Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting was attended by Mayor Richard A. Brantner, Council members, and various borough officials including Borough Manager Rich Brantner, Jr.

Personnel Updates

• New Police Officer: Chief Kerry Hoover introduced Brittany Diehl as a new part-time patrol officer. She was hired in August 2024 and has 15 years of law enforcement experience.
• Staffing Changes: Brian Miller’s last day of work was November 3, and Todd Bookhammer started on November 4.

Explore Altoona Decertification

A presentation was given by Mark Ickes (Executive Director, Explore Altoona) and three other individuals regarding the Blair County Commissioners' vote to decertify Explore Altoona.

• Context: The county is forming a new tourism group to better serve all 29 municipalities.
• Requirements: Decertification requires a resolution approved by municipal bodies representing more than 65% of the county population.
• Council Stance: The presenters argued that hotel tax funds were being used for trails rather than direct benefits. Council commended the presentation but noted there is no legal requirement for municipalities to vote on decertification.

Borough Projects and Maintenance

Borough Manager Rich Brantner reported on recent activities:

• Storm Water: Met with Mingle Construction and Gunnet Engineers regarding storm water management on Blattenberger Street.
• Infrastructure: Blacktopped water/sewer hookups on Park Street; tapped water/sewer for a house beside Traditions; tarred cracks on various streets.
• Sewer Maintenance: Dukes Root foamed approximately 4,500 feet of sewer main for root control.

Financial and Equipment Decisions

• Street Sweeper Purchase: Council approved spending $114,062 (half of the total cost) for a new demo street sweeper. This payment will come from the American Rescue Plan Account and Reserve Fund. The municipal authority will pay the other half, contingent on a satisfactory demonstration of the hydro-vac system.
• Used Street Sweeper: A bid of $99,950. 00 from Speedy Automotive was accepted for a used street sweeper. The award is subject to review at the December 2, 2024 meeting.
• Old Street Sweeper: The sale of the old street sweeper was tabled.
• Bills Approval: The List of Bills for October 2024 (checks 11499-11541) totaling $140,854. 30 was approved.

114 W. Penn Street Lot

• Invoice Approval: Council approved paying Gary Calvert geologist $1,743. 78 from the Reserve Fund for testing work at 114 W. Penn Street.
• Legal Review: Attorney Nathan Karn was authorized to review the agreement between the Borough and the Zimmermans regarding testing obligations. The Zimmermans are responsible for refunding half of this invoice.

2025 Budget and Tax Ordinances

Council approved the following for the 2025-2 Budget and tax ordinances with no tax increases:

• Real Estate Tax: Resolution No. 2024-1202-01 sets the tax at 1. 967 mills.
• Per Capita Tax: Ordinance No. 2024-649 sets the tax at $5. 00.
• Earned Income Tax: Ordinance No. 2024-650 sets the tax at ½ of 1%.
• Local Services Tax: Ordinance No. 2024-651 sets the tax at $52.

Other Business

• Christmas Display: The Martinsburg Boosters were approved to use the vacant lot at E. Allegheny and S. Walnut Streets for a Christmas tree display on a trailer with an antique tractor, provided it does not obstruct traffic.
• Donation: Council approved a $500. 00 donation to the 2024 Cove Christmas Love Program.
• Municipal Authority: Meetings will shift from 7:00 p. m. to 1:00 p. m. starting November 21, 2024.
• American Rescue Plan: Funds must be spent or obligated by December 31, 2024.

Upcoming Dates

• Next Council Meeting: December 2, 2024.
• South Central Counties Boroughs Association: November 13, 2024, at the Prime Sirloin in Duncansville.
• 2025 Council Meeting Schedule:
  • Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 3
  • Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2
  • Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 2 (Tue)
  • Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1

The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p. m.