The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, 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 Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns, Jim Schramm and Jack Regis, Council at Large Members. Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, informed President Davis that he was unable to attend this meeting.
Minutes: Minutes of the March 16, 2022 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: President Davis informed Council that Mayor Davies requested Council’s indulgence to allot a portion of his time to two representatives of the Water Department in order to address the concerns and misguided allegations surrounding the city’s water supply by a local TV Station and the Concerned Ohio River Residents. The Mayor presented a 3 page list of tests that are routinely performed on the city’s water supply. It is required by the EPA that the water be tested for Radium every 6 years. Martins Ferry tests for Radium every 3 months. A test well was built at a cost of $14,000 as an extra precaution to protect the water supply. The Mayor asked the EPA what the city could do to make sure the water is safe because of the recent allegations. The EPA replied that Martins Ferry is going above and beyond what is required by law. The results of the soil tests conducted by the Concerned Ohio River Residents should be dealt with by Austin Masters and 4K Industrial. Mr. Suto, Water Superintendent, said that every test administered, since 2002, has registered non-detected. Every 3 months, water samples are collected and sent to the Ohio EPA for testing. Residents can request paper copies of the recent water test results and this information will also be available on the city’s website. Mr. Suto said if anyone has questions about Martins Ferry’s water, please call the Ohio EPA and they can answer any concerns.
Because of the age of the City Building, it may difficult to make it handicap accessible. If someone is physically unable to attend the Council Meeting because of the stairs, the Mayor recommended moving the meetings to the Dining Room or the Gym of the Recreation Center.
The Martins Ferry Cheerleaders have asked to use the City Park on June 24 for a Pep Rally.
Workers have been busy in the Cemetery cleaning up trees that were knocked down during a recent storm. A Sewer Line has been replaced on Broadway Street.
The Mayor discussed different Paving Projects. He thinks 5th Street and 9th Street could be completed for $600,000. The 5th Street project could probably be done at the same time the city installs a new water and sewer line on that roadway. Mr. Sutak is gathering paving estimates, loan rates/terms and payback methods for these paving projects.
Changes to the AFSCME contract were distributed to Council Members. The current contract expires at the end of April.
The Youth Room at the Recreation Center was painted this week and a ping pong table will be set-up on Thursday. A Pool Table will also be arriving soon. Wrestling mats still need to be installed in the former Racquet Ball Court. The Lions Club has expressed interest is sponsoring a Splash Park. Applications are now being accepted for lifeguards and a Director.
The Mayor spoke to the Contractor who hired the Company responsible for the inferior paving job on South Zane Highway. Currently, the Gas Company is installing a new pipeline on the same road. The Contractor will contract the paving company hired by the Gas Company and hopefully the South Zane Highway Section can be re-done at the same time.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak mentioned that people are very pleased with the State-of-Art Cardio-Room at the Recreation Center. Future Basketball Tournaments may also be planned at the Center. Mr. Burns thanked the Mayor and Mr. Sutak for all their hard work in getting the Recreation Center renovated.
Safety Director: Director Regis announced that Signs will be placed on Madison Street, between Indiana Street and South Zane Highway, stating that parking will only be permitted on the south side of the street, except on Street Sweeper Days. This action is needed to alleviate the traffic congestion when parking is on both sides of Madison Street.
Director Regis gave an update on the remodeling of the EMS Building. He thanked the employees for their efforts to make the building more “homey”.
Auditor: Mr. Regis reported that Auditor Randall was working on Amended Certifications and new accompanying appropriations. She has not received a copy of the AFSCME contract.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: No report.
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. Regis reported that a combined Finance and Street Committee Meeting was held on Monday, March 28, 2022. The Committees discussed how to fund the proposed paving projects. Grant funding will be explored. The Mayor and Mr. Sutak will bring a proposal back to the committees and then to Council for approval. Mr. Regis praised everyone involved in getting the new AFSCME contract together and he recommends Council approve the contract. Mr. Regis would like to see the city hire a private grant writer to secure funding to build a new city building or fix the structure we have now. Minutes of this meeting were received and will be filed with these Council Minutes.
Street: Mr. Rodgers added to Mr. Regis’s report that the Street Committee is recommending concentrating on the repaving of 5th and 9th Streets. The committee further recommends removing the railroad ties and installing new water lines on 5th Street. Fifth Street then should be repaired with concrete and asphalt. Possible funding sources include: county permissive money, license plate money, city permissive funds, possible EPA funding and a loan. Minutes of this meeting were received and will be filed with these Council Minutes.
Ordinance: Mr. Shrodes scheduled an Ordinance Meeting for Monday, April 18, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: A Service Committee Meeting was held on Monday, April 4, 2022. Discussion centered on garbage and run-down properties. Residents need to have their trash bagged in a can with a sealed lid. Mr. Shrodes proposed placing a notice on the Utility Bills reminding citizens of the Sanitation Ordinance regarding garbage collection protocols. The Committee proposed hiring a part-time employee to help clean-up homeowner’s properties. Charges for this service would be placed on the resident’s utility bill. Complaints have been received that vehicles are parking too close to the corner curbs and it is making it difficult for trucks to make turns. The Mayor said as soon as the weather is warmer, he will have crews out painting the curbs.
Cemetery: Mr. Burns has scheduled a meeting with Mr. Sutak on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Chambers to discuss possibly raising the price of cemetery lots and opening/closing of graves. He is contacting other cemeteries for their prices and will have this information for the meeting.
Public Relations: Mr. Rodgers said the Strawberry Festival has been set for Saturday, June 4. On May 3, 2022, representatives from Heritage Ohio and Main Street America will be present to evaluate the City.
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, commented that East Ohio Regional Hospital must be doing well since they just announced that they are opening a satellite office in St. Clairsville, Ohio. He inquired if any specific plans have been set for the former Staffilino Building. Mayor Davies said plans are being developed for the property and there may soon be an announcement. When asked about new businesses potentially coming to the city, the Mayor replied that developers are renovating properties to attract new enterprises. The city welcomed ten new businesses last year. Mr. Hord asked the city to recognize Rev. William Webster for his 35 years of dedication to Grace Presbyterian Church, the City, and the County. Rev. Webster will be retiring at the end of the month.
Jeremy Shrodes, 1305 North 7th. Street, AFSCME President, thanked Mayor Davies for the negotiations on the proposed new AFSCME contract. Mr. Shrodes feels the contract is very fair and beneficial for the city employees.
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. Regis suggested scheduling an Auction to sell equipment, electronics, vehicles, and anything else the City no longer uses.
Motion was made by Mr. Regis to allow the Martins Ferry Cheerleaders to use the City Park for a Pep Rally on Friday, June 24, 2022. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Regis, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Rodgers made a motion to excuse Mr. Hunker from tonight’s meeting. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Schramm made a motion to reflect Council has received reports from the Officers and Management, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes. Motion was seconded by Mr. Regis. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Rodgers moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned with a salute to the flag.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
There will be NO City Council Meeting on Wednesday 4/5/23. This Regular meeting was cancelled at the Special Meeting held on Wednesday 3/29/23. The Next Regular Meeting will be Wednesday April 19th at 6pm.
The old Staffilino building has a new owner and he is looking for some fresh ideas on what should go into that spot. Listed below are some of the ideas we have come up with and he is wanting input from you! You can call the City Building or e-mail from the website your idea.
Our online service Invoice Cloud has now given us the capability to accept debit/credit cards in person. A service charge will occur at the time of payment just like if you used their online/phone payment option. We are able to print the receipt for you also.
You can also still use Invoice Cloud’s online portal or phone in portal:
invoicecloud/martinsferry.oh
844-329-8477
**Be advised to double check when registering online for opting out of paperless billing. If you do not opt out you will get an e-mailed bill and no paper print out**
There will be a Special Meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council on Wednesday March 29th, 2023 for consideration of financial issues and the 2023 Appropriation Ordinance.
Join us on Saturday April 8th, 2023 at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center , from 8am till 11am. This event is FREE to the public, although donations will be accepted. Pancake breakfast will be served.
THANK YOU TO UNIFIED BANK IN MARTINS FERRY , FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION!!
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 1, 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 and Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member. President Kristine Davis, Council-at-Large Members Tom Burns and Jim Schramm were unable to attend this meeting. Mr. Rodgers reserved his right to vote.
Council agreed to change the order of the meeting to permit Mr. Phil Wallace, of the Democratic Central Committee, to speak. Mr. Wallace announced that Rev. James Agnew was chosen to fill the Council-at-Large position that was recently vacated by Jack Regis, Sr. He explained that an elected official can hold two positions in a city with a few stipulations. Rev. Agnew, who is also a Martins Ferry School Board Member, was then sworn into office by Mayor Davies.
Mr. Rodgers announced that Mr. Hunker will serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Mr. Schramm will fill the vacancy on the Finance Committee for the remainder of this year. He also encouraged Council to pass the Resolution urging the Governor and Ohio General Assembly to restore the Local Government Fund to Pre-Recession levels.
Minutes: Minutes of the February 15, 2023 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Last weekend a pipe burst at the Water Plant. Crews worked 18 hours straight to re-configure the plumbing and fix the break.
A city-wide clean-up day may be scheduled at the end of April. A garbage packer is currently being repaired. Workers have been picking up garbage in dump trucks.
The Mayor distributed the most recent testing report from the EPA on the city’s water. Results were still non-detectable. The water will continue to be monitored daily and tested frequently.
New filters have been ordered for the Recreation Center Pool to hopefully solve the water pressure issue.
Cameras have been ordered for the EMS building. Most of the cameras will be focused on the ambulances in the garage. The Safety Director explained this is an added security measure since there are drugs stored on the emergency vehicles. Cost of the Cameras is $10,429.61 and will be paid out of the EMS Fund. There will also be camera equipment installed in the Mayor’s Office so he will be able to monitor different work sites. Cost for this equipment is $3,286.99 and will be taken from the Mayor’s Technology Fund.
The Street Sweeper has been running in town occasionally and will start a full schedule shortly.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak reported the free skate last Sunday went well with over 100 kids attending. The next skating event will cost $1 for admission with proceeds going to help with continued improvements to the Center.
Mr. Sutak met with a representative from the USDA for the City’s 4 year inspection of property, equipment, and paperwork. Everything went well. During this meeting, Mr. Sutak was informed of a 1% loan that could help with the rehabbing of some homes within the city. He will do more research into this matter.
Mr. Sutak has received quotes on the cost of borrowing different amounts of money in order to demolish more dilapidated homes in the city. He will research ways for the city to acquire properties through land reutilization. The Auditor and Finance Committee will be consulted to formulate a plan which will then be presented to Council.
Safety Director: Director Regis was notified that the $10,000 grant, from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, was approved to help pay for a new side-by-side utility vehicle for the Fire Department.
Director Regis explained new guidelines that severely changes the way EMS and Fire Training is conducted in the State of Ohio. The new training methods will be expensive for the department and may not be convenient for many volunteers. Council was asked to pass a Resolution in opposition to these new methods of training.
An old box ambulance will be sold to the Wheeling Police Department to haul their drones and surveillance equipment.
Mr. Regis asked Council if they would donate the old PA system, microphones and stands to the Fire Department.
Auditor: Auditor Regis is hoping to have a budget to Council by March 15 to review. A special Council Meeting may have to be called to approve the budget. Auditor Regis is meeting with a representative from RITA to get some questions answered and determine how the city might be able to collect delinquent taxes. A new copier is being leased with a savings of over $100 per month. Auditor Regis also reviewed the new hire report which will be filed with these minutes.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: No report.
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 Finance Committee met on February 28, 2023, to discuss the 2023 Budget shortfall in the General Fund, including future retirements that are forthcoming this year which will impact the Fund significantly. Options to balance the budget were discussed but there are no recommendations at this time. Additional meetings will be held in the near future.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: No report.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: The Service Committee met on February 22, 2023, with Larry Merry, Director of the Belmont County Port Authority. Port Authority Grants and meeting schedules were discussed. It was decided to have someone from the City’s Administration attend their meetings to be better informed of the Port Authority’s operations.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: No report.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Pro-Tempore Rodgers reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Rob Reed, 701 North Lincoln Street, Bridgeport, a member of CORR (Concerned Ohio River Residents) spoke on the Ohio Department of Health investigation of radioactive contamination in the public domain dated 8/30/2022 and expressed CORR’s continued concerns. Mr. Reed supplied Council Members with a copy of his speech which will be included with these minutes.
Beverly Reed, 98-5th. Street, Bridgeport, Ohio, continued with the rest of her father’s written speech since his 5 minute allotted time had expired. She states that trains and trucks, carry hazardous waste, traveling through the Ohio Valley communities, do not display hazardous symbol signs. Ms. Reed urged Council to address the issues raised by CORR as noted in her father’s speech.
Sherry Sambuco, Colerain, Ohio, explained to Council that she lives on private property and is trying to get city water. Five of her neighbors have well water and one family has no water. There is also not a fire hydrant in the area. Mr. Stecker said the city would have to seek Eminent Domain to install a water line since one property owner will not allow a water line to pass through her property. Mr. Stecker suggested Ms. Sambuco and her neighbors meet with the Utility Committee to discuss options and cost of this endeavor.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked what the city seeks to gain from the meeting with Larry Merry and was told by Mr. Shrodes that the city hopes to have better communication between the Port Authority and the city’s administration. The Staffilino property is not for sale. The owner wants to open a business at the location. Council has not made a decision on the Health Right matching grant. Mr. Sutak will contact Columbia Gas to see if there is a schedule on when and where they will be doing work on the line replacements. When asked about the sale of the former Curley property, the Mayor said after the property’s value is determined, it will go to bid.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
A Resolution Strongly Urging The Ohio Governor And Members Of The Ohio General Assembly To Restore The Local Government Fund To Pre-Recession Levels
Mr. Sutak gave some background information to Council on this Resolution. Mr. Shrodes made a motion to amend the spelling of “Governmeny” to “Government” in the Resolution. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Shrodes made a motion to pass the Resolution as corrected. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Hunker voting yes. Mr. Shrodes made a motion to pass the Resolution as read. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Hunker voting yes.
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 excuse Mr. Schramm and Mr. Burns from tonight’s meeting. Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Shrodes 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.
The Mayor reported that back taxes are owed on the property at 615 Walnut Street. There are also several other properties in the city that back taxes are owed. The Mayor asked Council how they would like to proceed with these properties. Mr. Hunker recommended contacting the County Treasurer and let the County foreclose on the property. The process is very time-consuming. Mr. Sutak will also contact the Land Bank which might accelerate the foreclosure of 615 Walnut Street if there is a buyer waiting to purchase the property after the home is demolished.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to accept the list of new hires for February 2023 as submitted by the Auditor. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. New Hires include: Janet E. Astle, Tyler Lovey, and Deborah McAnninch. These new hires work part-time for the EMS. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong 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 on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 6:00 in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 15, 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 Bruce Shrodes, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Tom Burns and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members. Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, informed President Davis that he was unable to attend this meeting.
President Davis thanked Council for the new audio system and reminded members to speak directly into the microphones.
Minutes: Minutes of the February 1, 2023 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies read the February 15, 2023 letter he received from Bill Suto, Martins Ferry Water Superintendent and Donnie Neavin, Operator of Record regarding the East Palestine Train Derailment. Martins Ferry draws its water from Artesian Deep Wells that are 30-70 feet deep, not from the Ohio River. The department will continue their regular daily/monthly sampling efforts mandated by the Ohio EPA to ensure the city’s water is safe now and in the foreseeable future.
The Mayor asked for permission to borrow money to demolish possibly 8-10 houses in the city. Loan Payments would be made from the demolition fund derived from a percentage of the income tax money.
Two businesses may be interested in occupying the former Staffilino Property but additional details could not be shared at this time.
A Crochet Class is being offered at the Recreation Center on Saturday and the free skating event last Sunday was well received with almost 200 people in attendance.
The First Christian Church would like to have a Car Show on May 20, 2023 (rain date May 27), 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. They would like to use Zane Highway from Jefferson Street to Adams Street, and Madison Street from Pearl Street to Indiana Street.
Mr. James Everson has offered to donate $100,000 over a five year period to Health Right to provide health care to the citizens of Belmont County, if matched yearly by a $25,000 allocation from the Belmont County Commissioners, a $10,000 yearly donation from the City of Martins Ferry and a $10,000 yearly donation from the City of St. Clairsville. The Mayor asked Council if they would like to move forward with this request. Health Right provides about $200,000 of free health care benefits to Belmont County residents every year.
The Mayor requested Council go into Executive Session toward the end of the meeting to discuss Contract Negotiations.
The Lions Club would like to partner with the City to make improvements to the City Park. Ideas include: moving the basketball court to Fourth Street, building a Picnic Shelter, and new rest rooms.
A fence has been installed around the Impound Lot. Security Cameras will be installed as soon as the electricity is hooked up. A 10 ft. buffer will also be installed around the lot to protect the fence from being damaged. Council, with the help of Attorney Stecker, will need to decide on whether they should purchase the impound lot property or rent it from the EMS Department.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak would like to investigate loans and rates for borrowing money to continue demolishing dilapidated houses in the city. He will estimate the amount of income tax money to be allocated to the demolition fund and establish a possible repayment schedule. Hopefully, houses can be grouped together by area to cut down on mobilization costs.
Larry Merry, Director of the Belmont County Port Authority, has given two dates that he is available to meet with Council. Mr. Sutak asked Council to let him know which date would work for them and he would set it up.
Correspondence was received from Cory DelGuzzo regarding the State Route 647 property. Mr. DelGuzzo will review his research with Attorney Stecker before submitting his report to Council.
Mr. Schramm asked if the trash along 6th Street Extension could be picked up. Mr. Sutak said if the weather is nice on Friday, he would have 2 part-time employees clean that area.
Safety Director: No report.
Auditor: A Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals for the period of January 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 was distributed. Auditor Regis and Mr. Sutak will meet with Department Managers and begin to put the budget together. They will then meet with the Finance Committee to review all the figures. Auditor Regis advised Council that the budget will be tight this year and spending will have to be watched closely. He thanked the Office Staff and Administration for their support during this transition time. The Verizon bill has been reduced and credit cards have been secured for various departments.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: No report.
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: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: Mr. Shrodes set up a combined Service Committee and Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. to meet with Mr. Larry Merry.
Cemetery: No report.
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.
Larry Perkins, 101 Curtis Lane, St. Clairsville, Secretary of the Ebenezer Zane Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, asked Council’s permission to place a sign at the Walnut Grove Cemetery commemorating and honoring the Revolutionary War Heroes. There is a QR Code on the sign, which once scanned by a cell phone, takes you to a website containing information about Ebenezer Zane and Betty Zane.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, was told the meeting on February 22 with Larry Merry was opened to the public. The Water Superintendent has been in contact with 2 EPA Representatives regarding the city’s concerns with the East Palestine train derailment situation. Since the city’s water comes from wells, there is no concern at this time with water safety. The street sweeper is currently operational and should begin its weekly cleaning schedule next month. Even though Officer Starkey is on medical leave, officers are still writing code violations. Mr. Hord thanked the city for patching the potholes on Virginia Street to Zane Highway and asked if potholes could be patched on the 900 block of South 10th Street. The Mayor revealed that there are talks with a couple of different businesses that want to locate in Martins Ferry but nothing definite yet.
Frank Capini, President of the United Steel Workers, St. Clairsville, Ohio, asked Council to seriously consider supporting the Health Right proposal from Mr. and Mrs. James Everson.
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. Burns mentioned again there is a hump of cold patch, between 404 and 406 Broadway Street, that the Gas Company hasn’t smoothed out. Mr. Sutak said the company is aware of this spot and will fixed it as soon as the weather breaks and asphalt is available.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion to give the Sons of the American Revolution, Ebenezer Zane Chapter, permission to erect a sign outside of the Walnut Grove Cemetery, on the right side of the Betty Zane Monument. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Schramm made a motion to allow the First Christian Church to have Zane Highway closed from Jefferson Street to Adams Street, and Madison Street from Pearl Street to Indiana Street, for a Car Show on May 20, 2023 (rain date May 27, 2023). Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Burns voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes motioned to allow the Service Director to pursue investigation of loans and rates for borrowing money for demolition. Motion was seconded by Mr. Burns. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes asked where funds might be available for the decaling of 3 Police Cruisers at a cost of $7,137.86 and the $10,000 Health Right matching donation. Mr. Sutak suggested three funds for this payment: The General Capital Outlay, The American Rescue Money and The Police Maintenance of Vehicles Line Item. Mr. Shrodes made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to allow the Service Director to proceed with possible appropriation lines for the total of $7,137.86 for completion of the outfitting of the police cruisers. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Sutak suggested to wait until the budget is in place to see if any money can be freed up in the General Fund Appropriations for a $10,000 donation to Health Right.
Mr. Burns notified Mr. Sutak that the passenger’s seatbelt in Police Cruiser #4 needs repaired.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22 G4, for contract negotiations and collective bargaining. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Shrodes, Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to go out of Executive Session and back into general session. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm and Shrodes voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to accept the findings of the Fact-Finder Report. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm and Shrodes voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Shrodes made a motion that Council excuse Mr. Hunker from this meeting. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. 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 Mr. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Schramm made a motion to note that Council has received and reviewed the financial reports for the current month. Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Burns, Schramm and Shrodes voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of Council will be on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Mr. Rodgers, President Pro-Tempore will preside over the meeting since President Davis will be unable to attend the meeting.
___________________________________ ___________________________________ Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
