Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on May 1, 2023, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendance:

• Present: President P. Robert Dickson, Vice-President Durban D. Metzler, Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger, Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger, Councilman James C. Dell, and Councilman Darin B. Meck.
• Absent: Mayor Richard Brantner and Councilman Ed Bennett.

Financial Reports

• Minutes: The minutes from the April 3, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Bills: The list of bills for April 2023 (check nos. 10996-11043) totaling $159,206. 28 was approved. This amount includes an $80,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund.
• Banking: The council voted unanimously to retain the Equipment Fund at First National Bank. Although the interest rate increased retroactively to 4. 75% effective April 1, 2023, the rate remains comparable to PLGIT. The account will be converted to a money market and 100% collateralized.

Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner)

The manager provided updates on various municipal activities:

• Power Outage (Apr 4): High winds caused a power outage affecting the water plant.
• Grants (Apr 5): Congressman John Joyce reviewed municipal projects, specifically an elevated tank at the airport and a transmission line from Hershberger Well. He pledged support for these grant-funded projects.
• ARPA Money (Apr 6): Work continued on submitting reports for ARPA funds.
• Training (Apr 14): Office personnel and the public works crew completed CPR and AED training.
• Insurance (Apr 17): A meeting was held with The Teeter Group regarding the borough and municipal authority insurance policy renewal in June.
• Maintenance (Apr 20): Street sweeping and parking lot cleaning were completed near Pizza Star and Mamies.
• Permits (Apr 26): A partial operations permit was received from the DEP for the interconnect to Curryville; the full permit will follow upon construction completion.

Public Safety & Operations

• Police Report: Chief Kerry Hoover reported that April was a busy month. The department participated in a Drug Take Back program on April 22, collecting 66. 1 lbs of medications over the past five months.
• Street Sweeper: The current 1991 street sweeper is rusting badly. Manager Brantner is working with the Blair County Planning Commission on USDA grants for a replacement. If awarded, the borough would need to cover 30% of the cost (approx. $60,000), potentially using remaining ARP money.
• Fire Company Siren: The Volunteer Fire Company’s siren is currently broken and being repaired by Penelec. The new unit will be remotely operated.
• Pollution Policy: A Pollution Exposure Policy for oil/fuel storage tanks was recommended by The Teeter Group; a quote is expected next month.

Other Business

• Traditions Restaurant: Councilwoman Blattenberger inquired about the restaurant's addition plans. Manager Brantner confirmed water and sewer availability is already established.
• Audits: The 2022 Annual Audit was completed by Ritchey, Ritchey & Koontz. The municipal authority audit will be conducted in late May by Young, Oakes, Brown & Company.
• Police Hiring: The deadline for police officer employment applications is being extended.
• Meeting Schedule: The regular July council meeting was moved from July 3 to July 10, 2023.
• Fire Company Events: The Volunteer Fire Company sold over 500 chicken halves at their annual barbecue. The 2023 Annual Ox Roast has been rescheduled to June 16 and 17.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p. m.