# Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

- Summary: Meeting Overview The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the municipal building. The meeting began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2025-04-07
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/April%202025.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/april-2025/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Meeting Overview The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the municipal building. The meeting 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 James C. Dell Neil E. Gartland Darin B. Meck Notable Absences: Councilman Janet Blattenberger was absent. Police Department & Chief Hoover Retirement A significant portion of the meeting focused on the retirement of Police Chief Kerry Hoover, who is concluding a 37-year career with the borough. Final Report: Chief Hoover presented his police report and shared reflections on his service. Succession Planning: The council appointed Justin Davis as the new Police Open Records Officer and Fire Marshall, effective May 3, 2025. Hiring Status: The hiring of a new full-time police officer was tabled. Retirement Celebration: A retirement open house for Chief Hoover is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 1:00 p. m. to 4:00 p. m. at the Martinsburg Firehall. Proclamation: Mayor Brantner prepared a proclamation to be presented at the open house. Representative John Joyce is scheduled to present on April 14 in the Conference Room at 2:15 p. m. Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner, Jr. ) The Borough Manager provided updates on various municipal operations and infrastructure issues: Water Leaks: Reported leaks occurred at 428 S. Market Street (Mar 10), N. Nicodemus Street (Mar 11), and along Cove Mountain Road (Apr 7). Infrastructure: A water tap was installed at 300 W. State Street on March 27. Street Sweeping: The street sweeper was active on April 3, and sweeping was finished by April 4. Compost Area: Councilman Gartland noted the compost area was muddy due to recent rain. The manager suggested dumping close to the entrance until conditions dry out. Comcast Agreement: A new 10-year Comcast agreement has been prepared, including a 5% franchise fee. A resolution will be passed to execute this contract. Ambulance Contract: The committee reviewing the Hollidaysburg Ambulance agreement (expiring Dec 2025) is still gathering information. Financial & Administrative Updates Minutes: The minutes from the March 3, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. Financial Reports: The Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for March 2025 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily. Bills: The list of bills for March 2025 (check nos. 11669-11705) totaling $79,777. 70 was approved. This includes a transfer of $45,000 to the Reserve Fund. Audit: The 2024 Borough Audit, completed by Ritchey, Ritchey & Koontz, was accepted unanimously. Emergency Help Wages: The wage for emergency help (e. g. , flaggers) is currently $15. 00/hour and may be considered for an increase next year. Community & Other Business Zoning Hearing: A zoning hearing was held at the municipal building on March 18. Water/Sewer Class: The manager attended a class on March 25. Zimmerman Family Dentistry: Construction is complete at 114 W. Penn Street. Eight wells are installed, with two more to be drilled. The borough labor force will assist with some work to save costs. Agricultural Parade: Council approved the closure of streets for the 2025 Agricultural Parade on July 8, 2025, pending PennDOT permits. Fire Company: The Dutch meal was a success with sold-out tickets. A chicken barbecue is scheduled for May 10. Next Association Meeting: The South Central Counties Borough’s Association dinner is scheduled for May 22, 2025, at Marzano’s. Reservations are due by May 12. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p. m.