The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 6:00 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 with a prayer by the Clerk. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, James Agnew, and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Minutes: Minutes of the May 17, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and the May 24, 2023 Special Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies apologized to Council for the high grass situation on 65 lots, not owned by the city, but cared for by the city because the owners are not taking responsibility for the maintenance of their property. Because of lack of personnel, Seasonal Employees are being used in other departments. Also, these lots can only be cut, not manicured, because of time constraints.
The American Heritage Girls Organization from the First Christian Church, have asked if they can have a 5K Race in November and use the same route as the Betty Zane Days 5k Race. The Mayor will give Council the exact date at the next meeting.
The Town Hall meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.
The Mayor asked Council to approve a transfer of $10,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund to the Recreation Center Fund to cover the cost of the Splash Pad’s fence and turf installation.
Mr. Shrodes praised the Administration for the operation and cleanliness of the pool and splash pad. On Saturday he observed kids enjoying the facilities. He noted admission prices and season passes are very reasonable.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak has been working with Auditor Regis on a Bond Participation Note which will be sent to Bond Council. This process is necessary in order to borrow funds from Unified Bank to purchase the new Packer.
The Administration is looking into installing solar panels on the Water Plant to save on utilities costs which currently run about $20,000-$22,000 per month at the facility. The city would not own the solar panels and would not be responsible for the maintenance of the panels or the roof. A representative from the Solar Panel Company will do an analysis for the city. If Council is interested in this program, the representative would meet with Council and review his findings. The Mayor said there would be no out-of-pocket cost to the city.
Mr. Burns inquired about the 2 properties that the city will be selling. Mr. Sutak said he just received a parcel number for one of the properties and will prepare the advertisement for the newspaper tomorrow. The notice will run consecutively for 2 weeks.
Mr. Sutak reported that the $18,750 ODNR Grant money for the Ball Field Lights has been received and placed back into the Permanent Improvement Fund.
Auditor: Auditor Regis asked Council to make a motion to transfer $10,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund and place it in the Recreation Center line item to cover expenses for the Splash Pad. If an ordinance is needed, Mr. Stecker will prepare one for the next meeting. The State Auditor requests when payments from line items are changed or moved, a motion should be noted in the minutes so the Auditors can examine the action when they perform the Audit. Auditor Regis asked Council to make a decision regarding the credit for taxes paid to other municipalities and also decide what to do with the EMS situation.
Auditor Regis asked Council to cancel the June 21, 2023 meeting and instead schedule a public hearing on the Budget on June 28 at 5:30 pm followed by the regular Council Meeting. This will give him time to prepare the budget and get it to the Court House before he leaves for vacation.
Safety Director: Director Regis reported $10,000 in grant money from the Department of Natural Resources has been received by the Fire Department for the Side-by-Side Utility Vehicle. This vehicle needs emergency lighting installed before it can be put into service.
Last week Director Regis received several complaints about junk and clutter in the yard and front porch of a house on Washington Street. Officer Nixon was notified and the house is now cleaned up. Mr. Regis is also using Social Media to locate owners of dilapidated properties in the city.
Certain items from the Police and Fire Department for the city auction are emergency sensitive -related equipment such as police cruiser lights and cage protectors. Director Regis would like permission to advertise these items on govdeals.com. This website is strictly an on-line auction for government entities to ensure the equipment doesn’t end up in the hands of the general public.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Police Chief Jerry Murphy gave the end of May, 2023 Service Report for the Police Department. A K-9 Demonstration was conducted for a local Boy Scout Troop. Thanks and praise were given to the officers who took the time to meet with the troop and shared their professional experiences.
Fire Department: No report.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: The Committee met on May 26 to discuss the 2023 budget shortfalls in the General Fund. Options and changes were discussed. It was agreed that decisions need to be made soon. Mr. Hunker set a Finance Committee Meeting for Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. The Income Tax Committee will also meet with the Finance Committee.
Street: The committee met on June 5, 2023. Mr. Rogers reported approximately $240,000 is left from the borrowed money for street paving. Estimates will be secured on 4 streets that the committee would like paved. At the next meeting, the committee will discuss sending letters to Representative Bill Johnson and Senator Frank Hoagland regarding the deteriorating roads leading to the school campus.
Ordinance: The Ordinance Committee is researching options on handling Public Speaking at Council Meetings.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: Mr. Shrodes would like to schedule a Committee Meeting with Mr. Sutak to further discuss the solar panel options and building permits.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: No report.
Income Tax: Mrs. Armstrong reminded Council that East Ohio Regional Hospital was given a 10 year income tax credit of 75% on taxes collected from their employees. Income tax from the hospital amounts to around $280,000 yearly. Mrs. Armstrong gave 2 scenarios regarding increasing the city income tax: 1) If the city income tax was raised to 1.25%, revenue would increase $376,595, and 2) if the city income tax was raised to 1.50%, revenue would increase $753,282. Council was reminded that an increase in the city income tax would need to be placed on the ballot and approved by the citizens.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, addressed local business closings. The Mayor said some of the buildings are being looked at by new businesses. There is no news regarding the former Staffilino building. Mr. Hord was told the former Curley property will be for sale soon. The Mayor announced Interim Chief Murphy was chosen to be the permanent Chief of Police. Mr. Hord was told that Columbia Gas is having an issue with pressuring the lines on Virginia Street and it may be 2-3 weeks before they can return to paving the sidewalks on Zane Highway. The Mayor said that the Strawberry Festival was well attended and continues to grow every year. Mr. Hord asked the city administration to send something in writing regarding the Town Hall Meeting Event to the Belmont County Commissioners. Mayor Davies said he will get a notice to them tomorrow.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the 72 Hour Rule. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Issuance Of $198,000.00 of Sanitation Vehicle Acquisition Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2023, To The Costs of Acquiring A Sanitation Vehicle and Related Equipment and Appurtenances Thereto, And Declaring An Emergency.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Burns seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns 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. Sutak will schedule a meeting with an ODOT District #11 Representative regarding how ODOT might help the city with road issues on St. Rt. 647.
Mr. Burns raised questions about citations. The Mayor explained how he handles violations in Mayor’s Court and gave several examples. The wording has been changed slightly in the letter that is sent to citizens in violation of ordinances. Mr. Stecker will be consulted to insure violations notices are handled properly.
Mayor Davies officially announced that Office Murphy is now Martins Ferry’s new Chief of Police. Chief Murphy was given a round of applause.
Mr. Shrodes asked that the Finance and Income Tax Committees have a joint meeting to discuss the budget issues.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion to cancel the June 21, 2023 regular meeting and to schedule a Public Hearing for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023 followed by a regular Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Also, the July 5, 2023 meeting will be cancelled. The motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to approve paying the Meter Maid from the Code and EMS Funds for her hours. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Hunker made a motion that the Meter Maid is paid retroactively to November 22, 2022, with 30% of her salary paid from the Meter Fund and 70% of her salary paid from the General Fund. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm, voting yes. The motion was declared passed.
Mayor Davies announced the Celebration in the Park will be on Saturday, July 1, 2023 beginning at noon. There will be a free swim, bands, food trucks, vendors and Fireworks at dusk. Rain date will be July 2. Director Regis noted there will also be fireworks on August 5, (the last night of the Betty Zane Festival).
Mr. Shrodes made a motion to transfer up to $10,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund to the Recreation Center Fund for turf and fence installation at the Splash Pad. Mr. Burns seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Burns seconded to allow the American Heritage Girls to hold a 5K race, beginning and ending at the First Christian Church in November (the exact date to be supplied later). After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Rodgers made a motion to allow the Police, Fire and EMS Departments to sell unused equipment on the govdeals.com website, with the profits returned to the Police, Fire and EMS Departments. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Shrodes and Armstrong voting yes. The motion was declared passed.
Mr. Schramm ask Mr. Sutak if he could get a crew to cut the weeds around the Corporate Limit Sign on C.R. 22. The weeds are blocking clear access to the roadway.
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. Burns made a motion to note in the minutes that Council has received and accepted the payment of bills as noted in the Check Register for May, 2022. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Burns made a motion to note that Council has received and reviewed the Financial Reports for the previous month of May, 2023. Mr. Shrodes seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to accept the list of new hires for May, 2023 as submitted by the Auditor’s Office. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
The Martins Ferry City Council met for a Special Meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Donald Myers Council Chambers. This meeting was called to discuss Legislation only, specifically on amending the Ordinance of 2018 to purchase a new garbage packer truck.
Council President Kristine Davis called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present, followed by a prayer by the Clerk. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, James Agnew and James Schramm, Council at Large Members.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Amending Authorizing The Director Of Public Service To Purchase A New Garbage Packer Truck, And Declaring An Emergency.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Mr. Schramm moved to suspend the rules for reading the Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew voting yes. Motion carried. Mr. Hunker moved to pass the Ordinance as read. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. The Mayor said the cost of the Packer will be financed through Unified Bank with a 5.81% interest rate.
The Mayor has received an offer of $10,000 for the purchase of the sandstone retrieved from the house that was demolished on Center Street. President Davis said last year’s minutes will be reviewed to see how Council had decided to handle this sale. An Ordinance may have to be established for this sale.
Mr. Shrodes moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Schramm. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be held on June 7, 2023 at 6:00 in Council Chambers at the City Building.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at 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. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, James Agnew, and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members. Mr. Rodgers reserved his right to vote.
Minutes: Minutes of the May 3, 2023 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies reported the Street Sweeper is currently operating. Citations will be given to vehicles parked illegally even if the Sweeper does not run that day. The new Packer, ordered 2 ½ years ago, is ready. The Mayor and Service Director will meet with the supplier and talk about funding options.
Seasonal Workers are being used to cut grass on abandoned properties not owned by the city. Tickets are being issued to property owners with grass over 12 inches high. No exceptions. Tickets will not be voided. The cemetery grass has been cut and is looking good.
New pumps and a controller have been installed at the swimming pool so it can be opened in a timely manner.
Donations have been received for the July 1stCelebration in the Park. This will be an all-day event which includes free swimming, music, food trucks, craft vendors and ending with fireworks at dusk. Mr. Sutak asked that this event be advertised in The Times Leader.
The Strawberry Festival will be held on Saturday, June 3. The Mayor announced the streets that would be closed during the Festival.
Street Crews are currently filling potholes. The City Clean-Up Event on May 6th went well.
The Mayor and Service Director are meeting with a few businesses to help them facilitate moving to the city.
Mayor Davies asked Council to prepare a list of streets they would like paved. Bids can then be secured and the streets can be paved before the weather turns cold. The number of streets paved will depend on how much the budget can accommodate.
Columbia Gas has patched South Zane Highway but it is still has rough spots. The Mayor told the Project’s Supervisor that there were no bumps or potholes in the road before the gas lines were replaced and that’s the way it needs to be when the gas company is finished.
The Mayor summarized the details of the new EMS contract. As soon as it is written up, he will get it to Council. They requested that EMS not pay for a dispatcher and instead use 911.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak will continue to look for match funding for Capital Projects. He will research the ODNR matching grants which the city would have to pay 25% of the project cost.
It is hoped that the July 1st Celebration in the Park will bring people from across the Valley to the city.
Safety Director: No report.
Auditor: Auditor Regis asked Council to carefully consider the elimination of the EMS Dispatcher position and let him know as soon as possible their decision.
An Auditor’s Report regarding the General Fund was distributed and highlights of the cost saving measures being taken by the city were reviewed by Mr. Regis.
Law Director: At the last Street Committee Meeting, Mr. Stecker was asked to draft a letter to the Ohio Department of Transportation to request their assistance with some of the repairs that are needed to St. Rt. 647. The letter will need to be signed by every Council Member.
Police Department: Interim Police Chief Jerry Murphy reported that two cruisers, under a lease program with Enterprise, are scheduled to be returned. Officer Murphy is also negotiating to release another vehicle from its lease with Enterprise. These cruisers will be stripped of equipment which can then be sold at the City’s Auction. A report was given of police call activities. The Police Department has received a grant to purchase 6 laptop computers. Total cost of the laptops and hardware is $25,188, which needs to be paid upfront. The grant would then reimburse the city $18,891which is 75% of the cost. The remaining 25% of this purchase would need to come from city funds. Officer Murphy asked for Council’s permission to move forward with this purchase. A matching 75%/25% grant has been awarded to the Department for body cameras. Negotiations for a 5-year contract with the Axon Company, distributor of the cameras, is currently underway.
Fire Department: No report.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: A Finance Committee was held on May 10th. In addition to the report Auditor Regis gave, Mr. Hunker informed Council that there is an 8% increase in Health Insurance cost for city employees. This will need to be discussed at the next Finance Committee Meeting which was scheduled for Friday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m.
Street: Mr. Deguzzo, a lawyer with North West Title, informed the Committee that there was no documentation of the State of Ohio turning over St. Rt. 647 to the City. Because Martins Ferry is a city with a population over 5,000, according to Ohio Revised Code, the city is responsible for the maintenance of the road. However, as Mr. Stecker noted, the city will ask ODOT for help with the repairs needed for the road.
A Street Committee Meeting was set for Monday, June 5th at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. Mr. Rodgers asked every Council Member to prepare a list of streets in their Ward that need paved. He asked that they summit the list to him before the June 5th meeting.
Ordinance: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: The Committee met on May 10th for a short meeting. Mr. Burns spoke to a worker at the cemetery and was assured that the property would be in good shape for Memorial Day. Maintenance such as pothole repairs and gravestone re-sets are being done as time permits.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: No report.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: Mr. Rodgers reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
William Graff, 514 North 8th Street, is concerned about a wall that was built in 1997 behind his house by city workers. The wall was not constructed properly and is now pushing out into his yard. He is afraid it will get close to his foundation and damage his house. Mr. Graff also alerted city officials to a couple of tall trees in the cemetery that cracked during a recent storm that may fall on his house. Mr. Shrodes said the Service Committee will address these issues.
Frank Capini, President of the United Steel Workers, St. Clairsville, Ohio, inquired about the matching grant for Health Right and asked Council to inform Health Right as soon as possible of their decision. He also announced the Martins Ferry Elks will have a Community Day in the Park on June 17th, 12:00-4:00 p.m. with rides, swimming, games and food for the citizens. He also asked the city for an electrical hook-up at the Strawberry Festival for their popcorn machine and pop dispenser.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, thanked the administration for the pothole patching done on the city streets. Mr. Hord was told an Ordinance would be read later in the meeting regarding the sale of the former Curly property. The Martins Ferry Historical Society has not been funded by the Betty Zane Day proceeds since the Fire Department took over the event. Currently the Historical Society’s biggest source of income is through donations and membership dues. The city does not financially support the Society. The Mayor said hopefully by the middle of June the Police Chief position can be advertised. There was no information available regarding the former Staffilino property.
Paul Stecker, 1200 Indiana Street, announced that Project Forward is sponsoring a 10 week Program beginning at the end of May for any entrepreneur interested in starting a business in Martins Ferry. Program cost is being covered by a grant.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
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 Bids.
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Shrodes seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was passed. Mr. Sutak will advertise these properties in The Times Leader.
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:
Council received a notice from American Electric Power (Ohio) regarding an impending increase in customer’s electric bills and explained the issue of electric aggregation. Mr. Shrodes made a motion to note in the minutes that Council is against Aggregates. Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes asked for help in putting flags on veteran’s graves on Saturday, May 20 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Riverview Cemetery. He also expressed his displeasure with the city having to cut grass on abandoned lots because property owners are not held accountable for high grass and trash piling up in their yards. A 6-minute discussion was held regarding problems with neglected properties. The Mayor said 7 tickets were written today, 5 of which were in Mr. Shrodes’ Ward. Many properties are rentals and the landlords are not in the local area.
Mr. Stecker will research to see if the Police Department Laptops could be paid from the Permanent Improvement Fund which would then be reimbursed 75% (or $18,891) of the cost when the grant money was received.
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.
Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
A free swim and concert in the park will be held on Saturday July 29th hosted by the Martins Ferry Lions Club. An additional free swim has been added for Sunday July 30th hosted by the City
The June 21st Regular Meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council has been cancelled.
The Annual Public Hearing for the City Budget will be held on Monday June 26 at 5:30 pm in the Donald Myers Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Building.City Council will then meet in Regular Session at 6pm, directly following the Budget Hearing.
The July 5th Regular Meeting has been cancelled.
The July 19th Regular Meeting will be held at 6 pm in Council Chambers.
We are looking for craft vendors for the cities Celebration in the Park, to be held July 1st, from 11am-11pm at the City Park. Contact Leslie 740-633-6151 ext 312 for more information
The City will be hosting their 2nd Annual Celebration in the park on Saturday July 1st from 11a-11p. There will be Free Swim from 12-8, Fireworks at dusk, food trucks, crafts vendors and a list of live performances. We hope to see you there!!
There will be a Special Meeting of Martins Ferry City Council on Wednesday May 24th at 6pm for legislation only. The purpose of this meeting is to re-authorize the purchase of a new packer, ordered in 2018, to reflect authorization in the same year the packer is actually received.
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 6:00 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, Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, James Agnew, and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members. President Davis reminded Council that Mr. Rodgers would be presiding as President Pro-Tempore at the May 17, 2023 meeting.
Minutes: Minutes of the April 19, 2023 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies reported the Street Sweeper is being repaired again and should be back in operation on Monday. No citizens were given tickets this week for not moving their cars for the sweeper. Clean-up Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon, across from the old city garage on First Street. No paint, tires or hazardous material will be accepted. There is a $10 Fee for each mattress and box spring which must be wrapped in plastic.
The Mayor asked that a Street Committee Meeting be scheduled for discussion on the future of State Route 647.
An email from Chris Goddard, Project Engineer, was distributed regarding his assessment of the current state of the hillside movements near Rider Alumni Road and Ayers Limestone Road. Both of these roads are on the Ayers Property and lead to the school campus.
The Mayor hoped that the weather would start getting nice so the seasonal workers could begin cutting grass in the cemetery. He would like the cemetery to look nice for Memorial Day.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak asked Council to pay the final bill of $25,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund for the new Fodor Field Ballpark lights. When the grant money amounting to $18,750 is received from ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) it will be refunded to the Permanent Improvement Fund. Council was asked to forgive the remaining $6,250.
Regarding the direct water line to the hospital and business district, Mr. Sutak is setting up a meeting with Senator Sherrod Brown’s office to explore funding and options for this project.
The company that installed the Splash Pad will be coming this week to set-up the site for the summer season.
Auditor: Auditor Regis discussed the 2023 budget deficit in the General Fund and options that would help the shortfall. Another meeting will be scheduled with the Finance Committee after Mr. Regis reviews the data. The Committee will then make recommendations to Council.
Safety Director: Director Regis asked for Council’s permission to sell an old ambulance that was converted to a utility truck to the Wheeling Police Department for $8,500.
The Fire Department’s Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Park to honor and remember those members who have passed away in the past two years. Two of the names on the list have a combined service record of 120 years to the city’s Fire Department.
Director Regis spoke to Congressman Bill Johnson’s office regarding the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant that was submitted last March for new turn-out gear. Congressman Johnson has sent a letter of support to FEMA for the grant. This grant is a 95% Federal Funds and a 5% Local Funds match. If the grant is received, the Fire Department’s portion would amount to around $31,000.
Temporary patch work has been completed on the Vigilant Fire Station’s roof but it will need replaced. An estimate of $72,599 was received to replace the roof, gutters, downspouts, etc. This issue will be addressed at the next Finance Committee.
The auction of unused city vehicles and equipment will probably be held in late June, 2023.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Interim Police Chief Murphy reviewed the Police Department’s summary of activity for April, 2023.
Fire Department: No report.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: In addition to the 2023 Budget shortfalls, the committee also discussed the Splash Pad reimbursement to the General Fund and the notification from the Engineer’s Office that the City will have $37,543.99 to do street paving.
Street: The Street Committee met with the Finance Committee and it was agreed to fill the potholes and paint lines on the roads leading to the school campus. Mr. Rodgers set a Street Committee Meeting for Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the future of State Route 647.
Ordinance: Mr. Shrodes mentioned that Council will later consider an Ordinance regarding the credit for taxes paid to other Municipalities.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: Mr. Burns scheduled a Cemetery Meeting for Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: 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, has arranged a Town Hall Meeting with the Belmont County Commissioners for Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center. The Mayor said the Administration is working through the steps needed to hire a new Police Chief. Code Enforcement is being done and tickets have been issued. Currently, the city is not able to hire a Recreation Director. Mr. Hord reported that the James Wright Festival was a success this year after being cancelled the past couple of years due to COVID. The Mayor said he thought the Sheet Metal Workers Union Building was going to be for sale.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance To Amend Section 193.06 (A) Of The Codified Ordinances Of The City Of Martins Ferry Regarding The Credit For Taxes Paid To Other Municipalities And Declaring An Emergency.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to table this ordinance. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. Mrs. Armstrong voted no. The motion carried and the Ordinance was tabled.
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. Schramm moved to appropriate $25,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund to pay for the lights in Fodor Field, with $18,750 to be repaid with Grant Money and $6,250 to be forgiven. Mr. Burns seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Agnew voting yes. The motion was declared passed.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion to allow the Fire Department to sell an old ambulance that is no longer needed to the Wheeling Police Department for $8,500. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes asked if a study could be done to possibly reduce some of the extra lighting in the downtown area in order to reduce electricity costs.
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. Burns. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Rodgers asked Mr. Sutak if the Sanitation Workers could remove an old mattress laying on County Road 4, across from Floral Valley.
Mr. Burns made a motion to note that Council has received and accepted the payment of bills as noted in the Check Register for the month of April, 2023. Council has also received and reviewed the financial reports for the month of April, 2023. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Shrodes. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President Date: _
