MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The session began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Officials Present:

• Council: Mayor Richard A. Brantner, Sr. , President P. Robert Dickson, Vice President Durban D. Metzler, Pro-tem Ed Bennett, Councilman Neil E. Gartland, Councilman Charles E. Kensinger, Councilman Darin B. Meck, and Councilwoman Linda K. Smith.
• Staff/Attendees: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Lt. Justin Davis, and Attorney Matt Gieg.

Financial Reports & Bills

• Minutes: The minutes from the March 1, 2021 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financials: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for March 2021.
• Bills: The List of Bills for March 2021 (check nos. 10281-10308) totaling $88,722. 22 was approved. This amount includes a $58,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

Departmental Reports

• Mayor: Mayor Richard Brantner presented his report as written.
• Police: Chief Hoover reported that the department is currently working through issues regarding body cameras.
• Borough Manager (Rich Brantner):
  • March 5: Completed and mailed out the Consumer Confidence Report for water tested in 2020.
  • March 12: Started running the street sweeper.
  • April 2: Met with the new tenant at the Mike Snowberger Property. The tenant is permitted to make sandwiches but cannot butcher meat or offer dine-in service.
  • Oakview Estates: Manager Brantner continues to inspect the force main installation by T. L. Long Excavating; limestone was hit, requiring blasting.

Legal & Administrative Actions

• Variance Request: Attorney Matt Gieg reported on a request from Timothy and Marian Park (114 N. Ann Street) to reduce their side yard setback from 30 feet to 15 feet for a new house.
  • Only one adjoining owner is affected, and a variance agreement was prepared for both owners to sign.
  • Decision: The Council approved the variance request unanimously on a motion by Durban Metzler, seconded by Neil Gartland.

Resolutions & Ordinances

• Tax Filing Deadline: The Blair County Tax Collection Bureau requested an extension for Local Earned Income Tax filings for 2020.
  • Resolution No. 2021-0405-01: Adopted to extend the deadline from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, aligning with State and Federal deadlines. The motion passed unanimously.
• Ordinances Tabled: Both the Parking Ordinance and Stop Sign Ordinance were tabled until next month to comply with Borough Code advertising requirements.

Personnel & Community Updates

• Municipal Authority Appointment: A resignation was received from Ken Steele (effective March 9, 2021).
  • Appointment: Douglas W. Hoover was appointed to replace Steele, fulfilling the unexpired six-year term ending in January 2023. The motion passed unanimously.
• Revitalization Committee: Reported that town banners were installed and flowers will be planted in May. Volunteers include Linda Smith, Joyce Hoover, and Nellie Shultz.
• American Rescue Plan: The Borough may be eligible for $180,000 in COVID relief funds.
  • Banking: Council authorized opening a new checking account at First National Bank for these funds, contingent upon receipt. The motion passed unanimously.
• Other Notes:
  • Minutes from the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company (March 8, 2021) were included in agenda packets.
  • A thank-you note was received from the W. Gene Henry Family regarding funeral flowers.

Adjournment

An Executive Session was held from 7:34 p. m. to 8:07 p. m. regarding legal matters concerning real estate. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Durban Metzler. The motion passed unanimously.