News & Updates

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2024

Posted on: June 6, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber, followed by a prayer by the Clerk.   Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Ben Neiman and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.  Rev. James Agnew could not attend tonight’s meeting because he was receiving the Liberty Bell Award for outstanding community service from the Belmont County Bar Association.  Council applauded this announcement.

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

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  No report.

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

Code Administrator: No report.

            Park District: No report.      

            Water Department:  No report.       

Reports of Committees of Council:   

Finance and Audit:   No report.

Street: No report.

Ordinance:  No report.

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: No report.

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

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

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

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

Income Tax: No report.

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

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

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

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

            This Resolution was given a third reading.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the rules.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried.  Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Resolution as read.  Mr. Neiman seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed.   

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MARTINS

FERRY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ZANE

HIGHWAY 12” WATERLINE CONNECTION TO AETNA

STREET BOOSTER STATION AND DECLARING AN

EMERGENC       

Miscellaneous Business:   

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Schramm made a motion to reflect Council has received reports from the Officers and Management, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

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

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

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

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

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

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2024

Posted on: May 16, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the Martins Ferry Recreational Center.  The meeting was called to order by Council President Pro-Tempore 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 Nieman, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   Mr. Rodgers reserved his right to vote.  President Davis let Council know at the last meeting that she was unable to attend this meeting.

            Minutes:  Minutes of the April 17, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  Mayor Davies distributed a letter that was written in response to the school attorney’s letter regarding the Annex Agreement.  The letter states the city feels they are in compliance with the maintenance and repairs and will continue to salt, plow and patch potholes on the school road as well as continue to look for funding to replace the road if necessary. 

The Street Sweeper has finished running until November. The Mayor said workers are hot-patching potholes.  If Council members see any potholes that need patched, please let the Administration know.

The company that built the Splash Pad is coming Tuesday to set it up for the summer. 

The city was unable to receive a grant to assist in purchasing fencing and other material to secure the Well Fields on First Street.  The city will move forward with the needed security measures. 

The Mayor asked for guidance regarding grass cutting for city owned lots as well as other private lots that are neglected. 

Public Service Director:  Mr. Sutak gave a report on updates to the Contact Tanks, Well #5 and the Skadis System at the Water Plant. 

The city submitted a request to FEMA for a generator for East Ohio Regional Hospital.  Bids have been received and have been given to the Engineer to review and make recommendations. 

Council was asked to sign a letter to ODNR regarding the Austin Masters situation.  Copies of this letter will be sent to other state and local officials and entities in hope that they will support Martins Ferry and agree that the Austin Masters Plant is not located in the right place.  Mr. Sutak spoke with the Chief of ODNR and explained the situation and concerns of the city regarding Austin Masters.  The Chief said that ODNR has to go through their litigation process and will keep the city informed on what transpires. 

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis asked Council to consider passing the legislation regarding 1) re-establishing the position of EMS Captain and 2) Part-time wage increase for EMS workers and 3) increasing the salary of the Director of Public Service.  He also asked that Council review and pass the Payroll Summary and New Hire Report. 

Law Director:  Mr. Stecker request Council’s permission to close the following roads for the Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 8: 4^th Street from Hanover Street to Locus Street, Walnut Street from 3^rd Street to 5^th Street, Hickory Street from 4^th Street to 5^th Street and the Parking Lot located next to Mr. Stecker’s Law Office (42 South 4^th Street). 

Mr. Stecker reported that the Academic Awards Banquet honoring 454 students (who either go to a school within the Martins Ferry School District or live within the Martins Ferry School District) will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at the Wesbanco Arena.

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy distributed the end of April’s Police Department Report.  He is applying for grant funds to help with hiring of (2) police officers.   Letters, to be included with the grant proposal, are needed from city officials (City Administrators and the Mayor) for support of these additional police officers. Mr. Sutak suggested passing a Resolution supporting the hiring of two additional police officer.  The Resolution would be signed by every Council Member and be included with the Grant Proposal. Mr. Rodger will consult President Davis on this matter.  The Martins Ferry Police Department was also recognized for excellence in policy management and training by Lexipol, the nation’s leading provider of policy training and wellness support for first responders and public servants. 

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 Wednesday, April 24 and reviewed the budget.  The Committee recommends the purchase of a new Lawn Tractor for the cemetery be paid out of the General Fund.  Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.

Street: No report.

Ordinance:  Rev. Agnew said that passing an Ordinance prohibiting Hazardous Waste Facilities to move into the city may not be legal.  Law Director Stecker is researching this issue.   

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: No report.

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  Mr. Echemann will be setting up a meeting regarding summer events in the city. 

Real Estate/Utility:  Mr. Hunker scheduled a committee meeting for Wednesday, May 8 at 10:00a.m. 

Income Tax: No report.

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

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, congratulated Chief Murphy and the Martins Ferry Police Department for being recognized for excellence in policy management and training by Lexipol and achieving Gold Level status, the highest level of recognition offered.  Mr. Hord asked for an update on sites in the city possibly being designated as historical.  Mr. Stecker said the process is still ongoing and surveys still need to be completed.  Code enforcement is being worked on by Terri Leasure and Officer Starkey.  The Mayor told Mr. Hord that East Ohio Regional Hospital seems to be doing well.

Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, commended Council for writing letters to State and Local government representatives regarding the Austin Masters situation.  She gave Council a copy of a newly published book “Petroleum-238” by Author Justin Nobel that deals with how the U.S. oil and gas industry has avoided environmental regulations and created a dangerous and radioactive public health crisis.  Mr. Nobel will be speaking at the Ohio County Public Library Auditorium on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m.  This event will be live streamed. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

This Resolution was given a second reading.

An Ordinance Increasing The Hourly Wage For Certain Part-Time Positions In The EMS Department.

Mr. Schramm made a motion to suspend the rules.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Nieman and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried.   Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mr. Neiman to passed the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.

This Resolution was given a second reading.

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

            This Resolution will go to a third reading.

This Ordinance was given a first reading. 

An Ordinance Re-establishing the Positions of EMS Captain and Declaring an Emergency. 

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to suspend the rules.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.  The motion carried.   Mr. Echemann made a motion and Mr. Neiman seconded to pass the Ordinance as read.  A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

This Ordinance was given a first reading.

An Ordinance Increasing the Salary of the Director of Public Service, effective April 1, 2024.

Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the rules.  Mr. Schramm seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.   Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Ordinances as read.  Mr. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Nieman and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed. 

This Resolution was given a first reading.

A Resolution in Support of Sending Letter to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Other Elected Officials and Agencies regarding Austin Masters.

Mr. Hunker made a motion to suspend the rules.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.   Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Resolution as read.  Mr. Hunker seconded the motion.   A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried and the Resolution was declared passed. 

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MARTINS

FERRY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ZANE

HIGHWAY 12” WATERLINE CONNECTION TO AETNA

STREET BOOSTER STATION AND DECLARING AN

EMERGENC       

Miscellaneous Business:   

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to close 4^th Street from Hanover Street to Locus Street, Walnut Street from 3^rd Street to 5^th Street, Hickory Street from 4^th Street to 5^th Street and the Parking Lot located next to Mr. Stecker’s Law Office (42 South 4^th Street) on June 8 for the Strawberry Festival.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Echemann.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.  The motion carried.   

Since this Council meeting was at the Recreation Center, live streaming was not available.  At the last meeting, the live stream had no audio but the picture was very clear.  Mr. Echemann will contact ForeFront Technology and ask them to address the audio issue and how to live stream when we have the Council Meeting in a difference venue.    

Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to note that Council has reviewed and accepted the Payroll Summary, New Hire Report and the Statement of Cash Position.  Rev. Agnew seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes.  The motion carried.   

Mr. Rodgers asked Council to consider having the next Council meeting at the Recreation Center to support Mr. Neiman’s health condition.  Hearing no objections, the next Council Meeting will be held on May 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center.  Mr. Neiman thanked Council for the meeting location change.

Mrs. Armstrong moved and Mr. Echemann seconded to approve the purchase of a tractor (up to $20,000) for the cemetery.  This purchase will be paid out of the General Fund.  A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann, voting yes.  The motion carried.   

Applications are being accepted for summer help for grass cutting.  Mr. Sutak would like to have 5-6 workers possibly beginning on May 6.  Mr. Stecker explained that grass cutting is needed for city owned lots as well as another 68 lots that have been neglected or abandoned and have become a hazard for the neighborhood. 

The Mayor asked Council if a decision has been made regarding selling the lot on the corner of 9^th Street.  If it’s not sold, the city will have to cut the grass.  Mr. Hunker said this issue will be addressed at the Real Estate and Utility Meeting next Wednesday. 

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.      

Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Hunker.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.   The meeting was then adjourned with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Recreation Center.    

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

___________________________________
Date

Martins Ferry City Council Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2024

Posted on: May 3, 2024

The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 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, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members.   President Davis reported Mr. Neiman was unable to attend this meeting but he hopes to make the next meeting.  The meeting location may need to be changed to accommodate Mr. Neiman’s condition. 

            Minutes:  Minutes of the March 27, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.  

Correspondence:  There was no correspondence. 

Reports of Officers of the City:

Mayor:  As soon as asphalt is available, hot patch will be used to fix potholes.  The Street Sweeper will run this week and next week.  It will then run again for 2 weeks in November.  Pease Township Park District donated $5,000 towards the repayment of the loan from the Permanent Improvement Fund for the repairs to the city’s swimming pool. 

Service/Safety Director:  The city recently had a company do a survey of the well field to distinguish the property lines.  An application has been filed with the EPA for funding to put a fence around the well field to secure the area.  Funding is also being sought from Belmont County EMA (Emergency Management Agency) to help with the cost of cleaning up debri and fixing slips from the flooding.  Mr. Sutak reported on the upgrades to the Water Plant.  The Ohio Drilling Company is cleaning and making improvements to Well #5.  On April 29, work will begin on upgrades to the Contact Tanks and the Ozone Generators. 

            Auditor:  Mr. Regis asked that the position of Part-Time EMS Captain be examined and the benefits clearly defined.  Mr. Stecker will be consulted on this task.  Mr. Regis will create a table of organization positions and ask Council and President Davis to review.  A Finance Committee Meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m.

            Law Director:  No report. 

            Police Department:  Chief Murphy gave the end of March report.  March fees from the Impound Lot totaled. $875.  March revenue from auction of impound vehicles totaled $3,000.  There has been positive feedback for the recently enacted Department’s 12 hour work shifts which has resulted in overtime being lower.

            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 will meet on Wednesday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m.

Street: The Street Committee met with the Law Director on Monday, April 15.  Issues with Alumni Road and School Road need to be discussed.  A meeting with School Officials was being planned.

Ordinance:  The committee, along with Mr. Stecker, is working on an Ordinance prohibiting businesses from bringing hazardous waste into the city. 

            Sewer/Sidewalk:  No report.

Code Administration:  No report.

            Safety: No report.

            Service:  No report.

            Cemetery:  No report.

Public Relations:  The Committee will meet soon to discuss ideas to expand on some of the summer events planned in the city, i.e. Fourth of July Celebration, Betty Zane Days, etc. 

Real Estate/Utility:  No report.

Income Tax: No report.

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

Robert Reed, 701 S. Lincoln Ave., Bridgeport, Ohio, conveyed appreciation to the Administration for the improvements to Water Department.  He expressed his thoughts on the recent flooding on 1^st Street of the city, specifically surrounding the Austin Masters Plant which contains hazardous waste.  He asks that Council and the City Administration send a letter to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and ask for assistance to clean up the toxic material at the Austin Masters Plant.    

Before Ms. Reed spoke, President Davis explained the rights of citizens to speak and asked for new information only regarding the Austin Masters Issue.

Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, distributed an article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette regarding the Austin Masters issues.  Mr. Sutak said he will send a copy of this article to ODNR.  Ms. Reed asked the city to tell ODNR that the city doesn’t want another facility like this again and the Austin Masters facility needs cleaned up.  The City has tried to contact the ODNR and the EPA at ask how this situation got overlooked but no response has been received.  The Mayor said today was the deadline for the waste material to be removed from the Plant.  If the waste is not removed, Austin Masters is in violation of the court order and fines will begin to accrue.  Ms. Reed believes the company will file for bankruptcy.  If the company does file for bankruptcy, ODNR will be responsible for cleanup.  The drainage and flow of water, when the river floods, was discussed.  President Davis said Council will write a letter to ODNR asking for help in the waste cleanup of the Austin Masters Plant.  Mr. Sutak asked Belmont County Commissioner Jerry Echemann (who was in the audience) if the Commissioners could write a letter to ODNR to support Martins Ferry in the clean-up effort of Austin Masters.  The Commissioner’s letter, along with tonight’s meeting minutes and the city’s letter, as well as letters from other towns and villages in the area, will be bundled together and sent to ODNR.  Ms. Reed said the Concerned Ohio River Residents (CORR) have already sent a very comprehensive letter to ODNR which she is willing to share with the city administration.  The Peace Township Trustees have already sent a letter.  Ms. Reed suggested once this package of letters is sent, to contact the media and make it public.  Mr. Sutak hopes that representatives from ODNR, the EPA and the Attorney General’s Office could come to Martins Ferry and meet face-to-face to discuss this situation. 

Jennifer Compston-Strough, Managing Editor of The Times Leader, Martins Ferry, stated the Pittsburgh Post Gazette gave her permission to re-print the Austin Masters Article.  If anyone needs access to the article in an electronic format, they can go to timesleaderonline.com and share the link.

Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, asked for an updates on Columbia Gas activities and road striping.  The Mayor said the Gas Company is working on Delia Avenue and crews were out striping the streets today.  Mr. Hord inquired about the building that currently houses the Ceramic Shop across the street from the city building.  The Mayor said he owns the building and he has no plans to have tenants again but he is looking into an historical grant to bring the building back to its original state.  Mr. Hord asked when all the waste is removed from the Austin Masters building, will it have to be demolished?  Mr. Sutak said the first big step is to remove the waste and he is certain there is policies and guidelines that have to be met to reopen the building for other operations. 

Jerry Echemann, Belmont County Commissioner, 427 Elm Street, asked for a copy of the letter the city plans to send to ODNR so the Commissioners could consider writing a similar letter.  He also wanted to know who was responsible for the upkeep of Aetna Street.  He was told it is Bridgeport’s responsibility. 

Ordinances and Resolutions:  

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

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

            This Resolution will go to a second reading.

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

            An Ordinance Increasing The Hourly Wage For Certain Part-Time Positions In The EMS Department.

            This Ordinance will go to a Second Reading

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:   

The Mayor reported the Broadway property (the former Booster Club property) has sold for the asking price. The buyer is going to do the survey and Mr. Stecker will get the deed prepared. 

The Mayor recommends the city purchase a new tractor for the Cemetery with an estimated cost of $20,000.  This issue will be discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting. 

The live streaming of the Council Meetings are being recorded and saved on U-Tube.  Recorded meetings can be found on the U-Tube channel entitled “The City of Martins Ferry”.  Unfortunately the volume needs to be a little louder.  Mr. Echemann will follow-up with the IT Company that installed the system and see if the volume can be adjusted.

Mr. Echemann made a motion to excuse Mr. Neiman from tonight’s meeting.  Rev. Agnew seconded.  After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed. 

Mr. Schramm made a motion to reflect Council has received reports from the Officers and Management, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew.   After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.  

Both President Davis and Mr. Sutak received calls from companies regarding energy aggregation.  Council will need to take action soon if this issue is to be on the ballot in November.  Mr. Sutak will email information to council members to consider at the next meeting.  President Davis suggested maybe having a public meeting to discuss the matter. 

Council received an email from a citizen inquiring about the requirements for electric bicycles, scooters and helmet requirements.  President Davis stated there is an Ordinance that addresses this issue but it needs reviewed and updated since electric bicycles were not popular at that time.  This issue was referred to the Ordinance Committee. 

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. Echemann seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.   

Mr. Schramm made a motion to go out of Executive Session.  Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers and Agnew voting yes.  The motion carried and Council went back into regular session.   

             Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong.  A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes.  The motion carried.  The meeting was then adjourned with a salute to the flag.

            The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

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

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