Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President)
• Vice-President Edward L. Bennett
• Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
• Councilman James C. Dell
• Councilman Mark K. Gartland
• Councilman Darin B. Meck

(Note: Neil Gartland was absent. )

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Justin Davis, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from Hollidaysburg Ambulance and the Morristons Cove Herald.

Financial Reports & Approvals

• Minutes: The minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: The Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for May 2025 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
• List of Bills: The Council approved the List of Bills for May 2025 (check nos. 11746-11773) totaling $107,699. 12. This amount includes transfers to the Reserve Fund totaling $80,000. The motion passed unanimously.

Police Department Updates

Chief Justin Davis presented the Police Report, highlighting several key issues:

• CAD System Upgrades: Blair County’s 911 Center has upgraded its Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. The Borough must update its police car CAD system to maintain access, or they will lose the program entirely.
• Costs: The county is not offering financial assistance for these updates. Estimated costs include $540 for labor and approximately $180 per year for software ($3. 00 per officer per month).
• Security Tinting: The county is also pushing for tinting police car side windows to protect computer screens. While the police are exempt from the general tint law, this is being considered for security purposes.
• Implementation: Chief Davis is waiting to see if other departments encounter issues with the updates before proceeding.

Borough Manager Report

Borough Manager Rich Brantner provided updates on recent activities:

• May 9: Employees decorated the firehall for Kerry Hoover’s retirement party.
• May 16: The borough crew sprayed curbs for weeds.
• May 21: A meeting was held with April Ressler of The Teeter Group regarding insurance renewal.
• May 27: A water leak occurred on a service line on Spring Street.
• May 29: Shrubs around the borough building were mulched.
• Maintenance: Manager Brantner thanked Gartland Supply for spraying the yard at the borough building.

Personnel & Compensation

• Chief Justin Davis: The Council approved a wage increase for Chief Justin Davis following his promotion from Assistant Chief to Chief. His hourly rate will increase from $31. 00 to $33. 50, effective retroactively to May 3, 2025. The motion passed unanimously.

Infrastructure & Utilities

• Water/Sewer Rates: The Martinsburg Municipal Authority approved an increase in water and sewer rates beginning June 1, 2025. The minimum quarterly bill for 8,000 gallons of water will rise from $104. 00 to $124. 00. This change will appear on the bill issued at the end of September.
• Well Redevelopment: An invoice from Gary Calvert for $3,577. 58 was approved for work done on two wells at 114 W. Penn Street (Zimmerman property). The Council anticipates that Jonathan Zimmerman will reimburse the borough for 50% of the bill per a prior agreement.

Community & Public Safety Issues

• Hooved Animals: The Council received complaints regarding hooved animals in the borough. A committee comprising Rob Dickson, Charles Kensinger, James Dell, Rich Brantner Jr. , and Chief Davis was appointed to review the issue and recommend a specific ordinance.
• Memorial Day Parade: Ed Bennett reported complaints from the Central Band regarding safety during the parade, specifically concerning traffic control at intersections. Chief Davis has contacted the band director to discuss the matter.

Upcoming Events

• Ambulance Committee: Will meet soon.
• Annual Ox Roast: Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company, June 20-21, 2025.
• Bargain Days: Scheduled for July 11 and 12, 2025.
• FFA Banquet: James Dell and his wife attended the Central Cove FFA Banquet.

The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p. m. on a motion by Darin Meck, seconded by Mark Gartland.