News & Updates
Posted on: December 5, 2025
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Mayor Davies said that the city’s parking meters were outdated or simply not working.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
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: December 5, 2025
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
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: November 21, 2025
Posted on: November 20, 2025
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.
Thank You!
Posted on: November 18, 2025
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.
Kristine Davis, President of Council
Posted on: November 16, 2025
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.
Kristine Davis, President of Council
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 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
_______________________________
Date
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 8th 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 7th 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 10th 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 9th 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
Posted on: October 10, 2025
Starting on Monday October 13, 2025, Beretta Road project will begin, road construction will run from 7:ooam until 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, and this may cause short term traffic delays. Delays will be short and will continue until project is complete.
Posted on: October 6, 2025
