Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Officials Present:

• Council: Mayor Richard Brantner, President P. Robert Dickson, Vice-President Darin B. Meck, Pro-tem Neil E. Gartland, Councilmen Edward L. Bennett, James C. Dell, Mark K. Gartland, and Charles E. Kensinger.
• Staff & Others: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Justin Davis, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from Evy Black Attorneys, AMED, and the Morristons Cove Herald.

Financial Reports & Approvals

• Minutes: The minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by James Dell.
• Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for February 2026.
• Bills: The list of bills for February 2026 (check nos. 12067-12101) totaling $55,267. 17 was approved unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland.

Departmental Reports

• Ambulance (AMED): Gary Watters reported 21 calls within the borough and 91 emergency/10 non-emergency calls in the wider area. Construction on the new ambulance building is progressing, though there is a minor issue with cabinet dimensions affecting refrigerator door clearance.
• Police: Chief Justin Davis reported 128 complaints handled in January 2026.
• Borough Manager: Rich Brantner provided a status update on various maintenance and administrative tasks:
  • Feb 7-8: Plowing drifts caused by high winds.
  • Feb 10: Replaced a sewer lateral at 600 W. Allegheny Street.
  • Feb 12: Posted a "Help Wanted Laborer" ad on Facebook and in the Morristons Cove Herald.
  • Feb 16: Conducted listening ads for water leaks.
  • Feb 18: Operated the street sweeper on Market and Allegheny Streets.
  • Feb 20: Attended an America 250 committee meeting.
  • Feb 21: Addressed a sewer backup at the carwash.
  • Feb 24: Installed cabinets at the ambulance building.
  • Feb 25: Attended continuing education classes.
  • Feb 28: Repaired a water leak.

Community Events & Ordinances

• Solicitation: Councilman Neil Gartland noted issues with soliciting near Blair Street after dark. He recommended the ordinance committee consider setting specific start and end times for door-to-door solicitation.
• Spring Clean-Up: A resident-only event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. Invitation flyers will be mailed in early April; participation requires a flyer.
• 2026 Agricultural Parade: Council approved a motion (by Charles Kensinger) to allow street closures for the parade on July 7, 2026, pending PennDOT permits.
• Bargain Days: Scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026. Manager Brantner noted this date is traditionally the Friday before the park's July celebration.
• America 250 Celebration: The committee requested funding for fireworks during the July 4th week. Council approved a motion (by Neil Gartland) to allocate $3,000 ($1,500 for each of two evenings) for fireworks at Morristons Cove Memorial Park.

Other Business

• Highway Liquid Fuels Tax Fund: The examination report for the period January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, was received.
• Volunteer Fire Company: Minutes from their February 9 meeting were included in the packet. The council commended the fire company for their commitment but noted a decline in membership, prompting ongoing recruitment efforts.
• Executive Session: An executive session was held following the adjournment to discuss legal matters regarding Kevin Smith.

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p. m. on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by Mark Gartland.