News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2025

Posted on: April 22, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 2, 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; and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Member.  Absent: Ben Neiman and James Agnew, Council at Large Members and Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member.  A quorum was declared for action votes only.  Therefore, the legislation sent to Council yesterday cannot be read tonight. 

            Minutes:  Minutes of the March 19, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and the March 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  The City received a $2,000 grant from the Belmont County Tourism for the Celebration in the Park scheduled for July 5. 

The electricity at East Ohio Regional Hospital was shut-off this morning and two Martins Ferry Fire Chiefs secured the building.  It is hoped that the Hospital can be sold and re-opened.  Another property (the old Dollar General Store on 4^th Street), also owned by Dr. Johnson, is having some structural issues.  The area has been blocked off but action may have to be taken soon due to safety issues. 

Service/Safety Director:  Mr. Sutak stated there has been a few water breaks in the city since the last meeting.  The Water Plant updates are progressing and roof work has been completed on 2 Pumping Stations.  Mr. Sutak is working on getting some FEMA funding.

A meeting with the City’s Engineers is planned next week to discuss 2 scenarios for fixing the City Building’s roof.

            Auditor:  Auditor Regis distributed the Proposal for the new phone/Wi-Fi system from Cloud Advisors and asked Council to review it before he asks the company representative to discuss it with Council. 

            Mr. Regis, Mayor Davies and Mr. Sutak have met to discuss local government funding from the County.   Mayor Davies did not agree with the Commissioner’s recommendations for the method to be used for the distribution of these funds.  Mr. Regis recommended a Finance Committee be set to discuss the matter. 

            The Mayor will meet with Auditor Regis to discuss the Sanitation Department’s finances.  Rates may have to be increased.  Another Packer is having issues which will cost around $10,000 to fix.

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of March report.  A copy of this report will be filed with these minutes. 

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, submitted the Fire Department’s Quarterly Report to the Mayor and Council.  Engine #2 is back in service.  The Fire Department received a $2000 grant from the Belmont County Tourism for Betty Zane Days.  Mr. Smith explained to Council the steps taken by the Fire Department to secure East Ohio Regional Hospital after the power was cut off this morning.  He also requested that a brief Safety Committee meeting be scheduled in the next couple of weeks.  Mr. Sutak alerted Mr. Smith to a few properties in the city that will hopefully be torn down this year. 

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.

            Code Administration:  No report.

Real Estate/Utility:  No report.

Income Tax: Mrs. Armstrong spoke to a R.I.T.A. representative and expressed the city’s displeasure with their efforts to resolve the issue of obtaining the exact number of employees working for a Heating and Cooling Company in the city.  She asked if anyone knows the identity of any employee working for this company to let her know.  The R.I.T.A. representative suggested the city request a subpoena from the R.I.T.A. Board of Directors to get the company’s records, including payroll.  The representative will submit a request for the subpoena and will let Mrs. Armstrong know the Board’s decision by the end of the week.  Mr. Sutak informed Auditor Regis that a new Auto Parts Store recently opened up on Dewey Street and the city should be collecting income tax from those employees.  Mrs. Armstrong will also mention this business to the R.I.T.A. representative. 

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

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, inquired if the E.O.R.H. Medical Office Building would re-open if the electrical power was restored.  Mayor Davies said that would have to be an agreement between the hospital and the doctors.  Regarding the Austin Masters clean-up, Mr. Hord was told that the building is under the jurisdiction of ODNR and hopefully is getting close to being finished.  The building is power-washed and then tested.  If it doesn’t come back clean, then it is washed again and tested.  The Street Sweeper needs extensive repairs and will not be running this Spring. 

Frank Papini, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Retiree Organization of Martins Ferry, Ohio and a resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, asked if the fund that the city took money from to pay the hospital’s taxes is depleted. The Mayor said the money the hospital received was from last year’s tax abatement which they were entitled to by an Ordinance.  Currently there is $41,945.70 still in the fund.  Mr. Stecker will be consulted to see if the hospital will be able to get that money.  If the hospital files for bankruptcy, Mr. Papini wanted to know if the city would be a secured creditor.  The Mayor said “no” and he and Mr. Sutak explained a couple of different scenarios that the hospital could take. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            President Davis asked Council to review the Ordinance regarding certifying delinquent accounts.  It will be read at the next meeting.      

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 reminded Council Members that Financial Disclosure Statements are due by May 15, 2025 to the Ohio Ethics Commission.

The Mayor informed Mr. Hord that Mr. Ferns, owner of the Staffilino Building, is preparing to do something with the building. 

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to note that Council has received the Financial Statements and will make these reports part of the minutes.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

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

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to keep the Council Meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the 4:30 p.m. time frame at least until the end of this calendar year.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Echemann.  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, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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

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Date

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.

___________________________________               ___________________________________
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. 

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

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Date