Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2026
Posted on: February 19, 2026
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 4, 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; Ryan Robey, Fourth Ward Council Member; Gus Harris, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Minutes: Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Harris seconded to accept the Minutes of the January 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting, and Special Council Meetings of January 23, January 29 and January 30. After an affirmative voice vote, the minutes were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Because of the storm last week and more snow expected this week, Mayor Davies reported the city will be receiving a load of salt tomorrow morning. It is estimated that 300 tons of salt have been used already this year.
The Mayor asked for an Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss a contract.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak gave updates on the Water Plant. Finishing touches are being made to the first filter bed including the bridge which backwashes the filter bed. Work will then start on the second filter bed and when completed, installation of the Ozone Equipment will begin. Director Sutak hopes by the end of May or June that all the plant updates will be completed. He explained some of the difficulties being faced by equipment removal. The life expectancy of the new equipment is not known.
The public was reminded that road salt doesn’t work very well at temperatures under 15 degrees and to please be patient with city employees as they clear snow from the roadways.
Mr. Sutak reported that copies of the certificate, stating that the Resolution regarding Renewal of the Police Levy was delivered to the Election Board, have been given to the Council President, Mayor, and Chief West.
Auditor: Mr. Regis explained the details of the Sanitation line item in the Financial Statement. He also notified Council, beginning tomorrow, he will be out of the office for about a week due to a medical procedure.
Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Robey to note that Council has received and reviewed the Statement of Cash Position, the New Hire/Termination/Retirement Report, and the Payroll Report and to make these reports part of the minutes. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Safety Director: Eight properties were submitted to the Land Bank to be considered for demolition. Letters have been sent to several landlords/homeowners regarding excessive trash surrounding their property. As a safety precaution for the Fire Department and EMS, Miss Yeso said alleyways are being inspected to determine if parked vehicles extend into public property creating space too narrow for passage by a firetruck or ambulance.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief West thanked Mr. Sutak for certifying the Police Levy and getting it put on the ballot for May. He reminded citizens that this levy will not increase taxes.
East Ohio Regional Hospital has experienced several break-ins. Damage has been done to the water lines and several items have been stolen. Chief West asked if anyone sees anything suspicious or someone hanging around the building, to please call the Police Department.
Two hour free parking in the downtown area is now in effect. Business owners are being asked to report vehicles that stay beyond the 2 hour limit. A couple of businesses have asked about buying two parking spots in front of their business. The cost of these spaces is being considered.
Chief West said there are no Ordinances against citizens putting snow into the street but hopefully people are considerate and keep the streets clear for parking. An Ordinance for the handling of snow may be considered in the future.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Justin Smith reported the Department has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Williams Energy (a gas and oil company), for the purchase of gas hand-held monitors and a calibration station. The EMS Department will receive one of these monitors.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: A meeting was held on Monday, February 2 to discuss the Chief of Police’s request for a salary increase. The Committee decided not to make a decision until the 2026 Budget is ready for review in March.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: Mr. Schramm reported the committee attended the February 2nd Meeting of the Finance Committee. After reviewing the 2026 Budget in March, a recommendation will be brought to Council regarding a salary increase for Chief West.
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 Wallace asked if any citizen would like to speak on any relative matter that needs to be brought to Council’s attention. He reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Beverly Reed, an Ohio Valley Resident, spoke on behalf of the Buckeye Environmental Network, the Concerned Ohio River Residents and her friends and family who receive Martins Ferry’s drinking water. She gave a history of the Austin’s Masters Operations and stated questions and concerns she would like to see addressed by the city. A packet of material regarding the clean-up of the Austin Master’s site was given to each Council Member.
Rob Reed, 701 North Lincoln Street, Bridgeport, Ohio, told Council that the EPA does not monitor radiological contamination. The State of Ohio Health Department monitors this type of contamination. He spoke of the overflow of river water in 2024 that threatened to enter the Austin Masters Building, which at the time was still filled with toxic waste. The State of Ohio paid 6.2 mil. dollars to get the Austin Masters Building cleaned. State Laws are now in place prohibiting a Gas and Oil Facility to do business within 1,000 feet of a water well field. Mayor Davies explained the Ordinance passed by Council regarding the Water Protection Act in the city’s Zone 1.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, thanked city workers for the great job they did with snow removal during the recent snow storm. Chief West and Mr. Sutak elaborated on the new parking rules in the downtown area. There were no updates regarding the Staffilino or the East Ohio Regional Hospital properties.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
There were no Ordinances or Resolutions to be read.
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 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.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22, G4 for Contract Negotiations. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and Council went into Executive Session.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to go out of Executive Session. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and Council went back into regular session.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to give the Administration permission to move forward on the contract for the use of the Pool and Recreation Center. Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:33 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Phil Wallace, Council President
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