MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

Meeting Overview

The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the municipal building. The meeting began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

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

Notable Absentee: Durban Metzler

Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner)

The manager provided updates on several infrastructure and operational items:

• Water Plant: A hole developed in a vessel on September 7, requiring a certified welder for repairs.
• Wastewater Treatment: On September 9, the manager toured local plants with Gary Hoorder to discuss removing rags and disinfectant wipes.
• Equipment Purchase: A Bill of Sale was received on September 15 for a New Holland Tractor from the W. Gene Henry Estate.
• Vessel Repair: Work began on September 23 to reassemble No. 3 Vessel at the water plant.
• Traffic Safety: Stop signs and "slow children at play" signs were installed on South First Alley on September 30.

Public Comments and Presentations

• Hollidaysburg EMS: Chief Robert Craig and supervisor Jay Reilly updated the council on staffing and explained the difference between Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). Mayor Brantner commended their service, noting that having them located in town improves response times for both the ambulance and police departments.
• Martinsburg Community Library: Director Danette Feathers thanked the council for annual support and distributed a fact sheet on October programs. She departed at 7:15 p. m.

Financial Reports and Approvals

• Minutes: The minutes from the September 6, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: The Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for September 2022 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
• List of Bills: The list of bills for September 2022 (check nos. 10807-10842) totaling $244,098. 97 was approved. This amount includes a transfer of $110,000 to the Reserve Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

Police Department Updates

Chief Kerry Hoover presented the police report, highlighting:

• Participation in a disaster drill at Blair County Airport.
• Meetings regarding a grant for new radios available to all departments in Blair County. The application deadline is October 13, 2022.
• Current police radios are original and beyond their lifespan; tablets are available for cruisers, but hand-helds may be an option due to mounting space issues.

Motion: To address time pressures for the grant application, the council amended the agenda to include the PCCD Police Radio Grant Program. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business and Ordinances

• Police Vehicle Sale: Council approved an agreement to sell the 2013 Ford Explorer (Old 2103 Ford Police Car) to the Spring Cove School District for $9,000. The police department will retain use of the vehicle until a new car arrives no later than April 30, 2023.
• Ordinance No. 2022-639: The council adopted an ordinance adding three stop signs to South First Alley and repealing/replacing all prior stop sign ordinances in the Borough.
• W. Gene Henry Memorial: Garman Brothers will perform concrete work for the memorial. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 10:00 a. m.
• MOM’S PETS: Council authorized a donation of $300. 00 from the General Fund to MOM’S PETS for trapping and moving feral cats from Locust Street.
• 2023 Budget Workshop: Approved to be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 7:00 a. m.
• Recycling Key Card Program: Due to increased hauling fees from Burgmeier’s Hauling, the annual fee for the Recycling Key Card Program will increase from $25/year to $35/year, effective March 1, 2023. The due date for payment will also change from January 1 to March 1.
• Old Tractor Sale: An ad was placed for the sale of the Old 1974 Ford Tractor/Frontend Loader. Bids are due by November 7, 2022, with a minimum bid of $3,000.
• Security Cameras: Manager Brantner is awaiting prices for additional security cameras for the 2023 budget.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Darin Meck.

Submitted by: M. Jane Staily Borough Secretary