News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Special Meeting Minutes of December 22, 2025

Posted on: January 8, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Monday, December 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers to consider legislation and any other business that may properly be brought before Council.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber, followed by a prayer by the Clerk.   Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Melissa Yeso, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Absent:  Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member.  

Minutes:  Minutes of the December 3, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

An Ordinance To Make Appropriations For The Expenses Of The City Of Martins Ferry, State Of Ohio, During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2025, And Declaring An Emergency.

            Mr. Schramm made a motion to suspend the rule for three readings.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Rodgers, Yeso and Agnew voting yes.  Motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read.  Mr. Hunker seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.   The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.

         An Ordinance To Make Temporary Appropriations For The Expenses Of The City Of Martins Ferry, State Of Ohio, During The First Quarter Of The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2026, And Declaring An Emergency.

            Mr. Rodgers made a motion to suspend the rule for three readings.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.   Motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Echemann to pass the Ordinance as read.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes.   The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.

A Resolution Accepting The Amounts And Rates As Determined By The Budget Commission And Authorizing The Necessary Tax Levies And Certifying Them To The County Auditor.   

Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the rule for three readings.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  Motion carried.  Motion was made by Rev. Agnew to pass the Resolution as read.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Rodgers, and Yeso voting yes.   The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed.

Miscellaneous Business

Mayor Davies presented President Davis with Flowers, a Proclamation and Plaque commemorating her 25 years of dedication, serving first as a Council Member and them as Council President.  President Davis was also gifted with the gavel that she has been using during her term as President.  She was given a standing ovation for her service.  Mr. Schramm presented President Davis with a gift from Council. Proclamations were also given to Mr. Rodgers and Miss Yeso.  It was also acknowledged that a Proclamation will be given to Mrs. Armstrong who was absent from tonight’s meeting. 

The sewer project on Broadway Street should be completed this week.  Cost of the job was just under $50,000. 

Last fall, the YMCA held classes at the Recreation Center and was fairly successful.  The YMCA is asking for permission to run the Recreation Center as well as the pool.  They will pay the city for use of the building.  Details are still being finalized. 

The Mayor will be part-time beginning January 1, 2026 and he will not be able to do everything that he has done in the last 6 years.  He asked Council to consider splitting the Safety/Service Position, which Director Sutak currently holds.  Law Director Stecker will be consulted to see if another Ordinance needs to be created to split this position.  Mayor Davies will no longer need Health Insurance Coverage beginning January 1, 2026, which will be a $25,000 savings for the city.   Council was asked to consider giving a $10,000 raise to Mr. Sutak because he will be absorbing additional duties in January when the Mayor goes to part-time status.    

Miss Yeso made a motion to split the Safety/Service Director Position.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker.  A roll call vote was heard with Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, and Rodgers voting yes.   The motion carried.  The Mayor will appoint a new Safety Director.  Mr. Sutak will continue as the Service Director.   

Miss Yeso made a motion to increase the Service Director’s wage by $10,000 per year.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, and Rodgers voting yes.   The motion carried.  This adjustment will take effect beginning in 2026. 

Mr. Echemann proudly made a motion to excuse Mrs. Armstrong from tonight’s meeting.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.

Mr. Rodgers made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to increase the salary for Elected Officials and the Council Clerk by $50 per month for the 2026 and 2027 Calendar Years.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.   Motion carried.  This adjustment will be handled by the Auditor. 

Auditor Regis expressed his appreciation for President Davis’s kindness and service to Council. 

Mr. Richard Hord was given permission to speak.  He thanked the departing Council Members for their dedication and service to the city, especially President Davis. 

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MARTINS

FERRY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ZANE

HIGHWAY 12” WATERLINE CONNECTION TO AETNA

STREET BOOSTER STATION AND DECLARING AN

EMERGENC       

             Mr. Rodgers moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Miss Yeso.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

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Martins Ferry City Council Special Meeting Minutesof Friday, November 21, 2025

Posted on: December 5, 2025

         The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present followed by a prayer by the Acting Clerk.   Auditor Jack Regis assumed the Clerk’s duties at this meeting since Ms. McFarlan was unable to attend.  Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Melissa Yeso and James Agnew, Council at Large Members.  Absent: Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member, and James Schramm, Council at Large Member.  Note:  There were 5 Council Members present which constitutes a quorum and a majority of the votes.    

This Special Meeting was called for consideration of meter-less parking enforcement.

Mayor Davies said that the city’s parking meters were outdated or simply not working.  The Administration is seeking Council’s permission to acquire a meter-less parking enforcement system.  The Mayor believes that the funds in the Off-Street Parking and the Parking Meter line items should be able to cover the cost of the entire system which includes the equipment for the first year. 

Chief West and Council Member Yeso reviewed 2 systems: 1) the T2 System; and 2) ParkMobile (Wheeling, Steubenville and St. Clairsville uses this system).

            Mr. Sutak said income from this project would go to the Police Department for Capital Expenditures which would free up General Fund Money.  A 32 minute discussion was held explaining the process, details and benefits of these parking payment systems.  Mr. Sutak suggested a one year trial period.  President Davis advised that the public needs educated on the details of this system and when it will begin. 

Motion was made by Mrs. Armstrong and seconded by Mr. Rodgers to permit the Mayor and Service Director to start a one year trial of T2 and/or ParkMobile for meter-less parking, utilizing money from the Off-Street Parking and Parking Meter Funds.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Hunker voting yes.  The motion was declared passed. 

Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Hunker.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. with a salute to the flag.

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2025

Posted on: December 5, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m., at the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber, followed by a prayer by the Clerk.   Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Melissa Yeso, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.         

            President Davis congratulated those who were elected last night to serve on Council for another term and also applauded all those across the state who had the courage to run for public office but were defeated. 

            Minutes:  Minutes of the October 15, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies reported that the city did not score high enough to get funding for the Jefferson Street Project through the Ohio Public Works Commission.  Other options for funding will be explored for this project. 

City crews are doing general maintenance, i.e. pothole patching, winter preparations.  The city has plenty of road salt in case of snow and slippery roads this winter. 

The Mayor distributed an (Employee) Handbook that he would like to discuss with Council in an Executive Session at the end of the meeting.    

Service Director:  Mr. Sutak reported that the Mansuetto Roofing and Sheet Metal Company is still working on the roof at the Water Plant and hopefully in a month it will be finished.  After the roof is completed, Mr. Sutak will contact the Ozone Company and the Filter Bed Company and schedule them to come and install their equipment. 

            Auditor:  Auditor Regis distributed a memo that he sent to all Departments Heads stating the City will be closing the books on November 26, 2025.  The office will then only process extreme emergency purchases on a case-by-case basis.  Mr. Regis also asked that Council approve the Payroll Summary and the New Hire/Termination Report.    

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief West supplied Council with the Department’s end of October Monthly Report.  He reported the Department’s K-9 was being re-trained with a new handler.  Permission was given to conduct a Police Sergeant’s Civil Service Exam on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00 noon in Council Chambers.   

            Chief West and Council Member Yesso spoke to a Company Representative about Electronic Parking Meters.  These meters would alert the Police Department directly to a meter violation instead of having an officer walk around checking meters.  The Chief commended 2 of his officers, along with EMS personnel, who recently administered CPR on an 8 year old juvenile. 

            Fire Department: Assistant Fire Chief Justin Smith reminded everyone that the Fire Department is hosting the Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, November 28.  Line-up will begin at 4:30 p.m. on 1^st and Center Streets.  The Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. 

            Chief Smith invited Council to the Annual Fire Department Meeting scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vigilant Engine Company. 

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

            Finance and Audit:   No report.

Street: No report.

Ordinance:  No report.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

            Safety: No report.

            Service:  No report.

            Real Estate/Building and Grounds: No report

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  The Ohio University Eastern Campus did not have enough volunteers to participate in the Trunk or Treat held on October 28^th on Walnut Street.   

Utility:  No report.

Code Administration:  Citizens, who are concerned about Martins Ferry’s “curb appeal” are canvassing streets looking for houses that have high grass and weeds, especially the section between the sidewalk and street.  A list of these properties will be given to the city.  Two weeks ago Mr. Sutak sent letters to 21 property owners notifying them of the high grass violations.  Not many have responded.  The next step will be ordering them to Mayor’s Court. 

Income Tax: No report.

Citizens To Be Heard:  President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.  

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, commended the Police Department for patrolling the city with cruisers and officers on foot patrol during Trick or Treating on October 31.  He also congratulated all those who got elected to Council.  There was no news regarding the opening of East Ohio Regional Hospital.  The Mayor said the former Staffilino Building may become an auto body shop.  There is no target date for the opening of this shop.  Concerns expressed by former Auditor Rita Randall at the October 1, 2025 Council Meeting will be addressed under legislation. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            An Ordinance Classifying Transfers From The General Fund To The Sanitation Fund As Loans And Directing Reimbursement.

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Rev. Agnew to suspend the rules for 3 readings.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.  President Davis explained this Ordinance referred to the $93,000 that was transferred from the General Fund to the Sanitation Fund and explained the arrangements for repayment of this money. 

            An Ordinance Adjusting The Charge For Sewer Capital Projects And Creating A Charge For Water Operations.       

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules for 3 readings.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MARTINS

FERRY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ZANE

HIGHWAY 12” WATERLINE CONNECTION TO AETNA

STREET BOOSTER STATION AND DECLARING AN

EMERGENC       

Miscellaneous Business:   

President Davis stated the November 19 Council Meeting is cancelled.  The next meeting of Council will be on December 3, 2025.  She also stated that Auditor Regis would like Council to consider cancelling the December 17 meeting and to reschedule the meeting when the books are closed and the Auditor has everything ready for the end of the year.  Mr. Hunker made a motion to cancel the December 17 Meeting and reschedule this meeting when notified by the Auditor that the office is ready to close the books. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion was declared passed. 

Mr. Sutak said a Special Meeting may be needed at the end of the year because a note is coming due at the end of December and a couple of Resolutions may need passed to renew this note.

Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to note that Council has received the Payroll Summary and New Hire/Termination Report.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Mr. Schramm made a motion to reflect Council has received reports from the Officers and Management, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

            Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22, G4, (to discuss employee compensation).   A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and Council went into Executive Session. 

            Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to go out of Executive Session and back into Regular Session.  A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Yeso voting yes.  The motion carried and Council went out of Executive Session. 

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Hunker.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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