Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2023
Posted on: December 7, 2023
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 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, Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, James Agnew, and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Minutes: Minutes of the November 1, 2023 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: After Council approved changing the order of business, Mayor Davies swore in Spencer Echemann as the new Second Ward Council Member, who was appointed by the Republican Central Committee.
The Mayor reported that Martins Ferry has a very good chance of receiving funds for the Beretta Drive Guardrail Project. The city has partnered with Peace Township to get more points to increase the change of being awarded the grant. If the grant is received, paving, replacement of guard rails and slip repair will take place from County Road 22, down Beretta Drive to State Route 250.
The EPA visited last week and were pleased with the upgrades to Water Plant and the exercising of the valves with the new equipment. A maintenance plan is also being prepared and should be finalized soon.
The Street Sweeper Season ended today. Next year the Sweeper will only run in the months of April and November. Street signs will be adjusted to note this change.
Riverview Cemetery looks good. Seasonal workers will finish up this week. Decorations can now be placed on the graves.
Service/Safety Director: Mr. Sutak asked Council to pass the Ordinance to borrow $4,000,000 for upgrades and other related costs to the Water Plant. Because of arbitrage, the city is limited to only borrowing $5,000,000 per year.
Mr. Sutak also asked Council to pass legislation to replace the bridge and staircase of the pedestrian bridge over SR 7. Construction costs will be borne by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Discussions will be held with ODOT regarding the cost of placing the city’s name on the fencing of the bridge.
The city is checking on purchasing a machine that will help fix the fire hydrant valve on Carlisle Street. The plan is to replace older valves in the city so when there is a water break, the water can be shut off easily and the line fixed quicker.
Auditor: Auditor Regis reminded Council that the city’s books will be closed on November 22. He plans to meet with the Finance Committee, sometime after Thanksgiving, and begin planning for next year. The Safety Committee will be asked to attend this meeting. The Auditors hope to have a Closing Meeting with Council and City Officials before the end of the year to discuss and answers any questions regarding the 2022 Audit.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief Murphy gave the Police Department Report for the first 2 weeks of November and elaborated on a few of the calls. Mayor Davies expressed his appreciation for the work performed by the city’s police force.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Kelly ask Council for permission to block off Zane Highway from Grant Avenue to Hickory Street and Hickory Street to 4th Street for the Fireworks and activities in the Park after the Christmas Parade on Friday, November 24. Chief Kelly confirmed that the Fire Department’s Annual Meeting will be on December 9 at the Liberty Fire Station.
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.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: Mr. Schramm reported that an Amish Contractor is expected to submit a bid on fixing the Vigilant Fire Station’s roof by early next month.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: Mr. Burns participated in the Veteran’s Service at the Riverview Cemetery on November 11. Following the service, a reception was held at the American Legion.
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.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked what changes the city could expect since the income tax levy failed. The Mayor preferred not to speculate. He will wait until final numbers are available and formulate a plan with city officials to move forward. Mr. Hord asked the Mayor to consider acknowledging Becky and Jim Brown who have operated the Christian Village Store for 46 years which is now closing. There were no additional city employee retirements to report. Mr. Hord congratulated Mr. Echemann on his appointment and expressed his appreciation to Council Members and the Administration for their hard work.
Tom Burns, Council at Large Member, shared with Council that he and Mr. Rodgers attended a Veteran’s tribute and dinner on November 11 at the Elk’s Club. Also, on November 13 Mr. Burns served as a judge at the Spelling Bee Competition between the St. Mary’s School in Martins Ferry and the St. Mary’s School in St. Clairsville. The winner was from the St. Clairsville School and the runner-up was from the Martins Ferry School. Both students will compete in the Belmont County Spelling Bee.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance To Approve The Replacement Of The Superstructure And Staircase Of The Bridge Over The SR-7 Carrying Pedestrian Traffic And All Necessary Approach Work On Both Sides Of The Bridge. The Project Will Be Constructed Under A Pedestrian Detour, While Maintaining Traffic Along SR-7. The Construction Duration Will Be Approximately 180 Days. The Entire Cost Of The Subject Project Will Be Borne By The Ohio Department Of Transportation.
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Burns seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to dispense with the 72 hour rule. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the 72 hour rule was suspended.
An Ordinance Increasing The Hourly Wage For Certain Part-Time Positions In The Police Department.
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew and voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Burns seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Armstrong voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to dispense with the 72 hour rule. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the 72 hour rule was suspended.
An Ordinance Combining The Positions Of Director Of Public Service And Director Of Public Safety, And Establishing The Annual Salaries Therefore, Effective November 1, 2023.
Motion was made by Rev. Agnew to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Burns voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Burns to pass the Ordinance as read. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong and Rodgers voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Mr. Burns made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to suspend the 72 hour rule. A roll call vote was heard with Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, and Rodgers voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the 72 hour rule was suspended.
An Ordinance Determining That A Real And Present Emergency Exists In The Water Department And Authorizing The Mayor And Service Director To Enter Into A Contract With Aqua Aerobic Systems For The Partial Rebuild Of Two Traveling Bridge Filters, 16” X 74” With 12” Cells And 22” Of Media.
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew and voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Burns seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker and Armstrong voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Mr. Burns made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to suspend the 72 hour rule. A roll call vote was heard with Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, and Rodgers voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the 72 hour rule was suspended.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance Of $5,000,000 Of Water System Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2023, To Pay Part Of The Costs Of Water Well Upgrades, Water Plant Upgrades, Pumping Station Upgrades, And Other Related Costs And Improvements, And Declaring An Emergency.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker and Armstrong voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew and voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to accept the most recent Cost Allocation Plan, dated September 2023, by Schonhardt & Associates. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried and the Cost Allocation Plan was approved.
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 distributed a quote from ForeFront Technology that would allow Council Meetings to be streamed with just a click from the city’s website. This Streaming System would also allow Council to do trainings and public service announcements. Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Burns seconded to proceed with the purchase of the hardware/software as attached in the ForeFront Technology Quote of $4,445.00. Payment would be made from the Permanent Improvement Fund. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew and voting yes. Mr. Echemann abstained. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to note that Council has received and reviewed the Payroll Summary and the Statement of Cash Position. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mayor Davies asked Council to consider selling the Quarry Street Property. He is still seeking a quote to rectify the unacceptable paving job of South Zane Highway.
Mrs. Armstrong notified Council she would not be able to attend any Council Meetings in December. She also asked for clarification on charges to organizations using the City Park. Mr. Sutak explained the Park District’s funding and why vendors are charged to set-up in the Park. Representatives from the Lion’s Club also clarified some recent misunderstandings that have been circulating on Social Media regarding their use of the City Park.
Mr. Burns made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to allow the Fire Department to close Zane Highway from Grant Avenue to Hickory Street and Hickory Street to 4th Street during and after the Christmas Parade. 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 Mr. Rodgers. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building.
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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
Date _______________________________