MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting began with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner
• President P. Robert Dickson
• Vice-President Durban D. Metzler
• Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger
• Councilman Edward L. Bennett
• Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
• Councilman James C. Dell
• Councilman Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Lt. Justin Davis, Attorney Matt Gieg, Sandy Weyandt, Paul Nasduch, Bob Risbon, and Anna Baughman.

Public Comments & Reports

• Blair County Antique Auto Club: Representatives Bob Risbon and Paul Nasduch attended to discuss incorporating a car show with an event at the park. Manager Brantner invited them to the next fire company meeting on May 6th to discuss running the event past the park first. They left at 7:05 p. m. to attend a separate park meeting.
• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the April 4, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by Janet Blattenberger.
• Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for April 4, 2022.
• List of Bills: The list of bills for April 2022 (checks 10665-10700) totaling $38,971. 30 was approved unanimously on a motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by James Dell.

Departmental Updates

• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Brantner noted that May 5th is the National Day of Prayer and May 15th is National Police Memorial Day. He commended residents for spring cleanup efforts and noted that Central sports programs are having a good season, including the baseball team winning the Curve Classic.
• Police Report: Chief Hoover reported that activity is increasing due to nice weather.
• Borough Manager Report:
  • April 5: Attended Water/Sewer Training in Altoona.
  • April 6: Attended Quarterly LEMC Meeting at the Blair County 911 Center.
  • April 11: Attended a Zoom meeting regarding the interconnect with Curryville.
  • April 12: Finished sweeping streets in the borough.
  • April 14: Met with April Ressler of The Teeter Group to review the annual insurance policy package. Brian Miller mowed at the municipal building.
  • April 18: Plowed 4-5 inches of snow.
  • April 19: Addressed a water leak on two service lines (E. Julian Street and N. Railroad Street).
  • April 20: Attended a Tornado Tabletop Exercise organized by the county.
  • April 23: Hosted Spring Clean Up Day with approximately 150 residents attending. Collected 6. 75 tons of scrap metal and 9 skids of televisions/computers.

Council Business & Decisions

• E. Christiana Street Paving: Janet Blattenberger inquired about paving progress. Manager Brantner reported that water line bids came in higher than expected, so no bid was awarded. Paving will be delayed until the water line project is completed.
• Police Mutual Aid Agreement: Attorney Matt Gieg reported following up with County Solicitor Nathan Karn. This topic has been discussed for two years but remains incomplete. It may be addressed at the next police chiefs meeting.
• Curryville Water Authority: Durban Metzler reported that the Municipal Authority held a special meeting on April 13th to discuss tap fees for Curryville buying water through the interconnection.
• W. Gene Henry Memorial: The council approved placing the memorial and landscaping on the corner of Walnut and Woodlawn Avenue on the municipal building lot. The motion passed unanimously. Due to recent rain, the sidewalk project on the Walnut Street side was postponed.
• Umbrella Policy: Following a suggestion from April Ressler, the council approved adding an umbrella liability policy for an additional $1,000,000 in coverage. The cost is $1,167 from The Teeter Group. The motion passed unanimously.
• Emergency Management Agency: Mark Taylor of the Blair County Emergency Management Agency requested a meeting to review council responsibilities. The council approved advertising a special session for Monday, June 6, 2022, at 6:30 p. m. (prior to the regular meeting) to participate in this review. The motion passed unanimously.
• Compost Area: Janet Blattenberger noted the compost area is getting full and suggested it be hauled out in the fall.
• Fire Company Minutes: The minutes of the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company meeting from April 11, 2022, were received as written.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Darin Meck.