Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2025

Posted on: September 5, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Tuesday, August 12, 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.  Mayor Davies then proceeded to give the oath of office to Melissa Yeso who was appointed by the Republican Committee of Belmont County to replace Ben Neiman.   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; Melissa Yeso, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.          

This Special Meeting was called for the consideration of funding of various city projects and also any miscellaneous business.

            Minutes:  Minutes of the July 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and the July 17, 2025 Special Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  The roof at the Water Plant needs replaced with an estimated cost of $283,790.  This will be a 2-phase project because there are two different roofs.  Funding would come from the Capital Projects line item. Mayor Davies asked for Council’s approval so this job can get on the Contractor’s schedule and hopefully get completed by Winter.  Mr. Stecker will prepare an Ordinance for this project.  A Special Meeting will be scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 to hear the reading of this Ordinance. 

The Mayor asked Council to make a decision on the road slip repairs on North Ridge Drive and Overlook Drive.  The cost of the project is $1,000,000 and the city’s share will be 25% or approximately $250,000.  Mr. Sutak was praised for securing a Flood Relief Grant for 75% of this cost.  This is a safety hazard for property owners and emergency vehicles that travel these roads. 

The city has 416 tons of road salt for the upcoming winter season.

A controlled water shut-off is scheduled for Sunday night beginning at 7:00 p.m. so 3 valves and a piece of pipe can be replaced.  Crews hope that water can be restored by morning.  After water is restored, there will be a 48 hour boil order.

Mayor Davies would like to use the rest of the American Rescue Money to replace more water valves and upgrade several sewers.  Council will have to approve these expenditures. 

Council Members were given a copy of the School Resource Officers Contract.  Changes included using only 1 vehicle and dropping the administrative fee from 10% to 5%.  The Mayor asked Council to make a decision on this contract or offer suggestions for changes. 

Sewer and water lines need replaced on Jefferson Street and then the road needs asphalted from Zane Highway to Broadway Street.  This is a very heavily traveled truck route.  Funding is being sought through the Ohio Public Works.  This is close to a million dollar project.  If Council chooses to do this project, Mr. Sutak said the application has to be submitted by September 1, 2025. 

Service/Safety Director:  Mr. Sutak distributed informational items regarding repairs to the City Building Roof, North Ridge/Overlook Drive road slip repairs, Jefferson Street sewer and water line repairs, and a guide on how to list city property on the National Registry.  If the city building and/or the fountain in the City Park could be listed on the National Registry as a historical site, maybe funding could be available for repairs. 

            Auditor: The Statement of Cash Position with Month-To-Date Totals was distributed.  Mr. Regis, Mr. Sutak and Mayor Davies discussed the Sanitation Fund and will meet soon to discuss the funding of this department. 

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of July, 2025 report as well as the Impound Lot Report.  Installation of the Flock LPR’s has been scheduled.  Officer Jon Young was recently certified to conduct training for Firearms Qualifications.  One Officer attended advance training for Vehicle Close Quarters Combat.  A copy of this report will be filed with these minutes. 

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, thanked Council and the citizens for their support of the Betty Zane Days Celebration.  It was another successful event for the Department. 

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

            Finance and Audit:   The Committee met on July 28.  Discussion centered on the road repairs and estimated costs of the projects the Mayor mentioned in his report.  The Finance Committee is concerned because most of these roads involve major repairs.  The Service/Safety Director is looking into Grant Funding for these projects.  There are also new issues with State Route 647.  The City’s Insurance Company has been notified of the theft of wire and a generator at the well fields.  The Committee will need to consider replacing the Service/Safety Director who has indicated he will be leaving at the end of the year, although the exact date has not yet been received.  The State Audit has been completed and a Post Audit Conference is not necessary this year. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes. 

Street: No report.

Ordinance:  No report.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  Mr. Echemann didn’t have a report but Mr. Stecker reported he received an email from Mr. Probst’s Attorney regarding repairing the retaining wall.  Mr. Stecker will reach out to this Attorney and explain the claim was referred to the city’s insurance company.  The claim was denied so the city cannot fix the wall.   

            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: The Committee met on August 5, 2025 with representatives of the RITA Agency and received an updated version of the RITA Collections Programs and Tax Administration Services.  Year-to-Date information indicated positive income sources for the previous years.  It was decided to continue the 2 year “non-filing” program to guarantee there will be an effort to include any outstanding contributions.  No specific information could be obtained about the local Heating and Cooling Company due to state legalities but RITA representatives assured the Committee that there has been an increase in revenue from them. 

Citizens To Be Heard:  President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.  

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked for an update regarding East Ohio Regional Hospital.  Mayor Davies said the owners are working to secure a CMS License.  Mr. Hord complimented everyone involved in the Betty Zane Days Celebration.  The Mayor said that Belmont County’s allocation of funding is in effect for 5 years unless the Commissioners choose to make changes.  Regarding a few empty properties in the city, Mayor Davies said 1) the Complete Dental Care Building was purchased by a Wheeling business that’s moving to the city, 2) the former Office of Attorney Keith Sommers may possibly become a medical supply store and 3) another car dealership may locate to the former Staffilino Lot.  Mr. Hord reminded everyone of the Town Hall Meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

Ordinances and Resolutions:

This Ordinance was given a second reading. 
           An Ordinance Accepting The Final Plat And Confirming The Dedication To The Use Of The Public, Martins Ferry School Streets And Declaring That This Ordinance Shall Take Immediate Effect. 
            This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

            This Resolution was given a first reading. 
           A Resolution Authorizing Mayor John Davies To Prepare And Submit An Application To Participate In The Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement And/Or Local Transportation Improvement Program(s) And To Execute Contracts As Required. 

  Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to suspend the rules for three readings.  Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.   The motion carried.   Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to pass the Ordinance as read.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution 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. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to allow the Mayor and Service Director to proceed with the repairs to the roof at the Water Plant for $283,790 from the Capital Projects Fund.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso and Agnew voting yes.  The motion was declared passed.  Mr. Stecker will prepare an Ordinance for this expenditure.  Council will consider this legislation at the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, August 20, at 4:30 p.m. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion to appropriate $250,000 from the General Fund for the repairs to North Ridge Drive and Overlook Drive.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. (Note:  Mr. Rodgers was not in the room during this vote). The motion was declared passed. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to appropriate up to $100,000 for repayment and repair for the local share of Beretta Drive.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  Motion carried.

Mr. Echemann made a motion to note that Council has received and reviewed the Financial Statements.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion 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 Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

             Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers and seconded by Miss Yeso to approve the School Resource Officers Contract.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  Rev. Agnew abstained.  The motion carried.  

             Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m.with a salute to the flag.

            Council will meet in an abbreviated Regular Session on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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

___________________________________
Date