Reaching The Limit

Speed signs

At the September Martinsburg Borough Council meeting, members James Dell, Charles Kensinger and Edward Bennett, with Borough Manager Rich Brantner Jr. and Police Chief Kerry Hoover, established a committee designed to speed up the borough’s purchase of solar radar speed signs.

The conversation began with Kensigner, who is the safety commissioner. Kensinger expressed concern that the 35 mph speed limit coming into Martinsburg was too high; he told the council that he would like to see this limit decreased to 25 mph, as it is on the other side of town.

“That’s all up to PennDOT,” according to Chief Hoover.

However, the council discussed solar-powered radar speed signs last year. The purchase of these signs was in this year’s budget, but had not been discussed.

After the committee’s research, the council approved the purchase of three signs at the October meeting. These mobile signs will cost $9,000 plus shipping. The council had budgeted $12,000 for this project.

This sign will not only flash speeds and encourage drivers to slow down; they will also compile data — such as the number of cars driving past, average speed, how many cars speed — that police officers will be able to download via Bluetooth.

“I want to see that information,” Hoover said.

Ordinances

Over the past few months, council members have been brainstorming on how to remind citizens of different ordinances. It was decided last month that periodically at council meetings, members will discuss commonly broken ordinances, focusing on topics suck as pets, jake brakes, posters on poles, and lawns.

Kensinger and Hoover spoke about three ordinances at the October meeting: numbers 563, 638 and 452.

• Ordinance 563 defines nuisances. Kensinger and Hoover focused on the grass, weed, and tree sections of this ordinance. Grass and weeds cannot grow above 6 inches. All trees overhanging streets, alleys and public highways must be 14 feet high. Hoover reminded that this is the time of year that tree limbs are measured, so people should check as soon as possible.

Hoover also emphasized that sidewalks in front of homes are the responsibility of the homeowner, not the borough. Grass and weeds growing on sidewalks or through the cracks should be managed.

• Ordinance 638 was established in 2022 and thankfully, there have been no violations in 2023. This nuisance ordinance regarding grass height allows an immediate citation after a third offense. This means residents will have two warnings with two seven-day grace periods, but will not have seven days to cut their grass on the third offense.

• Ordinance 452 informs citizens of burning rules. A fire cannot be within 15 feet of a building or structure. Someone has to attend the fire at all times; it cannot be lit and let alone. Burning is allowed Monday through Saturday during daylight hours. Only wood, paper or dry leaves can be burned.

Other business

Trick or treat night will be Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., in line with Blair County’s trick or treat.

In September and October, the matter of pot holes in front of the post office on East Allegheny Street/Route 164 was discussed. In September, Brantner spoke to Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair/Huntington) and is hoping “things will start rolling.” At the October meeting, Brantner updated that though nothing is definite, there is a possibility that this work will be done in the spring. The paving would go a block in each direction.

The council approved the purchase of a shed for the police pistol range located at Martinsburg Sportsman’s Club. This 10 x 12 shed’s near $4,000 price tag was covered completely by donations.

The council also approved the purchase of another patrol rifle, which has a silencer and a shorter barrel.

“It’s better for building searches and close-quarters,” Hoover said. “It cuts down noise drastically and will prevent hearing damage.”

The police department will stop advertising for a full-time police officer, but will continue looking for a part-time officer.

Brantner spoke to a representative from Sen. Bob Casey’s office, who discussed the possibility for a new tank at the airport.

“It’s probably a $1 million project,” Brantner said.

Council member and Water/Sewer Commissioner Durban Metzler reported that the water authority “had their hands full last month and did a great job.”

Brantner continuously reminds residents to not flush rags, Clorox wipes, or anything that cannot break down.