Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting was presided over by Mayor Richard A. Brantner, with a quorum of council members present including P. Robert Dickson, Ed Bennett, Charles E. Kensinger, Janet E. Blattenberger, James C. Dell, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck.

Financial Reports & Approvals

• Minutes: The minutes from the April 1, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Bills: The list of bills for July 2024 (check numbers 11426-11452) totaling $82,045. 51 was approved unanimously on a motion by Councilwoman Blattenberger.
• Insurance Dividend: The borough received an insurance dividend check from The Teeter Group in the amount of $3,979. 77.

Public Safety & Infrastructure

• Police Report: Chief Kerry Hoover presented the police report. Traffic counts were high during carnival week but lower than expected for the Agricultural Parade, likely due to heat. Solar speed signs are currently programmed to stop displaying speeds 10 m. p. h. over the limit but can be reprogrammed.
• Air Conditioning Replacement: The 25-year-old air conditioning unit at the ambulance building failed. Freedom Mechanical replaced the unit for a discounted price of $4,092. 85 (original bill $4,342. 85). The Council approved payment from the Building Maintenance Fund unanimously.
• cNET System: The department is switching to a new Visual Alert records management program called cNET. The Council approved paying $10,478. 00 for the system from the Equipment Fund rather than the American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund to simplify reporting.
• Pension Audit: Correspondence was received from the Auditor General’s office regarding a five-year pension audit starting this month.

Personnel Matters

• New Hire: The Council approved hiring Brittany Diehl as a part-time patrolman. She is currently a Deputy Constable and passed her background check. Her starting rate is $22. 50 per hour for a 90-day probationary period, after which it will increase to $25. 00 per hour if performance is satisfactory.
• Retirement: The Council accepted the resignation of Working Foreman Brian Miller for retirement, effective November 22, 2024. He is commended for 21 years of service (since June 13, 2003). The Council approved advertising for a new employee to replace him.

Borough Business & Maintenance

• Curb Repair Dispute: A motion to pay $500 toward curb repairs for Richard Smith at 113 W. Julian Street was defeated (4 nays to 3 yays). The Council reaffirmed that curb maintenance is the property owner's obligation. It was noted that $2,000 approved for Zimmerman curbing in June was never paid out.
• Trailer Park: Council discussed the New Trailer Park Owners' plan to develop a grassy field. Manager Brantner recommended they fix current water leaks before expanding the park.
• Internet: Brightspeed will begin running fiber optic internet throughout the borough starting late August, with completion expected within a month.
• Budget: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily is working on preliminary 2025 budget figures.

State Aid Pension Plan Underpayment

Secretary Staily reported a state aid pension plan underpayment of $7,246. 22 from 2022. After conferring with PMRS, the Council approved remitting $6,456. 72 of additional state pension funding to the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System. The distribution is as follows:

• $2,905. 52 to the Uniformed Pension Plan
• $3,551. 20 to the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan

Borough Manager Report (July Activities)

• JUL 8: Picked up bleachers from the school district for parade passengers.
• JUL 9: Two borough trucks participated in the Agricultural Parade.
• JUL 10: Streets and sidewalks were swept following the parade.
• JUL 17: Water and sewer taps were made for a new house on Spring Street.
• JUL 25: The borough sold its sewer jet to the Williamsburg Municipal Authority.