Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The meeting began with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Elected Officials Present:

• Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President)
• P. Robert Dickson (Vice-President)
• Ed Bennett (Pro-Tem)
• Charles E. Kensinger
• Janet E. Blattenberger
• James C. Dell
• Neil E. Gartland
• Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Attorney Nathan Karn, and several other residents.

Personnel Updates

• Dustin Russell Promotion: The Council approved a motion to promote Dustin Russell to the position of Foreman. This promotion will take effect the day after Brian Miller’s last workday. Russell’s hourly rate will increase to $22. 50 per hour at that time.
• Brian Miller Retirement: Brian Miller’s letter of resignation lists November 22, 2024, as his official last day. However, he plans to take two weeks of vacation prior, making his actual last workday tentatively November 8, 2024.
• Laborer Position: A Help Wanted ad for a Laborer position was advertised in the Morrisons Cove Herald on August 15 and 19. Applications are accepted until September 13, 2024. Interviews will follow, with plans for the new laborer to start on November 12, 2024.
• Part-Time Patrolmen: Chief Hoover inquired about hiring part-time patrolmen. Attorney Nathan Karn advised that while the Chief can hire them, the Council must vote to make it official to comply with the Sunshine Act. This item was not on the agenda and will be addressed next month.

Financial Reports & Approvals

• Minutes: The minutes from the August 5, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for August 2024.
• List of Bills: The Council approved the list of bills for August 2024 (check nos. 11453-11477) totaling $109,996. 36.
• Pension Plans:
  • The 2025 MMO for the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3N) was adopted in the amount of $41,014. 00.
  • The 2025 MMO for the Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3P) was adopted in the amount of $16,856. 00.
• Pension Act 44 Compliance: The Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-0903-01 to address an Auditor General’s finding regarding the proper document for the Pension Act 44 requirement. This resolution adopts policies regarding conflicts of interest for former officials/employees seeking professional services.
• 114 W. Penn Street Invoice: An invoice from geologist Gary Calvert for $17,515. 64 was approved for payment from the Reserve fund. The Zimmermans agreement stipulates they will refund the borough for one-half of this invoice.

Borough Manager’s Report

Borough Manager Rich Brantner, Jr. provided updates on several municipal operations:

• Weather: On August 9, the borough received about 4 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Debby, causing minor flooding at the wastewater plant.
• Water Leaks: Incidents occurred on August 14 (W. Allegheny Street) and August 22 (6-inch main on Spring Street).
• Street Sweeper: The Isuzu company has stopped making street sweepers with two steering wheels due to airbag issues. The current sweeper is 33 years old. Manager Brantner found a place called Bortek with two sweepers left that have the second steering wheel.
  • Decision: The Council authorized Manager Brantner to purchase a new street sweeper from Bortek if a grant covering 100% of the cost is awarded. If the grant is not received, Council member Janet Blattenberger suggested using $65,000 from the American Rescue Plan money.
• Other Updates:
  • Dusty attended a water/sewer class for continuing education hours (Aug 15).
  • Canary Labs installed an alarm call-out system for the wastewater treatment plant (Aug 20).
  • A street sweeper demonstration was held (Aug 21).

Community Events & Other Business

• Trick-or-Treat Night: The Council approved October 31, 2024, from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. as Trick-or-Treat Night.
• Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company: Minutes from their August 12 meeting were included in the agenda packet. Tickets are on sale for their Dutch Meal on October 5th.
• Finance Committee: Rob Dickson reported appreciation for Manager Brantner and Treasurer Staily for monitoring interest rates on borough accounts.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p. m.