Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2025

Posted on: February 21, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m., in 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; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Ben Neiman, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Excused: Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member.   

            Minutes:  Minutes of the January 15, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

            President Davis announced there was a water break on Cemetery Road and the Water Plant has been shut down.  Mayor Davies and Mr. Sutak are on site of the break and will not be attending this meeting.  Once water is restored, a 48-hour boil order will be in place. 

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  No report.

Service Director:  No report.

Law Director:  No report.   

Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of January, 2025 report including the Impound Lot report.  K9 Linus has found a new home with the Baltimore Police Department.  Mr. Neiman inquired about the noise ordinance and reported a vehicle has been playing loud music throughout the town.  The Chief encouraged residents to alert the Department as soon as possible so that these types of incidents can be address in a timely manner.

Auditor: Auditor Regis distributed the current Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals, New Hire Report, and Payroll Summary.  The Sanitation Department is still running at a deficit and ideas have been discussed with the Mayor and Service Director to improve the fund.  A list of the yearly salaries for 2025 are attached to these minutes. 

Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, report there were 38 fire calls including 4 active structure fires during January.  He thanked Mutual Aid and the Police Department for their help during the call on Grant Street where they had to deal with below zero temperatures and frozen fire hydrant issues.   A round of applause was given as appreciation for the work of the city’s police and fire departments.

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:  The Committee met on Monday, February 3 regarding unmetered water loss.  The Mayor asked that an ordinance be created to charge for the loss of unmetered water through leaks in the service line between the curb stop and the meter if not corrected within a reasonable time by the water user or property owner.  The Ordinance was prepared by Law Director Stecker and sent to all Council Members on February 3. 

Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Safety: No report.

Service:  No report.

Real Estate/Building and Grounds:  No report.

Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Utility:  No report.

Code Administration:  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, expressed appreciation to the water department on their efforts to fix the recent water breaks in the city.  He also list businesses in the city that have closed and wonder if anything could be done to prevent these closures.  President Davis said there are many reasons why the businesses have closed.  She reported that the Mayor has been working on some ideas to bring business to the city.  There is a new auto parts store opening soon on First Street.  Regarding an update on the Austin Masters situation, President Davis stated that ODNR is continuing the clean-up by moving the debri out by rail.  Hopefully the clean-up will be done by the end of May. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading the Ordinance.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was given a first reading.

            An Ordinance Levying A Fee For Unmetered Water Loss.

Mr. Schramm made a motion to suspend the rules for reading the Ordinance.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Rodgers, Neiman, and Agnew voting yes.  Motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.   The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.

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. Echemann thanked Council for changing the time of the Council Meeting to accommodate his class schedule.

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to note that Council has received and reviewed the Statement of Cash, the New Hire Report, Payroll Summary and Check Register.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. 

Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to excused Mrs. Armstrong from tonight’s meeting.  After an affirmative voice vote, 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. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Mr. Schramm announced he will not be able to attend the February 19th Council Meeting.

Mr. Neiman announced that he changed his mind and will be running for a Council-at-Large Position in the fall.

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 4:59 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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