Martinsburg

Pennsylvania

Documents

Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

View original document →

Meeting Overview

The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 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
  • Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger
  • Councilmen James C. Dell, Mark K. Gartland, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck

Other Attendees:

  • Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr.
  • Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily
  • Police Chief Justin Davis
  • Attorney Nathan Karn
  • Representatives from Hollidaysburg Ambulance and the Morristons Cove Herald

Financial Reports & Bills

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

  • List of Bills: The council approved bills totaling $139,665.55 (Check nos. 11850-11882).
    • This amount includes transfers to the Reserve Fund totaling $60,000.
    • Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell.

Police Department Updates

Chief Justin Davis presented the police report and discussed equipment needs.

  • Activity: The department handled 86 complaints last month, including 9 criminal arrests. Chief Davis attended a "Touch a Truck" event at Grace Brethren Church.
  • New Equipment: The department is currently using 17-18-year-old 40mm handguns that are malfunctioning. To address safety concerns, the council approved the immediate purchase of new gear rather than waiting for the 2026 budget.
    • Purchase: Seven (7) unit gun packages from Base Camp Guns at $1,300 each.
    • Total Cost: $9,100 (paid from the General Fund Reserve Fund).
    • Contents: Each package includes a 9mm gun, optics, flashlight, and holster.
    • Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by James Dell.
  • Chief's Weapon: The council approved Chief Davis to purchase his old duty weapon at its trade-in value.

Borough Manager Report (August Activities)

Borough Manager Rich Brantner reported on the following maintenance and community issues:

  • Aug 6: Utility cuts and potholes were blacktopped.
  • Aug 7: Sewer issues were addressed at 421 E. Christiana Street.
  • Aug 12: Jon Keim passed away; he was a long-serving council member and fire company member.
  • Aug 14: Basin No. 2 was drained due to "rag issues" clogging the pump. A quote of $50,000 was received to clean one basin; both will eventually need cleaning.
  • Aug 15: A solar lamp post near the post office was hit by a tractor and trailer. The driver fled the scene.
  • Aug 22: The Ambulance Committee met with Hollidaysburg Ambulance and AMED representatives for interviews.
  • Aug 28: The borough crew painted the police chief’s office and the entrance hallway.
  • Property Update: Manager Brantner is coordinating repairs and grass maintenance for a foreclosed property at 409 E. Julian Street following a garage fire.

Ambulance Committee & Grant Support

  • Ambulance Proposals: Two proposals are under review for the council's agenda packets: Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service and Altoona Mobile Emergency Department (AMED). A decision is expected at the October meeting.
  • Fire Company Grant: The Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company applied for a regional grant for new truck radios using Local Share Account Statewide funding.
    • Action: The council approved a Letter of Support for the Blair County Fire Chiefs’ Association application.
    • Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by Mark Gartland.

Pension Plan Adoptions

The council adopted the 2026 Municipal Managers’ Office (MMO) pension plan contributions:

  • Non-Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3N): Adopted at $42,757. 00. (Motion by Kensinger, seconded by Dell).
  • Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3P): Adopted at $12,905. 00. (Motion by Kensinger, seconded by Gartland).

Community Events

  • Trick-or-Treat Night: The council approved Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as official Trick-or-Treat hours.
    • Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell.

Adjournment

An executive session regarding personnel matters was held following the public meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p. m. on a motion by Mark Gartland, seconded by James Dell.

← Back to Documents