Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendance:

• Present: President P. Robert Dickson, Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger, Councilman Edward L. Bennett, Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger, Councilman James C. Dell, and Councilman Darin B. Meck.
• Absent: Vice-President Durban Metzler and Mayor Richard Brantner.
• Staff Present: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Attorney Nathan Karn, and Anna Baughman.

Financial Reports & Approvals

The council reviewed and approved several financial items for August 2023:

• Minutes: The minutes from the August 7, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: The Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for August 2023 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily.
• List of Bills: A list of bills totaling $77,166. 11 (check numbers 11124-11152) was approved unanimously.
• Pension Plans: The council adopted the 2024 MMO for two pension plans:
  • Non-Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3N): $34,058. 00
  • Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3P): $16,827. 00
• 2024 Budget: Borough Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily reported that Draft No. 1 of the 2024 Budget has been prepared.

Police Department Updates

Chief Kerry Hoover presented the police report and requested approval for new equipment:

• Personnel: The department is processing two employee applications and one letter of intent from a police academy student. Two copies of the police policy are available for council review.
• Shed Purchase: The council approved the purchase of a 10'x12' shed from Lakeview Sheds for $3,847. 50 to be used as a shooting range shed. This was paid for using donations from the Police Pistol Range Fund (no taxpayer money).
• Rifle Purchase: The council authorized the purchase of a 556 caliber A. R. based short-barreled rifle with a silencer from Base Camp Guns for $2,400. 00. This was also paid for from the Police Pistol Range Fund. Base Camp Guns is donating a free electronic site to the department.

Ordinances & Safety

• Ordinance Discussion: Councilman Charles Kensinger suggested that the council dedicate time at monthly meetings to discuss one borough ordinance. He was appointed to select an ordinance for each month to help educate residents and reduce violations.
• Speed Limits: Safety Commissioner Kensinger noted discrepancies in speed limits on Market and Allegheny Streets. A committee was appointed to review solar-powered speed signs, which are already budgeted for in the 2023 Highway Liquid Fuels Budget.
• Trick-or-Treat Night: The council unanimously approved Thursday, October 26, from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. as Trick-or-Treat Night.

Borough Manager Report

Manager Rich Brantner, Jr. provided updates on infrastructure projects:

• Sidewalks: A sidewalk was poured on W. Allegheny Street on August 9 following a water leak repair.
• Education: Gary Hooder attended a class for continuing education hours on August 14.
• Water Supply: On August 22, the council began filling the tank in Curryville and is awaiting lab tests before customers can drink the water.
• Water Line Project: On August 23, the E. Christiana Street water line project started. Water was shut off for the tie-in, resulting in a boil water notice for approximately 25 residents.
• Fire Hydrant: A fire hydrant was replaced at 300 N. Market Street on August 29.
• Blacktop at the Square: Manager Brantner has contacted PennDOT and Representative Jim Gregory regarding blacktopping the square. It is likely too late for this year, so the topic will be revisited next month. If Representative Gregory’s contact does not result in action, Senator Judy Ward will be contacted.

Adjournment

The meeting included an executive session on personnel matters from 7:54 p. m. to 8:25 p. m. The public meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Darin Meck.