Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of November 6, 2024

Posted on: November 21, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, November 6, 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 October 16, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  The Clerk has received notice from the Walter Drane Company that they will soon be shipping 14 sets of the 2024 Replacement Pages to the Martins Ferry Codified Ordinances, along with an invoice. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies asked for Council’s permission to allow Belmont County Commissioner Elect Vince Gianangeli to speak. Mr. Gianangeli began by listing his credentials and offered his assistance to the city in the future. 

Mayor Davies distributed the paving quote of $24,499 from Cast & Baker Corp. for Spring Haven Drive.  He asked Council for their thoughts on paving this Street which is a dead end street.  Payment will need to be made from the General Fund because County Permissive Tax Money cannot be used to pave dead end streets.

The city has received 2 bids for a temporary solution to the City Building’s leaky roof.  This fix will seal the roof through the winter.  The Mayor would like a decision from Council before winter arrives. 

Complaints have been made regarding tickets issued for Street Sweeper violations.  Notices of the Street Sweeper schedule were announced at Council Meetings, published in The Times Leader, posted on social media and the city’s website. 

A couple of the Police Cruisers have high mileage and will need to be replaced soon.  Each police vehicle, completely equipped, costs about $61,000.  Money received from the Impound Lot was supposed to be put into a new cruiser fund but it was not.  The Mayor recommended putting money collected from the Impound Lot and the money currently being paid out for leases on cruisers into a New Cruiser Fund.  This will hopefully allow the city to purchase new cruisers in a timely manner.  Another Police Department has expressed interest in purchasing the second K9 officer and the vehicle suited for the K9.  It is estimated that $38,500 could be gained by the sale of the K9 and vehicle which could be placed in the New Cruiser Fund.  This would bring the fund close to having enough money for a new cruiser. 

Mayor Davies asked Council to have an Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Contract.

Mr. Echemann inquired about a concrete slab on Spring Haven Drive.  The Mayor said the entire Street will be resurfaced and the city will install a catch basin on the top of Grandview Hill to alleviate the water problems at the bottom of Spring Haven Drive.  Mr. Schramm asked Mr. Sutak to consider installing a stop sign at the bottom of Spring Haven and Vine Street.  This issue will be addressed at the next Safety Committee Meeting. 

Safety/Service Director:  Mr. Sutak reiterated that the cost of paving Spring Haven Drive will have to be budgeted from the General Fund.  He suggested either setting up a line item in the General Fund for paving Spring Haven Drive or create a transfer line to Street Paving to cover the cost.  If Council approves the project tonight, Mr. Sutak will check to see if the company can fit the project into their schedule this year.   

Council was given an update on the Water Plant Improvements.  When everything is completed, Council will be invited to walk through the plant to view improvements. 

Funding has been approved through the EPA on placing fencing around the water wells.  Currently there is a gate installed so no one can drive through the well field area. 

            Auditor:  Auditor Regis distributed a Total Cost Analysis from Forefront Technology regarding upgrades to the city’s phone system and internet.  If approved, it is estimated the city will save approximately $391.75 per month.  Council was given a copy of the Payroll Summary, the Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals and a New Hire Report.  During October 2 – November 6, there were no new hires. 

            Mr. Regis told the Mayor that the city hasn’t heard from the EPA regarding funding for the City Building’s roof project. 

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of October, 2024 Police Report and the Impound Lot Report.  A copy of this report will be filed with these minutes. The Chief said he will need Council’s permission to proceed with the sale of the K9 Officer and vehicle.  Council was encouraged to accept the 2024 Cops Hiring Grant which would enable the department to hire additional officers.  The deadline to accept the award is 45 days from the notification date of Oct. 1.  During a traffic stop, a motorist crashed into one of the Department’s cruisers, leaving this vehicle out of service.  It is hoped that a New Cruiser Fund could be set up so vehicles can be replaced on a rotating basis. 

            Mr. Schramm scheduled a Safety Committee Meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the sale of the 2022 Charger equipped for the K9 Officer. 

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chiefthanked the city workers for their assistance two week ago in getting a fire truck hooked up so water could get to a structure fire.  He also thanked the citizens for voting in favor of the EMS Levy. 

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

Finance and Audit:   No report.

Street: The Committee recommends Council approve the bid of $24,499 for the paving of Spring Haven Drive as quickly as possible. 

Ordinance:  The committee recommends making no changes to the Assistant Auditor’s Ordinance.  Rev. Agnew stated the reasons the committee came to this decision.   An Ordinance Meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: The Safety Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers.

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

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.  

Becky Dutcher, spoke on behalf of her elderly mother, Emma Davis, who lives at 54281 East Road in Dix Addition.  Mrs. Davis’s home is located where several water lines are being replaced.  Her driveway was paved last year so it would be safe for her to walk down to get her mail and put her trash out for collection.  However, after the water breaks were fix, it is no longer stable for Mrs. Davis to walk the driveway.  She has already fallen in this area.  Ms. Dutcher is asking the city to make the area stable so her mother is able to safely retrieve her mail and paper and place the garbage cans out for collection.  The Mayor said they would look into the problem. 

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, congratulated the city for a very safe and wonderful Trick or Treat Event.  When asked about the passage of the EMS Levy, the Mayor said the EMS Department does an excellent job keeping the citizens safe and answering calls.  The passage of the Levy shows the citizens appreciate the service.  Mr. Hord asked if recognition could be given to Jim and Becky Brown, owners of the Christian Village Store.   The Christian Village Store has been a presence in the city for 47 years and has recently closed.  Mr. Hord notified Council that Betty Preslin, former Clerk of Council for many years, passed away.

Frank Papini, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Retiree Organization of Martins Ferry, Ohio and a resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, announced that the Martins Ferry Elks is having a free turkey dinner on Saturday, November 9, 2024 for all veterans in the area.  The cost for other attendees is $5.

Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, updated Council on the Austin Masters situation and the 4-K Facility.  Clean-up of the Austin Masters facility will be completed by May, 2025.  She would like to know who is going to fund the $6 million clean-up costs.  She expressed concerns with the clean-up.  The EPA is interested in a Virtual Meeting with the Concerned Citizens of the Ohio River.  When the date is set, she will invite the city officials to join the meeting. 

Mike Bianconi, Pease Township Trustee, thanked the Chief Murphy and his officers for their diligence with the motorist that struck the Police Cruiser.  He also commended Beverly Reed and her team for their work in protecting the water and environment in the Ohio Valley.  Mr. Bianconi expressed appreciation to the city for keeping the grass and bushes cut back on Route 7 this summer.  (Mr. Larry Riser was recognized for his work in maintaining the Route 7 area this summer.  He will be notified of Mr. Bianconi’s comments). 

Jack Regis, Martins Ferry Auditor, expressed appreciation for the EMS Services and shared his experience with the department when they were called to the home of his sister-in-law who had a medical emergency. 

            Mr. Hunker made a motion for Council to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code 121-22, G.1 & G.4 regarding negotiations and employee compensation.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes.  The motion carried. 

            Mr. Schramm made a motion to go out of Executive Session.  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 and Council returned to regular session.

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            An Ordinance regarding the sale of the retired Fire Chief’s vehicle was tabled due to a question about the fair market value of the vehicle.  Mr. Schramm will check on the fair market value of the vehicle and get both the retail value and the trade-in value. 

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. Rodgers made a motion to appropriate up to $24,500 from the General Fund for the paving of Spring Haven Drive.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried.

Mr. Echemann motioned and Rev. Agnew seconded to note that Council has received and reviewed the Financial Reports which includes the Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals, Payroll Summary and the New Hire Report.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. 

Council will decide the schedule of the December Meetings at the November 20 meeting. 

Mr. Rodger made a motion and Mr. Neiman seconded to accept the 2024 Cops Hiring Grant.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried.

Mr. Schramm made a motion to reflect Council has received reports from the Officers and Management at this meeting and the October 16, 2024 meeting, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

             Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to appropriate $5,965 from the General Fund to accept the bid from Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal for the temporary repair of the City Building’s roof.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.  The motion carried. 

            Rev. Agnew scheduled an Ordinance Meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 9:00 a.m.

Mr. Rodgers made a motion to establish a Police Cruiser Fund.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Neiman.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried.  Mr. Stecker will be asked to create an Ordinance to establish this fund. 

             Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann.  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 held on Wednesday, November 20, 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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