# MARTINSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES

- Summary: Meeting Overview The reorganizational meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2024-01-02
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/January%202024.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/j/
- 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 reorganizational meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance. Oath of Office Prior to the official start of the meeting, Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger administered the Oath of Office to three council members for four-year terms: P. Robert Dickson Neil E. Gartland Darin B. Meck Council Leadership Elections Mayor Richard A. Brantner called the meeting to order and presided over the election of council officers. President: Rob Dickson was elected by a majority vote (5 yays, 2 nays). Vice-President: Ed Bennett was elected unanimously. Pro-Tempore: Charles Kensinger was elected unanimously. Public Service Updates Representatives from the Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service attended to address council concerns. Key points included: Billing Changes: The service recently took billing back in-house after outsourcing did not go well. Governance: They are cleaning up issues regarding the previous board president who was let go. Service Area: The ambulance service covers 9 townships and communities. Staff and Commission Appointments The council approved several staff appointments and retained commissions for existing members. Staff Appointments (Unanimous Approval): Fire Marshall: Kerry Hoover Assistant Chief: Justin Davis Solicitor: Evey, Black Attorneys LLC Zoning Officer: Richard Brantner, Jr. Chief Administrative Officer of the Pension Plan: Jane Staily Deputy Emer. Mgmt. Coordinator: Dustin Russell Engineer: Stiffler, McGraw & Associates Zoning Solicitor: Atty. Shawn Sullivan Building Code Inspectors: MDIA Retained Commissions: Safety: Charles Kensinger Streets: James Dell Finance: Rob Dickson Property: Darin Meck Water/Sewer: Neil Gartland Other Appointments: Independent Auditor (Fiscal Year ending 12/31/2023): Ritchey, Ritchey & Koontz Receiver of Taxes for LST: Blair County Tax Collection Bureau Board and Committee Appointments The council made appointments to various boards and committees. Zoning Hearing Board: Mark Gartland: Appointed for a 3-year term ending 1/2026. Janet Blattenberger: A motion to appoint her as Alternate 1 was RESCINDED pending research into eligibility rules for elected officials serving on this board. Planning Commission: Nathan P. Ormsby: 4-year term ending 1/2028. Darin B. Meck: 4-year term ending 1/2028. Municipal Authority: Rodney A. Weyant: 5-year term ending 1/2029. Jeffrey G. Gunnett: 5-year term ending 1/2029. Committees: Pension Committee: Rich Brantner, Jr. , Jane Staily Emp. Med. Reimb. Com. : Rich Brantner, Jr. , Rob Dickson Revitalization Committee: Rich Brantner, Jr. , Janet Blattenberger Recycling Committee: Ed Bennett, James Dell Community Development Com. : Ed Bennett, Rich Brantner, Jr. Personnel Committee: Rob Dickson, Ed Bennett, Charles Kensinger Personnel News Anna Miller of the Morrison Cove Herald announced her departure from the newspaper to take a new job in Altoona effective January 16, 2024. The council thanked her for her attendance at monthly meetings and noted she will be missed by the community.