Martinsburg

Pennsylvania

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Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

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Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting was called to order with prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Officials Present:

  • President P. Robert Dickson
  • Vice-President Ed Bennett
  • Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
  • Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger
  • Councilman James C. Dell
  • Councilman Neil E. Gartland
  • Councilman Darin B. Meck (arrived at 7:05 p. m. )

Absent:

  • Mayor Richard Brantner (Report presented as written)

Public Comments & Safety Issues

  • Scooter Concerns: Sarah Detwiler reported neighbors riding scooters on sidewalks and into yards. Chief Kerry Hoover stated he is researching the issue under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and will provide a report next month. Assistant Chief Davis has already spoken to local youth about road safety.
  • Roller Blading & Dogs: Councilwoman Blattenberger raised concerns regarding roller blading on streets and dog owners not picking up after their pets.

Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner, Jr. )

The manager provided a detailed update on recent activities and grants:

  • Grants:
    • Received a million-dollar grant for a new elevated tank at the airport (March 11).
    • Received a million-dollar grant for an elevated water tank and $700,000 for a water transmission line from the Hershberger Well (March 12).
  • Infrastructure & Maintenance:
    • Installed three radar speed signs on West/East Allegheny Streets and South Market Street (March 26).
    • Grannas Brothers completed milling and paving on E. & W. Allegheny Streets and N. Market Street (April 8–16).
    • Received a new sewer jet and training to help unplug sewer mains (April 25).
    • Annual Spring Cleanup was held on April 27.
    • Weeds were sprayed along curbs (May 1) and crosswalks/speed lines were painted (May 2).
  • Online Payments: The borough is currently setting up online bill pay for water and sewer services.
  • Spring Cleanup Results: 175 residents participated, resulting in 10 skids of electronics and 8. 37 tons of junk collected.

Police Report (Chief Kerry Hoover)

  • Solar Speed Signs: Data from a 15-day period showed East Allegheny Street had the highest vehicle volume. Chief Hoover requested a 24-hour download for parade day to monitor traffic.
  • Equipment Grant: The police department received a county grant worth approximately $8,000 at no cost to the borough. This includes:
    • Three laptops
    • Five portable radios
    • Three mobile radios
    • One base station
  • Training: Training will be required for the new radio equipment, which is expected to last ten years.

Financial & Administrative Actions

  • Executive Session: A session on personnel was held from 7:17–7:20 p. m.
  • Ambulance Board Appointment: Brandon Weber was unanimously approved as the Martinsburg representative to the Hollidaysburg Ambulance board for a two-year term.
  • Minutes Approval: The minutes from the April 1, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.
  • Financial Reports: The Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for April 2024 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
  • List of Bills: The list of bills for April 2024 (check nos. 11330-11356) totaling $106,434. 30 was approved unanimously.
  • Audit: The 2023 Borough Audit has been completed by Ritchey, Ritchey & Koontz.
  • Interest Rates: Councilman Dickson noted that interest earnings have increased significantly over the past twelve months due to higher rates and closer account monitoring.

Purchasing & Projects

  • Solar Speed Sign Purchase: Council approved the purchase of a fourth solar speed sign for $3,100 from Elan City. This price was achieved by coordinating the purchase with North Woodbury Township, who is buying two signs. The sign will be paid from the Highway Liquid Fuels Fund and can be moved to Spring Street or S. Walnut Street as needed.
  • 2024 Paving Project: Three bids were received:
    • New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. , Inc. : $66,466. 55
    • Grannas Bros. Stone & Asphalt Co. : $60,930. 45 (Lowest Bid)
    • Cottle’s Asphalt Maintenance, Inc. : $78,125. 71
    • Decision: Council unanimously accepted the lowest bid from Grannas Bros. subject to solicitor approval.

Other Business

  • Trash Hauling: Herbert L. Decker Trash Hauling is selling out to Weaver’s Sanitation Service effective June 1, 2024.
  • Comcast Questionnaire: Homewood has been approached with a Comcast questionnaire; Mayor Brantner is investigating.
  • Fire Company Fundraiser: The Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company had a successful chicken barbeque, selling 450 meals.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p. m. on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell.

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