Martins Ferry Special Council Meeting Minutes January 30, 2026

Posted on: February 5, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Session on Friday, January 30, 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 Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Andrew Smay, Third Ward Council Member; Ryan Robey, Fourth Ward Council Member, Gus Harris and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Absent:  Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member and James Agnew, Council at Large Member. 

This Special Meeting was called to consider legislation only. 

Mr. Sutak explained that this Resolution is the actual ballot language that has to be taken to the Election Board.  He encouraged Council to pass this Resolution so it could be placed on the ballot and hopefully passed by the citizens so there will not be a lapse in the operation of the Police Department.  This is a renewal levy not a new levy (no tax increase).

A Resolution Declaring It Necessary To Levy A Tax In Excess Of The 10 Mill Limitation And To Renew A 5.0 Mill Police Protection Levy For Five Years And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Resolution was given a third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Harris and seconded by Mr. Hunker to pass the Resolution as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Harris, Schramm, Hunker, Smay, and Robey voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed. 

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Schramm.   After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 4:41 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry Special Council Meeting Minutes January 29, 2026

Posted on: February 5, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Session on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5:00   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; Gus Harris, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Absent:  Ryan Robey, Fourth Ward Council Member.

This Special Meeting was called to consider legislation only. 

Ordinances and Resolutions: 

An Ordinance Separating The Positions Of Director Of Public Service And Director Of Public Safety And Establishing The Annual Salaries Therefore, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a third reading.  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, Harris, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

An Ordinance Increasing The Salary Of The Director Of Public Service, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Smay to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  Mr. Harris voted no.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

An Ordinance To Confirm The Increase To The Salaries Of The Elected Officials And The Clerk Of Council Of The City Of Martins Ferry And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Ordinance was given a third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

A Resolution Noting And Confirming The Annual Salaries Of The Elected And Appointed Officials Of The City Of Martins Ferry. 

This Resolution was given a third reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Echemann to pass the Resolution as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed. 

A Resolution Declaring It Necessary To Levy A Tax In Excess Of The 10 Mill Limitation And To Renew A 5.0 Mill Police Protection Levy For Five Years And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Resolution was given a second reading.  This Resolution will go to a third reading. 

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew.   After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:16 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry Special Council Meeting Minutes January 29, 2026

Posted on: February 5, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Session on Thursday, January 29, 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 Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Andrew Smay, Third Ward Council Member; Gus Harris, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Absent:  Ryan Robey, Fourth Ward Council Member.

This Special Meeting was called to consider legislation only. 

Ordinances and Resolutions: 

An Ordinance Separating The Positions Of Director Of Public Service And Director Of Public Safety And Establishing The Annual Salaries Therefore, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

An Ordinance Increasing The Salary Of The Director Of Public Service, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

An Ordinance To Confirm The Increase To The Salaries Of The Elected Officials And The Clerk Of Council Of The City Of Martins Ferry And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Ordinance was given a second reading.  This Ordinance will go to a third reading.

A Resolution Noting And Confirming The Annual Salaries Of The Elected And Appointed Officials Of The City Of Martins Ferry. 

This Resolution was given a second reading.  This Resolution will go to a third reading.

            Mr. Sutak explained the County Auditor did certify the total current tax valuation of the city and the dollar amount of revenue ($355,000) that would be generated by a five (5.0) Mill Renewal Levy.  This was the Resolution that was passed at the last Council Meeting.  A breakdown was distributed of the computation of the property values and how the millage would be effective to collect the $355,000.  If no Council Member has a question on this revenue amount, Mr. Sutak said the next step would be to consider passing the Resolution with the ballot language to renew a 5.0 Mill Police Protection Levy for 5 years. 

Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Hunker to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading this Ordinance.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was given a first reading.

An Ordinance Selling The Unused Lifepak 15 V1 Monitor, Charging Station And 2 Batteries To The Beech Bottom Volunteer Fire Department.

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules for three readings.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.  Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Harris to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, and Harris voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Echemann to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading this Resolution.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was given a first reading.

A Resolution Declaring It Necessary To Levy A Tax In Excess Of The 10 Mill Limitation And To Renew A 5.0 Mill Police Protection Levy For Five Years And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Resolution will go to a second reading. 

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Smay.   After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 4:44 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Emergency Special Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2026

Posted on: February 5, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met for an Emergency Special Session on Friday, January 23, 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 chambers, 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 and James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Absent:  Gus Harris, Council at Large Member.    

            This Special Meeting was called to consider legislation only. 

            Mr. Sutak explained that the legislation passed at the Wednesday, January 21 Regular Council Meeting contained dates that were not correct.  If this corrected Resolution is accepted and passed by Council, Mr. Sutak will take it out to the County Auditor who will then give the city a certificate stating how much revenue this levy will provide to the city.  This is the first step in putting a levy on the ballot.  Mr. Sutak reminded everyone that this is a renewal levy and there will not be any additional cost to the citizens.  This certificate will then be given to City Auditor Regis who will review it.  If Auditor Regis agrees with the expected revenue, then 3 special meetings will have to be called to approve the ballot language. 

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the 72 Hour Rule for reading this Resolution.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was given a first reading.

A Resolution Requesting The County Auditor To Certify To The City Of Martins Ferry The Total Current Tax Valuation Of The City Of Martins Ferry And The Dollar Amount Of Revenue That Would Be Generated By A Five (5.0) Mill Renewal Levy And Declaring An Emergency.

Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules for three readings.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to pass the Resolution as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed. 

Mr. Sutak said the current Levy expires on the 2025 tax duplicate.  The city will collect through 2026.  This Levy has to be passed this year or the city will lose it.  This is giving the city the first opportunity to put the Levy on the ballot.  If it fails in May, the city still has another chance in November for passage.  Without passage of this levy, the city will not be able to adequately support the Police Department.  If it passes, the levy will be good for 5 years, beginning with collection in 2027.  Tax payers will not pay any more than what they paid when this levy was originally passed.

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Schramm.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

The next Regular Meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2026

Posted on: February 5, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, January 21, 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 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 January 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting were approved as written.

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  The city will be receiving a couple loads of road salt for preparation of the impending snow storm forecasted for the weekend. 

A few Council Members were concerned about the condition of the bottom of Mackey Avenue which was torn up from a water break.  The Mayor said city workers will try and widen the road so people would have room to go around the damage.  The road will be like this until it can be paved in the Spring.   

Council Members were invited to talk over problems they see in the city anytime with the Mayor.  They don’t need to wait until the next Council Meeting. 

Trash collection is a little behind this week because of the observance of Martin Luther King Day on Monday and trying to plow snow covered City Streets. 

Mr. Echemann inquired about “Jake Brake” signs for trucks on Route 7.  Mayor Davies believes there are signs on the north end and the south end of Route 7.  He would also like to meet with the Finance Committee and Safety Committee to discuss some issues and ideas. 

Service Director:  Mr. Sutak said the plow trucks will be loaded with salt and ready for the snow storm this week.  He asked that citizens have patience as the city workers clear the roads. 

Mr. Sutak met with the engineering company regarding lead lines through the city and residential properties.  Funding for replacement of these lines is being researched through the EPA.   It is mandated that lead lines be replaced by the Year 2037.  Mr. Sutak strongly encouraged residents to contact the city if they suspect they have a lead water line running from the curb box to the meter in their home.  The city can put this information into a RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Partnership) Mapping Program which can be submitted to the Federal/State Government to possibly get funding to help residents with the replacement of these lines.  Mayor Davies emphasized it is the responsibility of the homeowner to replace their lead lines, not the city’s responsibility.  Water Service will not be shut off if Residents have lead lines because they will have until 2037 to replace these lines. 

Work is slowly progressing on the Dutch Hill Road project due to the weather.  As soon as the weather breaks, work will begin on the North Ridge/Overlook Drive Project.   The Water Line Extension Project, which will run from the Water Plant directly to the business district, will also begin when the weather turns nice.  Work on exercising valves and/or replacing them will be another project for the Spring. 

Water Plant Updates: Cleaning, for one filter bed, is almost finished.  Skadis System is almost finished.  Updates to the pumping stations are done.   The roof work is complete and it will have a 20 year guarantee. 

            Auditor:  No report. 

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Safety Director:  Regarding the complaint made at the last Council Meeting of excessive cats being fed at a property on 3^rd Street, Ms. Yeso reported the Humane Society has been contacted and will trap and spay/neuter the cats.  A rescue shelter has been found to take the cats after their surgery.  Arrangements were made for the property owner to clean up the exterior of the house which they have done, except for draining the pool.  These homeowners were warned to maintain their property. Two other properties were visited which neighbors have complained about but which are part of a rental program.  The owners of these properties have been notified that the city will no longer tolerate excessive trash kept around homes and this needs to be communicated to their tenants.  Ms. Yeso will soon visit a decrepit house on Clinton Street where property destruction from this home that has fallen on a neighbor’s property.  Unfortunately, this property owner has delinquent taxes of $20,000 so it is unlikely that the owner will care about their neighbor’s property.  Council Members were invited to reach out to Ms. Yeso if they have any questions. 

            Police Department:  Chief West reported that the Department is currently experiencing phone problems.  Calls have not been missed since 911 dispatchers are sending them to the Department. 

            The Department is accepting donations for their new Junior Public Safety Program, which is a collaboration between the Police Department, Fire Department and EMS. 

            Chief West encouraged everyone to drive safe and watch their speed if they have to be on the roads during the upcoming storm. 

            Fire Department: No report.

            EMS Department:  Mary Greer, EMS Captain, asked Council’s permission to sell an extra LifePak 15 version 1 defibrillator/monitor to the Beech Bottom Volunteer Fire Department,   This unit has been in storage since the EMS Department stopped transportation services in 2018.  The Beech Bottom VFD cannot provide EMS services because they no longer have a working LifePak.  Ms. Greer asked Council for permission to sell a LifePak 15 version 1, 2 batteries and 1 charger for $3,000 to the Beech Bottom VFD.  Mr. Stecker said that Council can approve this sale by voice vote tonight and an Ordinance can be presented at the next meeting. 

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

            Finance and Audit:   A Finance and Safety Meeting was scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chamber. 

Street: Mr. Smay will schedule a meeting when he hears back from Mr. Regis regarding his availability to meet. 

Ordinance:  No report.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

            Safety: This Committee will meet on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with the Finance Committee. 

            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 asked if any citizen would like to speak on any relative matter that needs to be brought to Council’s attention.  He reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.  

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, was concerned about the Belmont Breworks Restaurant possibly closing down.  The Mayor has not spoken to the manager of this restaurant so he could not comment on this issue.  Regarding the parking meters, Ms. Yeso explained there was concern that the city was not yet ready to go into the electronic age.  Meters will be removed and signs posted noting 2 hour free customer parking.  This will alleviate residents/employees using the downtown parking spaces as their “driveway” and will create store front parking for customers.   The Police Department will have the ability to “chalk” tires to enforce the 2 hour parking rule.  When asked about the recent penalties assessed to the Austin Masters Corporation by the State of Ohio, the Mayor said this doesn’t have anything to do with the city.  The city’s main concern was to get the building cleaned up and the area safe for the citizens.  A business similar to the Austin Masters Corporation can never again be brought into the city.

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

An Ordinance Separating The Positions Of Director Of Public Service And Director Of Public Safety And Establishing The Annual Salaries Therefore, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  This Ordinance will go to a second reading. 

An Ordinance Increasing The Salary Of The Director Of Public Service, Effective January 1, 2026.

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  This Ordinance will go to a second reading. 

An Ordinance To Confirm The Increase To The Salaries Of The Elected Officials And The Clerk Of Council Of The City Of Martins Ferry And Declaring An Emergency. 

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  This Ordinance will go to a second reading. 

A Resolution Noting And Confirming The Annual Salaries Of The Elected And Appointed Officials Of The City Of Martins Ferry. 

This Resolution was given a first reading.  This Resolution will go to a second reading. 

A Resolution Requesting The County Auditor To Certify To The City Of Martins Ferry The Total Current Tax Valuation Of The City Of Martins Ferry And The Dollar Amount Of Revenue That Would Be Generated By A Five (5.0) Mill Renewal Levy And Declaring An Emergency.

This Resolution was given a first reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules for three readings.  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 Resolution as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker 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:   

Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Harris seconded to permit the Martins Ferry EMS to sell a LifePak 15 version 1 defibrillator/monitor, 2 batteries and 1 charger to the Beech Bottom EMS.   A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Schramm asked Mr. Smay and Mr. Robey if they could attend the Finance/Safety Committee Meeting on Monday, February 2.  Mr. Smay said he works on Mondays and would be unable to attend meetings on Mondays. 

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. Robey.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Smay.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:16 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next regular meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of January 7, 2026

Posted on: January 22, 2026

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, January 7, 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.  NOTE:  President Wallace was sworn into office by Mayor Davies before tonight’s Council Meeting. 

President Wallace asked if Council would consider changing the order for tonight’s meeting so Mayor Davies could take care of a few items.  Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Rev. Agnew to change the order of the meeting.   A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris and Agnew voting yes.  Motion carried. 

            Mayor Davies gave the oath of office to the new and re-elected Council Members.  Fire Chief I and Chief II and Fire Department Officers were also sworn into office.  Ms. Melissa Yeso, former Council Member, was introduced as the new appointed Safety Director. 

            President Wallace introduced Mr. Ron Green, Vice-President of the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers), who asked Council for their support in recognizing the 250^th Anniversary of the U.S. Post Office.  Mr. Green gave a short history of the Postal Service.  Mayor Davies read the city’s Proclamation, honoring the 250^th Anniversary of the Post Office, and then presented the decree to Mr. Green. 

            President Wallace expressed his appreciation for Kristy Davis and her years of service on Council and serving as Council President.  He vowed to do his best to run Council Meetings efficiently and smoothly.  He congratulated the re-elected Council Members and welcomed the New Council Members. 

A Roll Call was then held with the following members answering:  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.  

            Mr.  Echemann motioned and Mr. Schramm seconded to re-appoint Kay McFarlan as Clerk of Council.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.

            Mr. Harris made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to keep the time of Council Meetings at 4:30 p.m.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.

            President Wallace reminded Council Members of the Ohio Sunshine Law Training and the Cyber Security Training that needs to be completed by every Council Member by the end of January, 2026.  A certificate of completion needs to be submitted to President Wallace. 

Minutes:  Mr. Hunker made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to approve the December 22, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  Motion carried and the minutes were approved as written. 

Correspondence:  A note of gratitude was received from the past Council President, Kristine Davis thanking Council and the Administration for the kind words and gifts presented to her at the December 22 Meeting. 

            Mayor: Mayor Davies reported that Broadway Street is now open to one lane of traffic and will completely open up on Monday, January 15 after being closed due to a 15 ft. sinkhole.  Repairs to this Street cost approximately $50,000. 

            The Fire Department was commended for the tremendous job of containing the recent fire on Pearl Street.  Two houses were lost in the fire but the damage could have been a lot worse.  Unfortunately, one life was lost.

Service Director:  Installation of the Filter Beds, Skadis System and Ozone Equipment still need to be completed.  The Water Plant Roof Project is almost done.  The city will be working with the EPA on a water consumption project which will hopefully save the city money. 

The Beretta Road Project will begin as soon as the weather breaks.  A report is expected soon on the environmental drillings taken on Overlook Drive and North Ridge Drive.  This project will be partially federally funded.  Martins Ferry’s financial portion of this project has been set aside in the budget. 

Mr. Sutak asked that each committee of Council meet with Auditor Regis and discuss the responsibilities and current business of that committee.

            Auditor:  Auditor Regis distributed the Statement of Cash Position, Payroll Summary and New Hire/Termination Reports.  He also congratulated the newly elected and re-elected Council Members and the city’s new Safety Director Melissa Yeso.   

Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Robey to note that Council has received and reviewed the Statement of Cash Position, the New Hire Report, and the Payroll Report and to make these reports part of the minutes.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:   Chief West congratulated all the new and re-elected Council Members and said his office is always open if help is needed.  He distributed the December, 2025 monthly Police Report as well as the 2025 Yearly Report.  Chief West also complemented the Fire Department on their team work to contain the Fire on Pearl Street. 

            Fire Department: Chief Justin Smith reported the Fire Department ended the year with 272 calls, which is 100 more calls than in 2024.  He expressed gratitude for all who helped in the containment of the fire on Pearl Street.  On behalf of Council, President Wallace thanked the Fire Department for all they do for the city.  Applause was given to the Fire Department by those present in Council Chambers. 

            Mr. Sutak would like to schedule a meeting with Chief Smith and Safety Director Yeso to discuss some ideas and issues for 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:  Mr. Schramm did not have a report but wanted to also thank the Fire Department for the great job they did in containing the fire on Pearl Street. 

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

            Code Administration:  No report.

Real Estate/Building and Grounds:  No report.

Income Tax: Mr. Regis has contacted R.I.T.A. and has given them Mr. Echemann’s contact information, noting that he is now the Chairperson of the Income Tax Committee. 

Citizens To Be Heard:  President Wallace reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.  

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, wished the best to President Wallace, Council Members and the new Safety Director in 2026 and expressed appreciation for their service.  He asked Mayor Davies what he is most proud of accomplishing in 2025.  The Mayor replied that it was an Up and Down Year for the City with the “Down Side” being that East Ohio Regional Hospital closed.  The “Up Side” being the tremendous working relationship and cooperation between Council, Administration, city workers, and the Union.  Mr. Sutak noted it’s because these employees care about the city.  When asked about his goals for 2026, Mayor Davies expressed satisfaction that younger people are getting interested in serving as shown by the newly elected Council Members and the newly appointed Safety Director.  The city will probably not see big industry come back, so the city must transform to technology or some other line of job creation.  Mr. Hord asked for consideration of acknowledgement of the retirement of John Kramer, DDS and the Kramer family for their presence in the same building on Fourth Street for almost 100 years.  Mr. Hord also asked for an update regarding the Parking Meter Situation.  The Mayor said there have been conversations on how to go forward with the operation of the parking meters.  The meters are now functioning and if money isn’t put in the meter, citations will be given.

David Marshall, 105 South 3^rd Street, complained about the cats in his neighborhood destroying his property.  He showed Council a device that will sting an animal to get it away from your property but will not kill it.  Mr. Marshall noted an ordinance is in place that prohibits electric fencing to deter animals in the city.  He asked Council to consider changing this Ordinance so that he may protect his property from further destruction from the feral cats.  This issue was referred to the Ordinance Committee. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            An Ordinance To Enter Into An Agreement With The Full Time EMS Employees Of The City Of Martins Ferry. 

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Rev. Agnew to suspend the rules.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Smay, Robey, Harris, and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried.  Motion was made by Rev. Agnew and seconded by Mr. Echemann 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.

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Harris 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 Setting The Salary For The Positon Of Operator Of Record For The Water 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, Smay, Robey, Harris, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  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 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. Smay made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to elect Mr. Echemann as President Pro-Tempore.   After an affirmative voice vote from Mr. Smay, Mr. Robey, Mr. Harris, Rev. Agnew, Mr. Schramm and Mr. Hunker, the motion passed.  Mr. Echemann abstained. 

Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Hunker to note that Council has received and reviewed the Statement of Cash Position, the New Hire Report, and the Payroll Report and to make these reports part of the minutes.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

President Wallace said he would like an Ordinance Committee Meeting scheduled to discuss the Ordinance of electric fencing for animal deterrence in the city.

Mr. Regis thanked Chief Smith for putting the report of fire calls on Facebook.  The outpouring of appreciation from the public was incredible. 

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. Sutak asked President Wallace for a list of all the committees, noting the chairperson and  members.

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:26 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Phil Wallace, Council President

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