Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2026
Posted on: March 26, 2026
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 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: 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. Excused: Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member.
Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to change the order of the meeting so Mr. Larry Merry, Director of the Belmont County Port Authority, could address Council. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. Mr. Merry reported that the Port Authority, along with the United Dairy has secured grant funding to repave a portion of 5th Street, between Elliott Street and Hanover Street. He is asking for permission from the City to go forward with the planning of this project. Mayor Davies said Council will be considering a Resolution during this meeting to approve and allow this project to go forward.
Minutes: Minutes of the February 18, 2026 Regular Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies thought the paving that Mr. Merry spoke about was to go from Center Street to Hanover Street. Funding will be sought to complete the job from Center Street to Hanover Street.
City crews are hot patching potholes. Additional road salt has been received and stored.
Mayor Davies discussed the recent history of the Street Sweeper and options for Council to consider. Problems have been raised about dust concerns at a business on 4th Street. The Mayor met with the Service Director, Safety Director and the Supervisor of the business to consider solutions to this problem. The city cannot tell a business to pave their lot.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak suggested selling the current Street Sweeper and using the proceeds to help buy a Pelican Sweeper, which was a very reliable brand of Street Sweeper used in the past.
The city did received additional road salt last week. Mr. Sutak thanked Council for providing funding for the purchase of a salt bin which keeps rain and snow from deteriorating the salt.
Improvements to the Filter Beds at the Water Plant continue. Once the Filter Bed upgrades are completed, work on the Ozone Room will begin. It’s estimated that everything will be completed in 5-6 months.
Mr. Robey asked about the Der Patcher. Mr. Sutak could possibly sell this Patcher on a government auction website. Because this was purchased as a 60/40 deal with the Village of Bridgeport, he will need to get their consent to sell it.
Auditor: Council received the February Financial Report, Payroll Report and the New Hire Report. Mr. Regis asked Council to consider meeting on March 25 instead of March 18 so the budget could be ready.
It was noted that the city received a State of Ohio Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Mr. Regis gave the credit to two exemplary employees in the Finance Department.
Law Director: Mr. Stecker did not have a report but noted Council had 3 pieces of legislation to consider later in the meeting.
Police Department: The February Monthly Police Report was distributed. Chief West is working with Mr. Schramm on getting quotes for a new cruiser. Three people have been caught trespassing in the former East Ohio Regional Hospital Building and will be prosecuted. Last week a search warrant was issued on a home where drugs were found.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Smith gave the February Activity Report. The Annual Fire Department Church Service will be held at the Grace Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 3. A Small Community Volunteer Fire Department Grant of $10,500 was received for new equipment. The Betty Zane Days Event is scheduled for July 29-August 1, 2026.
Safety Director: Regarding the complaints of dust at a local business, Miss Yeso reported that this business has already purchased dust suppression spray. However, this spray cannot be used when it is raining or during the winter months. To further help this situation, it is recommended by the Mayor, Safety Director and Service Director to re-enact the Ordinance of Street Sweeping. Street sweeping was minimized due to the complaints by citizens who had to move their cars. Miss Yeso, as well as the Mayor and Service Director recommends selling the current sweeper and putting the funds towards the purchase of a new sweeper capable of handling the city’s streets. Fifteen Code Violations have also been sent this week. Miss Yeso asked Council to pass the Resolution to support the First Presbyterian Church in seeking historic designation.
The Mayor stressed that if a citizen has a problem that needs to be brought to the city’s attention, please call his office. The call can then be directed to the right person. Social Media, such as Facebook is not the place to get issues resolved.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: No report.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: Rev. Agnew noted there will be an Ordinance read later in the meeting regarding rubbish, garbage and outside storage.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: Mr. Echemann reviewed the Public Notice, posted on the city’s website and Facebook Page, regarding the monthly water allowance for residents outside city limits. The standard monthly allotment will change from 4,000 gallons to 2,500 gallons. This adjustment does not increase the cost of water. All water rates remain exactly the same. A copy of the notice will be filed with these minutes.
Code Administration: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: No report.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Wallace reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Lance Maguire, 1200 South Zane Highway, spoke on behalf of his mother who lives on 810 Pearl Street. His mother’s home was one of the houses effective by the fire on New Year’s Eve. He asked if anything is known regarding the demolition of the houses that were destroyed on Pearl Street and also another home on Monroe Street that burned nearly 2 years ago. Regarding the homes on Pearl Street, two Insurance Companies have contacted the city to make arrangements for their escrow accounts and they were also supplied with names of companies that specialize in raze demolition. Ultimately, it is the home owner’s responsibility to take care of their property. The owner of the house on Monroe Street has been issued a citation and it is hoped that an understanding can be reached.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked for clarification regarding the letter sent to citizens about lead water pipes. He thanked Mr. Hunker for coming to his house and looking at his pipes. The Mayor explained the reason why the letter was sent, the home owner’s responsibility and the city’s response when lead pipes are found. Mr. Sutak hopes funding will be available through the EPA to help citizens replaces their lead lines. Mr. Hord was told that the downtown parking situation is progressing and signs have been ordered. Council was informed that the Martins Ferry Public Library is planning a “Meet the Candidate” event in May.
Barbara Maguire, 810 Pearl Street, asked for clarification on the owner’s insurance at the house on Monroe Street that burned down. The Mayor explained if the owner will give the city the name of his insurance company, the city can then contact the insurance company directly for the money to tear the building down. The insurance company has 3 years to pay.
Don Cline, Dutch Hill Road, asked if the city deems a property unsafe after a fire, does the city have the power to demolish the property and then place a levy against the owner? The Mayor said the city does not have an abundance of funds to handle these situations since it costs $15,000-$20,000 to tear down a house. Mr. Cline mentioned when he was younger, the fire engines would wash down the street and everyone would sweep up the debri and throw it into a garbage truck. Fire Chief Smith said that was not feasible now. The Mayor also explained how the ditch line on Beretta Drive will operate when the road is fixed.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2021-01 Regarding Rubbish, Garbage And Outside Storage.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Robey to suspend the rules for three readings. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Robey to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Echemann, Smay, Robey and Harris voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
A Resolution Supporting The Historic Designation Of The First Presbyterian Church Of Martins Ferry And Authorizing Submission To The Ohio Department Of Development.
This Resolution was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules for three readings. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Smay to pass the Resolution as read. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed.
A Resolution Approving And Allowing The Paving Of 5th Street From Center Street To Hanover Street.
This Resolution was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Harris and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules for three readings. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Echemann, Smay, and Robey voting yes. Mr. Harris voted no. Motion carried. Mr. Schramm made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to pass the Resolution as read. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris 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:
Regarding Fireworks for the 4th of July Celebration, the Mayor said he has someone available on Friday, July 3rd to set off fireworks. Estimated cost would be $15,000 – $20,000 which includes the operator and the fireworks. Mr. Schramm made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to move forward and secure an operator for July 3 to conduct a fireworks display. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Sutak informed Council that letters are sent to businesses asking for donations to help with the funding of the fireworks.
Mr. Robey made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to change the time of Council Meetings to 5:30 p.m. A roll call vote was heard with Roby, Agnew, Schramm, Echemann and Smay voting yes. Mr. Harris voted no. Motion carried. This new time change will begin with the next meeting.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Harris seconded to move the March 18 meeting to March 25. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
The Mayor asked Council if they wanted to reinstate the Ordinance that says residents must move their cars on Street Sweeper days. The Ordinance was suspended because residents complained that there was nowhere to move their cars because parking was an issue. If the Ordinance is reinstated, it would help with dust and dirt. However, citizens will complain about being ticketed for not moving their cars. These tickets will not be waived. The first week the sweeper runs, citizens will be issued a warning notice. The Mayor and Mr. Sutak will look into selling the old sweeper and research the cost of a new sweeper and present this information to Council when received.
Mr. Echemann said Council had originally changed the time of the meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. because of his class schedule. However, he does not know his fall class schedule but will try and schedule classes that will not conflict with Council Meetings.
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. Echemann invited everyone to Ohio University Eastern Campus this weekend for the production of “Spoon River Anthology”, a play which he is a cast member.
Mr. Echemann made a motion to accept the Statement of Cash Position, New Hire Report, and the Payroll Summary. Mr. Smay seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Robey seconded to excuse Mr. Hunker from the meeting. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Smay announced that there is grant money available for celebrating America’s 250 Anniversary. Miss Yeso has information on this and she will meet with Mr. Sutak to explore the possibility of receiving this grant money.
Mr. Sutak would like to apply for recreation grant money through Bel-O-Mar Funding. Possible uses for the money include City Park improvements such as additional lighting, refurbish sidewalks, new restrooms, extra security cameras and upgrades to the stage area.
Mr. Schramm moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Phil Wallace, Council President
___________________________________
Date