Martinsburg

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Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

  • Mayor Richard A. Brantner
  • President P. Robert Dickson
  • Vice-President Edward L. Bennett
  • Councilmen James C. Dell, Mark K. Gartland, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck

Absent:

  • Councilman Charles Kensinger

Ambulance Service Renewal

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the upcoming ambulance service contract, which expires on December 31, 2025.

  • Community Input: Five community members (Eric Keim, Linda Robison, George Replogle, Susan Stern, and Michael Barnes) spoke in support of keeping the Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service. Representatives from both Hollidaysburg Ambulance and AMED were also present to answer questions.
  • Committee Recommendation: A council-appointed committee reviewed proposals from both providers and recommended AMED.
  • Decision: The Council approved a motion to sign the contract with AMED effective January 1, 2026.
  • Voting Record: The motion passed with five yays (Dickson, Dell, M. Gartland, N. Gartland, Meck) and one nay (Bennett).
  • Financial Impact: The Council noted that switching to AMED would save the borough $15,500 annually. This includes saving the $1,000 monthly building rental fee and eliminating a $3,500 annual allocation to the service.

Fire Company Allocation

Fire Chief Randy Acker requested an increase in the annual allocation for the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company, noting that their current vehicles are aging and costs for compliance and maintenance are rising.

  • Decision: The Council approved increasing the annual allocation from $10,750. 00 to $16,125. 00, starting with the 2026 budget.
  • Voting Record: The motion passed unanimously.

Financial Reports and Bills

Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial reports for September 2025.

  • List of Bills: The Council approved the list of bills for September 2025 (check nos. 11883-11922) totaling $78,082. 45. This amount includes transfers to the Reserve Fund totaling $52,000.
  • Voting Record: The motion passed unanimously.

Police Report and Personnel

Police Chief Justin Davis presented his report, highlighting the following:

  • Activity: The department handled 90 complaints last month.
  • Audits: The department underwent four routine audits in one month; two non-financial audits remain.
  • Equipment: Chief Davis thanked the Council for approving new firearms and acknowledged Paul Cunningham of Base Camp Guns.
  • Training: Chief Davis attended school safety drills and the graduation of Troy Jarrett from the police academy.

Borough Manager Report

Borough Manager Rich Brantner reported on various maintenance and administrative issues:

  • RAG Issues: Met with a reporter regarding RAG (Radon, Asbestos, and Lead) issues at the wastewater treatment plant.
  • Utility Cuts: Black-topped utility cuts on September 16.
  • Cyber Security: Attended a class on September 17.
  • Water Leaks: Addressed leaks on McHale Lane (Sep 20), 501 E. Allegheny Street (Sep 30), and a service line on Oakdale Road (Oct 4).
  • Sewer Line: Repaired sewer line issues coming out of the water plant on October 4.

Other Council Business

  • Police Agreement with Huston Township: The Council renewed the Police Agreement for 2026 and 2027.
    • Rates: $51. 00/hour for 2026 and $52. 50/hour for 2027.
    • Voting Record: Passed unanimously.
  • Security Cameras: Approved a proposal from Cove Air LLC for four security cameras for the town center signal light.
    • Cost: $2,800 for equipment and $40. 00/month for internet service.
    • Funding: Paid from the Reserve Fund.
    • Voting Record: Passed unanimously.
  • Anniversary Banners: Approved the purchase of ten banners and six brackets for $2,300.00 to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the country (2026) and the 200th Anniversary of Martinsburg Borough (2032).
    • Funding: Paid from the Reserve Fund.
    • Voting Record: Passed unanimously.
  • Budget Workshop: Approved advertising the 2026 Budget Workshop for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
    • Voting Record: Passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p. m. on a motion by Darin Meck, seconded by Mark Gartland. The minutes from the September 2, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously.

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