Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on March 1, 2021, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting was called to order with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner, Sr. (President)
• P. Robert Dickson (Vice President)
• Durban D. Metzler (Pro-tem)
• Ed Bennett, Neil E. Gartland, Charles E. Kensinger, Darin B. Meck, and Linda K. Smith

Other Attendees:

• Manager Richard Brantner, Jr.
• Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily
• Chief Kerry Hoover
• Lt. Justin Davis
• Attorney Matt Gieg
• Jessica Sorge (Hollidaysburg Ambulance)
• Jon Keim

Community Updates & Reports

Hollidaysburg Ambulance Update

Jessica Sorge provided an update on the ambulance association's activities in 2020:

• Calls: They responded to 317 emergency calls, serving Martinsburg, the Saxton area, and Broadtop City.
• Vaccinations: Employees traveled to Pittsburgh for COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Security Details: Participated in the July 4th parade and the Trump Rally.
• Health: COVID numbers are currently down; five employees were out with the virus in 2020.

New Ambulance Building History

Jon Keim shared the history of the new ambulance building on W. Allegheny Street:

• Origin: Gene Henry opposed the Roaring Spring location and funded the construction of a borough-owned building.
• Contributors: Harold Metzler designed the plans, Jon Keim revised them for workability, Randy Stoltz handled plumbing, and Roy Stern performed significant labor.
• Jon Keim’s Background: He served as Fire Chief for 12 of his 67 years in the fire company. He and his father previously owned a hotel on E. Allegheny Street sold to Mamie Teeter. He still owns the 1938 house at 114 E. Allegheny Street.
• Recognition: Councilman Charles Kensinger thanked Jon Keim for his service to the community.

Financial Reports

• Minutes: The minutes from the February 1, 2021 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by Linda Smith.
• Financials: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for February 2021.
• List of Bills: The list of bills for February 2021 (checks 10250-10280) totaling $43,552. 55 was approved. This amount includes a $25,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund. The motion passed unanimously on a motion by Durban Metzler, seconded by Neil Gartland.

Departmental Reports

• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Brantner reported that the C & S Market is attempting to secure another pharmacy. However, insurance company issues are making this difficult.
• Police Report: Chief Hoover reported on training with other departments and the fire company on February 4th. He noted attendance at Gene Henry’s funeral and received an anonymous donation for police equipment.
• Borough Manager Report:
  • Feb 2, 7, 11, 18, 19: Borough crews plowed snow.
  • Feb 3: Plowed snow and drifting.
  • Feb 5: Responded to an 8” water main break on Highland Street in front of the Cove Shoe Factory.
  • Feb 9: Manager Brantner, Brian Miller, and Dusty Russell attended a Water/Sewer Class for continuing education.
  • Feb 15: Completed an upgrade to the chlorine system at the water plant.
  • Feb 19: Addressed a water leak on Henry Court Drive and removed snow from the Lutheran Church for Gene Henry’s viewing.

Special Announcements & Ordinances

Passing of Gene Henry

Manager Brantner announced the passing of Gene Henry on February 17th. He was described as a dedicated community member who ensured the fire company had funds for a building addition before his death. He left a check for $250,000 to be put toward the addition.

E. Allegheny Street Lot

Durban Metzler commented on the appearance of the E. Allegheny Street lot now that a house has been torn down. He suggested placing benches on the corner lot in memory of Gene Henry, who donated the money to buy and demolish the house.

Parking Ordinances

Chief Hoover reported that an individual continues to park in town center spots near the post office despite living nearby.

• Action: Council authorized an amendment to parking ordinances to limit the three town center spaces near the post office to one-hour parking only.
• Fines: Attorney Matt Gieg recommended increasing the fine from $15 to a larger amount as a deterrent. The motion passed unanimously on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Charles Kensinger.

Smokey Pig Vendor

Neil Gartland expressed concern about "Smokey Pig" moving into the old Snowberger Meat Market due to previous issues with butchering (blood, sounds, smells).

• Resolution: Attorney Matt Gieg confirmed the municipal authority had liened the property. It was agreed that as long as the new vendor does not butcher on-site, there should be no problem.

Street Naming & Stop Signs

• Henry Pond Lane: Council authorized Attorney Matt Gieg to proceed with naming the street at Spring Drive to Henry Pond Lane if not already done. The motion passed unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by Darin Meck.
• Stop Sign Ordinance: Council authorized an amendment to include two existing stop signs located at Locust Street/Henry Pond Lane and Henry Pond Lane/S. Market Street. The motion passed unanimously on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Durban Metzler.

Fire Department Expansion

Borough Manager Brantner reported that old apartment buildings beside the Fire Department are being demolished to make room for a new addition.

• Addition Details: Will include three more bays, an office, a lounge, and bathrooms.
• Contractor: T. L. Long Excavating is fixing up the lot.
• PennDOT: Borough is currently dealing with PennDOT regarding the entrance onto the state highway.

Police Car Detailing

Chief Hoover commended JD’s Detailing for providing ceramic coating for all three police cars at no cost.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Neil Gartland. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, M. Jane Staily, Borough Secretary