June, July Activities Outlined for Martinsburg Borough Council

Chief of Police Kerry Hoover informed the council of a recent hacking issue that affected him and his wife. The hacker was able to get copies of checks by hacking into a business’s account, where Hoover had recently shopped. The hacker “washed” the check, which means they changed the check number, who it was made out to and the amount. Hoover advised council to check their online banking often to make sure fraudulent purchases aren’t being made.

“They could drain you dry before you know it,” Hoover said.

The search for officers continues. The department handed out one application since last month and have not received any back.

“Nobody’s getting applications,” Hoover said, referencing the state- and nationwide problem.

Councilmember Charles Kensinger applauded the police department for their work in the absence of officers and encouraged the council and Hoover to not fill the position just to have it filled.

“Nobody is better than somebody in there we have to get rid of,” Kensinger said.

Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. reported that the new automated call out procedure, Rave, has yet to be tested but it’s ready to go.

The new truck was picked up and is now in service. The winning bid for the old truck was John Miller’s of Cherrytown, who bid $16,900.

Following a discussion with the Blair County manager, Brantner said it is possible that the square at the light in Martinsburg may be tied into another project in the district to try to mill down the bad areas and resurface the road.

Solicitor Nathan Karn of Evey Black Attorneys advised the council to adopt Leins Resolution 2023-0403-01. This will allow the solicitor to collect costs, fees, and expenses associated with leins. Karn referenced a Dollar Store in the county that did not plow its sidewalk. The borough had to do the plow work and sent a $45 bill to the store. The store did not pay. It went from a 10-day notice, to litigation, to judgment, to an upset sale before the store finally paid. With associated fees, the bill amounted to $2,500.

“If we don’t pass this, we don’t have the tool in the toolbox to use it,” Kensinger said.

The resolution was passed.

In his safety commissioner report, Kensigner reminded everyone that the weather is turning nicer, so drivers should be more aware of kids on bicycles and motorcyclists. He emphasized the importance of full stops at stop signs and lights.

The council voted to send a letter of support to Morrisons Cove Memorial Park that the park will include in its application to PennDOT for the Ag Parade road closures.

June/July 2023 Activities

Friday & Saturday,

June 16 & 17

Martinsburg Fire Co. Ox Roast

Friday, July 7

Bargain Days

Tuesday-Saturday,

July 11-15

Cove Carnival

Tuesday, July 11

Ag Parade

Saturday, July 15

Boosters Chicken BBQ

Written as presented to Martinsburg Borough Council by Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. Firework dates are not yet confirmed.