News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Special Meeting Minutes of September 26, 2024

Posted on: October 3, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 9:30 a.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 prayer. 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 Ben Neiman and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   James Agnew, Council-at-Large Member informed President Davis he was unable to attend this meeting.  Six Council Members were present at this Special Meeting.  This Special Meeting was called for the purpose of consideration of legislation only.  

Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to suspend the 72 hour rule.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the 72 hour rule was suspended.  This Ordinance was given a first reading. 

            An Ordinance Determining That A Real And Present Emergency Exists In The City Building And Authorizing The Mayor And Service Director To Seek Quotes And Enter Into A Contract For The Repair and/or Replacement Of The Roof And Masonry Work Necessary To Stop Leaks Damaging The City Building And Creating Potentially Hazardous Conditions.

Mr. Rodgers made a motion to suspend the rules for 3 readings.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried. 

Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Ordinance as read.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.   The Ordinance was then explained by Service Director Sutak.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, and Rodgers voting yes. Mr. Neiman voted no.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.   

Motion was made by Mrs. Armstrong and seconded by Mr. Hunker to adjourn.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m. with a salute to the flag. 

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building.

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

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Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2024

Posted on: October 3, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:00 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 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 James Agnew, Council at Large Members.   Jim Schramm, Council at Large Member was unable to attend this meeting.

            Minutes:  Minutes of the September 4, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies expressed gratitude for the compassion shown to his family upon the death of his wife last week. 

A group has approached the Mayor asking for permission to transform the Basketball Court into a Pickle Ball Court at the City Park.  The Basketball Court is in disrepair and if approved, this group has offered to fund 100% of the cost of the Court’s transformation. This group will cover the cost of paving the court and installing the fencing and netting.  It may be possible to get a grant to fund 75% of the project which would enable the city to replace lighting, security cameras and fencing.  When the Court is rented out, proceeds will be given to the Park District.  If Council wants to create another Basketball Court, the Mayor suggested the area south of the swimming pool near the small parking lot or by the Fourth Street side. 

Service Director:  Mr. Sutak received estimates for masonry work and roof repairs to the City Building. He requested the Finance Committee meet to discuss funding mechanisms for the project. 

Council was asked to approve a Purchase Order for $142,150 from W-Quick-Sol Engineers for Martins Ferry’s portion of the Beretta Drive/Dutch Hill Road Project.  Another invoice, expected to be around $15,000, is expected from an Engineering Company that is doing the core sampling.

Mr. Sutak asked Council to pass the Ordinance to sell property in Crawford Heights by public bid, which will be read later in the meeting.     

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis asked Council to approve 4 new positions with pay raises.  One position replaces the Parking Meter Enforcer to Service Clerk Floater and the other 3 positions are Crew Leaders.  Current employees are being elevated to these positions because of their leadership skills.  Job Descriptions of these positions were distributed to Council Members and will be filed with these minutes. 

            Mr. Regis asked Council to making a motion showing that Council has received the Statement of Cash Position MTD for August along with the Check Report by check number.  He also asked Council to approve a transfer of $15,000 from the General Fund to the Cemetery Fund. 

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave a report on recent arrests by the Department and activities of the School Resource Officers.  The Department has been awarded a grant of $250,000 for the “Cops Hiring” Program from the Community Oriented Policing Service. 

            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 a Finance Committee Meeting for Monday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Street: Mr. Sutak will get an estimate on paving Spring Haven Drive.  When a quote is received, Mr. Rodgers will call a committee meeting to discuss the issue. 

Ordinance:  No report.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Safety: No report.

Service:  No report.

Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

Real Estate:  No report.

Utility:  The Committee met on September 5, 2024.  A list of delinquent accounts was distributed to the members and the shut-off accounts were highlighted.  The city will now be purchasing antilog water meters.  The Sanitation Department is doing better with the updated fee structure for the high rise apartment buildings in town.  There will now be a $3.00 fee for every extra bag after the three can limit.  A new system has been installed that keeps citizens from being able to turn their water back on after the city has shut off their water due to nonpayment.  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.  

Phil Wallace, 801 Spring Haven Drive, presented a petition from residents of Spring Haven Drive, Willetta Street and Grandview Street.  They are asking Council to pave their streets, install storm drainage and set-up devices to divert water where it is running from the street into resident’s basements.  Mr. Wallace said any help would be appreciated.  The Mayor said the Sewer Department is planning on installing a catch basin to alleviate the water problem, hopefully before winter.  Council will need to give permission for the paving. 

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, thanked the Administration for fixing a divot in the road at 917 Virginia Street.  He also announced that a “Meet the Candidate” night will be held at the Martins Ferry Library on October 3^rd at 6:00 p.m.  The Mayor received a letter from the Martins Ferry Historical Society asking for funding.  This matter will be discussed at a Finance Committee Meeting.  Because of the expensive repairs looming for the current city building, Mr. Hord suggested other buildings in town that might be used for a City Building.   The Mayor stated that whatever is decided, the present building has to be repaired to prevent further deterioration.  The Street Sweeper will run again during the 1^st week and 2^nd week of November and then shut down until the spring.  The new sweeper schedule seems to be working well. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

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

            An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Public Service To Advertise For Bids For The Sale Of Municipal Property And To Sell The Property To The Winning Bid.     

            Mr. Echemann made a motion to suspend the rules.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Hunker voting yes.  Motion carried.  Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to pass the Ordinance as read.  Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, 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. Hunker made a motion to note that Council has received the Statement of Cash Position MTD for August along with the Check Report by Check Number. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. 

Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Neiman seconded to transfer $15,000 from the General Fund to the Cemetery Fund.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried.  

Mr. Hunker made a motion to approve the Purchase Order in the amount of $142,150 for W-Quick-Sol for the Beretta Drive/Dutch Hill Road Project.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, and Agnew voting yes.   The motion was declared passed. 

The Mayor announced that the Curbside Clean-Up Week will be September 30-October 4.  Mattresses and Box Springs are $20 each and must be wrapped.  Paint, Tires and Electronics will not be accepted. 

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to approve the 4 new positions including the pay rates which will be filled within the current workforce.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Hunker and Echemann voting yes.  Mr. Neiman voted no.  The motion carried.

Mrs. Armstrong 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. Rodgers.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Mr. Rodgers made a motion to give permission to the group interested in setting up a Pickle Ball Court (where the Basketball Court has been) to make that change.  Mr. Neiman seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes.   The motion carried.

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

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

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building. 

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

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of September 4, 2024

Posted on: September 19, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Donald Myers Council Chambers.  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.   A moment of silence was held for Tom Kelly, former Fire Chief and city employee, who passed away earlier today.  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 August 21, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies was unable to attend this meeting.  No report.

Service Director:  City crews have finished patching holes caused by recent water breaks.  Part-time employees are trying to keep up with grass cutting at the city owned lots and the cemetery. 

Mr. Sutak asked that Council go into Executive Session later in the meeting to discuss pending legislation regarding the school roads. 

The Administration has received one estimate on the masonry work for the city building and they are waiting on 2 estimates for the roof.  As soon as these estimates are received, Mr. Sutak would like to schedule a Finance Committee Meeting to discuss how to fund the cost of this project, as well as the removal of fire sirens and the small building on the roof. 

Mr. Sutak has estimated the value of the Crawford Heights property at $9,900 and asked Council to approve this as a minimum bid to sell the property.  Once approved, Mr. Stecker will bring in an Ordinance for Council to pass so the property can then be advertised for bid.  

Mr. Sutak expressed frustration over the high grass, overgrown bushes and weeds that property owners are not addressing.  He states he is getting phone calls from neighbors of run down properties asking the city to do something about the situation.  The city doesn’t have the manpower to address the problems of all these properties.  Mr. Stecker will look into putting a registration block on the property owner’s driver’s license.  After the block is in place, property owners will need to contact the city and pay the fines in order to renew their license. 

Mr. Sutak updated Council on the Water Plant upgrades.  Council Members will be invited to tour the Plant when the upgrades are completed.  Mr. Hunker asked how the city was going to get rid of the water softener tanks.  Mr. Sutak said the City’s Engineer is looking into options of disposing the tanks.

Mrs. Armstrong asked about the date for Curbside Clean-Up.  Mr. Sutak thought it was in October but he will check with the Mayor and inform Mrs. Armstrong of the date.

Mr. Echemann asked if weeds at a property on Carlisle Street (across from where the old High School stood) could be trimmed.  Mr. Sutak will try and get workers to trim around the bushes.  This structure is on the city’s list to get demolished when funding becomes available.

Mr. Rodgers asked when work on Beretta Drive will begin.  No starting date has been set.  After the core sample results have been received, final plans can then be completed.

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis asked Council to make a motion that they have received and reviewed the Financial Report, Payroll Summary and Report of New Hires.  As soon as the total cost of the roof project is known, Mr. Regis will check into funding for the project. Regarding the softener tanks, Mr. Regis warned they contained hazardous material. 

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy was unable to attend this meeting but provided an August Monthly Report which was distributed to all Council Members. 

            Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, expressed his condolences to the family of Tom Kelly.  He noted that the Fire Department will be escorting Mr. Kelly’s funeral procession to Riverview Cemetery on Saturday.

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

Finance and Audit:   No report.

Street: Mr. Rodgers would like an estimate on paving Spring Haven Drive and then see if there might be funds available for the project.   

Ordinance:  No report.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: No report.

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  No report.

Real Estate: No report.

Utility: Mr. Hunker scheduled a Utility Meeting for Thursday, September 5 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. 

Income Tax: No report.

Citizens To Be Heard:  President Pro-Tempore Rodgers reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.  

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked that city crews check out an indentation on the road in front of 917 Virginia Street.  It seems to always have water or liquid in it even when it doesn’t rain.  Mr. Hord asked if the Staffilino Building or The Times Leader Building might be considered for a new site for the city building.  Mr. Sutak said it would depend on the price of another building and how much it would cost to remodel the structure to meet the city’s needs.  Also, the cost to tear down the current building would have to be considered.  The city will have utilities in place for the Lion’s Club Fall Fest to be held in the City Park on September 14.  If inclement weather, the Recreation Center would be available.  When ask for an update on the Austin Masters Facility, Mr. Sutak said the hazardous material continues to be removed. 

Frank Papini, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Retiree Organization of Martins Ferry, Ohio and a resident of Bridgeport, Ohio asked if there might be an increase in the water rates for Bridgeport residents.  Mr. Sutak said a decision has not been made about the water rates for Bridgeport Residents.  Regarding a time table for the clean-up of the Austin Master’s Facility, Mr. Sutak states the Mayor has a letter from ODNR stating the projected completion date but he didn’t know the exact date.  ODNR will not issue a permit to any industry that wants to use the building for hazardous waste storage.  Council also passed an Ordinance addressing this issue.       

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            There were no Ordinances or Resolutions to be read.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MARTINS

FERRY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ZANE

HIGHWAY 12” WATERLINE CONNECTION TO AETNA

STREET BOOSTER STATION AND DECLARING AN

EMERGENC       

Miscellaneous Business:   

Mr. Hunker made a motion to go into Executive Session under the Ohio Revised Code G121.22, G3, regarding the subject of pending or imminent court action.  Mr. Neiman seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.  Rev. Agnew abstained and excused himself from the Executive Session due to a conflict of interest. 

Mr. Schramm made a motion to go out of Executive Session.  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 Council went back into regular session.  

 Mr. Hunker made a motion to put a $9,900 minimum bid on the Crawford Heights property.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.  Mr. Stecker will prepare an Ordinance for the sale of this property. 

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 Mrs. Armstrong.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to accept the Financial Report, Payroll Summary and Report of New Hires.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

            Mr. Hunker motioned and Mr. Echemann seconded to approve the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, (a Written Internal Control Policy which will be incorporated into the Police Department Handbook).  This document was presented by Chief Murphy at the last meeting.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried. 

             Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Neiman.  After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. with a salute to the flag.

The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building. 

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

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Date