# Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

- Summary: Meeting Overview The regular meeting of the Martinsburg Borough Council was held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer by Richard…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2026-03-02
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/MNB2603.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/march-2026/
- 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, March 2, 2026, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer by Richard Brantner, Jr. , and the Pledge of Allegiance. Officials Present: Council: Mayor Richard Brantner, President P. Robert Dickson, Vice-President Darin B. Meck, Pro-tem Neil E. Gartland, Councilmen Edward L. Bennett, James C. Dell, Mark K. Gartland, and Charles E. Kensinger. Staff & Others: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Justin Davis, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from Evy Black Attorneys, AMED, and the Morristons Cove Herald. Financial Reports & Approvals Minutes: The minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by James Dell. Financial Reports: Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial and treasurer’s reports for February 2026. Bills: The list of bills for February 2026 (check nos. 12067-12101) totaling $55,267. 17 was approved unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland. Departmental Reports Ambulance (AMED): Gary Watters reported 21 calls within the borough and 91 emergency/10 non-emergency calls in the wider area. Construction on the new ambulance building is progressing, though there is a minor issue with cabinet dimensions affecting refrigerator door clearance. Police: Chief Justin Davis reported 128 complaints handled in January 2026. Borough Manager: Rich Brantner provided a status update on various maintenance and administrative tasks: Feb 7-8: Plowing drifts caused by high winds. Feb 10: Replaced a sewer lateral at 600 W. Allegheny Street. Feb 12: Posted a "Help Wanted Laborer" ad on Facebook and in the Morristons Cove Herald. Feb 16: Conducted listening ads for water leaks. Feb 18: Operated the street sweeper on Market and Allegheny Streets. Feb 20: Attended an America 250 committee meeting. Feb 21: Addressed a sewer backup at the carwash. Feb 24: Installed cabinets at the ambulance building. Feb 25: Attended continuing education classes. Feb 28: Repaired a water leak. Community Events & Ordinances Solicitation: Councilman Neil Gartland noted issues with soliciting near Blair Street after dark. He recommended the ordinance committee consider setting specific start and end times for door-to-door solicitation. Spring Clean-Up: A resident-only event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 . Invitation flyers will be mailed in early April; participation requires a flyer. 2026 Agricultural Parade: Council approved a motion (by Charles Kensinger) to allow street closures for the parade on July 7, 2026 , pending PennDOT permits. Bargain Days: Scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026 . Manager Brantner noted this date is traditionally the Friday before the park's July celebration. America 250 Celebration: The committee requested funding for fireworks during the July 4th week. Council approved a motion (by Neil Gartland) to allocate $3,000 ($1,500 for each of two evenings) for fireworks at Morristons Cove Memorial Park. Other Business Highway Liquid Fuels Tax Fund: The examination report for the period January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, was received. Volunteer Fire Company: Minutes from their February 9 meeting were included in the packet. The council commended the fire company for their commitment but noted a decline in membership, prompting ongoing recruitment efforts. Executive Session: An executive session was held following the adjournment to discuss legal matters regarding Kevin Smith. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p. m. on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by Mark Gartland.