Martinsburg

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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 3, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

  • Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President)
  • Vice-President Edward L. Bennett
  • Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
  • Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
  • Councilmen James C. Dell, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck
  • President P. Robert Dickson

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Police Chief Kerry Hoover, Assistant Chief Justin Davis, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from the Morrisons Cove Herald.

Financial Reports and Approvals

Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented financial reports for two periods. The Council approved the following motions unanimously:

  • Minutes: Approval of the January 6, 2025 meeting minutes (Motion by Blattenberger, seconded by Dell).
  • December 21–31, 2024 Bills: Approval of check nos. 11602–11615 totaling $9,138. 04 (Motion by Blattenberger, seconded by Kensinger).
  • January 1–20, 2025 Bills: Approval of check nos. 11616–11635 totaling $56,732. 91 (Motion by Blattenberger, seconded by Dell).

Police Department Report

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

  • Hiring: One application was received for the full-time officer position. The Civil Service Committee must approve this applicant before the Council can make a hiring decision.
  • Staffing History: The department has photos of all Police Chiefs since 1912. Chief Hoover is the 9th Chief; Assistant Chief Justin Davis will be the 10th.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: The 2020 police cruiser is currently out of commission due to engine issues. It was taken to Stuckey’s and may require a new engine. An upcoming recall will provide a new-style engine under warranty. The department currently operates three police cars.

Borough Manager Report

Borough Manager Rich Brantner, Jr. provided updates on municipal operations:

  • Snow Removal: Snow was hauled out of town on January 8, and 2 inches were plowed on January 11.
  • Equipment:
    • New LED bulbs were installed in the hallway and police department on January 15.
    • The new street sweeper was used to sweep main streets on January 31.
    • A title transfer for the "Old Street Sweeper" was completed with Duncansville Borough on January 10.
  • Infrastructure:
    • Water lines froze in some homes on January 22 due to -8° temperatures.
    • An emergency water leak on S. Walnut Street was repaired on January 25.
  • Compost Hauling: T. L. Long Excavating hauled compost starting January 23.
  • Leaf Ordinance: Councilwoman Blattenberger suggested a leaf pickup ordinance. The Manager noted the new street sweeper lacks the capacity (3-4 cubic yards) and the workforce to handle this task effectively.
  • Comcast Franchise: A conference call was held regarding the Comcast franchise agreement; negotiations are ongoing.

Budget and Personnel Updates

  • Water/Sewer Rates: Neil Gartland reported that the municipal authority passed a 19% increase in water and sewer rates effective June 1, 2025. This is the first increase since 2016 (water) and 1992 (sewer). The cost impact is estimated at less than $7 per month for minimum users.
  • Personnel Action: The Council voted unanimously to retain Todd Bookhammer as a full-time borough employee following his 90-day probationary period. His wage was increased by $1. 00 per hour, from $20 to $21 per hour.

Adjournment

An executive session was held from 7:26 p. m. to 7:34 p. m. to discuss personnel matters. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p. m. on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell.

Submitted by: M. Jane Staily, Borough Secretary

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