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MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

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Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at the municipal building. The meeting 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
  • Councilman Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Lt. Justin Davis, Attorney Matt Gieg, and members of the Morrisons Cove Herald.

Financial Reports & Bills

The council reviewed and approved financial reports for two periods:

  • December 21–31, 2021:

    • The list of bills (check nos. 10582–10591) totaling $57,328. 87 was approved. This amount included a transfer of $40,000 to the Reserve Fund.
    • Motion by James Dell, seconded by Charles Kensinger.

  • January 1–20, 2022:

    • The list of bills (check nos. 10592–10617) totaling $22,555. 41 was approved.
    • Motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by Durban Metzler.

Police & Civil Service Updates

Chief Kerry Hoover presented the police report, highlighting several key developments:

  • Civil Service Commission: Met on January 4 to approve rules and regulations following the hiring of a third full-time officer.
  • Community Relations: The police department received artwork from Martinsburg Elementary students for Law Enforcement Day (Jan 9).
  • Willis Clark Hearing: Chief Hoover and Lt. Davis attended a hearing on Jan 25 regarding a shooting from two years prior. Mr. Willis pleaded guilty to most felonies and received 8–16+ years in state prison. Mayor Brantner commended Lt. Davis for his handling of the incident.
  • Equipment Donation: The Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church donated $13,846. 00 to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). One will be placed in each police cruiser and one outside the conference room.
  • Personnel: Patrolman Lance Morris resigned effective February 18, 2022. The department currently has only one part-time patrolman and is struggling to find help.

Council Action:

  • Adopted Resolution 2022-0207-01 approving the Martinsburg Borough Police Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by James Dell.

Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner)

Manager Brantner provided updates on various municipal activities:

  • Snow Removal: The borough crew plowed snow on Jan 16 and Jan 17 (total storm approx. 7–8 inches).
  • Water System: Curryville received a grant and loan to interconnect with the Martinsburg water system. They will be billed monthly for water usage, with service expected to start in about a year.
  • Wastewater Plant: Experienced pump failures on Jan 19 and Jan 25. A loaner pump was secured after hours, and prices are being obtained to rebuild the failed pumps.
  • Municipal Authority: Met on Jan 20; the budget was passed with no rate increases.
  • NIMS Training: Rob, Chuck, Darin, and James completed NIMS 700 training on Jan 25.
  • Real Estate: The old C & S Market building is being remodeled into a Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination store. Opening date is TBD.
  • Recycling Program: The recycling center computer crashed. Council authorized the purchase of new software ($683. 68) and a new computer ($1,699. 00) from the Recycling Account. Motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Janet Blattenberger.

Other Business & Announcements

  • W. Gene Henry Memorial: $9,147 has been raised so far. $6,515. 25 has been spent. No public funds will be used for the memorial.
  • American Rescue Plan: The second half of the funds is expected in the spring.
  • Spring Cleanup: Scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022. Manager Brantner is checking if Burgmeier’s Hauling can provide shredding services (potential cost to individuals).
  • NIMS Testing Day: Scheduled for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, for council and employees needing certification.
  • Bank Signers: Council authorized President P. Robert Dickson, Vice-Pres. Durban D. Metzler, Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger, and Secretary M. Jane Staily as updated checking account check signers (any two of the four). Motion by James Dell, seconded by Darin Meck.
  • Fire Company Audit: The Compliance Audit of the Martinsburg Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association (Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2020) was completed.
  • Fire Company Ribbon Cutting: Council and Mayor invited to the ribbon cutting for the new addition on Saturday, February 26, 2022. The building is 95% complete.
  • Concealed Carry Workshop: Representative Jim Gregory is hosting a preregistered workshop on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 6:00 p. m. at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park.
  • Second Amendment Sanctuary: Attorney Matt Gieg reported on a potential intergovernmental agreement to memorialize support for the Second Amendment, following a November 2021 referendum. A resolution will be prepared for next month.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Darin Meck.

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