Martins Ferry City Council Special Meeting Minutes of Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Posted on: June 23, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.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 followed by a prayer by the Acting Clerk.   Auditor Jack Regis assumed the Clerk’s duties at this meeting since Ms. McFarlan was unable to attend.  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 Schramm, Council at Large Member.  Absent: Ben Neiman and James Agnew, Council at Large Members.  Note:  There were 5 Council Members present which constitutes a quorum and a majority of the votes.    

This Special Meeting was called for consideration of the AFSCME contract and any miscellaneous business that needs addressed. 

Before the meeting, Council Members were emailed or given copies of the proposed contract.  Auditor Regis advised that the respective accounts could handle the increases in the contract. 

Mr. Rodgers made a motion that Council approve the AFSCME contract.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion was declared passed.

A Real Estate Committee Meeting was scheduled for Friday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m.

A Finance Committee Meeting was scheduled for Friday, May 30 immediately following the Real Estate Committee Meeting to discuss a potential raise for Police Chief Murphy. 

Chief Murphy announced he received an email that the Department was awarded $20,600 for the purchase of block cameras for License Plate Readers.  This is a 100% funded grant and will supply the city with 4 cameras to install in different sections of the city. 

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 11:08 a.m. with a salute to the flag.

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

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