Martinsburg Appoints New Solicitor

Martinsburg Borough Council voted to retain most commissioner, staff and committee appointments during its January meeting.

The following were the only changes:

• The council appointed Nathan Karn of Evey Black Attorneys, LLC as the solicitor. Karn was unable to attend the meeting.

• The W. Gene Henry Memorial Committee was closed, as the memorial is finished.

The council noted that there is a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board. They are actively looking for someone to fill this vacancy. Those interested can contact the borough office at (814) 793-3213.

“When zoning issues come up, they come up fast,” Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. said.

The council held a special meeting on Dec. 15 to review solicitor proposals and appoint a new solicitor.

Patrolman Logan Tornatore resigned at the Dec. 15 meeting. The police department is now looking for one full-time and one part-time officer.

“There is no degree required,” Police Chief Kerry Hoover said. “Just completion of police academy, which takes about four or five months.”

The borough will advertise for the positions.

Brantner reported that there was a water leak on Dec. 26.

“It’s great to have guys who are willing to come in on their day off and get a job done without complaining,” Brantner said.

Councilman Darin Meck added, “And to work in that temperature,” noting the single-digit temperatures around Christmas.

Brantner also infomed the council that Martinsburg needs a representative to serve on the Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service (HALAS) board. The board meets the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. in Scotch Valley. Those interested can contact Brantner for more information.

The council reminded residents to move their cars off of borough streets when plowing begins.

“It makes it a lot easier to plow,” Brantner said.

He said that winding around parked cars keeps snow there.

“When it gets really cold, the snow gets like concrete,” Brantner said.