Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President)
• Vice-President Edward L. Bennett
• Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
• Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
• Councilmen James C. Dell, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Police Chief Kerry Hoover, and various other officials and residents were present.

Financial Reports

• Minutes: The minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for February 2025.
• List of Bills: A motion to approve bills for check numbers 11636-11668 totaling $50,371. 45 passed unanimously. This amount includes a $25,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund.

Borough Manager Report (February Activities)

Borough Manager Rich Brantner provided a status update on recent borough activities:

• Snow Removal: Plowing occurred on Feb 6, 8, and 15. Snow cleanup in the Town Center took place on Feb 10.
• Community Meeting: On Feb 11, a meeting was held at the park with residents from Stone Manor and Spring Drive regarding concerns raised by Regal Communities.
• Water Main Break: On Feb 27, a contractor drilling for poles hit the 12-inch main water line. Approximately eight customers were placed on a Boil Water Notice.
• Water Safety: On March 1, water testing results came back negative for contamination, and the Boil Water Notice was lifted.

Personnel and Appointments

• Police Hiring: The sole full-time applicant withdrew. Council voted unanimously to hire Erik Whisker as a part-time patrolman, pending the completion of all requirements.
• Zoning Board: Gordon Hockenberry was appointed as a Zoning Hearing Board Alternate. The next hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025 (Zimmermans case).
• Ambulance Contract: A committee consisting of Charles Kensinger, Jim Dell, and Rich Brantner Jr. was appointed to review the contract with Hollidaysburg Ambulance, which expires in December 2025 due to fulfillment issues.
• Police Chief Gift: Council approved a motion to gift Police Chief Kerry Hoover his gun and duty belt at no charge upon his retirement in May.

Resolutions and Future Agenda

• Safe Digging Month: Resolution No. 2025-0303-01 was adopted to recognize April 2025 as Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month.
• Police Recruitment: Council approved advertising again for a full-time police officer, with an application deadline of 4:30 p. m. on Monday, April 7, 2025.
• Next Meeting: The topic of part-time labor will be added to the next month's agenda.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p. m. following an executive session regarding personnel matters.