# Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

- Summary: Meeting Overview The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2024-12-02
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/2024-12.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/december-2024/
- 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 Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Officials Present: Mayor Richard A. Brantner Council President P. Robert Dickson Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger Councilmen James C. Dell and Neil E. Gartland Absent: Janet Blattenberger, Darin Meck, and Ed Bennett. Borough Manager Report Borough Manager Rich Brantner provided updates on several municipal operations: Internet: Brightspeed began running new fiber internet throughout town on November 4. Decorations: Christmas lights were hung on November 19. Staffing: Brian Miller’s official last day was November 22. Lighting Upgrades: New LED light fixtures were installed in the Borough Office and wastewater treatment plant on November 26. Penelec is currently offering rebates, with fixtures priced at $8 and bulbs at $1. Equipment: A new street sweeper is expected to arrive on December 10. Ambulance Building: The heater in the truck bay is broken. Council approved a motion to replace it for an estimated cost of $1,500–$2,000, to be paid from the Building Maintenance Fund. Community: The Boosters Association successfully completed their Christmas tree display. Financial and Legal Matters Bills: The list of bills for November 2024 (check nos. 11542-11566) totaling $147,721. 13 was approved unanimously. Tax Ordinances: Council adopted several ordinances to maintain tax rates for 2025: Real Estate Tax: Maintained at 1. 967 mills (Resolution No. 2024-1202-01). Per Capita Tax: Maintained at $5. 00 (Ordinance No. 2024-649). Earned Income Tax: Maintained at ½ of 1 percent (Ordinance No. 2024-650). Local Services Tax: Maintained at $52 (Ordinance No. 2024-651). Note: Roll call votes were required and passed unanimously for all tax ordinances. 2025 Budget: The 2025 budget was adopted unanimously, requiring no real estate tax increase. Equipment and Contracts Street Sweeper Sale: The old 1991 street sweeper, which has mechanical issues, was sold to Duncansville Borough for $1,500. 00 "as is. " Comcast Contract: Manager Brantner received a cable contract from Comcast with a 0% franchise fee, compared to Breezeline’s 5%. To ensure fairness and legal compliance, Council approved hiring Attorney Cohen to review the contract for $6,210. 00 (paid from the Reserve Fund). Attorney Cohen will attempt to recover half this cost from Comcast. Other Business Police Policy Manual: The Martinsburg Borough Police Policy Manual was adopted as presented. It is updated every five years. Fire Company: Minutes from the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company’s November 11 meeting were included in the agenda. Manager Brantner noted a busy period for the fire company, including a structural burning class in Curryville. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p. m.