Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2026
Posted on: April 16, 2026
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 1, 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 and James Agnew, Council at Large Members. Jim Schramm, Council at Large Member, informed President Wallace that he was unable to attend this meeting.
Mr. Robey made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to change the order of business. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Ms. Ashley Wear, of the Belmont County District Library, informed Council of three “Meet The Candidates” events. Dates are: Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m. for Federal Candidates; Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 a.m. for County Candidates.; and Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. for State Candidates. These events will all be held at the Martins Ferry Public Library.
Mr. Dominic DeFelice, candidate for Belmont County Commissioner, shared the history of his business and professional experience. He asked Council and those in attendance for their vote of support on May 4.
Minutes: Minutes of the March 25, 2026 Regular Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: The Mayor explained that the Land Bank mainly deals with demolition and the Port Authority is responsible for attracting new businesses and upgrading existing businesses. He would like Council to consider paving Center Street to Ellett Street. This would finish this section of 5th Street since the County will be paving from Ellett Street to Hanover Street. The County had a “Pre-Bid” Meeting and Mayor Davies would like this section included in the contractor’s bid so this will be a “seamless” paving job.
Mr. Harris asked if there was money for sidewalk repairs. Permissive County tax money has stipulations and can only be used for through roads (no dead end roads or alleys). Also, paving jobs have to be submitted for approval by the County before the money is awarded.
Service Director: Last weekend, there was a 30 foot slip on 6th Street Extension. Mr. Sutak has contacted a couple of contractors to discuss options to fix this slip. Caution signs will be erected to alert drivers of the problem. The Street Department budget is tight right now. Mr. Sutak will meet with Mr. Regis to see what alternative funding might be available to fix this slip.
Water Plant improvements continue to progress. Mr. Sutak repeated the situation with the Walnut Street Pumping station’s loss of power during a recent wind storm. A generator was secured and there was no loss of water to customers outside of the city limits.
The city will continue to patch potholes as finances allow. Mr. Sutak, along with Safety Director Yeso, will continue to search for grant funding to help with road repairs.
Auditor: Mr. Regis reported that one employee in his department has been off work for a couple of days and another went home sick today. He will present an end of March report at the next meeting.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief West distributed the March, 2026 Police Report. The new cruiser has been ordered. More Officers are going to trainings this year which helps with qualifications regarding weapons and Tasers. The Chief reminded everyone about the Police Levy which will be on the May ballot. This is a renewal levy and will not increase taxes. The F.O.P. is sponsoring a billboard informing the public about the renewal levy.
Fire Department: Chief Justin Smith submitted the 2026 First Quarter Report. On April 9, the Department will be hosting Ladder Training at a structure on First Street.
Due to a Firefighter’s injury during the tragic fire on Pearl Street on New Year’s Eve, the Department has been under investigation by the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (PERP). A meeting was held in February regarding the violations the Department was going to receive and the abatements necessary to get rid of the 3 violations. The Department is working to eliminate these violations quickly. There will be no monetary fines to the city or the Fire Department as long as the Department complies with the citations by May 26, 2026. Because of the steps needed to comply with these citations, the Department will have an unexpected expense of $10,450. Chief Smith explained the details of the expense and asked Council for assistance with these unexpected costs.
The Chief also announced that Taylor Fogle, a Martins Ferry native and a former captain of the Ladder Department, was recognized by the city of Columbus and given a distinguished service award for an incident in which he played a vital role in rendering aid to a victim. All members of the Fire and the EMS Departments were thanked for serving the city with courage, commitment and dedication.
Mr. Smay thanked and commended the Fire Department for their quick response to a brush fire near his home during a recent wind storm.
Safety Director: Ms. Yeso has met with several landlords that own a significant amount of rental property, to stress the requirements and priorities expected for property in the city. Seven calls were received this week from landlords regarding trash. It is estimated that there are over 400 delinquent and dilapidated properties in the city.
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: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: During a recent wind storm, some trees fell and were cleaned up by city workers. Several dead trees may also have to be looked at and taken down.
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 reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Kim Train, 713 Washington Street, complained that fencing has fallen into the alley behind her house. The fence is from the yard at 812 Jefferson Street. The Mayor said city workers will look at the situation tomorrow.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, was told that no agreement has been made with the YMCA regarding the Recreation Center. If negotiations with the YMCA break down, the city will make plans to open the pool. The city has not yet purchased a Street Sweeper. The old street sweeper, as well as the Der Patcher will soon be put up for bid. Mr. Stecker announced that the Hall of Honor is currently on hiatus and the Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the Academic Awards Banquet. Police Chief West reported that people are being prosecuted for breaking into the former East Ohio Regional Hospital Building.
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. Sutak reiterated that the 5 mil renewal Police Levy, that will be on the May ballot, will not cost taxpayers any additional taxes. These funds are directly used for the operation of the Police Department.
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to allow the Mayor to sign the letter from the Ohio Congressional Delegation supporting GoRail, which recognizes Freight Rail’s vital role in powering Ohio’s economy. Motion was seconded by Mr. Robey. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Echemann to bid and enter into a contract for the paving of Center Street to Ellett Street with funding appropriated from the General Fund. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris voting yes. The motion was declared passed.
Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Hunker to appropriate $10,450 from the General Fund to the Fire Department in order to complete the steps needed to comply with the citations issued to the Department by the Bureau of Workers Compensation. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Harris seconded to excused Mr. Schramm from tonight’s meeting. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker 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. Robey. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Phil Wallace, Council President
___________________________________
Date