Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting was presided over by Mayor Richard A. Brantner and attended by all council members, the Borough Manager, Secretary/Treasurer, Police Chief, and Attorney.

Financial Reports

• Minutes: The minutes from the July 10, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financials: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for July 2023.
• Bills: A list of bills totaling $52,956. 16 (including a $35,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund) was approved.

Departmental Reports

• Police: Chief Kerry Hoover reported on a busy week during the Park Carnival. He apologized for not having the Police Policy Book ready yet and noted that one employment application was received, with more expected.
• Borough Manager: Rich Brantner provided updates on various municipal projects:
  • Curryville: Sand blasting of the tank began July 10.
  • Parade Route: Streets and sidewalks were cleaned up on July 12.
  • Water Line Project: A pre-construction meeting was held for the E. Christiana Street water line job, scheduled to start the week of August 21.
  • Utilities: Water and sewer hookups were completed at 324 N. Railroad Street on July 27.
  • Resident Communication: Questionnaires were mailed to water customers on July 28, and letters regarding the upcoming water line project were sent to residents of the 100 block of E. Christiana Street on July 31.
  • Road Maintenance: Blacktopping was completed around the intersection of S. Nicodemus Street and W. Allegheny Street on August 1, along with pothole repairs.

Personnel and Police Department

Following an executive session regarding personnel matters, the council addressed staffing issues:

• New Position: The council unanimously approved creating the position of Assistant Chief of Police.
• Wages: Salaries were set at $31. 50 per hour for the Chief of Police and $30. 00 per hour for the Assistant Chief of Police, effective immediately.
• Appointment: Justin Davis was authorized to be appointed as the Assistant Chief of Police.

Community Updates and Ordinances

• RAVE Notification System: Council member Janet Blattenberger inquired about using the RAVE system to inform residents of ordinances. Manager Brantner clarified that RAVE is reserved for emergency, critical, or urgent messages per DEP requirements. Instead, the Borough plans to include pertinent information in a borough newsletter.
• Fireworks Ordinance: Councilman Darin Meck reviewed the fireworks ordinance, noting that usage is restricted to very few areas in the borough. This rule will be included in the upcoming newsletter to ensure public awareness.
• Stop Signs: Councilman Durban Metzler reported that his sister, Gloria Hartman, appreciated the new stop signs on First Alley and noted no incidents since their installation.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Darin Meck.