News & Updates

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.

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

___________________________________
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

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2025

Posted on: February 21, 2025

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 5, 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; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Ben Neiman, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Excused: Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member.   

            Minutes:  Minutes of the January 15, 2025 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

            President Davis announced there was a water break on Cemetery Road and the Water Plant has been shut down.  Mayor Davies and Mr. Sutak are on site of the break and will not be attending this meeting.  Once water is restored, a 48-hour boil order will be in place. 

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  No report.

Service Director:  No report.

Law Director:  No report.   

Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of January, 2025 report including the Impound Lot report.  K9 Linus has found a new home with the Baltimore Police Department.  Mr. Neiman inquired about the noise ordinance and reported a vehicle has been playing loud music throughout the town.  The Chief encouraged residents to alert the Department as soon as possible so that these types of incidents can be address in a timely manner.

Auditor: Auditor Regis distributed the current Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals, New Hire Report, and Payroll Summary.  The Sanitation Department is still running at a deficit and ideas have been discussed with the Mayor and Service Director to improve the fund.  A list of the yearly salaries for 2025 are attached to these minutes. 

Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, report there were 38 fire calls including 4 active structure fires during January.  He thanked Mutual Aid and the Police Department for their help during the call on Grant Street where they had to deal with below zero temperatures and frozen fire hydrant issues.   A round of applause was given as appreciation for the work of the city’s police and fire departments.

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:  The Committee met on Monday, February 3 regarding unmetered water loss.  The Mayor asked that an ordinance be created to charge for the loss of unmetered water through leaks in the service line between the curb stop and the meter if not corrected within a reasonable time by the water user or property owner.  The Ordinance was prepared by Law Director Stecker and sent to all Council Members on February 3. 

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, expressed appreciation to the water department on their efforts to fix the recent water breaks in the city.  He also list businesses in the city that have closed and wonder if anything could be done to prevent these closures.  President Davis said there are many reasons why the businesses have closed.  She reported that the Mayor has been working on some ideas to bring business to the city.  There is a new auto parts store opening soon on First Street.  Regarding an update on the Austin Masters situation, President Davis stated that ODNR is continuing the clean-up by moving the debri out by rail.  Hopefully the clean-up will be done by the end of May. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

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

            An Ordinance Levying A Fee For Unmetered Water Loss.

Mr. Schramm made a motion to suspend the rules for reading the Ordinance.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Rodgers, Neiman, and Agnew voting yes.  Motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Ordinance as read.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann 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 thanked Council for changing the time of the Council Meeting to accommodate his class schedule.

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to note that Council has received and reviewed the Statement of Cash, the New Hire Report, Payroll Summary and Check Register.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. 

Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to excused Mrs. Armstrong from tonight’s meeting.  After an affirmative voice vote, 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 Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Mr. Schramm announced he will not be able to attend the February 19th Council Meeting.

Mr. Neiman announced that he changed his mind and will be running for a Council-at-Large Position in the fall.

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 4:59 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

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

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

___________________________________
Date