City of Martins Ferry

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2021

Posted on: July 7, 2021

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 6:00 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, Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, Jim Schramm and Jack Regis, Council at Large Members.

Before this meeting, a budget hearing was held for the Public at 5:30 p.m. No one voiced any concerns at this meeting.

Minutes: Minutes of the June 16, 2021 Council Meeting were approved as written.

Correspondence: There was no correspondence.

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor: Mayor Davies was notified by the Police Department just before the meeting that the house at 415 Center Street was collapsing. He consulted with Attorney Stecker and Council regarding the legal ramification of the city tearing this house down. It poses imminent danger to the public. The woman that owns the house is not capable of making decisions. The back taxes on the property amounts to about $25,000 and the city will never recoup the cost of the demolition. The Mayor stated this is a very serious issue. If the City tears down the property, the City assumes responsibility for it. Council discussed this matter for 14 minutes.

Since last year, 1100 meters have been replaced and now 1442 more meters have died. Since all the meters are 10 years old, the Mayor would like to buy 2500 meters which would upgrade the rest of the meter system. He estimates the total cost at $600,000. Eastern Ohio Regional Wastewater Authority (EORWA) is giving the City until the end of September to replace all the meters that have failed. It is hoped that EORWA’s Board will give the city time to install the new meters and won’t penalize customers for estimated readings due to meter failures. The total cost includes the meters and a tower that will sit on one of the water tanks and transmit the monthly readings directly to the Utility Office. This will save on labor and equipment costs. The Water Capital Project Fund can be used for some of the cost of the meters. Since the water debt will soon be reduced for the Water Plant amount, the Mayor asked Council to consider rolling the water debt amount of $5.59 from each water bill into the Capital Project Fund. Water customers will see no difference in their bill and this would help towards the cost of new meters.

The Celebration in the Park on July 5 went well. There was music, food and several vendors. A 14 minutes fireworks display ended the evening. The Mayor thanked Council for their input and support for the project. One of the Food Vendors, Ideal Provisions, has offered to pay for a free swim and free entertainment on August 23.

Work at the cemetery is falling behind because of a lack of personnel.

The Mayor requested an Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss personnel.

Service Director: Mr. Sutak reported that a purchase order is needed to buy 325 water meters at an estimated cost of $59,475. The fund has the money in it, but the line item does not. Until a meeting can be held to make appropriation changes, Mr. Sutak asked Council to approve the purchase order from Ferguson Water Works. It takes approximately 3 weeks for the meters to arrive.

Director Sutak asked Council to approve an $8,000 Purchase Order for an emergency purchase by the Water Department from Toma Technology Inc.

The budget looks good and Mr. Sutak will take it to the County for review.

It was recently brought to Mr. Sutak’s attention that the city did not apply for the Service
Water NDPES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permit. The difficult application was completed and the permit fee has been sent. The city is now active with a NDPES Permit. Mr. Sutak has also been working on an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit and a Total Storm Water Plan.

Mr. Regis asked about the sewer problem on Madison and Pearl Streets. The Mayor explained how the water flows and drains in this section of the city. To help alleviate some of the problems, the city is keeping the sewer drains clean and the catch basins open. Mr. Sutak has met with the city’s engineer to discuss securing a GIS Mapping of the city’s storm sewers. Funding will be sought for this project.

Safety Director: Director Regis passed out pictures of the new EMS Squad that will be delivered on Monday, August 9. Fire Chief Tom Kelly has submitted a quote for a new generator for the Liberty Fire Station. This station is also used as a cooling station. This purchase will be discussed with the Finance and Safety Committees. Director Regis commended the Mayor and Administration for organizing the celebration and fireworks display on July 5.

Auditor: No report.

Law Director: No report.

Police Department: No report.

Fire Department: No report.

Code Administrator: No report.

Park District: No report.

Water Department: No report.

Reports of Committees of Council:

Finance and Audit: While Auditor Randall is recuperating, Mr. Regis will meet with Trish Headley, Assistant Auditor to review financial issues. He will then schedule a Finance Committee meeting.

Street: No report.

Ordinance: Mr. Shrodes said he has received some additional information to update the Organizational Chart. He will contact committee members and set a date for the next meeting.

Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.

Code Administration: No report.

Safety: No report.

Service: Mr. Shrodes scheduled a Service Committee Meeting for July 19 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Cemetery: Mr. Burns read an article regarding possible Cemetery Grant Funding from the July 4, 2021 issue of The Times Leader. This article and a report from Mr. Burns was given to the clerk and included with these minutes.

Public Relations: No report.

Real Estate/Utility: No report.

Income Tax: No report.

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

Beverly Reed, 98 – 5th Street, Bridgeport, Ohio, a member of the Concerned Ohio River Residents, spoke about the Austin Masters Facility in Martins Ferry. This facility recycles gas and oil waste and ships the radioactive materials to landfills. Ms. Reed is concerned with the safety practices of this company and worries the city’s water supply may be getting contaminated. President Davis said the Water Department Superintendent is aware of these concerns and monitors the water supply very carefully. She stated Martins Ferry was one of the first cities in Ohio to have a Water Protection Program. Mr. Shrodes invited Ms. Reed to attend the July 19 Service Committee Meeting where this issue will be discussed.

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, commented that the Grand Opening Celebration of East Ohio Regional Hospital went well and hopes the hospital re-opening will be a positive impact on the city. He felt the Strawberry Festival was a very successful event for the city. Council and the Administration were thanked for supporting Library Funding. Mr. Hord inquired about having a Town Hall Meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners on either August 10, August 12 or August 24 at 6:00 p.m. Council was receptive to the idea and Mr. Jim Howard will check to see if the Recreation Center is available on one of these dates. Mr. Hord was told that Auditor Randall is doing well and is in daily contact with the office.

Tom Burns, Council-at-Large Member, 411 Grant Avenue, met with Lesley Link on June 28 to observe the slippage and drainage problems behind her home and the rest of the homes on that side of Colerain Pike. He believes something needs to be done to alleviate this problem. Mr. Burns submitted a report and pictures of this problem which will be filed with the minutes.

Ordinances and Resolutions:

A motion was made by Mr. Regis and seconded by Mr. Schramm to amend the current Resolution regarding the Budget. In the first paragraph it states “Mayor” and should be changed to say “Auditor”. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.

A Resolution Adopting a Budget For The City of Martins Ferry For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2022 and Declaring an Emergency. 

This Resolution was given a second reading.   Mr. Regis made motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Schramm made a motion that Council pass the Resolution as read. Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers and Burns voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed.

A Resolution Authorizing The Filing Of The FY 2021 Belmont County Community Housing Impact And Preservation Program Application To The State Of Ohio, Office Of Community Development.

This Resolution was given a second reading.  Mr. Shrodes made a motion to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Regis. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Hunker made a motion to pass the Resolution as read. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, and Regis voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed.

A Resolution Authorizing The Purchase And Use Of An Employee Dishonesty And Faithful Performance Policy.

This Resolution was given a second reading.   Mr. Regis made a motion to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Resolution as read. Motion was seconded by Mr. Shrodes. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers and Burns voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed.

An Ordinance Awarding COVID Hazard Pay to City Employees.

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  Mr. Shrodes made a motion to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Shrodes to pass the Ordinance as read. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.

An Ordinance Increasing The Hourly Wage For Certain Part-Time Positions in the Police Department. 

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  Mr. Rodgers made a motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Shrodes seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis, Hunker, Shrodes and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to pass the Ordinance as read. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, and Regis voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.

Miscellaneous Business:

Mr. Regis 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 Mr. Burns. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.

Mr. Regis made a motion to appropriate $35,000 from the General Fund for the demolition of the house at 415 Center Street with options to include the demolition being performed by the City. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion was declared passed.

Mr. Rodgers made a motion that Council approve the purchase order of $8,000 for Toma Technology Inc. Motion was seconded Mr. Hunker. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis, Hunker, Shrodes and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried.

Mr. Regis made a motion to appropriate $16,000 to Ferguson Water Works from Water Capital Improvement Projects to the Water Supply Line Item for 325 water meters. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.

The Mayor informed Council that the City Administration is negotiating a lease with a Gas and Oil Company for 14 acres in the Crawford Heights area. Motion was made by Mr. Regis to authorize the City Administration to take bids for a lease of 14 acres in Crawford Heights from Gas and Oil Companies. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion was declared passed.

The Mayor stated the Mr. Ney was changed from full-time Dispatcher to full-time Police Officer. The full-time Police Officer positions and the full-time Dispatcher positions are all filled. Chief McFarland is looking for some part-time Officers and Dispatchers to alleviate the overtime.

The Mayor asked Council to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel. Mr. Shrodes made a motion to enter into Executive Session under 121-22, G1. for Personnel. Ohio Revised Code 121-22, G1. reads: Hold an Executive Session for the employment dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, compensation of a public employee or an official where the investigation of charges or complaints against a public official, employee, licensee or regulated individual unless the public employee, official, licensee or regulated individual requests a public hearing. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.

Mr. Rodgers made a motion to go out of Executive Session. Mr. Burn seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Schramm, Regis, Hunker, Shrodes and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried.

Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Shrodes. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned with a salute to the flag.