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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, July 11, 2022, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting began with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , 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
  • Attorney Matt Gieg
  • Anna Baughman (Morrisons Cove Herald) and intern Duncan Weigand

Administrative & Financial Reports

  • Minutes: The minutes from the June 6, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Janet Blattenberger.
  • Financials: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for June 2022.
  • Bills: The list of bills for June 2022 (check nos. 10734-10762) totaling $130,814. 80 was approved unanimously on a motion by Janet Blattenberger.

Departmental Updates

  • Mayor’s Report: Mayor Brantner noted that Central Baseball Coach Hoenstine was out of town but would receive a proclamation for the successful season. He also mentioned that many baseball players will participate in the Agricultural Parade.
  • Police Report (Chief Hoover):
    • New Computer System: A new computer system for cruisers, called TRACS, has arrived and will be installed on July 22. The system issues traffic citations and crash reports directly from police cars, reducing report preparation time.
    • Vehicle Maintenance: One cruiser had a steering issue during parade week due to a failing electric steering rack. It is currently safe to drive, but the Chief will obtain repair prices and plan for a new police car in the 2023 Budget.
  • Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner):
    • June 8: Installed new "Yield to Pedestrian" signs at the intersections of Mulberry/Allegheny Street and Walnut/Allegheny Street.
    • June 13: Dug dirt for the W. Gene Henry Memorial.
    • June 15: Sprayed for weeds along the curb line.
    • June 17: Employee Brian Miller returned to work from worker’s compensation injury.
    • June 22: Black topped the parking lot portion intersecting the new sidewalk at the municipal building.
    • Weather: Received approximately 2 ¾ inches of rain in a short period.
    • Power Outage: Penelec has a scheduled power outage for part of the borough on Wednesday, July 20 (9 a. m. –1 p. m. ), with a rain date of Friday, July 22.
    • Equipment:
      • Generator: Estimated delivery for the new municipal building generator is mid-August.
      • Dump Truck: No scheduled delivery date yet for the new dump truck from Stucky’s.
    • Events: 140 tickets have been sold for the Train Ride to the borough on the day of the Agricultural Parade.
    • Roads: Janet Blattenberger noted that South Market Street is heavily tarred due to sealed cracks; PennDOT has no plans to pave it soon as it is a state highway.

New Business & Motions

  • Nuisance Ordinance Amendment: Council discussed enforcement issues regarding high grass and weeds under Nuisance Ordinance No. 563. The current warning period is too long, allowing violators to cut grass before citations can be filed.
    • Decision: Council approved an amendment to the ordinance to establish a new warning schedule. After two warnings within a twelve-month period, the third offense will result in an immediate citation. (Motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Charles Kensinger).
  • Per Capita Tax Exoneration: Council authorized the exoneration of eight individuals for the 2021-22 Per Capita Tax. (Motion by Durban Metzler, seconded by Darin Meck).
  • W. Gene Henry Memorial: Charles Kensinger reported that the memorial plaque was taken to Everette Granite. The three pieces will be installed on-site. The cost is $2,995. 00. Remaining funds will be used for landscaping, though additional funds may be needed.
  • ARP Money: Manager Brantner reported that the balance of ARP money should be received on July 18.

Personnel & Appointments

  • Cleaning Staff: Current cleaning lady Leanna Weaver is moving. Her sister, Christine Martin, has been authorized to replace her.
    • Terms: $75. 00 every two weeks, beginning in August 2022. Christine will work twice in August to transition. (Motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by Durban Metzler).
  • Library Board Appointments: In accordance with the State Library Code of Pennsylvania, the Borough appointed/reappointed two members to the Martinsburg Community Library board:
    • Fritz Yarrison: Appointed to fill the remainder of a term expiring June 30, 2023.
    • Brooke Long-Yarrison: Reappointed to fill a second term expiring June 30, 2025.
    • Both motions were made by Janet Blattenberger and seconded by Ed Bennett.

Equipment Purchase

  • Tractor: Bill Repogle offered a 2004 New Holland Tractor from the W. Gene Henry Estate. It has only 500 hours, and the tires/bucket are in good shape. It is considered superior to the Borough's current 1974 Ford tractor, which is difficult to find parts for.
    • Decision: Council authorized the purchase of the 2004 New Holland Tractor for a price not to exceed $20,000, to be paid from the Equipment Fund. (Motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by James Dell).

Community News

  • Volunteer Fire Company: Manager Brantner reported that the OX Roast was a success, selling out of sandwiches on Friday and nearly selling out on Saturday. Chief Hoover and Charles Kensinger commended the volunteer firemen for their hard work.

The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p. m. on a motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by Ed Bennett.

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