The City of Martins Ferry Offices will be open on Christmas Eve (12/24) until around 11am and Closed on Christmas Day (12/25). The sanitation workers will be working also 1/2 day on Christmas Eve and Closed on Christmas Day, Friday pickup is on as normal and they will be getting Thursday Routes that day also.
The City Offices will also be open on New Years Eve (12/31) until around 11am and Closed on New Years Day (1/1). The sanitation schedule for these days will be the same as for Christmas.
We want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Years!
SORRY FOR ANY INCONVIENCE, PAYMENTS CAN BE LEFT IN THE DROP BOX ON THE CORNER ON S 5TH AND WALNUT, OR INSIDE THE CITY BUILDING AT THE UTILITY OFFICE MAIL SLOT.
There will be a Special Meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council on Monday December 22, at 6 pm in Council Chambers. The meeting is being called for the consideration of legislation, including the Final 2025 Budget, and the Preliminary 2026 Budget, and any other business which may properly be considered by Council. The normal agenda will be abbreviated.
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:30 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 followed by a prayer by the Acting Clerk. Auditor Jack Regis assumed the Clerk’s duties at this meeting since Ms. McFarlan was unable to attend. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Melissa Yeso and James Agnew, Council at Large Members. Absent: Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member, and James Schramm, Council at Large Member. Note: There were 5 Council Members present which constitutes a quorum and a majority of the votes.
This Special Meeting was called for consideration of meter-less parking enforcement.
Mayor Davies said that the city’s parking meters were outdated or simply not working. The Administration is seeking Council’s permission to acquire a meter-less parking enforcement system. The Mayor believes that the funds in the Off-Street Parking and the Parking Meter line items should be able to cover the cost of the entire system which includes the equipment for the first year.
Chief West and Council Member Yeso reviewed 2 systems: 1) the T2 System; and 2) ParkMobile (Wheeling, Steubenville and St. Clairsville uses this system).
Mr. Sutak said income from this project would go to the Police Department for Capital Expenditures which would free up General Fund Money. A 32 minute discussion was held explaining the process, details and benefits of these parking payment systems. Mr. Sutak suggested a one year trial period. President Davis advised that the public needs educated on the details of this system and when it will begin.
Motion was made by Mrs. Armstrong and seconded by Mr. Rodgers to permit the Mayor and Service Director to start a one year trial of T2 and/or ParkMobile for meter-less parking, utilizing money from the Off-Street Parking and Parking Meter Funds. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Hunker voting yes. The motion was declared passed.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to adjourn and seconded by Mr. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. with a salute to the flag.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 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; Melissa Yeso, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
President Davis congratulated those who were elected last night to serve on Council for another term and also applauded all those across the state who had the courage to run for public office but were defeated.
Minutes: Minutes of the October 15, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies reported that the city did not score high enough to get funding for the Jefferson Street Project through the Ohio Public Works Commission. Other options for funding will be explored for this project.
City crews are doing general maintenance, i.e. pothole patching, winter preparations. The city has plenty of road salt in case of snow and slippery roads this winter.
The Mayor distributed an (Employee) Handbook that he would like to discuss with Council in an Executive Session at the end of the meeting.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak reported that the Mansuetto Roofing and Sheet Metal Company is still working on the roof at the Water Plant and hopefully in a month it will be finished. After the roof is completed, Mr. Sutak will contact the Ozone Company and the Filter Bed Company and schedule them to come and install their equipment.
Auditor: Auditor Regis distributed a memo that he sent to all Departments Heads stating the City will be closing the books on November 26, 2025. The office will then only process extreme emergency purchases on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Regis also asked that Council approve the Payroll Summary and the New Hire/Termination Report.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief West supplied Council with the Department’s end of October Monthly Report. He reported the Department’s K-9 was being re-trained with a new handler. Permission was given to conduct a Police Sergeant’s Civil Service Exam on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00 noon in Council Chambers.
Chief West and Council Member Yesso spoke to a Company Representative about Electronic Parking Meters. These meters would alert the Police Department directly to a meter violation instead of having an officer walk around checking meters. The Chief commended 2 of his officers, along with EMS personnel, who recently administered CPR on an 8 year old juvenile.
Fire Department: Assistant Fire Chief Justin Smith reminded everyone that the Fire Department is hosting the Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, November 28. Line-up will begin at 4:30 p.m. on 1st and Center Streets. The Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Chief Smith invited Council to the Annual Fire Department Meeting scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vigilant Engine Company.
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: The Ohio University Eastern Campus did not have enough volunteers to participate in the Trunk or Treat held on October 28th on Walnut Street.
Utility: No report.
Code Administration: Citizens, who are concerned about Martins Ferry’s “curb appeal” are canvassing streets looking for houses that have high grass and weeds, especially the section between the sidewalk and street. A list of these properties will be given to the city. Two weeks ago Mr. Sutak sent letters to 21 property owners notifying them of the high grass violations. Not many have responded. The next step will be ordering them to Mayor’s Court.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, commended the Police Department for patrolling the city with cruisers and officers on foot patrol during Trick or Treating on October 31. He also congratulated all those who got elected to Council. There was no news regarding the opening of East Ohio Regional Hospital. The Mayor said the former Staffilino Building may become an auto body shop. There is no target date for the opening of this shop. Concerns expressed by former Auditor Rita Randall at the October 1, 2025 Council Meeting will be addressed under legislation.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Classifying Transfers From The General Fund To The Sanitation Fund As Loans And Directing Reimbursement.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Rev. Agnew to suspend the rules for 3 readings. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm and seconded by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. President Davis explained this Ordinance referred to the $93,000 that was transferred from the General Fund to the Sanitation Fund and explained the arrangements for repayment of this money.
An Ordinance Adjusting The Charge For Sewer Capital Projects And Creating A Charge For Water Operations.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Echemann and seconded by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules for 3 readings. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, 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:
President Davis stated the November 19 Council Meeting is cancelled. The next meeting of Council will be on December 3, 2025. She also stated that Auditor Regis would like Council to consider cancelling the December 17 meeting and to reschedule the meeting when the books are closed and the Auditor has everything ready for the end of the year. Mr. Hunker made a motion to cancel the December 17 Meeting and reschedule this meeting when notified by the Auditor that the office is ready to close the books. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion was declared passed.
Mr. Sutak said a Special Meeting may be needed at the end of the year because a note is coming due at the end of December and a couple of Resolutions may need passed to renew this note.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to note that Council has received the Payroll Summary and New Hire/Termination Report. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
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. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22, G4, (to discuss employee compensation). A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and Council went into Executive Session.
Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to go out of Executive Session and back into Regular Session. A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Yeso voting yes. The motion carried and Council went out of Executive Session.
Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
Unsure of when this will be repaired…..all residents in the Mackey Avenue area will be affected by this. Please be patient while our crew gets it repaired. For additional information you can contact the water plant at 740-633-1378.
Per request of Mayor John Davies, there will be a Special Meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council on Friday November 21st at 10:30 am in Council Chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to consider meterless parking enforcement.
The Nov 19 Regular meeting of City Council is cancelled
The next Regular meeting of Martins Ferry City Council will be Wednesday December 3rd at 4:30 pm in Council Chambers.
The December 17th Regular meeting is cancelled. Instead, a Special Meeting will be called when the Auditor advises that the financial reports and the Budgets are ready for consideration by Council. That meeting will be listed on this site and in the local press.
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 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; Melissa Yeso, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Minutes: Minutes of the October 1, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies gave the oath of office to Sargent Vincent West who was sworn in as the new Chief of Police. Chief West then expressed his thanks for the support of his family, friends and colleagues who were present to witness the swearing-in ceremony.
The Beretta Road project was started this week, beginning with the removal of several trees. There was a problem with traffic but that has now been resolved.
The Clean-Up Day on October 11 was well received by the residents. Crew are catching up on pothole repairs. General maintenance is being performed to prepare for winter weather.
Service/Safety Director: Mr. Sutak previously distributed an ordinance in support of more upgrades to the Water Plant. Replacement and upgrades to the Filter Beds at the Water Plant should begin on October 27. After the Filter Beds are finished, installation of the Ozone Equipment will begin.
Work on North Ridge Road and Overlook Drive will begin in the Spring when the weather breaks.
Auditor: Auditor Regis asked Council to approve a purchase order from Erb Electric. Also, Council needs to approve the Payroll Summary and the New Hire Report.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief West presented Council with the September, 2025 Police Report, noting an increase in juvenile complaints. This report will be included with these minutes.
Fire Department: No report.
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: Mr. Echemann said there was no updates regarding Mr. Probst’s retaining wall.
Safety: Mr. Schramm expressed best wishes to Vince West on his appointment to Police Chief.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: Mr. Echemann reported a Trunk or Treat Event will be held on October 28, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Walnut Street. Line-up begins at 5:30 p.m. Someone, possibly Mr. Echemann, will participate in it to represent Ohio University Eastern Campus.
Miss Yeso reported that Project Forward is sponsoring a 5K Walk on Friday, November 28 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds will benefit Veterans and the Fraternal Order of Police. She encouraged everyone to participate in this worthy cause.
Code Administration: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: No report.
Income Tax: Mrs. Armstrong asked Auditor Regis to contact the City’s R.I.T.A. representative for an update on the city tax revenue received from a certain business in town. Mrs. Armstrong was told that the revenue for this company was nearly double what it was last year.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, thanked Mr. Sutak for seeing that the potholes on South 10th Street were repaired. When asked for an update on East Ohio Regional Hospital, the Mayor replied he has not heard anything concrete. No information regarding the Austin Masters situation was available. The inside of the former Staffilino Building is being remodeled for a new business which will open up soon. Mr. Hord announced that on October 12, St. Mary’s Catholic Church celebrated 150 years of service to Martins Ferry. He also expressed gratitude to former Police Chief Murphy and wished the best to Chief West!
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of $6,000,000 of water system improvement bond anticipation notes, series 2025 (second renewal), to renew notes originally issued to pay part of the costs of, and to pay additional costs of, water well upgrades, water plant upgrades, pumping station upgrades, and other related costs and improvements, including but not limited to motors pumps, controls, generators, filtration screens, transfer switches, electrical upgrades, computer control systems, heating and dehumidifying systems, contract tank repairs, compressor units, valve repairs/upgrades, and other water works and/or water system permanent improvements and declaring an emergency.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers and seconded by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules for three readings. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, and Armstrong voting yes. Motion carried. Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to pass the Ordinance as read. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso 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. Rodgers made a motion to approve payment of $10,240.90 from the Capital Projects Fund to Erb Electric for a generator. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, and Armstrong voting yes. Motion carried.
President Davis announced that the Council Clerk is unable to attend the November 19 Council Meeting. Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to cancel the November 19 Meeting with the understanding that it could be re-scheduled if needed. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong asked about the progress of establishing an Ordinance stating that only 1 citizen can speak, per subject that is brought to Council’s attention. Mr. Stecker has done research on this issue. He said if public speaking is allowed during Council Meetings, Council cannot limit speaking to one person per issue. The subject matter must be related to Council/City business and the person should be a Martins Ferry Resident or speaking about a Martins Ferry concern.
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. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to note that Council has received and reviewed the financial reports including the Payroll Summary and New Hire Report. These reports will be incorporated into the minutes. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Regis suggested that after all the upgrades to the Water Plant are finished, a plaque be displayed commemorating the dedicated people responsible for getting the project completed.
Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to go into Executive Session under the Ohio Revised Code 121.22, G1 (employee compensation) and G3 (pending litigation). A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Yeso voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to go out of Executive Session. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and Council went back into Regular Session.
Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
