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 5:00   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 third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Rev. Agnew to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

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

This Ordinance was given a third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Smay to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  Mr. Harris voted no.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

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

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 third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Echemann to pass the Resolution as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed. 

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

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew.   After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:16 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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