Martins Ferry Special Council Meeting Minutes January 29, 2026

Posted on: February 5, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Session on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:30   p.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Phil Wallace 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; Andrew Smay, Third Ward Council Member; Gus Harris, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Absent:  Ryan Robey, Fourth Ward Council Member.

This Special Meeting was called to consider legislation only. 

Ordinances and Resolutions: 

An Ordinance Separating The Positions Of Director Of Public Service And Director Of Public Safety And Establishing The Annual Salaries Therefore, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

An Ordinance Increasing The Salary Of The Director Of Public Service, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

An Ordinance To Confirm The Increase To The Salaries Of The Elected Officials And The Clerk Of Council Of The City Of Martins Ferry And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

A Resolution Noting And Confirming The Annual Salaries Of The Elected And Appointed Officials Of The City Of Martins Ferry. 

This Resolution was given a second reading.  This Resolution will go to a third reading.

            Mr. Sutak explained the County Auditor did certify the total current tax valuation of the city and the dollar amount of revenue ($355,000) that would be generated by a five (5.0) Mill Renewal Levy.  This was the Resolution that was passed at the last Council Meeting.  A breakdown was distributed of the computation of the property values and how the millage would be effective to collect the $355,000.  If no Council Member has a question on this revenue amount, Mr. Sutak said the next step would be to consider passing the Resolution with the ballot language to renew a 5.0 Mill Police Protection Levy for 5 years. 

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

An Ordinance Selling The Unused Lifepak 15 V1 Monitor, Charging Station And 2 Batteries To The Beech Bottom Volunteer Fire Department.

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

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

A Resolution Declaring It Necessary To Levy A Tax In Excess Of The 10 Mill Limitation And To Renew A 5.0 Mill Police Protection Levy For Five Years And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Resolution will go to a second reading. 

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Smay.   After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 4:44 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

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