the township would be undertaking “just under a million dollars in grant projects,” including pump station upgrades, automated red light enforcement, a new leaf machine and more.
The presentation is available on the township website, www.westnorritontwp.org, under the departments/ finance tab.
A work session with more information on the budget will be held in December.
The board passed a motion authorizing the advertisement of an ordinance increasing the number of members to the Humans Relations Committee from five to seven.
The commissioners also authorized a resolution approving Phase I Land Development for Riverview at Valley Forge. According to Bobst, “it was appropriate to revote with a new board” since the resolution was approved by former commissioners in 2013.
A towing penalty for parking violations was also approved; “An additional tool, said Bobst, “should it be necessary.”
As 2018 marks the centennial year of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act — a measure designed for the protection of backyard avian species — the board passed a motion proclaiming 2018 the Year of the Bird at the behest of the Environmental Advisory Council.
There are six species of birds in need of conservation actions in West Norriton Township according to the Conservation Network: the American Kestrel, Common Nighthawk, Willow Flycatcher, Common Goldeneye, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Blue-winged Warbler.
West Norriton Township urges all citizens to take due note of the observance and to support the spirit of this proclamation for years to come.
In other business, Consulting Engineer T.J Figaniak reported that the Jefferson Golf Course Maintenance Building is under construction.
Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Dzedzy reported that there was no parade accompanying this year’s Halloween party due to weather but said there was a good turn out for a dance party at Norristown Area High School featuring the Norristown Area Drum Line.
Dzedzy also noted that online registration is now available for all Parks and Recreation programs.
Thanks to PennDOT, the township will be working with a new brining system which Public Works Director Michael Valyo said is, “moving West Norriton Public Works into the 21st century.”
A sign permit for a resident in the 100 block of Egypt Road and parking lot expansion of Jubilee Presbyterian Church at 189 West Marshall Street will be discussed at the next West Norriton Zoning Hearing Board meeting Nov. 28.