# MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

- Summary: Meeting Overview The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2022-12-05
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/DEC%202022-BOROUGH%20COUNCIL%20MINUTES.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/dec-5/
- 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, December 5, 2022, 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 Durban D. Metzler Pro-tem Charles E. Kensinger Councilman Edward L. Bennett Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger Councilman James C. Dell Absent: Councilman Darin B. Meck Other Attendees: Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily Chief Kerry Hoover Attorney Matt Gieg Anna Baughman (Morrisons Cove Herald) Financial Reports and Budget The Council reviewed and approved several financial items for November 2022: Minutes: The minutes from the November 7, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously. Financial Reports: The Treasurer’s reports for November 2022 were presented by Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily. List of Bills: Checks 10864–10906 totaling $64,749. 34 were approved on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by Janet Blattenberger. 2023 Budget: The Council adopted the 2023 Budget on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by Durban Metzler. The budget requires no real estate tax increase and was advertised for the required 10-day public inspection period. Ordinances Adopted The Council adopted several ordinances regarding taxes and regulations for 2023: Ordinance No. 2022-640 (Real Estate Tax): Adopted with no millage increase . Ordinance No. 2022-641 (Per Capita Tax): Adopted to maintain the rate of $5. 00. Ordinance No. 2022-642 (Earned Income Tax): Adopted to maintain the rate of ½ of 1 percent . Ordinance No. 2022-643 (Local Services Tax): Adopted to maintain the rate of $52 . Ordinance No. 2022-644 (Act 57 of 2022): Provides a process for taxpayers who fail to receive real estate tax notices to apply for a waiver of additional charges within 12 months of qualifying events. Borough Operations and Reports Mayor’s Report: Mayor Richard Brantner (Sr. ) presented his report as written. Police Report: Chief Kerry Hoover reported that a new cruiser has arrived at the dealership and is being uplifted by Team Force, expected to be completed by late January. Borough Manager Report (Rich Brantner): Nov 11: High flows at the wastewater treatment plant due to heavy rain (3 inches). Nov 15: Borough crew plowed approximately 4 inches of snow. Nov 18: The heater at the wastewater treatment plant failed. Nov 21: Digging began for the interconnection between Martinsburg and Curryville; approximately 500 feet of line installed so far. Nov 29: Notification received regarding the generator; some work scheduled for December 6. Attorney Report: Matt Gieg reported working with Jane Staily to prepare five ordinance advertisements for adoption. Visual Alert Reporting Program: Chief Hoover noted that the current program is nearing end-of-life and will no longer be supported after November 1, 2024. Eight departments are reviewing replacement options. Exonerations: The Council authorized the exoneration of sixteen individuals for the 2022-23 Per Capita Tax. New Truck: Manager Brantner is waiting for a new truck before putting the old one out for bid. Other Business Premium Pay: The Council authorized premium pay for essential workers in good standing from the American Rescue Plan funds. Full-time employees will receive $750 , and the part-time secretary will receive $375 . Solicitor Proposals: A committee consisting of Rob Dickson, Darin Meck, and Charles Kensinger was appointed to review new solicitor proposals. Volunteer Fire Company: Minutes from the November 14, 2022 meeting of the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company were included in the agenda packet. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p. m. on a motion by Ed Bennett, seconded by James Dell. An Executive Session for personnel matters was held from 7:32 p. m. to 8:01 p. m. Submitted by: M. Jane Staily, Borough Secretary