# MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

- Summary: Meeting Overview The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, April 5, 2021, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The session began with a prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2021-04-05
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/April%205.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/april-5-2021/
- 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 5, 2021, at 7:00 p. m. in the municipal building. The session began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Officials Present: Council: Mayor Richard A. Brantner, Sr. , President P. Robert Dickson, Vice President Durban D. Metzler, Pro-tem Ed Bennett, Councilman Neil E. Gartland, Councilman Charles E. Kensinger, Councilman Darin B. Meck, and Councilwoman Linda K. Smith. Staff/Attendees: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Lt. Justin Davis, and Attorney Matt Gieg. Financial Reports & Bills Minutes: The minutes from the March 1, 2021 meeting were approved unanimously. Financials: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the Financial and Treasurer’s Reports for March 2021. Bills: The List of Bills for March 2021 (check nos. 10281-10308) totaling $88,722. 22 was approved. This amount includes a $58,000 transfer to the Reserve Fund. The motion passed unanimously. Departmental Reports Mayor: Mayor Richard Brantner presented his report as written. Police: Chief Hoover reported that the department is currently working through issues regarding body cameras. Borough Manager (Rich Brantner): March 5: Completed and mailed out the Consumer Confidence Report for water tested in 2020. March 12: Started running the street sweeper. April 2: Met with the new tenant at the Mike Snowberger Property. The tenant is permitted to make sandwiches but cannot butcher meat or offer dine-in service. Oakview Estates: Manager Brantner continues to inspect the force main installation by T. L. Long Excavating; limestone was hit, requiring blasting. Legal & Administrative Actions Variance Request: Attorney Matt Gieg reported on a request from Timothy and Marian Park (114 N. Ann Street) to reduce their side yard setback from 30 feet to 15 feet for a new house. Only one adjoining owner is affected, and a variance agreement was prepared for both owners to sign. Decision: The Council approved the variance request unanimously on a motion by Durban Metzler, seconded by Neil Gartland. Resolutions & Ordinances Tax Filing Deadline: The Blair County Tax Collection Bureau requested an extension for Local Earned Income Tax filings for 2020. Resolution No. 2021-0405-01: Adopted to extend the deadline from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021 , aligning with State and Federal deadlines. The motion passed unanimously. Ordinances Tabled: Both the Parking Ordinance and Stop Sign Ordinance were tabled until next month to comply with Borough Code advertising requirements. Personnel & Community Updates Municipal Authority Appointment: A resignation was received from Ken Steele (effective March 9, 2021). Appointment: Douglas W. Hoover was appointed to replace Steele, fulfilling the unexpired six-year term ending in January 2023. The motion passed unanimously. Revitalization Committee: Reported that town banners were installed and flowers will be planted in May. Volunteers include Linda Smith, Joyce Hoover, and Nellie Shultz. American Rescue Plan: The Borough may be eligible for $180,000 in COVID relief funds. Banking: Council authorized opening a new checking account at First National Bank for these funds, contingent upon receipt. The motion passed unanimously. Other Notes: Minutes from the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company (March 8, 2021) were included in agenda packets. A thank-you note was received from the W. Gene Henry Family regarding funeral flowers. Adjournment An Executive Session was held from 7:34 p. m. to 8:07 p. m. regarding legal matters concerning real estate. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Durban Metzler. The motion passed unanimously.