Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of October 2, 2024
Posted on: October 18, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 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, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Ben Neiman, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Minutes: Minutes of the September 18, 2024 Council Meeting and the September 26, 2024 Special Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There were 2 items of Correspondence:
- The Walter Drane Company has notified the clerk that it is time to update the Codified Ordinances.
- A Thank-You note was received from the Davies family for the love, support and flowers received upon the death of the Mayor’s wife.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: The curbside Clean-Up Week is going well.
Ms. Kendall from the Kendall Behavior Solutions is asking to block the intersection at Walnut Street (not Zane Highway) to Seventh Street for a Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Pickle Ball Court project is moving along. The person in charge of the project called the Mayor regarding a building permit. He was told they did not need a permit because the property is owned by the city and there is no tax evaluation.
The Mayor requested a meeting with the Committee in control of building and grounds to discuss the bids received to do repairs to the city building. Mayor Davies is an experienced contractor and does not like the way the companies have worded their contracts and he explained his reasons. He would like to schedule a separate meeting with each company to firm up some details.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak gave Council an update on the Water Plant Improvements including the Skadis System, Air Compression Room, Well #5, Heating System, Filter Beds, Ozone Room and safety power lights on the Exit Signs.
Mr. Sutak would like to get a natural gas generator for the Sunset Heights Water Tank to ensure continuous pumping operation in case the power would go out. Estimates for a generator will be presented at the next meeting. Next week, city crews will begin replacing the water line on East Road where there has been several water breaks.
Auditor: Council was reminded that a motion is needed to note they have received and reviewed the September Cash Summary, Check Registry and Payroll Summary. Auditor Regis clarified that there was only a motion to proceed with formal bidding on the roof project. A specific figure was never discussed.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief Murphy gave the end of September Monthly Police Department Report. A brief discussion was held on the use and equipment needed for electric bikes in the city as well as disciplinary action that is taken if the safety rules are broken. Mayor Davies reported that if a person does not show up for Mayor’s Court, the case will be transferred to the Northern District Court. If the person doesn’t show up for Northern District Court, an arrest warrant can be issued. Chief Murphy explained the different reasons some cars are towed to the city’s impound lot versus being towed to the local towing company’s private lot.
Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chiefgave the 3rd quarter Fire Department Report. On October 10, the Fire Department will be going to the Martins Ferry Elementary School to do a Fire Prevention Week Presentation. Mr. Smith reminded everyone that Belmont County is still under a “Burn Ban”. Mr. Sutak asked that Mr. Smith stop by the Utility Office with information on the “Burn Ban” so it can be placed on the city’s website.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: The Committee met on September 23, 2024 to discuss the needed repairs to the city’s roof and parapet walls. It was decided to create an ordinance under an emergency measure to get the project fixed as soon as possible. Minutes of this meeting will be included with these minutes.
Street: Mr. Sutak is getting estimates on paving Spring Haven Drive. When the estimates are received, Mr. Rodgers will call a meeting.
Ordinance: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Real Estate: The Committee met on September 23, 2024 to discuss the sale of the property on 9th Street. The person interested in the property did not see the advertisement. However, this person is still interested in purchasing the property but believes the minimum bid is too high. Service Director Sutak will speak to Mr. Stecker about the city’s options regarding the sale. Mr. Hunker believes that we should get at least our advertising fees back from the sale. Minutes of this meeting will be included with these minutes.
Utility: No report.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Jack Regis, Jr., Fiscal Administrator at Belmont County Job and Family Services, spoke in support of the Children’s Services Renewal Levy that will be on the ballot in November. He also explained how it will effect property owner’s taxes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked about the status of East Ohio Regional Hospital. The Mayor said the former C.E.O., Mr. Bernie Albertini, retired. Phase One of the Austin Master’s clean-up is complete. Phase two is currently on hold until the bidding specs are completed. Once completed, some of the 3,000 tons of hazardous waste will be hauled to the current landfill and the rest will be shipped by train to Texas. Code Administration is conducted by Terri Leasure and Officer Tim Starkey. Mr. Hord reminded everyone that the Martins Ferry Public Library is hosting a “Meet the Candidates” night on Thursday, October 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Tom Thomas, President of the Martins Ferry Historical Society, spoke about the past and current financial situation of the society which operates the Sedgwick House Museum on Hanover Street. They now depend on donations to operate the museum and funds are being depleted. Mr. Thomas asked if the city could possible help the Society. President Davis said Council will discuss it and possibly refer it to the Finance Committee.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
There were no Ordinances or Resolutions to be read.
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:
Mr. Schramm made a motion to allow the Walnut Street intersection to Seventh Street to be blocked off on October 29, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for Trunk or Treat hosted by the Kendall Behavior Solutions. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Echemann made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to note that Council has received and approved the Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals, Payroll Summary and the Report of New Hires. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
The Mayor asked Council to consider supporting the Martins Ferry Historical Society with a donation this year and then refer this issue to the Finance Committee for a yearly donation. Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Neiman seconded to appropriate $2,500 from the General Fund to the Martins Ferry Historical Society for calendar year 2024. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
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. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Sutak will contact the companies that submitted bids for the roof / masonry project and set a date to meet separately with each company to discuss their proposals. Hopefully these meetings can take place on the same day – possibly October 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Sutak will confirm the date with the Service Committee.
The Mayor spoke in support of the Children’s Levy and shared his insights regarding the kids that attend the city’s after school program at the Recreation Center.
In August, 2024, Mr. Hunker filed a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission regarding the rough railroad crossing on SR 7. He shared the response he received today from the PUC stating they have contacted the Railroad. The Railroad is currently trying to have a paving company grind the approaches and is working with ODOT to replace the tracks and surface of the crossing next year.
President Davis announced that she will be making some minor adjustments to the committee assignments. If any Council member has a specific request regarding a certain committee, please let her know by the next meeting.
Mr. Schramm was contacted by a resident of 403 Vine Street who reported that a van is parked part-way in the alley behind her house. Feral cats hang around this van. The Belmont County Animal Shelter has agreed to trap these animals and spay or neuter them. Mr. Schramm will give Chief Murphy the license plate of the van so hopefully it can be towed to the impound lot. The person who owns the van is in jail. President Davis has also received complaints regarding feral cats. Current ordinances do not specifically address feral cats. This issue was referred to the Ordinance Committee to discuss at their next meeting.
Mr. Sutak reported crews placed blocks around a water line on the dead end road, just off of Broadway Street, behind Kroger. Kroger then paved the road and seeded the grass which made the area look nicer.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Neiman. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
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