Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2026
Posted on: June 4, 2026
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 6, 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.
Minutes: Minutes of the April 15, 2026 Regular Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: City employees are patching potholes, cutting grass and doing general maintenance. Summer help will be hired soon for grassing cutting.
Service Director: Plans are being made to get the swimming pool ready for the season. The splash pad has been inspected and is ready for opening day. Mr. Sutak thanked the city employees who replaced and upgraded the pipes in the Pump House. He also asked Council to pass the Ordinance for the paving of Ellett Street to Center Street. A bid of $35,000 was accepted for this job. After approval from the County Commissioners, funds will be taken from the County Permissive Tax Money to pay for this project.
Council was asked to approve a Street Closure Request from Project Forward for the Strawberry Festival on June 6 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Sutak has contacted a couple of companies for estimates on fixing the slip on 6th Street. To date, no company has submitted an estimate. Funding will be sought for this project.
Mr. Harris inquired about a possible “fire” at the water plant. Mr. Sutak explained a tank was being cut down and plastic inside the tank caught fire. It was quickly maintained and extinguished.
Mr. Echemann expressed gratitude for everyone who was helping to get the swimming pool opened for the season.
Auditor: The Financial Report for the month of April, 2026 was presented to Council Members. The Sanitation Department Fund is holding steady and will continue to be watched.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: The April, 2026 Police Report was distributed to Council Members. Chief West thanked the citizens for their support of the Police Levy that was passed on May 5. Appreciation was also extended to Ms. Yeso and Mr. Sutak for their help in getting the Levy passed. Applause was given to Chief West for his service and dedication to the department and the passing of this Levy.
Fire Department: Assistant Chief Joey Jozwiak reported the Belmont County EMA is providing training for fire fighters. The first meeting will be at the Ladder Station on May 21 at 6:00 p.m. The EMA is asking for 1 dispatcher, one representative from the Street Department, Mayor Davies, Service Director Sutak, and Safety Director Yeso to attend this meeting. Regarding follow-up on the citations issued to the Department by the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (PERP), everything has been completed and submitted for review.
Safety Directory: Ms. Yeso also echoed thanks to Council, the Service Director and Mayor for their support and help in getting the Police Levy passed.
Forty-two certified letters were sent last week for high grass fines. A H.U.D. (Housing and Urban Development) Representative is coming on Friday to examine 6 properties in the city that have raised some concerns for the Administration.
Ms. Yeso asked Council for funding support for the GovPilot Project which can improve services, reduce costs and streamline operations for the city. This program will allow the city to submit electronically, fines and fees to property owners. It will be operated through the Utility Office and will allow companies, who do business in the city, to secure permits easily and efficiently. Seven contractors this week were fined for not having building permits. The initial GovPilot Program is for 3 years, with a cost of $10,000 per year. There is an option for renewal after 3 years.
The city has been awarded $5,000 from the J.B. Green Team toward the purchase of planters for the city. Cost of the planters is $6,000. Ms. Yeso is contributing the remaining cost of $1,000.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: During Assistant Fire Chief Jozwiak’s report on the Fire Department, Mr. Sutak mentioned that an agreement was reached with the Park District regarding the pool rental fee. The charge for renting the pool will be $300 which will be split 50/50 between the Park District and the Recreation Center. Mr. Sutak asked Law Director Stecker to create legislation stating this agreement.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: The Committee met on April 29. Discussion included considering a quarterly performance bonus for the Chief of Police, the EMS request for the Stryker Load SystemMaintenance Program, Fire Department’s buildings issues and consideration of a new ladder truck, paving of Ellett Street to Center Street, and repairs to the City Building. Council then held a 12 minute discussion regarding options for the future of the city building. The committee was also informed that Health Insurance costs will increase by 4.89% this year. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: The Committee met last week regarding several Ordinances that will be considered tonight.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: The Committee met on April 29 to discuss the 5 year warranty cost of $15,054 for the EMS Stryker Load System. It was proposed that the city pay the first 2 years of maintenance, ($3,000 per year) from the General Fund with the agreement that the EMS Department will repay this loan starting in year three. The EMS Department will be responsible for paying the Maintenance Service Agreement starting in year 3. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
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 reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, informed Council that a Town Hall Meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners is being planned for this Fall. Don Falbo will be celebrating 70 years of business in the city on July 19. When asked about the Police Levy, Mayor Davies replied he believes the citizens support all the safety divisions and they proved it with 75% of the votes in support of the Levy. Update on the Pickle Ball Court: this project was proposed by the Lions Club but they decided to go in a different direction. The Mayor would like to see a multi-use facility built in the Park that could include batting cages and a basketball court. Mr. Hord asked if the city would be interested in purchasing the former South School Building since it is handicap accessible. The Mayor said the city owns other properties that could be considered.
Andrew Dcagna, 503 North Zane Highway, owner and operator of Hot Rod Tatooing, on South 4th Street, Martins Ferry. Mr. Dcagna shared his experience regarding confusion about the parking meters, especially by his clients who need to park longer than 2 hours. Mayor Davies said when the meters are removed, caps will be placed on the poles with a two-hour parking sign.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Rev. Agnew to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading this Ordinance. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and this Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor To Purchase A New Police Cruiser.
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Robey to suspend the rules. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm, 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 Establishing A Quarterly Performance Based Incentive Program For The Chief Of Police, Effective, January 1, 2026.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes. Mr. Harris voted no. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Rev. Agnew to pass the ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
An Ordinance Authorizing A Five-Year Maintenance Service Agreement For The Stryker Load System Used By The Martins Ferry Ems Department And Approving A Temporary General Fund Loan To Support Said Agreement.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris voting yes. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Robey to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Public Service To Seek Bids And Enter Into A Contract For The Paving Of 5th Street From Ellett Street To Center Street
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Rev. Agnew to suspend the rules. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Schramm to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
An Ordinance Amending The Minimum Job Qualifications For The Position Of Water Superintendent.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes. Mr. Smay voted no. The motion carried. 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, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm, 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:
Mr. Harris made a motion to accept the Statement of Cash Position from the Auditor. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Echemann made a motion to fund the GovPilot Project from the General Fund. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Rev. Agnew made a motion to approve the Street Closure Requests from Project Forward for the Strawberry Festival on June 6 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. This includes 4th Street from Hanover Street to Locust Street, Walnut Street from 3rd Street to 5th Street, Hickory Street from 4th Street to 5th Street and the Parking Lot on 4th Street. Mr. Echemann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris 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 Mr. Harris. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Harris seconded to approve payment of $5,000 (from the J.B. Green Team Grant) to the Campania Company for planters in the downtown area. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be on Wednesday, May 20, 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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