MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the municipal building. The session 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 Durban D. Metzler
• Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger
• Councilman Edward L. Bennett
• Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
• Councilman James C. Dell

Absent:

• Councilman Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees:

• Manager Richard Brantner, Jr.
• Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily
• Chief Kerry Hoover
• Attorney Matt Gieg
• Anna Baughman (Morrisons Cove Herald)

Financial Reports and Budget

The Council reviewed and approved several financial items for November 2022:

• Minutes: The minutes from the November 7, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: The Treasurer’s reports for November 2022 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
• List of Bills: Checks 10864–10906 totaling $64,749. 34 were approved on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by Janet Blattenberger.
• 2023 Budget: The Council adopted the 2023 Budget on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Durban Metzler. The budget requires no real estate tax increase and was advertised for the required 10-day public inspection period.

Ordinances Adopted

The Council adopted several ordinances regarding taxes and regulations for 2023:

• Ordinance No. 2022-640 (Real Estate Tax): Adopted with no millage increase.
• Ordinance No. 2022-641 (Per Capita Tax): Adopted to maintain the rate of $5. 00.
• Ordinance No. 2022-642 (Earned Income Tax): Adopted to maintain the rate of ½ of 1 percent.
• Ordinance No. 2022-643 (Local Services Tax): Adopted to maintain the rate of $52.
• Ordinance No. 2022-644 (Act 57 of 2022): Provides a process for taxpayers who fail to receive real estate tax notices to apply for a waiver of additional charges within 12 months of qualifying events.

Borough Operations and Reports

• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Richard Brantner (Sr. ) presented his report as written.
• Police Report: Chief Kerry Hoover reported that a new cruiser has arrived at the dealership and is being uplifted by Team Force, expected to be completed by late January.
• Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner):
  • Nov 11: High flows at the wastewater treatment plant due to heavy rain (3 inches).
  • Nov 15: Borough crew plowed approximately 4 inches of snow.
  • Nov 18: The heater at the wastewater treatment plant failed.
  • Nov 21: Digging began for the interconnection between Martinsburg and Curryville; approximately 500 feet of line installed so far.
  • Nov 29: Notification received regarding the generator; some work scheduled for December 6.
• Attorney Report: Matt Gieg reported working with Jane Staily to prepare five ordinance advertisements for adoption.
• Visual Alert Reporting Program: Chief Hoover noted that the current program is nearing end-of-life and will no longer be supported after November 1, 2024. Eight departments are reviewing replacement options.
• Exonerations: The Council authorized the exoneration of sixteen individuals for the 2022-23 Per Capita Tax.
• New Truck: Manager Brantner is waiting for a new truck before putting the old one out for bid.

Other Business

• Premium Pay: The Council authorized premium pay for essential workers in good standing from the American Rescue Plan funds. Full-time employees will receive $750, and the part-time secretary will receive $375.
• Solicitor Proposals: A committee consisting of Rob Dickson, Darin Meck, and Charles Kensinger was appointed to review new solicitor proposals.
• Volunteer Fire Company: Minutes from the November 14, 2022 meeting of the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company were included in the agenda packet.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by James Dell. An Executive Session for personnel matters was held from 7:32 p. m. to 8:01 p. m.

Submitted by: M. Jane Staily, Borough Secretary