MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES
Meeting Overview
The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, June 6, 2022. The session began at 7:10 p. m. following a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Elected Officials Present:
- Mayor Richard A. Brantner
- President P. Robert Dickson
- Vice-President Durban D. Metzler
- Pro-tem Councilman Charles E. Kensinger
- Councilmen Edward L. Bennett, James C. Dell, and Darin B. Meck
- Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
Reports and Approvals
Emergency Management Workshop A workshop was held at 6:30 p. m. by Cris Fredrickson of the Blair County Emergency Management Agency to review duties and responsibilities with the council.
Financials
- Minutes: The minutes from the May 2, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously.
- Reports: Financial and Treasurer’s reports for May 2022 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
- Bills: The list of bills for May 2022 (check nos. 10701-10733) totaling $223,878. 39 was approved. This amount includes a $190,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund.
Departmental Updates
- Mayor’s Report: Mayor Brantner reported that the Central High School boys baseball team won their game and noted that all Central sports teams are performing well.
- Police Report: Chief Kerry Hoover reported on "Drug Take Back Day" (April 30), where 34 lbs. of prescription drugs were collected. Police also provided traffic control for the borough crew to paint speed lines and crosswalks.
- Borough Manager Report: Rich Brantner provided updates on recent maintenance and construction:
- May 6 & 7: Heavy rain (3. 5 inches) caused high flows at the wastewater treatment plant.
- May 12: Dirt was dug out for a new sidewalk along S. Walnut Street.
- May 16 & 18: Garmans formed and poured 145 feet of new sidewalk.
- May 23: The borough crew attended a required Flagger Training Course.
- May 24: Backfilling and grass planting were completed around the new sidewalk.
- May 31: A new skid loader was received from Bobcat of Martinsburg, and crosswalks/speed lines were painted.
Council Business and Motions
W. Gene Henry Memorial A final plan for the placement of the W. Gene Henry Memorial was approved. The granite monument will be placed on the corner of Woodlawn Avenue and S. Walnut Street. The council noted that approximately $1,400 would remain in the account for landscaping after the granite is paid for.
Water Line Bids Janet Blattenberger inquired about bids for a water line on E. Christiana Street. The municipal authority rejected all bids as too high and plans to re-bid the project in the fall.
Yield to Pedestrian Signs Following a citizen suggestion, the council authorized the purchase of four "Yield to Pedestrian" signs.
- Cost: $1,600 total ($400 per sign).
- Funding: Highway Liquid Fuels Fund.
- Placement: At the discretion of the borough manager and police chief (specifically mentioned intersections: Mulberry/Allegheny and Walnut/Allegheny).
Mobile Radar Speed Signs Manager Brantner identified mobile radar speed signs that are not yet PennDOT approved. The council agreed to wait until they are approved so they can be moved around for maximum benefit.
Town Center Signal Light The aging signal light in the town center was discussed. Parts are becoming obsolete, and Multi-mode Transportation Grants may help fund a replacement. This topic was tabled until more information is obtained.
Executive Session Attorney Matt Gieg announced an executive session for personnel matters would follow the adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p. m.