# Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

- Summary: Meeting Overview The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2025-02-03
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/2025-2.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/february-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, February 3, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Elected Officials Present: Mayor Richard A. Brantner (President) Vice-President Edward L. Bennett Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger Councilmen James C. Dell, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck President P. Robert Dickson Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Police Chief Kerry Hoover, Assistant Chief Justin Davis, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from the Morrisons Cove Herald. Financial Reports and Approvals Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented financial reports for two periods. The Council approved the following motions unanimously: Minutes: Approval of the January 6, 2025 meeting minutes (Motion by Blattenberger, seconded by Dell). December 21–31, 2024 Bills: Approval of check nos. 11602–11615 totaling $9,138. 04 (Motion by Blattenberger, seconded by Kensinger). January 1–20, 2025 Bills: Approval of check nos. 11616–11635 totaling $56,732. 91 (Motion by Blattenberger, seconded by Dell). Police Department Report Chief Kerry Hoover presented the police report, highlighting several key updates: Hiring: One application was received for the full-time officer position. The Civil Service Committee must approve this applicant before the Council can make a hiring decision. Staffing History: The department has photos of all Police Chiefs since 1912. Chief Hoover is the 9th Chief; Assistant Chief Justin Davis will be the 10th. Vehicle Maintenance: The 2020 police cruiser is currently out of commission due to engine issues. It was taken to Stuckey’s and may require a new engine. An upcoming recall will provide a new-style engine under warranty. The department currently operates three police cars. Borough Manager Report Borough Manager Rich Brantner, Jr. provided updates on municipal operations: Snow Removal: Snow was hauled out of town on January 8, and 2 inches were plowed on January 11. Equipment: New LED bulbs were installed in the hallway and police department on January 15. The new street sweeper was used to sweep main streets on January 31. A title transfer for the "Old Street Sweeper" was completed with Duncansville Borough on January 10. Infrastructure: Water lines froze in some homes on January 22 due to -8° temperatures. An emergency water leak on S. Walnut Street was repaired on January 25. Compost Hauling: T. L. Long Excavating hauled compost starting January 23. Leaf Ordinance: Councilwoman Blattenberger suggested a leaf pickup ordinance. The Manager noted the new street sweeper lacks the capacity (3-4 cubic yards) and the workforce to handle this task effectively. Comcast Franchise: A conference call was held regarding the Comcast franchise agreement; negotiations are ongoing. Budget and Personnel Updates Water/Sewer Rates: Neil Gartland reported that the municipal authority passed a 19% increase in water and sewer rates effective June 1, 2025. This is the first increase since 2016 (water) and 1992 (sewer). The cost impact is estimated at less than $7 per month for minimum users. Personnel Action: The Council voted unanimously to retain Todd Bookhammer as a full-time borough employee following his 90-day probationary period. His wage was increased by $1. 00 per hour, from $20 to $21 per hour. Adjournment An executive session was held from 7:26 p. m. to 7:34 p. m. to discuss personnel matters. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p. m. on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell. Submitted by: M. Jane Staily, Borough Secretary