News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Special Meeting Minutesof March 26, 2025

Posted on: April 3, 2025

         The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Session on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present.   Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member and James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Absent:  Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member.    

            This Special Meeting was called to consider legislation only. 

An Ordinance To Make Appropriations For The Expenses Of The City Of Martins Ferry, State Of Ohio, During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2025, And Declaring An Emergency. 

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

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mrs. Armstrong to pass an amendment specifying that Robin Davis, who was hired as a part time, per diem employee to cover absences of the regular Operator of Record, be paid $31.25 per hour for all hours worked above the agreed upon 320 hours during the period of February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried

Motion was made by Mr. Echemann to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2025

Posted on: April 3, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 19 at 4:30 p.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis 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; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; and James Agnew and Jim Schramm; Council at Large Members.  Absent:  Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member. 

            Minutes:  Minutes of the February 19, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and the March 3, 2025 Emergency Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies asked Mr. John Yoder from Three Rivers Hardwoods, 28183 St. Rt. 643, Fresno, Ohio to speak.  Mr. Yoder explained to Council his company’s proposals regarding the purchase of timber, located on the city’s property by the cemetery.  If Council approves the sale, the company would like to have until August 20, 2026 to execute the contract.   Taking down the trees would only take 6-8 weeks.  The Mayor said he would make copies of the map for all the Council Members and would notify Mr. Yoder when a decision is made.

An Operator of Records is required to be on site at the Water Plant 5 days a week. Between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025 the City hired Robin Davis as a part time, per diem employee to cover vacations and absences up to 320 hours per year, by the regular Operator of  Record.  When Mr. Neavin, the regular Operator of Record resigned, Robin Davis stepped into the role of sole Operator of Record. However, Mr. Davis worked an additional 422 hours over the contracted hours until another Operator of Record could be hired. The Mayor asked Council to approve $13,187.50 for the additional 422 hours that Mr. Davis worked.
 

The Mayor reported that East Ohio Regional Hospital’s water bill was paid in full.  The city issued a check to the Belmont County Auditor in the amount of $33,400 to pay the hospital property taxes.  This money came from the Job Tax Credit Agreement Fund designated to reimburse the hospital for Capital Improvements.

Regarding the hiring of the new Operator of Record, the Purchase Order was submitted after the invoice, so the Mayor asked Council to approve the first monthly payment of $4,500. 

The Mayor and Auditor asked Council to transfer $30,000 from the General Fund to the Cemetery Fund to cover expenses, such as grass cutting. 

If Council agrees to sell the timber near the cemetery, Mr. Sutak will consult with the City Engineer and the Real Estate Committee to decide which contract would be best for the city.  Choices include cutting trees measuring 14” and over in diameter or cutting trees measuring 17” or more in diameter.  All measurements begin at 3 ft. above ground level.  Law Director Stecker indicated that the city would have to bid out this project, complete with specifications.  Contracts (which included the purchase price of the trees) for the Three Rivers Hardwood were given to Mr. Stecker and will be sealed until all bids have been received.    

Service Director:  The paving of Spring Haven Drive will begin near the end of April or sometime in May. 

Mr. Sutak gave an update on the improvements at the Water Plant.  RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Program) has been hired to replace major valves in the city and train water department employees to exercise valves.  Two valves will be replaced on First Street in order to isolate water on the North and South ends of the city.  This would mean the city would not go dry should a major water break occur again on First Street.   

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis repeated the Mayor’s request for a $30,000 transfer to the Cemetery Fund.  He will also schedule time with the Mayor to talk about the Sanitation Line Item. 

            Council was given the New Hire Report, Payroll Summary, and the February Financial Statements which will need to be approved. 

            Mr. Regis has contacted R.I.T.A. regarding businesses that may not be collecting employee city income tax.  A R.I.T.A. representative has indicated they are working on it.  Mr. Sutak mentioned that a new Auto Parts Store will be opening in the city and asked Mr. Regis to make sure they submit R.I.T.A. Tax for their employees. 

            When the budget is final, Mr. Regis will get copies to Council.  He mentioned that if 2 cruisers are replaced this year, it will add $130,000 to the budget.  The Mayor will meet with Chief Murphy regarding Cruiser purchases.  A Special Meeting will need to be scheduled next week to approve the budget.

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of February Report, a brief update on March activities and the Impound Lot statistics.  A copy of the report will be filed with these minutes.  Two Officers recently completed required advanced training. 

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, mentioned he called ODOT regarding the traffic patterns on Rt. 7 during the Walk-Bridge Reconstruction Period.  The ODOT Project Manager will be sending Mr. Smith the traffic pattern for the next lane closures so the Fire and EMS Departments can coordinate response efforts should an accident occur in this area. 

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.

Real Estate/Building and Grounds: No report.

Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Utility: No report.

Code Administration:  Rev. Agnew report a citizen alerted him to piles of tires that were laying in the alley between 7^th & 8^th Streets, near Cemetery Road.  The Mayor said he would check on it.

Income Tax:  Mrs. Armstrong reported she also spoke to the city’s R.I.T.A. representative regarding the number of actual employees for a Heating and Cooling Business in the city.  She suggested that the representative investigate where the payroll checks originate because it is believed that there are more employees working for the company than is being reported. 

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

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, inquired about the possible closure of East Ohio Regional Hospital.  The Mayor said it would be a huge concern since the last time the hospital closed, there was a longer wait in the Emergency Rooms at other hospitals.  It will also be a loss of revenue for local businesses.  Regarding the financial situation with the School District, the Mayor said the School Administration is working on a plan.  Clean-up at the former Austin-Masters Plan is still ongoing. 

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. Rodger made a motion to pay $13,187.50 to the previous Operator of Record, Robin Davis, for hours owed.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Rodger made a motion to approve a $4,500 per month payment for the Operator of Record at the Water Department.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion to transfer $30,000 from the General Fund to the Cemetery Fund.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Rev. Agnew motioned and Mr. Rodgers seconded to excuse Mr. Neiman from today’s meeting.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to accept the February Financial Report, the New Hire Report, and the Payroll Report and to make these reports part of the minutes.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.

Mr. Schramm made a motion to note Council has received reports from the Officers and Management of the city, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.    

A Finance Meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 5:00 p.m. to consider the budget appropriations. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion to schedule a Special Meeting for Thursday, March 27 at 4:30 p.m. to consider the annual appropriation budget for 2025.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.    

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next regular meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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Date

Martins Ferry City Council Emergency Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2025

Posted on: March 20, 2025

         The Martins Ferry City Council met for an Emergency Session on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present.   Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; and James Agnew and Jim Schramm Council at Large Members.  Absent:  Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member and Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member.    

            The Emergency Meeting was called to consider reimbursement of the Permanent Improvement Funds to East Ohio Regional Hospital. 

Last week, Mayor Davies spoke to hospital officials and learned that a $33,100 tax payment to the County was needed today to satisfy Belmont County as a good faith effort. 

Mr. Stecker stated our agreement with the Hospital is to reimburse them for Capital Improvements.  He feels it would be fine to release to them $33,100.  Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. Echemann asked several questions on how this would work.  Mr. Stecker, Mayor Davies and Mr. Sutak answered these questions.

Mr. Schramm made a motion to release $34,000 to East Ohio Regional Hospital from the Job Tax Credit Agreement Fund.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Echemann.  Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2025

Posted on: March 20, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 19 at 4:30 p.m., at the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis 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; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; and James Agnew; Council at Large Member.  Absent:  Ben Neiman and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.    

            Minutes:  Minutes of the February 5, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies reported on the main line water breaks that have plagued the city in the last couple of weeks.  These water issues should be rectified now.  The city will perform valve exercising.   Some critical valves will be replaced so water can be isolated and shut off to certain areas of the city, without shutting down the entire Water Plant. 

Service Director:  Mr. Sutak said the city needs to be careful with the road salt. The salt supply may become scarce and more costly if the snowy weather continues. 

Mr. Sutak mentioned that fixing the main line water break on 1^st Street was difficult due to the amount of cement on the roadway needed to accommodate the heavy traffic. 

The Water Plant improvements are progressing.  The Ozone Room and Filter Beds should be completed by the end of the year.  A couple of Pumping Stations need roof repairs. 

Mr. Regis praised the Street Department for the great job they are doing to clear the snow and salt the roads this winter.

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis distributed the Statement of Cash Position with Month-to-Date Totals for Council to review.  He will meet with the Finance Committee soon for an Income Tax Review. 

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  The Chief will be researching new Grant Funding through the Office of Criminal Justice Services aimed at supporting local crime reduction.  This grant would help purchase equipment and fund additional personnel. 

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, reported that the Vigilant #2 Fire Engine will be out of service while it is in Columbus for servicing. 

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.

Real Estate/Building and Grounds: No report.

Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Utility: No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

Income Tax: No report.

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

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked for comments on the financial concerns of the Martins Ferry School District.  President Davis said Council will wait until after the Public Meeting with the School Board to comment on the issue.  Regarding repairs to the City Building, the Structural Engineer that was hired has become ill and can’t complete the job.  Another Engineer is being hired.  The building must be deemed structurally sound before a new roof is put on.  The City hasn’t hired an Assistant Service Director as the Service Director and Mayor are still running the day-to-day operations of the city.   Sunday skating and the after school program is still happening at the Recreation Center.   ODNR is continuing clean-up at the former Austin Masters Plant.  Testing will be done to make sure the area is completely clean and free of harmful residue. 

Steve Hancock, 1045 Colerain Pike, is alleging that a Heating and Cooling Company in the city is not collecting RITA City Income Tax from many of its employees.  This company was not a registered business in the State of Ohio until 13 days ago, even though they have been operating in Martins Ferry for over 10 years.  He asks that the City look into this matter.  Mr. Regis will call the City’s RITA Representative to inquire about this business and if necessary, call an Income Tax Committee Meeting to discuss the matter further. 

Ben Bintz, President of the Martins Ferry Aquatic Club, Board Member for the Park District, Colerain/Mt. Pleasant Road, thanked the Administration and Council for their support of programming at the swimming pool and the Recreation Center.  Mr. Sutak asked Mr. Bintz for help in securing life guards this summer for the pool. 

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:   

Mayor Davies asked Council if they would appropriate funds for the celebration in the Park this year.  Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to appropriate $7,500 from the General Fund for the 2025 4^th of July Celebration in the Park to be held on Saturday, July 5.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.  The motion carried. 

The Mayor led a discussion concerning demolishing a few houses in the city.  There is currently $9,500 in the Demolition Fund.  Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to appropriate $40,000 from the General Fund for demolition of several houses in the city.  A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, and Rodgers voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to approve the Statement of Cash Position.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to excuse Mr. Neiman and Mr. Schramm from tonight’s meeting.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed. 

Mr. Echemann made a motion to note Council has received reports from the Officers and Management, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.    

             Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:14 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

___________________________________               ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council                           Kristine Davis, Council President

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Date