Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2025
Posted on: March 20, 2025
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 19 at 4:30 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; and James Agnew; Council at Large Member. Absent: Ben Neiman and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Minutes: Minutes of the February 5, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies reported on the main line water breaks that have plagued the city in the last couple of weeks. These water issues should be rectified now. The city will perform valve exercising. Some critical valves will be replaced so water can be isolated and shut off to certain areas of the city, without shutting down the entire Water Plant.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak said the city needs to be careful with the road salt. The salt supply may become scarce and more costly if the snowy weather continues.
Mr. Sutak mentioned that fixing the main line water break on 1st Street was difficult due to the amount of cement on the roadway needed to accommodate the heavy traffic.
The Water Plant improvements are progressing. The Ozone Room and Filter Beds should be completed by the end of the year. A couple of Pumping Stations need roof repairs.
Mr. Regis praised the Street Department for the great job they are doing to clear the snow and salt the roads this winter.
Auditor: Mr. Regis distributed the Statement of Cash Position with Month-to-Date Totals for Council to review. He will meet with the Finance Committee soon for an Income Tax Review.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: The Chief will be researching new Grant Funding through the Office of Criminal Justice Services aimed at supporting local crime reduction. This grant would help purchase equipment and fund additional personnel.
Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, reported that the Vigilant #2 Fire Engine will be out of service while it is in Columbus for servicing.
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.
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, asked for comments on the financial concerns of the Martins Ferry School District. President Davis said Council will wait until after the Public Meeting with the School Board to comment on the issue. Regarding repairs to the City Building, the Structural Engineer that was hired has become ill and can’t complete the job. Another Engineer is being hired. The building must be deemed structurally sound before a new roof is put on. The City hasn’t hired an Assistant Service Director as the Service Director and Mayor are still running the day-to-day operations of the city. Sunday skating and the after school program is still happening at the Recreation Center. ODNR is continuing clean-up at the former Austin Masters Plant. Testing will be done to make sure the area is completely clean and free of harmful residue.
Steve Hancock, 1045 Colerain Pike, is alleging that a Heating and Cooling Company in the city is not collecting RITA City Income Tax from many of its employees. This company was not a registered business in the State of Ohio until 13 days ago, even though they have been operating in Martins Ferry for over 10 years. He asks that the City look into this matter. Mr. Regis will call the City’s RITA Representative to inquire about this business and if necessary, call an Income Tax Committee Meeting to discuss the matter further.
Ben Bintz, President of the Martins Ferry Aquatic Club, Board Member for the Park District, Colerain/Mt. Pleasant Road, thanked the Administration and Council for their support of programming at the swimming pool and the Recreation Center. Mr. Sutak asked Mr. Bintz for help in securing life guards this summer for the pool.
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:
Mayor Davies asked Council if they would appropriate funds for the celebration in the Park this year. Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to appropriate $7,500 from the General Fund for the 2025 4th of July Celebration in the Park to be held on Saturday, July 5. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. The motion carried.
The Mayor led a discussion concerning demolishing a few houses in the city. There is currently $9,500 in the Demolition Fund. Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to appropriate $40,000 from the General Fund for demolition of several houses in the city. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, and Rodgers voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to approve the Statement of Cash Position. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to excuse Mr. Neiman and Mr. Schramm from tonight’s meeting. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Echemann made a motion to note 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.
Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:14 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, March 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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