Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, concluding at 7:44 p. m.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner
• President P. Robert Dickson
• Vice-President Ed Bennett
• Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
• Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
• Councilman James C. Dell
• Councilman Neil E. Gartland
• Councilman Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from Hollidaysburg Ambulance.

Public Reports & Updates

• Hollidaysburg Ambulance: Representatives Rob Craig and Larry Cardone provided an update on their operations. They noted that billing has improved following the hiring of a full-time biller, and call volumes remain steady. They are preparing for the upcoming Agricultural Parade and festivities.
• Police Report (Chief Kerry Hoover):
  • Chief Hoover plans to analyze solar speed sign data to assess traffic impact from the Agricultural Parade.
  • Radio Donation: The council approved a motion to donate a police radio (purchased in 2020 for $2,524) from the newest police car to the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company. Other old portable radios will be donated to the borough crew.
• Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner, Jr.):
  • June 4: Attended a Water/Sewer Class in Altoona.
  • June 7: Grannas Brothers performed paving on borough streets.
  • June 11: Curb lines were sprayed for weeds by Gartland Lawn Care.
  • June 13: Amy Hockenberry passed her Notary Test.
  • June 25: Amy Hockenberry was sworn in as the borough’s Notary.
  • June 27: Met with PennDOT to review the paving project.

Financial & Administrative Actions

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the June 3, 2024 meeting were approved with a correction to the Manager’s Report noting that approximately $6,000 was paid to Gary Calvert for soil testing at 114 W. Penn Street.
• List of Bills: The list of bills for June 2024 (check nos. 11385-11425) totaling $149,441. 27 was approved unanimously.
• Paving Project Payment: An invoice for the 2024 paving project was received. The final cost was approximately $3,000 higher than the bid due to additional material needed for low spots on E. Christiana Street. The council approved a payment of $63,226. 99 to Grannas Bros. Stone and Asphalt Co. , Inc. , funded from the Highway Liquid Fuels Fund.
• Lot Testing Payment: A bill was received from geologist Gary Calvert LLC for testing on the Zimmerman lot (114 W. Penn Street) totaling $28,765.18.
  • The council approved payment of this amount ($5,000 from the General Fund and the balance from the Reserve Fund).
  • This is contingent on Jonathan and Megan Zimmerman refunding the borough for 50% of the invoice, as per their September 2022 agreement.
  • The geologist has submitted a report to the DEP, which has 90 days to approve it.

Community & Other Business

• July Festivities: Councilwoman Blattenberger expressed concern that the listing for upcoming July festivities and events was only available digitally.
• Ordinance Review: Blattenberger inquired about the cessation of monthly ordinance reviews. Chief Hoover stated they cover the most important ones, while Kensinger suggested reviewing them as needed. Blattenberger requested a review of the nuisance ordinance next month; a copy will be provided in the August packet.
• Agricultural Parade: Chief Hoover and the Mayor met with the parade committee. It was decided that Ritchey’s Dairy will drive through the route handing out milk before the parade starts to prevent gaps, accompanied by a fire truck for protection.
• Blair County Airport Authority: Councilman Dell reported that the authority was awarded $352,780 to support continued growth and development.