Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2025
Posted on: July 18, 2025
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center. 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 Clerk. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member, Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; James Agnew and James Schramm, Council at Large Members. Absent: Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member, and Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member.
Minutes: Minutes of the May 21, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and the May 27, 2025 Special Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: A letter from Council-at-Large Member Ben Neiman was read announcing his resignation from Council. President Davis will notify the Belmont County Republican Central Committee of Mr. Neiman’s resignation. The Committee will have 45 days to advertise and select someone for this position.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies stated he was sorry Mr. Neiman had to resign because he has been an asset to the city, both on the workforce and City Council.
The Mayor discussed the contract presented by Quick-Sol to inspect, in depth, the structure of the City Building and make recommendations. The cost for the inspection would be $24,000. The Mayor expressed concern on spending $24,000 and then not being able to have the funding to do the work recommended. It may become a safety issue if bricks start to erode and begin falling from the building. A decision will be needed by Wednesday, June 25.
The Mayor asked for an Executive Session to discuss possible litigation and personnel. He also wants to discuss a contract between the city and Tri-County Water Authority.
The Mayor and Mr. Sutak attended an Omega Meeting and afterwards met with their team to discuss sewer lines and upgrades to the infrastructure on First Street. After the city gets a price on this project, a proposal will be sent to Omega in hopes that they can help with funding.
City workers are trying to keep up with grass cutting and tree removal. The Mayor spoke about the “Progressive Fining” Ordinance that will be read later in the meeting. He said he can understand citizens having trouble lately keeping grass cut due to the recent amount of heavy rainfall but not the multiple repeat offenders. He urged Council to pass the Ordinance.
Regarding the local government money, the Mayor met with the Belmont County Commissioners and submitted a “no” vote to the proposal. He explained the city doesn’t agree with the division of money because our city’s low to moderate income level is a lot higher and our property values are lower than other cities and villages in the County. If the city loses local government money, we will start losing services.
Service Director: During the meeting with Omega, Mr. Sutak said many aspects of funding were explored. He projects the waterline expansion (under Rt. 7 to 5th Street) can be funded for $933,000 through the EPA and Appalachian Funding. It is hoped that an extension can be secured for this funding until it is known if the hospital will be sold.
Mr. Sutak hopes that crews can get caught up with grass cutting and tree debri removal next week.
Auditor: The loan to the Sanitation Department may become a transfer because Mr. Regis doesn’t think the Department will recover enough to pay the General Fund back. This issue will be referred to the Finance Committee.
In response to statements made on Facebook about the EMS Squad funds, Mr. Regis explained how the money is acquired and distributed. The Mayor believes these posts were made by a disgruntled EMS employee and explained the situation.
Council was reminded that a motion is needed to accept the Finance Statements, Payroll Summary and New Hire Report.
The Budget needs to be turned in to the County Auditor by July 18th. A budget hearing will be scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building. The regular meeting of Council will then be held immediately after the hearing at 4:30 p.m. Council will get copies of the budget sometime next week to review. Mr. Regis will put the notice in the paper 10 day before the meeting.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief Murphy gave the end of May, 2025 report including the Impound Lot activity. Procurement and implementation of the Flock Safety Systems have begun. The Civil Service Exam for the position of police officer will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. A copy of this report will be filed with these minutes.
Fire Department: Joseph Jozwiak reported that Betty Zane Days will be held July 30 through August 2 at the City Park. The Department is asking for permission to close South Zane Highway from Hickory Street to Grant Avenue on Wednesday, July 30 & Thursday, July 31 beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 1 and Saturday August 2, from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Also, they are asking to hold the Annual Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, August 2 beginning at Center Street, down Zane Highway to Hickory Street and up to 4th Street where the Water Battle will begin. They ask that South 4th Street from Hickory Street to Locust Street be closed during the duration of the Water Battle.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: The Committee met on May 30, 2025 and reviewed the Sanitation Fund issues and discussed Chief Murphy’s request for a salary increase. No decisions were made. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes. Later in the meeting, Mr. Hunker scheduled a Finance Committee Meeting for Friday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the City Building.
Street: No report.
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/Building and Grounds: No report.
Utility: 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, commended the City and Project Forward for a very successful Strawberry Festival on June 7. The Mayor said there has been some positive news about East Ohio Regional Hospital being purchased but nothing definite yet. Regarding the Austin Masters Building, all solid wastes and liquids have been removed and the building is being power washed and cleaned. After cleaning is complete, testing will be done. If the section passes, crews will move on to clean another section. There were no updates on the former Dollar General Building, owned by Dr. Johnson. Mr. Hord asked if Council would be receptive to a Town Hall Meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners. The Mayor said it would be best to schedule the meeting in late September.
Tom Probst, 722 Elm Street, asked Council to re-visit the retaining wall issue on Vine Street based on the facts and information provided to Mr. Stecker. Mr. Probst reached out to Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member who said Council came to the conclusion that the wall was not the city’s responsibility. Mr. Stecker will forward the information he received from Mr. Probst’s attorney to Council members in order to resolve this situation.
Greg Roby, 1053 Broadway Street, asked how long the basketball courts will be locked up due to vandalism. Basket rims need replaced and one of the poles is split. There has been problems with trash, graffiti and foul mouth youth in the Park. The Mayor said there is now a person at the Recreation Center, Monday through Friday, who has been letting kids use the Basketball Court in the gym. Mr. Stupak agreed to meet with a group of kids, organized by Mr. Roby, to discuss some of the vandalism issues in hopes of re-opening the Basketball Court. Mr. Roby mentioned enforcing a curfew for minors.
Don Cline, 1010 Dutch Hill Road, asked why making the City Building handicap accessible isn’t included in repairs to the Building. Mr. Cline would like to see that everyone who wants to attend a Council Meeting is able to do so. Mt. Sutak said there is a meeting with the engineers and he will ask them about cost and funding to make the building handicap accessible.
France Green, 519 South Zane Highway, reported the sewer plate covering in front of her house was pushed over by a truck and some of the brick have fallen into the sewer. The Service Director and Mayor said they would have someone look at it. She also commented on the Basketball Court and the litter, graffiti, and foul language at the City Park.
Frank Papini, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Retiree Organization of Martins Ferry, Ohio and a resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, announced there will be 2 free swims sponsored by the Elks of Martins Ferry on Sunday, June 22 and July 19. The Elks received a $1,000 grant from the Belmont County Tourism for this sponsorship. The $500 fee is the price for any organization wanting to sponsor a free swim. Mr. Papini was told Leslie at the city building coordinates the pool schedule for the Park Commission.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Amending Property Violation Fines Set By City Ordinance.
This Ordinance was given a third reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to pass the ordinance as read. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes. 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:
The Celebration in the Park will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 beginning at noon in the City Park. There will be musical entertainment, food trucks, a free swim, and possibly a Corn Hole Tournament. Fireworks will be at dusk.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to approve the Payroll Summary, New Hire Report, and Statement of Cash Position. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to allow the Fire Department, during Betty Zane Days, to close South Zane Highway from Hickory Street to Grant Avenue on Wednesday, July 30 & Thursday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 1 and Saturday August 2, from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Also, they are asking to hold the Annual Fireman’s Parade on Saturday, August 2 beginning at Center Street, down Zane Highway to Hickory Street and up to 4th Street where the Water Battle will begin. They ask that South 4th Street from Hickory Street to Locust Street be closed during the duration of the Water Battle. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Agnew voting yes. Motion was declared passed.
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 Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to excuse Mr. Neiman and Mr. Echemann from tonight’s meeting. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried
Mr. Hunker made a motion to designate the Council Clerk as Council’s representative for the Sunshine Law Training. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers and seconded by Mrs. Armstrong to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22, G1 (employee compensation) and G3 (pending legislation). A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker and Armstrong voting yes. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mrs. Armstrong to go out of Executive Session. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Agnew voting yes. Motion was declared passed.
Council asked Mayor Davies to refrain from signing the Quick-Sol Contract.
Mr. Hunker scheduled a Finance Committee Meeting for Friday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the City Building to discuss the Sanitation Budget.
President Davis will be out of town from Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 29.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to table Police Chief Murphy’s request for a wage adjustment until more information is received. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Motion carried.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to allow the Mayor to negotiate an addendum and enter into a 1 year contract with Tri-County Water Authority to reduce the minimum from 6.3 mil. to 5.5 mil. for one year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Motion carried.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, July 16 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building.
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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
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