Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes
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Meeting Overview
The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting began with a moment of silence for Janet Blattenberger, who passed away on April 27, 2025.
Elected Officials Present:
- Mayor Richard A. Brantner
- President P. Robert Dickson
- Vice-President Edward L. Bennett
- Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
- Councilman James C. Dell
- Councilman Neil E. Gartland
- Councilman Darin B. Meck
Personnel and Appointments
- Council Vacancy: Following the passing of Councilwoman Janet Blattenberger, a vacancy exists on the council.
- New Appointment: On a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by Neil Gartland, the council unanimously appointed Mark K. Gartland to fill the remainder of the vacancy ending January 1, 2026. Mayor Brantner administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Gartland.
- Police Promotion: Mayor Brantner presented a Proclamation of Promotion recognizing Justin L. Davis as the new Chief of Police, effective May 3, 2025. Chief Davis gave a speech highlighting his 22 years of service.
Financial Reports
- Minutes: The minutes from the April 7, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger.
- Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for April 2025.
- List of Bills: The list of bills for April 2025 (check nos. 11706-11745) totaling $84,519. 96 was approved. This amount includes transfers to the Reserve Fund totaling $49,000. The motion passed unanimously on a motion by James Dell.
Departmental Reports
- Mayor’s Report: Presented as written.
- Police Report: Chief Justin Davis reported that the department handled 117 incidents in April, which is above average activity. A medication dispenser box was emptied and taken to the D. E. A. , containing a total of 92 pounds of medication.
- Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner, Jr.):
- Apr 8: Met with April Ressler of The Teeter Group to review the borough’s insurance package.
- Apr 22: Borough crew and municipal authority members attended Flagger Training (required every three years).
- Apr 23: Addressed a water leak on the 6-inch main behind Long’s Outpost.
- Apr 25: Put banners up in town.
- Apr 28: A storm knocked out power to about ¼ of the borough, including the water plant, wastewater plant, and Hoover Drive Lift Station.
- May 3: Addressed a water leak at Penn and Maple Street.
Legal and Administrative Updates
- Explore Altoona Decertification: Attorney Nathan Karn reported that the Blair County Board of Commissioners voted on May 1, 2025, to decertify Explore Altoona as the county’s designated tourism agency. The county is working to certify a new agency.
- Comcast Agreement: The Comcast Agreement was signed last month; next steps are pending.
- Ambulance Committee: Met recently and will soon meet with Hollidaysburg Ambulance.
- Tax Collection: The council unanimously approved an agreement appointing Keystone Collections Group as the exclusive collector of the borough’s delinquent Per Capita Tax, replacing Statewide. This was on a motion by Neil Gartland.
- Resolution: The council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-0505-01 supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (250 years).
Upcoming Events
- Retirement Open House: For Chief Kerry Hoover at the Martinsburg Firehall on Saturday, May 10th, from 1:00 p. m. to 4:00 p. m.
- Fire Company Chicken Barbeque: Scheduled for Saturday, May 10th.
- South Central Counties Borough’s Association: Dinner meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Marzoni’s. Reservations are due by May 12th.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p. m. on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by Darin Meck. The Personnel Committee will meet following the adjournment.