Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2026
Posted on: April 7, 2026
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 5:30 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.
Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Schramm to change the order of business to allow Belmont County Auditor Cindy Henry to address Council. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. Ms. Henry will be running again for County Auditor in May and asked the Council members for their support.
Minutes: Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Rev. Agnew to accept the minutes of the March 4, 2026 regular Council Meeting. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Correspondence: Emails were received from 1) Mark Ramirez, a Cannabis Retail Developer. He was notified that Cannabis Dispensaries are not permitted within city limits under Martins Ferry’s Zoning Laws and 2) Akhila Ch, a Research Analyst, has requested records. He will be asked to clarify his request. Correspondence was also received from the Ohio Congressional Delegation asking for Council’s support regarding GoRail, which recognizes Freight Rail’s vital role in powering Ohio’s economy. President Wallace deferred this issue until next week’s Council meeting.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: There are problems with the Transfer Station. Trash will now be delivered directly to the landfill. Currently, 3 Packers are operating.
A date has not yet been set for Spring Clean-Up. Line items for the Sanitation Department are being watched and if the cash flow doesn’t increase, rates may have to be raised.
Citizens are complaining about potholes and streets that need paved. Asphalt is not available yet for paving. Council will have to decide which roads to pave, noting that the city may have to complete the paving of 5th Street to Hanover Street. Larry Merry, Director of the Belmont County Port Authority, reported at the last Council Meeting that the County is only going to pave from Ellett Street to Hanover Street.
Service Director: Hopefully next month, the Sanitation Department’s expenses will decrease since the Packers can run to the Landfill and the Transfer Box, which is expensive, won’t be used.
Water Plant Updates: One Filter Bed is completely done and operating properly and efficiently. Work on the other Filter Bed will begin soon.
Mr. Sutak explained the upgrades that will be made to the water well field under the Water Source Protection Plan. These improvements include: new lighting, cameras and fencing. Cameras will be monitored by the Pump Operators to ensure the water fields are secured. Mr. Sutak reported that last weekend there was a power outage at the Walnut Street Pumping Station. A high tech, powerful back-up generator was rented so water would be continuously pumped to customers outside of the city.
Auditor: Auditor Regis explained there was a delay in delivering copies of the budget to Council Members. To elevate this problem in the future, he would like to deliver copies by electronic mail. Mr. Regis then explained a few line items/expenses on the budget.
Council was asked to approve an overage of $4,231.25 on a purchase order for Southeastern Equipment due to extra repairs that were needed.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief West reported the former East Ohio Regional Hospital Building is still being monitored for trespassers. He will give the March Monthly report at the next meeting.
Fire Department: No report. The Mayor said Chief Smith was working and Assistant Chief Jozwiak had a prior commitment.
Safety Director: Ms. Yeso is reviewing the City’s Employee Drug Policies including working and non-working hours. Plans are being made for the parking situation in the downtown Business District.
Ms. Yeso and city officials have been meeting with the Excavators on Pearl Street where fire destroyed a home earlier this year. More gravel may be needed to level out the property.
Grant funding is being sought for the Police, Fire and EMS Departments. Also, 17 violations were sent out this week.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: No report.
Street: Mr. Smay reported that a Street Committee Meeting was held on March 16 to discuss on-street parking in the downtown/business area. Residents are confused with signage because the parking meters are still in place. The committee recommends removing the Parking Meters immediately. Other recommendations from this committee were forwarded to the Mayor for his review. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Ordinance: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: Mr. Schramm presented and explained 2 bids for a new police cruiser. He recommended purchasing the cruiser from Statewide Ford for $64,363. This cruiser is already wired and equipped for service. Mr. Stecker said Council can approve the purchase tonight and he would prepare an Ordinance for the next meeting.
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.
Mr. Smay asked for permission to speak regarding the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. After a short speech, Mr. Smay’s children distributed small flags commemorating this monumental milestone of the U.S.A. A large 250th Commemorative Flag was presented to the Mayor and will be hung on the flagpole outside of the City Building. Mr. Sutak would like to get a committee to plan an event to recognize the 250th Anniversary of the USA in conjunction with the Celebration in the Park on July 3. If anyone would like to be involved in organizing a 250th Celebration or would like to donate to the fireworks display, please contact Mr. Sutak.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Wallace reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked about the parking situation in the downtown area. Mayor Davies said the parking meters will be removed and emptied by persons that are bonded. Council will then have to decide if they want the meters stored or recycled.
It will be a Council decision whether the city buys or leases a new street sweeper. This item is still in the discussion phase.
Mr. Hord inquired about the status of 3 buildings in the city. The Mayor responded that these buildings are privately owned so they are at the discretion of the owners.
Mr. Hord asked several months ago about honoring Deluxe Toy and Hobby. Mayor Davies said he has several recognitions that need to be acknowledged.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Harris to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading this Ordinance. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey and Harris voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance To Make Appropriations For The Expenses Of The City Of Martins Ferry, State Of Ohio, During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2026, And Declaring An Emergency.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules for three readings. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey and Harris voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Rev. Agnew to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance 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:
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Rev. Agnew to pay the overage of $4,231.25 on a purchase order for Southeastern Equipment. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to purchase a police cruiser from Statewide Ford for $64,363. Mr. Harris seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
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. Robey asked about a new street sweeper. Mr. Sutak is getting ready to put the old sweeper out for bid. He is waiting to see what funding might be available before looking for a new sweeper.
Mr. Schramm asked about the Der Patcher. Mr. Sutak said he is working on getting the title transferred to the city before it can be sold.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Phil Wallace, Council President
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