Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President)
• Vice-President Ed Bennett
• Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
• Councilman James C. Dell
• Councilman Neil E. Gartland
• Councilman Darin B. Meck

Absent: Charles Kensinger

Other Attendees:

• Manager Richard Brantner, Jr.
• Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily
• Chief Kerry Hoover
• Attorney Nathan Karn

Financial Reports and Approvals

Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented financial reports for two periods. Both sets of bills were approved unanimously on motions by Janet Blattenberger.

• December 21–31, 2023:
  • Check numbers 11252–11267 totaling $51,335. 15.
  • This amount included a transfer of $50,000 to the Reserve Fund.
• January 1–20, 2024:
  • Check numbers 11268–11284 totaling $19,861. 41.

American Rescue Plan and Street Sweeper

Councilman Neil Gartland inquired about the American Rescue Plan balance of $61,873. 36. Manager Brantner explained that these funds might be used toward a new street sweeper, potentially in addition to Highway Liquid Fuels money if the Local Shares Grant for a new sweeper ($275,000) is granted.

Trooper Landon Weaver Memorial Fund

Mayor Brantner reported that the park pavilion project associated with the Trooper Landon Weaver Memorial Fund was not proceeding. Consequently, the Council voted to close out the fund at First National Bank.

• Motion: Approved by James Dell, seconded by Neil Gartland.
• Distribution of Funds:
  • $779. 78 to Cove Christmas Love
  • $779. 79 to the Martinsburg Food Bank

Police Report

Chief Hoover presented the police report, noting that three officers completed two-day MPOETC training. Additionally, 36 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs collected from the drop box were turned over to the DEA.

Borough Manager Report (January–February Updates)

Manager Brantner provided updates on various municipal activities:

• Weather Events:
  • Jan 6 & 9: Significant snowfall (5 and 6 inches respectively), with the Jan 9 event causing minor flooding due to rain.
  • Jan 10: High flows at the wastewater plant; plow repairs were completed by Rob Dickson.
  • Jan 11: Snow cleaned up around businesses near the signal light.
• Operations & Maintenance:
  • Jan 18: Municipal authority passed their 2024 budget.
  • Jan 24: Meeting held with Megan Zimmerman and Gary Calvert (geologist) regarding the Penn St. Property; a follow-up meeting with DEP in Harrisburg is scheduled for Feb 4.
  • Jan 25: Staff attended a water and sewer safety class.
  • Feb 5: Street sweeper was run on main streets.

Recycling Account Discussion

Councilwoman Blattenberger requested a breakdown of composting and recycling income/expenses. Treasurer Staily clarified that the account tracks only recycling activity to simplify resident payments (avoiding two checks for renewal keys). Composting income is eventually transferred to the general fund. Manager Brantner noted that a fee increase for 2024 is recommended because total revenues have not been covering expenses.

Upcoming Events

• Photo Session: A borough council and officials photo is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:30 p. m. (Arrive by 6:15 p. m. ). Gerald Leidy will take the photo.
• Fire Company: Minutes from the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company meeting on Jan 8, 2024, were included in the agenda. The company has been in their new addition for two years.

The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p. m. on a motion by James Dell, seconded by Durban Metzler.