News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of June 5, 2024

Posted on: July 1, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro-Tempore Rick Rodgers 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; Ben Neiman, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Mr. Rodgers reserved his right to vote.           

            Minutes:  Minutes of the May 15, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  The Administration is working on changing the zones on the Source Water Protection Plan which will put more restraint on what companies can reside on First Street. After Council approves an ordinance regarding this plan, the city will consult with the EPA to strengthen any wording.  Once the plan is in effect, it should help with the Austin Masters situation.  No updates from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources have been received. 

The cemetery is looking great and crews have been patching potholes.  The swimming pool is open and attendance has been good. 

Pictures, showing damage in the city park, were distributed.  The Mayor suggested creating an ordinance banning anyone 16 years old and under from the Park after 6:00 p.m.  Before 6:00 p.m., lifeguards can see any problems in the Park and notify the Police.  Mrs. Armstrong asked Chief Murphy if the cameras in the Park could identify any of the people responsible for the damages.  The perpetrators are not all from the city, making identification difficult.  Mr. Rodgers asked Rev. Agnew to schedule an Ordinance Meeting to address the damages to the Park and the electric bicycle issues.  Regarding an Ordinance on electric bikes, Mrs. Armstrong asked for recommendations from the Police Department.

There have been multiple issues with the gas scooters and electric bikes on the city streets.  Riders are not stopping at stop signs or following traffic rules.  Persons of any age are permitted to operate these vehicles.  The Mayor asked Council to create an ordinance outlining regulations for motorized bikes and scooters.  Chief Murphy said his department is working on putting together these guidelines. 

The Mayor asked Council to authorize up to $7,500 from the General Fund to help cover the cost of the fireworks for the July 6 Celebration.  He is hoping donations will be received to offset some of the $7,500 cost. 

Service/Safety Director:  The pool is open and the new pump is working well.  Mr. Sutak updated Council on the Water Plant upgrades.  On Memorial Day, there was a major water break and the whole city was out of water.  Mayor Davies and Mr. Sutak met with the Engineers yesterday to discuss installing a separate water line which would enable almost 75% of the town to still have water if there would be another major water break.  Mr. Rodgers was contacted by several people saying how thankful they were that the water department employees worked so quickly to fix the water break last month.  He asked The Times Leader representative to convey that sentiment in her news article. 

Force Main Project – In order to move the large bore into the new sewer system underneath the railroad tracks, the Railroad Company has to provide flaggers but they haven’t yet confirmed that they will supply flaggers.  Without flaggers, the large bore is not allowed to be moved.  The city’s Engineer is contacting the company that is doing the project and the Railroad Company to resolve the problem.  It is hoped the project will be finished in two weeks.

Mr. Sutak has identified several dilapidated houses in the city that needed torn down.  He has contacted the Land Bank and Bel-A-Mar to see if funding might be available for demolition. 

Update on Sale of the 1200 North 9^th Street Property – The Mayor said an Ordinance has to be passed by Council before the property can be advertised for bid. 

Update On The Rate Adjustment For The High Rise Apartments In Town – Mr. Sutak said that a letter is being sent to Metropolitan Housing to let them know the city is going to re-classify the sanitation portion of the bill.  This should become effective in the next billing cycle. 

            Auditor:   Auditor Regis asked Council to make a motion to accept the Statement of Cash Position, the New Hire Report and the Payroll Summary.   He also asked Council to approve an invoice from Erb Electric for $3,034 because it is over the allowable limit which can be paid without Council’s approval.  A Finance Committee Meeting was set for Tuesday, June 11 at 11:00 a.m.

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of May Police Department Report which included the results of the vehicle auction.  Grant money amounting to $6,870.50 was received for reimbursement of Laptops.  Canine Patch performed a demonstration for a Girl Scout Troop in Bridgeport.  Mr. Sutak asked for more traffic oversight on State Route 7.

            Fire Department: No report.

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

            Finance and Audit:   Mr. Hunker set the next Finance Meeting for Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.   

Street: No report.

Ordinance:  A meeting will be set to discuss an ordinance for electric bikes and the vandalism in the Park.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: Mr. Schramm reported he has notice several Commercial Trucks running the red lights on Rt. 7. 

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  The Committee met on May 20, 2024 to discuss further expansion on upcoming summer events.  City Officials and local personalities are being sought to work a VIP Server Table during the June 8 Strawberry Festival.  The Committee learned that the Chamber of Commerce was donating $1,000 and Project Forward was giving $2,000 towards the cost of the July 6^th Fireworks display.  Minutes of this meeting will be included with these minutes. 

Real Estate/Utility:  No report.

Income Tax: No report.

Citizens to Be Heard:  Mr. Rodgers reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.  

Larry Perkins, St. Clairsville, speaking for the Ebenezer Zane Chapter, OHSSAR, got permission from Council last Fall to install a sign at the Walnut Grove Cemetery listing historical facts of the Cemetery.  The Ebenezer Zane Chapter would like to publicly dedicate this sign to further educate the citizen on the historical significance of this landmark.  Council set July 6^th to have a dedication ceremony.  Mr. Perkins will call the City Building to set up a meeting to discuss the details of the ceremony. 

Kim Train, Martins Ferry, alerted city officials to her neighbor’s house at 812 Jefferson Street where the grass has not been cut.  The Mayor said he would speak to the owner.  The problem of people dumping furniture and mattresses in undesignated spots was discussed. 

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, complimented the Water Department and all those involved in getting the water break on Memorial Day fixed quickly.  He informed Council that Author Don Iannone, a native of Martins Ferry, would be discussing his new book on June 8 at the Library.  Monetary help for the Historical Society will have to be addressed by the Finance Committee.  There has been no discussion on striping the streets of the city.  The building owned by Keith Sommers has been sold and the former PNC Bank Building is still for sale. 

Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, shared inspection reports and pictures from ODNR of the Austin Masters Facility and the flooding that occurred in April.  Council was asked to sign a petition to send to ODNR asking that there be no permit transfers of the Austin Master Property, no future processing of toxic oil and gas waste in the area and immediate clean-up with environmental testing and monitoring.  The petition will also be available for citizens to sign at the Concerned Ohio River Residents booth at the Strawberry Festival. 

Rob Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, asked what type of Filtration System is being installed at the Water Plant.  The Mayor explained the system the city uses removes the calcium, iron and magnesium from the water.  Mr. Sutak said when all the improvements are finished, the city will see a better quality of water. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            There was no legislation 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:   

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to allot $7,500 from the General Fund for the July 6^th Celebration.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Schramm made a motion to pay the invoice from Erb Electric for $3,034 (water works well repairs).  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Since June 19^th is a National Holiday, Mr. Neiman made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to change the next Council Meeting to Wednesday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.   A roll call vote was heard with Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong and Rodgers voting yes.  The motion carried. 

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to accept the Statement of Cash Position, the New Hire Report and the Payroll Summary.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann 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 Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.    

             Mr. Echemann moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.    

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

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Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2024

Posted on: June 6, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center.  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; Ben Neiman and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Rev. James Agnew could not attend tonight’s meeting because he was receiving the Liberty Bell Award for outstanding community service from the Belmont County Bar Association.  Council applauded this announcement.

            Minutes:  Minutes of the May 1, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies commented on the letter the city received from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in response to the Austin Masters issue.  He is unhappy with the lack of communication and that no activity been seen around the building.  Mr. Sutak will follow-up with a phone call to ODNR to find out what is being done to facilitate clean-up at the facility.

Installation of the new pump is almost finished so the swimming pool should be ready to open Memorial Day Weekend.  A few sections of concrete are being replaced.

Two part-time men have been hired to cut grass in the cemetery as well as 60+ lots throughout the city.  The tractor has been ordered and should be here next week.

City workers are doing general maintenance such as patching potholes and painting street lines.  It is unlikely the city will be able to pave any streets this year.  Mr. Sutak reminded Council that County Permissive Tax Money can only be used for a dedicated street (no alleys or pothole patching).  Mrs. Armstrong asked about paving 5^th Street.  The Mayor said there isn’t time to tackle this project and contracting it out would cost too much.  If citizens want more paving to be done, a Street Paving Levy needs to be passed. 

Service Director:  Mr. Sutak reminded Council that the city is not able to use County Permissive Tax Money to pay down the paving loan taken out last year.  Payments on the paving loan is coming out of the Street Department Fund. 

Per Council’s request, almost 40 letters have been sent to state and local officials and other entities asking them to write letters to ODNR and support Martins Ferry with the Austin Masters clean-up effort.  Only 2 responses were received.  Mr. Sutak will contact ODNR and asked what has transpired at the Austin Masters Plant and inquire about future plans for clean-up. 

Water Plant Update – Work on Contact Tank 1 and 2 (welding and sandblasting) has been started.  The survey on the Well Field is done.  Mr. Sutak is preparing a cost analysis report on the upgrades to the Plant.  Once finished, he will send a copy to Council Members.

During the last two weeks, sewer issues and infrastructure problems that have been neglected over the past couple of years have been resolved.  Once a permit is secured from the Railroad, the Turf Care Sewer Project should be completed within 3-4 weeks. 

            Auditor:  Auditor Regis reported a representative from Perry and Associates will be in contact with the Auditor’s Office to discuss the information needed for the yearly audit.  As soon as it’s known what’s needed, Mr. Regis will schedule a Finance Committee Meeting.

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  No report.

            Fire Department: Betty Zane Days is scheduled for July 31 – August 3.  The Fire Department is requesting permission to utilize the Park as well as closing Zane Highway (Grant Street to Hickory Street) during the hours of the event.  Also requested was using a section of South Fourth Street on Saturday, August 3 for the Fire Fighter’s Water Battle and using the same parade route as previous years. 

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.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: No report.

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  Mr. Echemann scheduled a Committee Meeting for Monday, May 20 at 9:00 a.m.  Discussion will center on expanding the summer scheduled events.

Real Estate:  The Committee recommends selling the city owned property at 1200 North 9^th Street using the bid process.  Recommended minimum bid is $9,000.  Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes. 

Utility: Utility bill issues for the high rise apartments in town were discussed.  The Service Director is looking into rate adjustments for these buildings.  When more information is gathered, another meeting will be held to hear the recommendations.  Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes. 

Income Tax: No report.

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

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, received a letter from the Martins Ferry Historical Society asking for his yearly dues.  The letter also stated that the Society does not receive financial support from the city.  Council members did not believe they have ever been approached for a donation of support.  Mayor Davies said he would reach out to the Historical Society President to see if the city can assist the organization.  Mr. Hord announced that on Wednesday, May 22, Don Falbo will be celebrating his 72^nd anniversary of being a barber in Martins Ferry.  There was no news regarding the former Staffilino Property.  The Mayor recommended Mr. Hord speak to Rev. Agnew regarding the Tree of Life Church’s intended use of the former Curley Property. 

Michael Deleonardis, 58881 Creek Road, on behalf of the Lions Club, asked for permission to use the City Park on Saturday, September 14, noon – 6:00 p.m. for their 4^th Annual Fall Fest.  The Lions Club would also like to use the park on the evening of September 13 to set-up crafters and food trucks.  They will be collecting a mandatory fee from the vendors, which will be given to the Park Board.  The Lions Club requested permission to close Zane Highway, from Hickory Street to Grant Street, for crafters to set-up during the festival.  They also want to set up a Beer Garden from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.  Two off duty police officers will be hired to patrol the area while the alcohol is being served.  The Park will be cleaned up on Sunday morning, September 15. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            This Resolution was given a third reading.

A Resolution Declaring It Necessary To Levy A Tax In Excess Of The 10 Mill Limitation And To Renew A 3.0 Mill EMS Levy For Five Years And Declaring An Emergency. 

Mr. Sutak stated that this was not a new levy but a renewal (existing) levy and it will not cost citizens any additional funds.  Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Resolution as read.  Mr. Hunker seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed. 

            Mr. Echemann made a motion to suspend the 72 Hour Rule.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried and the Resolution was read. 

A Resolution In Support Of The Martins Ferry Police Department’s Application For The Cops Hiring Program Grant. 

Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the rules.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.  Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Resolution as read.  Mr. Neiman seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution 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. Hunker made a motion to allow the Mayor and Service Director to sell the 1200 North 9^th Street property and set the minimum bid at $9,000.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Schramm voting yes.  The motion was declared passed.  Mr. Stecker will prepare an Ordinance for this sale. 

Mr. Echemann noted some children had set up a Lemonade Stand at the park for a few days last week.  He encouraged everyone to support these young entrepreneurs.

Mr. Echemann made a motion to note Council has approved the financial reports.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Mr. Schramm made a motion to allow the Lions Club to use the Park on September 14, 2024 for their Fall Fest, including use of the Park for set-up on the evening of September 13 and the closing of Zane Highway from Grant Avenue to Hickory Street during the Festival.  The Lions Club will do clean-up on Sunday morning, September 15.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion was declared passed. 

Mr. Schramm made a motion to allow the Fire Department to use the City Park for Betty Zane Days on July 31-August 3 including closing Zane Highway from Grant Street to Hickory Street nightly, use of 4^th Street on Saturday, August 3 for the Fireman’s Water Battle and use of the regular route for the parade.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Neiman.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman 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 Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Council agreed to hold the June 5 and June 19 Council Meetings at the Recreation Center.  President Davis asked The Times Leader representative to publish the change of the location of the June meetings. 

Mr. Schramm moved to excuse Rev. Agnew from tonight’s meeting.  Mr. Neiman second the motion.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

             Mr. Rodgers 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, June 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

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

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Date