# Martinsburg Borough Council Minutes

- Summary: Meeting Overview The Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge…
- Source: official borough
- Published: 2025-09-02
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: http://martinsburgpa.org/9-2025%20Boro%20Min.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/september-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 Martinsburg Borough Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the municipal building. The session began at 7:00 p. m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Elected Officials Present: Mayor Richard A. Brantner President P. Robert Dickson Vice-President Edward L. Bennett Pro-Tem Charles E. Kensinger Councilmen James C. Dell, Mark K. Gartland, Neil E. Gartland, and Darin B. Meck Other Attendees: Borough Manager Richard Brantner, Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily Police Chief Justin Davis Attorney Nathan Karn Representatives from Hollidaysburg Ambulance and the Morristons Cove Herald Financial Reports & Bills Secretary/Treasurer Jane Staily presented the financial reports for August 2025. List of Bills: The council approved bills totaling $139,665.55 (Check nos. 11850-11882). This amount includes transfers to the Reserve Fund totaling $60,000. Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell. Police Department Updates Chief Justin Davis presented the police report and discussed equipment needs. Activity: The department handled 86 complaints last month, including 9 criminal arrests. Chief Davis attended a "Touch a Truck" event at Grace Brethren Church. New Equipment: The department is currently using 17-18-year-old 40mm handguns that are malfunctioning. To address safety concerns, the council approved the immediate purchase of new gear rather than waiting for the 2026 budget. Purchase: Seven (7) unit gun packages from Base Camp Guns at $1,300 each. Total Cost: $9,100 (paid from the General Fund Reserve Fund). Contents: Each package includes a 9mm gun, optics, flashlight, and holster. Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Charles Kensinger, seconded by James Dell. Chief's Weapon: The council approved Chief Davis to purchase his old duty weapon at its trade-in value. Borough Manager Report (August Activities) Borough Manager Rich Brantner reported on the following maintenance and community issues: Aug 6: Utility cuts and potholes were blacktopped. Aug 7: Sewer issues were addressed at 421 E. Christiana Street. Aug 12: Jon Keim passed away; he was a long-serving council member and fire company member. Aug 14: Basin No. 2 was drained due to "rag issues" clogging the pump. A quote of $50,000 was received to clean one basin; both will eventually need cleaning. Aug 15: A solar lamp post near the post office was hit by a tractor and trailer. The driver fled the scene. Aug 22: The Ambulance Committee met with Hollidaysburg Ambulance and AMED representatives for interviews. Aug 28: The borough crew painted the police chief’s office and the entrance hallway. Property Update: Manager Brantner is coordinating repairs and grass maintenance for a foreclosed property at 409 E. Julian Street following a garage fire. Ambulance Committee & Grant Support Ambulance Proposals: Two proposals are under review for the council's agenda packets: Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service and Altoona Mobile Emergency Department (AMED). A decision is expected at the October meeting. Fire Company Grant: The Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company applied for a regional grant for new truck radios using Local Share Account Statewide funding. Action: The council approved a Letter of Support for the Blair County Fire Chiefs’ Association application. Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by Mark Gartland. Pension Plan Adoptions The council adopted the 2026 Municipal Managers’ Office (MMO) pension plan contributions: Non-Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3N): Adopted at $42,757. 00. (Motion by Kensinger, seconded by Dell). Uniformed Pension Plan (PMRS Plan No. 07-045-3P): Adopted at $12,905. 00. (Motion by Kensinger, seconded by Gartland). Community Events Trick-or-Treat Night: The council approved Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as official Trick-or-Treat hours. Motion: Passed unanimously on a motion by Neil Gartland, seconded by James Dell. Adjournment An executive session regarding personnel matters was held following the public meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p. m. on a motion by Mark Gartland, seconded by James Dell.