Martins Ferry City Council Special Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2022

Posted on: September 22, 2022

The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Meeting on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., at the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  This meeting was called for the discussion of purchasing police vehicles.     

Council President Kristine Davis called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present, 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; Tom Burns and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Absent: Jack Regis, Council at Large Member and Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member.

The Mayor said the Police Department needs to buy 3 vehicles.  He asked Council to appropriate $225,000 which would cover the cost of the cruisers, necessary accessories, decals and any penalty imposed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  This money would be taken from the American Rescue Money.   Police Chief McFarland explained the problems with the 3 leased vehicles from Enterprise.  A Chevrolet Dealer in Pittsburgh, PA has offered a price of $43,413.20 per vehicle.  This is $6,000 less than other quotes received.  There would be an additional expense to outfit the cruisers with the necessary equipment.   Chief McFarland consulted with Service Director Sutak and it was estimated that purchasing these vehicles instead of leasing would save the General Fund almost $2,600 a month.

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to reflect an amendment to the previous motion regarding the purchase of police vehicles on September 7, to make the final total up to $225,000, which includes $19,000 of equipment for the vehicles.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns.  A roll call vote was heard with Mrs. Armstrong, Mr. Burns, Mr. Schramm, Mr. Hunker and Mr. Shrodes voting yes.  The motion was declared passed. 

Mr. Shrodes made a motion to excuse Mr. Regis and Mr. Rodgers from tonight’s meeting.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.

Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Shrodes.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.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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