# Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

- Summary: Meeting Overview The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2024-10-07
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/2024-10.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/october-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, October 7, 2024, 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 P. Robert Dickson Vice-President Ed Bennett Councilwoman Janet E. Blattenberger Councilman James C. Dell Councilman Neil E. Gartland Councilman Darin B. Meck Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. , Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily, Chief Kerry Hoover, Attorney Nathan Karn, and representatives from the Morrisons Cove Herald. Personnel Updates The council addressed several hiring and personnel matters following an executive session. New Laborer: The Personnel Committee recommended Todd Bookhammer to replace Brian Miller, who is retiring. Council approved the hire of Todd Bookhammer as the new laborer. Compensation: Starts at $20. 00/hour, increasing to $21. 00/hour after a 90-day probationary period. Start Date: November 4, 2024. He may work weekends prior to this date. New Patrolman: Thomas G. Lykens was introduced as a new part-time patrolman. Council approved his official hire. Wage Increases: Council approved 2025 wage increases of $2. 00/hour for the three Department Heads and $1. 00/hour for all other employees (excluding Todd Bookhammer, whose raise was approved separately). Vacation Time: A motion passed to increase vacation time for full-time employees with 25 or more years of service from four weeks to five weeks. Financial Reports & Budget Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial reports for September 2024. List of Bills: The list of bills (check nos. 11478-11498) totaling $155,892. 65 was approved unanimously. 2025 Budget: The 2025-2 Budget Worksheet was presented as a balanced budget. Council decided not to schedule a separate budget workshop, opting to use the draft as is. Recycling Fee: To balance the recycling budget, the 2025 recycling fee was increased from $35 to $40 . The renewal date was also changed from January to March to allow for a more accurate subscriber count. American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds: Manager Brantner reported that ARP funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024. The current balance is $64,966. 39. Real Estate Transfer Tax Refund A significant financial adjustment was made regarding the sale of Spring Drive and Stone Manor Trailer Courts in August. The Issue: Mobile Realty sold the property to Regal PA Investors. The borough initially received $58,000 (50%) of the real estate transfer tax. However, a review by the township solicitor indicated the borough had overpaid relative to the property's location split. The Decision: Council approved a refund of $20,068. 00 to North Woodbury Township. This adjustment ensures the borough receives $37,932 (33%) and the township receives $78,068 (67%), reflecting the actual distribution of real estate involved. Equipment & Infrastructure Street Sweeper: The council discussed purchasing a street sweeper. A used 2014 Isuzu model was identified for $99,950. A new demo sweeper was discussed at a cost of $229,000. Decision: Council approved advertising for bids for a used street sweeper . Bids will be open at the November 4, 2024 meeting. Funding: If a grant is not received, the $229,000 cost could be covered by ARP ($65,000), Equipment Fund ($82,000), Highway Liquid Fuels ($27,000), and Reserve Fund ($55,000). Police Report: Chief Kerry Hoover reported on police activities. He noted modifications to solar speed signs to read higher speeds before flashing, intended to encourage slowing down. Nitrate Removal Plant: Summit Electronics installed a new computer at the plant to run the SCADA system. Local Business: Zimmermans officially opened a new dentist office at 114 W. Penn Street. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p. m. on a motion by Janet Blattenberger, seconded by Darin Meck.