Martinsburg, Roaring Spring Boroughs Make Plans and Appointments For 2021

MARTINSBURG

Martinsburg Borough Council at its Jan. 4 meeting named commissioners of their respective committees and named staff appointments for 2021.

Appointment commissioner of their respective committees were Edward L. Bennett, safety and streets; Linda Smith, property; P. Robert Dickson, finance; and Durban D. Metzler, water/sewer.

Kerry L. Hoover was re-elected chief of police, police department open records officer and fire marshal.

Council promoted Justin Davis to lieutenant from police sergeant.

Gieg Law Offices LLC, Altoona, will once again be the borough's solicitor.

Council re-elected Richard Brantner Jr. as borough manager, emergency management coordinator, deputy open records officer and zoning officer.

M. Jane Staily was reappointed borough secretary, borough treasurer, open records officer and chief administrative officer of the pension plan.

Dustin Russell was named the borough's deputy emergency management coordinator.

Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Hollidaysburg, was retained as the borough's engineer on an as-needed basis. Attorney Shawn Sullivan is the zoning solicitor.

Ritchey, Ritchey & Koontz, which has a branch office in Martinsburg, will be the auditor for the fiscal year 2020.

Council approved the following board appointments: Mark Fluke, zoning hearing board, three years ending Jan. 1, 2024; Linda K. Smith, planning commission, four years ending January 2025; and Walter D. Foor, five years ending January 2026.

December Meeting

Real estate taxes will rise for the first time in 10 years in Martinsburg borough. Martinsburg Borough Council on Dec. 7 unanimously approved the budget for 2021 that will increase millage from 1.8710 to 1.967. The small increase, which will cost the average homeowner $13.45 next year, will bring in $10,800 for the borough.

Other taxes passed by council include the per capita tax, $5; the earned income tax, the rate of 1/2 of 1 percent; and the Local Services Tax, $52.

Council unanimously approved a 2-percent wage increase for all borough employees.

The meeting dates for 2021 are as follows: Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 12, Aug. 2, Sept. 7 (Tuesday), Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. All meetings will begin at 7 p.m.

ROARING SPRING

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Roaring Spring Borough Council met by teleconference on Monday, Dec. 14, to wrap up the year and set the budget for 2021.

Council highlighting its last meeting of the year in December by passing the 2021 General Fund Budget which included no tax increase.

Mayor Ronald Glunt said the budget meeting went smoothly and he is pleased that council was able to come up with a budget that includes no tax increase.

The police department reported that the recently purchased body cameras have been put in use. Glunt said the cameras are working “exceptionally well” and that they have already used footage from them as evidence after an arrest.

“I think it is fantastic to see them doing a great job already,” Glunt said.

Police Chief Greg Wyandt said the cameras have played an important part in a handful of criminal arrests.

“We are getting familiar with them and we are very pleased with them,” Chief Wyandt said.

Council President Rodney Green said the cameras will contribute to the safety of the community and the police department.

On Monday, Jan. 11, council held its first meeting of 2021, and approved a list of appointments for the upcoming year.

Lisa Peel was again appointed borough manager. Greg Wyandt was reappointed as chief of police and Wyatt Simington retained as maintenance supervisor.

The law offices of Rea, Rea & Lashinsky, of Hollidaysburg will continue as the borough’s solicitor and Keller Engineers of Hollidaysburg has been retained as the borough’s engineers.

Rodney Claycomb has been named to the Roaring Spring Municipal Authority for a term that runs to 2023. Dennis Igou was named emergency management coordinator.

Thomas Holsinger will continue as zoning and code enforcement officer. Keith Pote was named fire marshal.

The Civil Service Commission will be comprised of Todd Thompson and Keith Hall. There is one open spot on the commission. Thompson’s term runs through 2022 while Hall’s runs through 2021.

Michael Metzgar was named to the planning commission with two seats yet to fill. The Zoning Hearing Board will be made up of Jeryl Green, Jerry Ritchey and George Eckman.

Rodney Green will be the borough’s elected official on the Government Advisory Committee through 2021.

Council’s next meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. Green said the intention is to hold the meeting in person with social distancing guidelines in effect.

“Barring a surge in COVID-19 cases, it is our intention to go back to meeting in person,” Green said.

Along with social distancing, Green said masks or face coverings will be required for everyone attending the meeting.