Martinsburg

Pennsylvania

Documents

MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

View original document →

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, August 1, 2022, at the municipal building. The meeting began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

  • Mayor Richard A. Brantner
  • President P. Robert Dickson
  • Vice-President Durban D. Metzler
  • Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger
  • Councilman Edward L. Bennett
  • Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
  • Councilman James C. Dell
  • Councilman Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Attorney Matt Gieg, and various residents including Gloria Hartman, Bob Carper, and Dione Metzger.

Public Comments & Safety Issues

South First Alley Safety

Gloria Hartman raised concerns regarding traffic safety on South First Alley, located behind her home at 402 E. Allegheny Street. She noted that the installation of a handicapped playground has increased traffic and the presence of children in the alley.

  • Suggestions: Hartman proposed making the alley one-way or adding signage to slow traffic.
  • Action: The Council agreed to review the situation and consider her suggestions. President Rob Dickson later formed a committee to address this issue, appointing Darin Meck, Janet Blattenberger, James Dell, Manager Rich Brantner, Jr. , and Chief Kerry Hoover.

Stray Cat Problem

Bob Carper and his daughter Dione Metzger reported a stray cat issue at 214 Locust Street, where up to thirteen cats are being fed by a neighbor.

  • Status: Chief Hoover reported speaking with the neighbor and utilizing a "Trap and Release" program. However, the Blair County Humane Society is currently at capacity and cannot take more cats.
  • Action: The Council will continue to address the problem and stay in contact with the residents.

Administrative Reports & Approvals

Minutes and Financials

  • Minutes: The minutes from the July 11, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Janet Blattenberger.
  • Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for July 2022.
  • List of Bills: The list of bills for July 2022 (check nos. 10763-10787) totaling $14,914. 31 was approved unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger.

Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner, Jr. )

  • July 12: Bleachers were gathered and placed along the parade route for the Agricultural Parade.
  • July 13: Streets were cleaned, and bleachers were removed from the parade route.
  • July 20: Penelec had a scheduled power outage; a temporary generator was used for phones and computers.
  • July 26: The million-gallon water tank was inspected inside and out for the first time since the early 1990s.
  • Compost Site: Manager Brantner recommended cleaning up the compost site. T. L. Long Excavating, Inc. was approved to clean the site for $2,700. 00, to be paid from the Reserve Fund. This motion passed unanimously.

Trash and Ordinances

  • Trash: Following the Agricultural Parade, trash was left around. Charles Kensinger noted that while Boosters empty cans, a group to pick up trash after the parade would be helpful. Mayor Brantner will bring this to the parade committee.
  • Nuisance Ordinance Amendment: Attorney Matt Gieg reported on an amendment to address roll-off dumpsters. Residents are generally not allowed dumpsters except for short-term construction.
    • Action: The Council approved an amendment to the nuisance ordinance to incorporate regulations for roll-off dumpsters. This motion passed unanimously.
    • Advertising: The Council authorized advertising the component of the amendment regarding roll-off/waste dumpsters. This motion passed unanimously.

Personnel and Equipment

Police Wages

The personnel committee recommended a wage increase to help retain the current police force. The Council authorized an increase in Police Department wages effective with the pay period beginning August 12, 2022. The motion passed unanimously.

  • Chief: $1. 25/hr increase (from $27. 22 to $28. 47)
  • Lieutenant: $1. 25/hr increase (from $23. 36 to $24. 61)
  • 3rd Full-time: $2. 50/hr increase (from $18. 73 to $21. 23)
  • Part-time Patrolmen: $2. 00/hr increase (from $16. 78 to $18. 78)

Chief Kerry Hoover thanked the council for the increase.

New Police Cruiser

Chief Kerry Hoover recommended purchasing a 2022 Ford Explorer from Laurel Ford for $47,546. 00.

  • Action: The Council authorized the purchase to be paid for from ARP money. This motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p. m. on a motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by Ed Bennett. The motion passed unanimously.

← Back to Documents