News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2025

Posted on: November 6, 2025

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 10^th 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

_______________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2025

Posted on: October 20, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 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; Melissa Yeso, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.           

            Minutes:  Minutes of the September 17, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies announced that Friday, October 3, 2025 will be Police Chief Murphy’s last day.  Sargent Vince West will be the interim Chief. 

There will be a Clean-up Day on Saturday, October 11, 8:00 – 12:00 noon.  There will be Boxes on First Street for Citizens to dispose of their unwanted trash.  No curbside pick-up. 

The Mayor met with a YMCA Representative regarding a trial-run of several programs at the Recreation Center in October and November.  If the programs are well received, the YMCA may choose to offer additional courses.  Mayor Davies thanked those persons involved in getting this endeavor organized. 

City workers are doing routine maintenance.  Mr. Rodgers asked if the potholes, on 8^th Street, from Mackey Avenue to the Community Center, could be patched.  Also, potholes near the Selby Apartments to the Polish Club need filled. 

The Mayor believes Peace Township has a contract in place to fix the road where there was a slip on Mackey Avenue. 

Service/Safety Director:  Mr. Sutak said city workers are trying to catch up patching potholes and water break holes.  He also updated Council regarding the delivery of the Ozone Equipment and installation of the Filter Beds and the SCADA System at the Water Plant. 

Mr. Sutak and Mr. Regis will discuss information regarding the Preliminary Note Issue.  The Note will roll over soon and another $500,000 will be put into it for a total of $6.mil.  This money hopefully can be used for additional upgrades to the Water Plant.  Roof work for the Water Plant should begin in a week or so if the weather stays nice.  Estimates are being sought for the installation of cameras and lighting for the Well Fields.  Mr. Sutak offered to conduct a tour of the Water Plant to Council Members.

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis apologized for missing the last Council Meeting due to a family obligation.  The East Ohio Regional Hospital Income Tax money from Line Item (204) has been dispersed.  Auditor Regis said when Council asks for funds to be moved, approved minutes are needed as proof of the action.  He noted that $250,000, from the General Fund, has been encumbered in a line item under the General Fund for the Overlook Drive and North Ridge Road Project.  Regarding the Sanitation Fund discussion at the last Council Meeting, Mayor Davies said an estimated cost was given for the rest of the year but he would have liked to see an estimated revenue number also. 

            Law Director:  Mr. Stecker didn’t have a report but he did send an email to Mr. Sutak regarding how to proceed with the Kaufmann situation.  Also, talks are still being conducted with Tri-County Water concerning contract rates. 

            Police Department:  No report.

            Fire Department: Assistant Fire Chief Justin Smith gave the Fire Department’s Third Quarter Report.  The Department was not awarded the AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant).  Chief Smith expressed his concerns for the Fire Department as well as other entities should Ohio discontinue Property Taxes. 

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 noted Assistant Fire Chief Smith distributed meeting minutes of all the Fire Stations stating they unanimously approved of changing the bylaws to say “to be eligible to run for the Chief I or Chief II positions, a member must live within a 7-mile radius of the Martins Ferry City Building”.  The Department’s membership is down to 39 members and in order to get additional members, the radius needs to be increased. 

            Service:  No report.

Real Estate/Building and Grounds:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Utility: The Committee met on September 25.  Fifty Delinquent Utility bills were sent out and 40 have now been paid.  Ten accounts are in the process of being turned off.  The Sanitation Fund is doing better due to the updated fee structure for the apartment buildings in town and the increased charge for extra sanitation.  Minutes of the meeting will be filed with these minutes. 

            Code Administration:  No report.

Income Tax: No report.

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

Rita K. Randall, 246 North 7^th Street, former City Auditor, frequently requests the city financial reports.  In reading over a recent report, she noticed that $93,000 was taken out of the General Fund and given to the Sanitation Fund which is an Enterprise Fund.  She said this is not allowed.  The Enterprise Funds are supposed to stand alone and pay for themselves.  She also noted that the condemned houses in the city are creating a haven for raccoons and other rodents which have been destroying her property as well as other properties.  She feels the $93,000 could have been used for demolition of dilapidated structures in the city. 

Phil Wallace, 801 Spring Haven Drive, spoke on the impact of abolishing property taxes in Ohio which is a constitutional change.  He states that eliminating property taxes would create a catastrophic impact on Ohio local services including public schools, emergency services and libraries.  No plan for replacement of these funds has been created.  Mr. Wallace asked the citizens to vote against this Initiative next year.  President Davis urged Council to take a stand next year and educate the citizens on the consequences of eliminating property taxes.

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked about the re-opening of East Ohio Regional Hospital.  The hospital is involved in bankruptcy proceedings, and although another entity is interested, it doesn’t want to go through due process.  Mr. Hord asked if patchwork could be done on the 900 block of South 10^th Street.  The Mayor expressed frustration with not being able to attract new business in town because there are no store fronts available.  No plans are known about the future of the former Times Leader building,

Larry Deaton, 1102 North 9^th Street, was told that the patching of the road at the top of Mackey Avenue is the responsibility of Peace Township.  Mr. Sutak and Mr. Schramm offered to contact the Township and find out when the road will be fixed.  If it isn’t fixed soon, the city may have to look into fixing it due to safety reasons and send the project cost to the Township.  Mr. Sutak will keep Mr. Deaton updated on the situation. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            There were no Ordinances and 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:   

President Davis directed Council’s attention to a copy of the letter addressed to Superintendent Jim Fogle in support for the School District’s application to the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program for funding to pave the roads of the school campus.  Mayor Davies said this is for the safety of the children and is not costing the city anything.  Mr. Schramm made a motion to support the Martins Ferry City School District in their application to AMLER for funding.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Yeso voting yes.  Rev. Agnew abstained.  The motion carried and Council Members were asked to sign the letter after the meeting.  A copy of this letter will be filed with these minutes. 

Mr. Rodgers made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to allow the Fire Department to amend their bylaws to say “to be eligible to run for the Chief I or Chief II positions, a member must live within a 7-mile radius of the Martins Ferry City Building”.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried.

Mr. Echemann asked Council to express their condolences to the family of a High School Student who tragically passed away last week.

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.  

Mayor Davies noted that a $400,000 grant will go to the OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) on November 5 for the Jefferson Street Project.  This is a 1.1 mil. Project to replace water and sewer lines. 

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2025

Posted on: October 2, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on September 17, 2025 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, 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 Yesso, James Agnew and James Schramm, Council at Large Members.

Minutes:  Minutes of the September 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting and were approved as written.

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies deferred 25 minutes of his time to State Representative Ron Ferguson so Mr. Ferguson could address Council regarding the initiative to abolish property taxes in Ohio.  He then answered questions from Council Members and the audience.    

Mayor Davies asked for an Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss personnel. 

The First Christian Church asked for permission on Sunday, September 21^st  to block off North Zane Highway from Jefferson Street to Monroe Street, and Zane Highway to Pearl Street, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

The Mayor expressed concerns about the Sanitation Department’s finances reported at the last Finance Committee Meeting.  Mr. Hunker stated that the Finance Committee decided to meet again after September 30 to review the finances again due to a 3-pay month during the 3^rd quarter of the year. 

Service Director:  Mr. Sutak gave an update on the renovations to the Water Plant.  New pumps have been installed in the Walnut Street Pumping Station which should save the City on utility costs. 

The Administration is still waiting on a report from the Insurance Company regarding the stolen generator from the well field.  However, a report was received from Homeland Security today but the Mayor hasn’t had a chance to look at it.  He believes it will have recommendations on how to make the next generator more secure.  Mr. Sutak will seek funding through Homeland Security to secure the well field, i.e. cameras, fence, etc. 

Hopefully, work on the Water Plant roof will begin in a couple of weeks.

As requested by the Auditor’s Office, Mr. Sutak asked Council to approve final payment of Audit costs of $28,950.

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis was not at this meeting but did supply the Payroll Summary and New Hire/Termination Report to Council Members.   

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  No report.

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, reported he will be attending a meeting this evening with the Belmont County Auditor to discuss the Property Tax Abolishment Issue.

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

            Finance and Audit:   The Committee met on September 3, 2025 and decided to continue paying $5,000 every month to the Recreation Center until the end of the year.  The issue will then be revisited at the beginning of the year to see if it is still needed. 

            The Street Income Tax percentages were discussed and the Committee decided to add an additional 1% for Street paving making a total of 21% (17% to Street Operations and 4% to Street Paving).

            At the August 20, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council approved to appropriate $250,000, from the General Fund, to be put in a line item under the General Fund for the Overlook Drive and North Ridge Road Project and encumber it.  It does not appear that this has been done.  Council would also like to know if the East Ohio Regional Hospital Income Tax money from Line Item (204) has been dispersed to the appropriate funds.  This action was also approved at the August 20, 2025 Council Meeting. 

            The Committee also has questions regarding the American Rescue Money which will need to be addressed with Auditor Regis.

Street: No report.

Ordinance:  Rev. Agnew said the Committee has discussed Zoning Issues on First Street.  The Mayor explained that currently there is a 1 year and 5 year time travel in the City’s Source Water Protection Area.  The Administration would like to change to Zones instead of years traveled and determine what businesses can go into Zone 1 that would be the least amount of exposure to the well field.  Zone 1 is where the former Austin Masters facility was located. 

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

            Safety: Mr. Schramm reported that the Fire Department is in favor of changing its bylaws to say “to be eligible to run for the Chief I or Chief II positions, a member must live within a 7-mile radius of the Martins Ferry City Building”.  Council must approve of this bylaw change.  Assistant Chief Justin Smith addressed Council regarding this issue.  The Mayor asked for documentation, such as a copy of the meeting minutes that noted this bylaw change was acceptable to the membership. 

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

Real Estate/Building and Grounds: No report.

Utility:  There will be a Utility Committee Meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. 

Income Tax: No report.

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

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, thanked everyone who helped organize the Town Hall Meeting on September 9.  During this meeting, it was asked that the city administration arrange a meeting with the County Commissioners.  The Mayor said this meeting has not been scheduled.  A public record request has not been submitted regarding information on the Austin Masters situation.  There has been activity at the former Staffilino building but the Mayor has nothing definite to report.  Also, nothing new is known regarding the re-opening of East Ohio Regional Hospital. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            An Ordinance Requiring Utilization Of City Sanitation Services.

This Ordinance was given a first reading.  The Mayor explained the importance of this Ordinance.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Schramm 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. Echemann 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. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Rodgers seconded to approve final payment of the audit costs of $28,950.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to approve the street closures (South Zane Highway between Jefferson and Monroe Streets and Madison Street, from Zane Highway to Pearl Street) requested by the First Christian Church on September 21, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to add an additional 1% of the Income Tax Money to Street Paving, making a total of 21% (17% to Street Operations and 4% to Street Paving).   A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Schramm inquired about the paving schedule for the top of Mackey Avenue and Kuckuck Lane.  Mr. Sutak said he would check on it.  

The YMCA has expressed interest in conducting some programs at the Recreation Center.  Mayor Davies asked Council for permission to negotiate this arrangement.  Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to allow the Mayor to proceed with negotiations with the YMCA to conduct programs at the Recreation Center.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Property at 615 Walnut Street is now owned by the Land Bank.  The City has someone interested in this property.   Fund 46 (Demolition Fund), which is donated money, has $12,700.  The Mayor asked for Council’s permission to approach the Belmont County Auditor and Treasurer to see if the County would release that property to the city.  The city would have the structure demolished.  If demolition costs exceeded $12,700, the person interested in the property would need to pay the difference.  This would use the donated money (Fund 46) as it was intended to be used.  Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to allow the Mayor to speak to the Land Bank regarding releasing the property to the city and if permitted, use Fund 46 for demolition and speaking to the third party buyer about shared costs.  A roll call vote was heard with Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, and Rodgers voting yes.  Ms. Yeso abstained.  The motion carried.

Mr. Sutak clarified that out of the 17% for Street Operations (of the Street Income Tax Percentage of 21%), 3% of this will go to the city’s share of funding for Beretta Drive.

Ms. Yeso asked about a Fall Clean-Up Day.  The Mayor said a date has not been set since the Sanitation Fund is being watched closely.  A decision on a Fall Clean-Up day will be made after the end of this month when the Cash Position Report is received to make sure the city can afford this service. 

Mayor Davies announced that Halloween will take place on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to approve the Payroll Summary and New Hire/Termination Report.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried. 

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. Rodgers made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to go into Executive Session under the Ohio Revised Code 121.22, G1 (includes the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, or promotion of a public employee or official.) A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong 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. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion to continue to give $5,000 per month to the Recreation Center as the Service Director requested and it will continue for the next 90 days.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mrs. Armstrong seconded to allow the Mayor and Service Director to restructure the current Tri-County rate to 6.3454 with the minimum continuing at 6.3 mil. until the City recoups its costs.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Yeso and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried. 

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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

___________________________________
Date