Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the municipal building. The meeting began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President)
• P. Robert Dickson (Vice-President)
• Edward L. Bennett (Pro-Tem)
• Charles E. Kensinger
• James C. Dell
• Neil E. Gartland
• Darin B. Meck

Notable Absences:

• Councilman Janet Blattenberger was absent.

Police Department & Chief Hoover Retirement

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the retirement of Police Chief Kerry Hoover, who is concluding a 37-year career with the borough.

• Final Report: Chief Hoover presented his police report and shared reflections on his service.
• Succession Planning: The council appointed Justin Davis as the new Police Open Records Officer and Fire Marshall, effective May 3, 2025.
• Hiring Status: The hiring of a new full-time police officer was tabled.
• Retirement Celebration: A retirement open house for Chief Hoover is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 1:00 p. m. to 4:00 p. m. at the Martinsburg Firehall.
• Proclamation: Mayor Brantner prepared a proclamation to be presented at the open house. Representative John Joyce is scheduled to present on April 14 in the Conference Room at 2:15 p. m.

Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner, Jr. )

The Borough Manager provided updates on various municipal operations and infrastructure issues:

• Water Leaks: Reported leaks occurred at 428 S. Market Street (Mar 10), N. Nicodemus Street (Mar 11), and along Cove Mountain Road (Apr 7).
• Infrastructure: A water tap was installed at 300 W. State Street on March 27.
• Street Sweeping: The street sweeper was active on April 3, and sweeping was finished by April 4.
• Compost Area: Councilman Gartland noted the compost area was muddy due to recent rain. The manager suggested dumping close to the entrance until conditions dry out.
• Comcast Agreement: A new 10-year Comcast agreement has been prepared, including a 5% franchise fee. A resolution will be passed to execute this contract.
• Ambulance Contract: The committee reviewing the Hollidaysburg Ambulance agreement (expiring Dec 2025) is still gathering information.

Financial & Administrative Updates

• Minutes: The minutes from the March 3, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: The Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for March 2025 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
• Bills: The list of bills for March 2025 (check nos. 11669-11705) totaling $79,777. 70 was approved. This includes a transfer of $45,000 to the Reserve Fund.
• Audit: The 2024 Borough Audit, completed by Ritchey, Ritchey & Koontz, was accepted unanimously.
• Emergency Help Wages: The wage for emergency help (e. g. , flaggers) is currently $15. 00/hour and may be considered for an increase next year.

Community & Other Business

• Zoning Hearing: A zoning hearing was held at the municipal building on March 18.
• Water/Sewer Class: The manager attended a class on March 25.
• Zimmerman Family Dentistry: Construction is complete at 114 W. Penn Street. Eight wells are installed, with two more to be drilled. The borough labor force will assist with some work to save costs.
• Agricultural Parade: Council approved the closure of streets for the 2025 Agricultural Parade on July 8, 2025, pending PennDOT permits.
• Fire Company: The Dutch meal was a success with sold-out tickets. A chicken barbecue is scheduled for May 10.
• Next Association Meeting: The South Central Counties Borough’s Association dinner is scheduled for May 22, 2025, at Marzano’s. Reservations are due by May 12.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p. m.