Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2026
Posted on: July 2, 2026
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 3, 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 May 6, 2026 Council Meeting (additional wording added as requested by Councilman Robey) and the May 20, 2026 Council Meeting minutes were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: The 4th of July Celebration will be held on July 3, 2026 in the City Park which will include a free swim and fireworks at dusk. Mayor Davies asked Council to pass the Ordinance setting the annual salary for the Water Superintendent so the job can put in place. City Crews are working on general maintenance.
Service Director: Crews are trying to get caught up with pothole patching. On Friday, Mr. Sutak met with an Engineer regarding a study for the slip on 6th Street. This Engineer will also help Mr. Sutak file an Ohio Public Works Funding Application. Cost for this service will be $7,500 and will need Council approval.
Mr. Smay inquired about the policy on checking the function of the city’s fire hydrants. Mayor Davies said the city’s hydrants are flushed twice a year. This gives the department the chance to check and repair hydrants that may not be working.
Auditor: Mr. Regis was out of town but left a Statement of Cash Position for Council’s review.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief West distributed the department’s May Monthly Report. The Department has been busy, especially with electric bicycles and scooters issues.
Fire Department: Chief Justin Smith reminded Council that Betty Zane Days will be held July 29 – August 1. He asked for permission to close South Zane Highway from Hickory Street to Grant Street each evening during the celebration.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: The committee met on Monday, June 1. Mr. Hunker reported plans for the 5th Street paving project are progressing. Discussion was held regarding hiring a Recreation Director and a new Water Plant Superintendent. Plans to enter into a new contract with Belmont County Water was discussed. The Committee asked for the amount of income reduction the city has sustained due to the hospital closure and the reduction of the work force at Turf Care. Mayor Davies distributed an informational sheet regarding income received from the East Ohio Regional Hospital through April, 2025. Mr. Sutak said the loss of revenue from the reduction of value of the Turf Care Facility will not be known until next year. The Committee also recommended a $2.89 increase to Sanitation but no final decision was made. Minutes of this meeting will be included with these minutes.
Street: The Street Committee met on Wednesday, May 27 to discuss the slippage on 6th Street and how to fund the repairs that are needed. Recommendations include: 1) Consult with an engineer on advice for fixing the issue, 2) Explore other organizations to help resolve the situation, 3) Search for funding, especially emergency funding and 4) Temporarily close the road by blocking it off with impassible concrete barriers. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Ordinance: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: In addition to the $2.89 fee increase proposed this year, the committee is recommending that beginning in January, 2027, the Sanitation Rate be increase by 3%. Mr. Schramm explained an Ordinance in place stating that Sanitation rates will be increased by 3% beginning the first of every year.
Cemetery: Mr. Robey thanked Chief West, the police officers, Bruce Shrodes, and the Lions Club for placing flags on veterans graves for Memorial Day.
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.
Wendy Suto, who has lived at 21 Overhill Drive for 20 years, informed the Administration that their road is slipping terribly and if the road fails, access to 12 homes will be cut off. There were cones placed on the road to alert drivers of the slippage but now only one cone remains and is surrounded by weeds. Mayor Davies explained that Engineers were there last year doing soil testing and federal money has been received for the project. The Engineers have put the project out for bid and the city is waiting to hear when the work will begin. Mr. Sutak told Ms. Suto he will call her when he knows a start date for the project.
Allen Marangoni, 31 South Ridge Drive, also spoke about the same road situation as Ms. Suto. He asked that the cones be put back on the road to alert drivers of the road condition. Mr. Sutak said he would get a crew to that area tomorrow to cut the weeds and replace the cones. Mr. Marangoni asked the city not to hire the same company that “fixed” Darrah Road due to their poor workmanship. Mr. Sutak believes the main reason is mine subsidence and explained the situation and history of the problem.
Dorothy Powell, 71532 Negus Road, asked what the city was going to do for the nation’s 250 Birthday Celebration. The Mayor stated the city will have an all-day celebration in the park on July 3, complete with activities and fireworks. She mentioned she did not see many American Flags in the city for Memorial Day. Bruce Shrodes, a former Council Member who was in the audience, was given permission to reply to Ms. Powell. He said flags were flown in the Park, the cemetery and around the flower beds at the city building but were taken down after Memorial Day to protect them from grass cuttings. The flags will be put back up for the 4th of July. Mr. Sutak asked Council for funds to purchase new brackets, poles and flags for the downtown area from the Building and Grounds Fund. Mr. Schramm made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to allow Mr. Sutak to purchase new brackets, poles and American Flags with funds from the General Fund Building and Grounds line item. The flags will be flown throughout the town. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
Jeff Mamone, 1400 Colerain Pike, asked Council for guidance on preventing Semi Trucks from damaging his wall on St. Rt. 647 and how to repair the damage that’s been done since the damaged wall is on a sharp turn. He also mentioned it was difficult to sweep up grass and leaves from St. Rt. 647 which when wet, causes a dangerous situation for motorcycles. Mayor Davies said the street sweeper is broken and that it is illegal to put grass clippings in the road. The city can’t stop Semi Trucks from using St. Rt. 647 because it is a state route. Chief West was asked if he has the man power to assign a cruiser to this road so any trucks that crosses over the double yellow line can be ticketed. If the city can find out what trucking company is using the route, the Mayor will call the company and tell them if they use the route and cross over the line, they will get a ticket. He can also suggest to them to use County Road 4 which would be safer and easier for the truck drivers. Mr. Mamone was told when he is ready to fix his wall, to contact Mr. Sutak so city workers can close the road for a short period of time during the repairs.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, announced that a Town Hall Meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners has been set for Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Library. Mr. Stecker said plans for the Strawberry Festival are set and they are praying for good weather. The city has contracted with a company to refresh the painted double lines on Zane Highway from Etna Street to Fifth Street. As soon as a start date is known for the painting, Mr. Sutak will alert the public. There were no updates on a new city building or the former East Ohio Regional Hospital building. When asked about behavior problems at the pool and city park, the Mayor said signs have been placed at the pool saying if you are caught cussing or misbehaving, you will be removed and not allowed re-entry for the rest of the year. The first day the signs were up, three people were removed and things seemed to have settled down. Trash in still a problem at the basketball court.
Sadie Absalom, 70998 Colerain Pike, asked for details of the flock cameras in town. Chief West explained the camera’s purpose and how they work. The cameras were purchased through grants. Chief West offered to supply Ms. Epsom with the policies and procedures surrounding the flock cameras.
Frances Green, South Zane Highway, inquired about a story she heard that there was someone with a knife, at the Riverview Cemetery, chasing people. As a frequent visitor to the cemetery, she was very concerned. Chief West said he was not aware of any incident in the cemetery. He suggested that if Ms. Green saw anything suspicious at the cemetery when she was visiting, to please call the Police Department.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Providing For Assessments To Be Levied And Authorizing The Service Director To Certify Those Assessments To The Belmont County Auditor And Declaring An Emergency.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. This Ordinance will go to a second reading.
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 the Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Establishing The Annual Salary For The Position Of Water Superintendent.
Mr. Smay then asked for an Executive Session. Mayor Davies asked if the Executive Session could be held at the end of the meeting. Council agreed to wait until the end of the meeting for an Executive Session. When Council returned to regular session after the Executive Session, Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. (Rev. Agnew needed to leave during the Executive Session so he was not present for this vote). A motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Hunker to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Rev. Agnew to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading this Ordinance. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Increasing The Hourly Wage For Certain Seasonal Positions In The Recreation Department.
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Mr. Smay and Mr. Robey voted no. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Hunker 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 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:
Mayor Davies suggested hiring an auxiliary police officer to patrol the Pool and Park for a few hours in the afternoon to deter negative behavior. Some of the funding could come from re-instating the monthly $5,000 payment to recreation. The Chief said he probably couldn’t have an officer there every day but even a few days a week, while the pool was open, would help.
Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Hunker to note that Council has reviewed and accepted the Auditor’s Statement of Cash Positon Report. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mayor Davies explained that last year, the Sanitation Department borrowed $93,000 from the General Fund which was to be paid back over the next 3 years. The Department is asking to suspend the monthly payments for the rest of this year and add it on to the next two years payments. The payoff date will remain the same, except for the next 2 years, the monthly payments will be higher. Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Harris seconded to suspend the Sanitation Department’s monthly payments for the rest of this year that is owed to the General Fund (for the $93,000 loan) with the balance of these payments added on to Year 2 and Year 3. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to grant the Fire Department’s request to close South Zane Highway each night, from Hickory Street to Grant Street, during the Betty Zane Days Celebration which will be held July 29 – August 1. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mayor Davies presented a proclamation to Vincent Keller of Keller Funeral Home, which has been in business for over 100 years. Applause was given to Mr. Keller.
Mr. Robey suggested contacting the County or ODOT to see if the city could secure their assistance in cleaning St. Rt. 647.
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. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker moved to grant approval to Mr. Sutak to enter into a contact for an Engineering Study including assistance in preparing an application for emergency funding on the 6th Street Slippage. Cost is $7,500. Mr. Smay seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. When the road is closed, the Mayor asked that the police, fire officials and 911 are notified as well as the public.
Mr. Echemann reported that the laptop controlling the live stream camera is not working. He has contacted Chris Baker at ITT Services to look at the laptop so hopefully it will be operating by the next meeting.
Mr. Smay made a motion to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22, G4, (to discuss employee compensation). Mr. Echemann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Smay, Harris, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. Mr. Robey voted no. The motion carried and Council went into Executive Session. During the Executive Session, Rev. Agnew excused himself from the meeting.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Smay seconded to go out of Executive Session. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, and Harris voting yes. The motion carried and Council went out of Executive Session and back to regular session to continue voting on the Ordinance regarding the Water Superintendent’s Annual Salary (see page 4).
Mr. Smay moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Phil Wallace, Council President
___________________________________
Date