Posted on: September 5, 2024
Clean up week will be held curb side from Monday September 30th to Friday October 4th. This is on your normal scheduled trash day. Mattresses and box springs will still be $20 a piece and need wrapped in plastic. No hazardous materials, tires or paint.
Posted on: September 5, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., in the Donald Myers Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber, followed by a prayer by the Clerk. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; Ben Neiman and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members. Rev. James Agnew was unable to attend this meeting due to a death in his family.
Minutes: Minutes of the July 17, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Mayor Davies read a letter from the Martins Ferry Historical Society requesting a monetary donation to help support the organization. Mr. Sutak will check to see if the Society pays city utilities and if so with Council’s approval, these can be waived.
East Road has had several water breaks recently and the line will have to be replaced. Materials have been ordered to repair the line and the project should be finished by the end of September.
City crews are doing general maintenance. The summer employees are finished for the season, therefore grass cutting, for the lots the city maintains, has slowed down.
Mayor Davies remarked that the sanitation line-item has increased on the cash flow report.
There were no bids summited for the 9th Street property that was advertised for a minimum bid of $9,000. Mr. Stecker said if someone bids in the next week or two, it will not have to be re-bid. But if someone shows interest a month from now, the city would have to re-bid it.
Hazardous waste debris continues to be removed from the Austin Masters Building. The Mayor and Service Director will seek permission from ODNR to enter the facility to insure the clean up is progressing.
To prepare for the winter weather, four hundred tons of road salt has been ordered. There is 200 tons of salt left from last year which will bring the total amount of available salt to 600 tons.
An anonymous person called the Ohio EPA complaining about black mold on the second floor of the city building. The Ohio EPA then referred the issue to the Belmont County Health Department. The EPA is waiting for a reply from the city regarding a strategy to fix this problem. The Mayor stated the roof and a wall on the backside of building are deteriorating. Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration has submitted an estimate of $3,493.74 to clean the office where the roof is leaking. Nothing has been done yet because the roof still leaks. The Mayor needs to report to the EPA how the problem will be remedied and where the city will get the money to make the repairs. He estimates the cost will be $300,000 – $500,000.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak updated Council on the Water Plant upgrades which are progressing nicely. In order to save money, after the Pro-Tech Systems Group completed work on the Skadis System, Mr. Sutak had the company stay and complete the subpanels on the 7 remote stations so they would not have to make a return trip to do that job. He asked that Council approve the Pro-Tech invoice for $52,080 which was $7,000-$8,000 short of the purchase order already in place. It is estimated that everything should be completed by the first part of next year.
Two roofing companies and one stone and brick restoration company will submit bids for the possible roof and city building repair project. A couple of fire alarms on the roof will be considered for removal as well as a small building.
Auditor: Auditor Regis distributed the current Statement of Cash Position with MTD Totals. He stated that the Auditors would like it noted in the minutes that Council received the monthly Mayor’s Court Report. Invoices for Forefront Technology for $11,000, Atkinson Enterprises for $24,000 and the Fire Department for $4,051.35 needs approved. The Mayor, Service Director and Auditor Regis met with East Ohio Regional Hospital concerning payments for 2022-2023. Figures will be forthcoming.
Law Director: No report.
Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, thanked Council for their support of Betty Zane Days.
Police Department: Chief Murphy gave the end of July, 2024 report. Fees collected from the impound lot amounted to $1,500. Currently there are 5 vehicles in the impound lot. Maintenance and repairs were done to the department’s firearms range by Office Trigg. Martins Ferry School Resource Officers and members of the Special Operations Team of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office toured Martins Ferry Schools to get familiarize with any emergency response considerations. The Special Operations Team then followed up with training within the school. Chief Murphy distributed a “Law Enforcement Trust Fund”, which is a Written Internal Control Policy. This Policy now puts the Department in compliance. Mr. Stecker said this internal policy could be adopted by a voice vote. Mr. Sutak was informed that officers were following up on the list of expired tags that he submitted to the Department.
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 July 22. The Sanitation and Water line items are looking better. Chief Murphy would like to purchase the old cruisers instead of leasing them since there has been problems with the leasing company. The Finance Committee also met on August 16 to discuss the city building’s leaking roof after an anonymous person call the EPA to say there was a black mold problem on the second floor. As soon as bids are received, the committee will meet to discuss funding possibilities. Minutes of these 2 Finance Committee Meetings will be filed with these minutes.
Street: Mr. Rodgers did not have a report but noted there have been several complaints about Tractor Trailer Cabs parking on side streets. Mr. Stecker said that commercial vehicles can’t park on the Street but are allowed in-off street parking or in driveways. Chief Murphy said if someone sees a commercial vehicle parked illegally to call the Police Department and an officer will come and ticket the vehicle. The Mayor suggested putting a 5 ton weight limit signs on residential streets to solve this issue. Later in the meeting, road repairs on Spring Haven Drive were discussed. Mr. Rodgers said that he will discuss the issue with Mr. Stecker and then call a Street Committee Meeting.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report but Mr. Neiman stated the Cemetery looks good.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate: The committee met on July 22 to discuss the sale of property in Crawford Heights. The Committee agreed that the property should be sold and a minimum bid established. Mr. Sutak will research the property value, set the minimum bid, and get the information to Mr. Stecker. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Utility: Mr. Hunker will set a date and time in September for the Committee to meet.
Ordinance: No report.
Code Administration: 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 the Betty Zane Days Festival was a success again this year. Regarding property clean-up, city crews are cutting the grass and the cost of the time/labor is placed on the property owner’s taxes. The debris from the Austin Masters Facility is being removed in a timely manner but it will take some time to clear the facility. Overall, East Ohio Regional Hospital has a positive impact for city. The Mayor explained that financially the city receives one fourth of 1% of income tax generated and businesses in town benefit from increased visitor traffic created by the hospital. Regarding the city building, the Mayor stated it is a historic icon but the cost of repairing the current building has to be considered compared to the cost of building a new building.
Gary Zelenski, 419 North 9th Street, requests the city cut down a tree across the street from his house that he believes belongs to the city. The debris, such as leaves and fallen branches, is a nuisance to his home and a liability to the city. One fallen branch just barely missed his car. The debris is also filling up catch basins in the area. He also noted there is a stop sign at the intersection of 9th Street and the hill coming off of Delia Avenue that is almost completely obscured because of the high weeds. He wanted to know if Liberty Avenue is part of the city due to recent paving stopping at this road. The Mayor states that the tree Mr. Zelenski is referring to is not on city property. Regarding the stop sign, the Mayor will check into it but the since the summer help is gone now, it limits the city’s manpower on what can be done. Liberty Avenue is a dead end street and according to the County, permissive tax money for paving can’t be used on dead end streets. The catch basin mentioned is on a list to be cleaned out. The Mayor stated the Sewer Department, with only 2 employees, is responsible for over 1,000 catch basins in the city. If more employees were to be hired for the Sewer Department, utility rates would have to be raised. The Mayor states that one of the Administration’s goal is to keep the utility bills as reasonable as possible. Rates have not been raised since this Administration took office. The Mayor and Service Director will research who owns the tree across from Mr. Zelenski’s house & inquire about costs for removal of the tree. Mr. Zelenski will be notified of the results of these findings.
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. Schramm made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to authorize payment of the following invoices: ForeFront Technology, $11,000; Pro-Tech, $52,080; Atkinson Enterprises, $24,000 and the Fire Department, $4,051.35. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Echemann was contacted by Phil Wallace, a former Martins Ferry Mayor, who is looking into getting repairs done to Spring Haven Drive. The Mayor said the city can’t use County Permissive Tax Money for dead-end roads. Another citizen contacted Mr. Echemann and expressed appreciation for the recent pothole patching on their street.
The Administration meets regularly with Auditor Regis to work on budget issues in order to avoid raising utility rates.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to note that Council has received and reviewed the Financial Statement of Cash Position. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Sutak received a call from a school bus driver asking that the overgrowth of cattails and weeds on the Hill Street Exit be cut down because they are blocking the view to safely enter onto Route 7. Pictures of this area will be taken and sent to the State asking them to address this issue since it is the State’s property and responsibility. The city doesn’t have the manpower to control the overgrowth of weeds on Route 7. Mr. Zelenski asked if the State could also be notified to smooth out the railroad crossings on Route 7. Mr. Sutak said the railroad tracks are under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Company.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to reflect Council has received reports from the Officers and Management, and to incorporate these reports into the minutes. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to excused Rev. Agnew from tonight’s meeting. Mr. Neiman seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Echemann 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 the Martins Ferry Council will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: August 26, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, July 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, Ben Neiman, James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members. Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member notified President Davis that he was unable to attend this meeting.
Before this meeting, a budget hearing was held for the Public at 5:30 p.m. No one voiced any concerns at this meeting.
Minutes: Minutes of the June 26, June 27 (2 meetings), and the July 5 Council Meetings were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: City Workers are doing basic maintenance such are garbage pick-up, cutting weeds and fixing water breaks.
The Celebration in the Park on July 6 went well and the Fireworks Show was great! The Mayor expressed appreciation for Council’s support for this event.
Court proceedings, regarding clean-up of the Austin Masters Facility, are going well. On July 18, two Martins Ferry Fire Chiefs and an experienced hazmat Chief from Youngstown will tour the Austin Masters Building and devise an emergency plan in case an event, such as fire or flood, would arise before the hazardous material is removed. ODNR will also have a representative on the scene. Mayor Davies spoke to the property owner who said he would not lease the property to another gas and oil company.
Someone has expressed interest in purchasing a piece of city-owned property in the Crawford Heights area. The Mayor asked Council to consider selling this property. A minimum price could then be established and the property would be advertised for bid.
Service Director: Mr. Sutak updated Council on the Water Plant upgrades. Sandblasting and coating of Contact Tanks 3 & 4 should be finished by tomorrow. The filter bed lines have been checked. Dehumidifiers and louvers should be installed by next week.
A new motor and dry unit will be installed at the Woodmont Pumping Station. There are also plans to upgrade the city’s other pumping stations.
The road to the city’s wells on First Street is now closed to traffic, specifically truck traffic from National Limestone.
Auditor: Auditor Regis asked Council to pass the budget tonight so he can get it to the County Auditor by Friday. The yearly audit is proceeding well and should be finished by the end of July. Auditor Regis asked Council to make a motion that Council has recognized the transfer of $15,000 to the Cemetery Fund. The Sanitation, Insurance, Water and Electric line items are being carefully watched. Mayor Davies noted that landfill fees have increased significantly. Since the city had to buy the new Packer, the Administration has discussed increasing the Sanitation fee by $5 and then removing this fee when the Packer is paid off. It was mentioned that even though it has been 5 years since there was an increase to the sanitation bill, the Administration has continued the 2 yearly free Clean-Up Days as a service to the residents. Mr. Regis asked Mr. Hunker to schedule a Finance Committee Meeting. He reminded Council to make a motion to note the Payroll Summary Report and the Statement of Cash Report was received.
Law Director: Mr. Stecker asked that an Ordinance Committee Meeting be scheduled to discuss creating an Ordinance regarding items on the sidewalks in the downtown area.
Police Department: Chief Murphy gave the June, 2024 end of the month Police Report. A copy of this report will be included with these minutes. The Mayor will send Chief Murphy information regarding city-owned vehicles on First Street so these vehicles can be placed on the Auction Site.
Fire Department: Justin Smith, Assistant Fire Chief, reported on the second quarter calls for the Fire Department. He noted there was a structure fire on Pearl Street last week and thanked the Colerain and Bridgeport Fire Departments for their mutual aid. Betty Zane Days, sponsored by the Fire Department, will be held on July 31-August 3 at the city park.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: Mr. Hunker set a Finance Committee meeting for Monday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. He also asked that a short meeting for the Real Estate Committee beheld immediately after this meeting.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: The Ordinance Committee will meet on Friday, July 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Mr. Stecker’s Office to discuss an Ordinance for items on sidewalks in the downtown area.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: Rev. Agnew reported a meeting will be scheduled soon.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: The Committee will meet immediately after the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on July 22 to discuss the sale of property in the Crawford Heights area.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, expressed his appreciation for the excellent city sponsored Fireworks Show on July 6. Mayor Davies said no request for funding has been received from the Historical Society. Rev. Agnew informed Mr. Hord that the former Curley Property is being used as a parking lot for his Church. When asked how many structures were on the Belmont County Land Bank list to demolish, Mr. Sutak said 10-12 parcels have been submitted for demolition. If someone is interested in purchasing the property once demolition is completed, the Land Bank makes demolishing these properties a higher priority in order to get these properties back into tax collection.
Frank Papini, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Retiree Organization, Martins Ferry, asked about the deadline given to the owners of Austin Masters for clean-up. The Mayor said the deadline was July 22 and ODNR is prepared to start the clean-up on July 23. ODNR will use bond money and possibly taxpayer’s money for the clean-up. Martins Ferry will not have to pay for the clean-up. Also, Mr. Papini asked how often Martins Ferry’s ground water is tested. The Mayor replied “daily”. He will get a list of the items tested to Mr. Papini. Mr. Sutak said that the Water Department follows all the EPA Guidelines.
Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, informed Council that the President of the Parent Company of Austin Masters will go to jail on July 29 if he does not post the $1.2 million bond to clean up the mess at the Austin Masters Facility. She would like to know if the bond is not posted, where will the money come from and what will be the cost of the clean-up? She believes this information should be available to the public.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
A Resolution Adopting A Budget For The City Of Martins Ferry For The Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 And Declaring An Emergency.
Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Neiman and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to pass the Resolution as read. Mr. Echemann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Neiman, Agnew and Schramm 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 approve the transfer of $15,000 from the General Fund to the Cemetery Fund. Mr. Neiman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Neiman, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Echemann made a motion that Council acknowledges receipt of the Payroll Summary and the Statement of Cash. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. 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. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Echemann made a motion to excuse Mr. Rodgers from the meeting tonight. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Schramm. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be held on August 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: August 13, 2024
The next regular meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be Wednesday August 21 at 6pm in Council Chambers.
Kristine Davis, Council President
Posted on: August 5, 2024
LAST FREE SWIM OF THE YEAR!!! FRIDAY AUGUST 9, 2024 NOON-6PM
LAST DAY POOL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IS SATURDAY AUGUST 10, 2024
POOL WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY AUGUST 11, 2024 FOR THE SEASON
Posted on: July 20, 2024
A 48 hour boil order is in effect for the South Ridge Drive and Overlook areas of Martins Ferry. This is due to a water break in the area, which has now been repaired.
Posted on: July 18, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Donald Myers Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber followed by 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; and James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council at Large Members. Ben Neiman, Council-at-Large Member informed President Davis he was unable to attend this meeting. Six Council Members were present at this Special Meeting. This Special Meeting was called for the purpose of consideration of legislation only.
President Davis explained the changes to the amendments.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Schramm seconded to suspend the 72 hour rule. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and the 72 hour rule was suspended. This Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1155, Source Water Protection Area, Of The Codified Ordinances Of The City Of Martins Ferry, Ohio.
Mr. Rodgers made a motion to suspend the rules. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried. Mr. Schramm made a motion to pass the Ordinance as read. 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 the Ordinance was declared passed.
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker and seconded by Mrs. Armstrong to adjourn. 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 held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
___________________________
Date
Posted on: July 18, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:15 a.m., at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center. This meeting was called to discuss legislation only, specifically to hear the third reading of two Ordinances.
The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; and Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member. Rev. James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council-at-Large Members informed President Davis they would be unavailable to attend this meeting.
This Ordinance was given a third reading.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Public Service To Advertise For Bids For The Sale Of Municipal Property And To Sell The Property To The Winning Bid.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Neiman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
This Ordinance was given a third reading.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1155, Source Water Protection Area, Of The Codified Ordinances Of The City Of Martins Ferry, Ohio.
Mr. Echemann made a motion to pass the Ordinance as read. Mrs. Armstrong seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers and seconded by Mr. Hunker to adjourn. 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 held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the City Building.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
___________________________
Date
Posted on: July 18, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Special Session on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at the Martins Ferry Recreation Center. This meeting was called to discuss legislation only, specifically to hear the second reading of two Ordinances.
The meeting was called to order by Council President Kristine Davis with the Pledge of Allegiance recited by those present in chamber. Answering Roll Call were Bob Hunker, First Ward Council Member, Spencer Echemann, Second Ward Council Member; Suzanne Armstrong, Third Ward Council Member; Rick Rodgers, Fourth Ward Council Member; and Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member. Rev. James Agnew and Jim Schramm, Council-at-Large Members informed President Davis they would be unavailable to attend this meeting.
This Ordinance was given a second reading.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Public Service To Advertise For Bids For The Sale Of Municipal Property And To Sell The Property To The Winning Bid.
This Ordinance will go to a third reading.
This Ordinance was given a second reading.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1155, Source Water Protection Area, Of The Codified Ordinances Of The City Of Martins Ferry, Ohio.
This Ordinance will go to a third reading.
Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers and seconded by Mr. Hunker to adjourn. 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
___________________________
Date
Posted on: July 18, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 26, 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; and Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member. James Agnew and Jim Schramm notified President Davis that they could not attend this meeting.
President Davis reminded Council that there are two Special Council Meetings scheduled for tomorrow, June 27. These meetings will address legislation only. The first one will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the second one will be at 10:15 a.m.
Minutes: Minutes of the June 5, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Part of Hanover Street is shut down due to a problem with a manhole. Once fixed, problems in the alley that stretches from the Romano Building to Unified Bank will also be alleviated.
Last week, when the weather was very hot, pool admission was free on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The Mayor believes the cost of operating the pool during these days was covered by concession stand sales. The Pool was closed on Saturday due to a Swim Meet.
The cemetery grounds are in good shape. City employees are doing routine maintenance. There have been a couple of water breaks in the last week.
On July 6 at 10:30 a.m., there will be a dedication of the new sign at the Walnut Grove Cemetery which lists the historical facts of the cemetery. Also on July 6, the Celebration in the Park will begin at 12:00 noon and includes a free swim, entertainment, inflatables, and food vendors. Fireworks at dusk will close out the celebration.
The Mayor expressed his disappointment of the handling of the Austin Masters situation by the State and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). A phone conversation with ODNR is scheduled for June 27 with the Mayor and Service/Safety Director. Mayor Davies said ODNR has to understand that if the city’s aquafer gets contaminated with radioactive material from the Austin Masters plant, it will affect all of the Ohio Valley and possibly the Tri-State area. Litigation is ongoing until July 25 and there has been no progress to clean up the facility.
Service/Safety Director: The Force Main by Turf Care should be hooked up by next week and it will flow into a new Eastern Ohio Regional Wastewater Authority line instead of the city’s main line. The project has been financed with no cost to the city.
There have been many good comments on the condition of swimming pool and the new pump is doing well. Crews are getting caught up with weed control.
Mr. Sutak gave an update on the improvements to the Water Plant. Equipment has been received to re-do valves at the Woodmont Pumping Station.
Auditor: Council was given a Statement of Cash Position. A couple of line items are being watched but there are no “red flags”. A public Budget Hearing will be held on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, before the next Council Meeting. Mr. Regis will notify The Times Leader of this event.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief Murphy reported that all officers, including himself, have attended or are scheduled to attend Active Shooter Training hosted by the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office. Installation of the 3 laptops and accessories acquired with funds from the JAG Grant award is complete and the equipment will begin to be used soon. Chief Murphy will apply for 2024 JAG Grant and if received, it will be used to purchase a speed enforcement project and equip every police cruiser with equipment capable of producing electronic citations. He would also like to obtain pole mounted radar signs that display the oncoming driver’s speed and flash an over-speed alert.
Fire Department: No report.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: Mr. Hunker reported the Finance Committee met on June 11. Auditor Regis told the committee the budget is looking good. The committee is recommending Council appropriate $3,066.00 from the General Fund to repair an EMS car that was involved in an accident. Since no formal notice for funding has been received from the Martins Ferry Historical Society, the committee decided no action will be taken until a request is received. The Fire Department has requested $1,500 for the Betty Zane Days Celebration. The Committee recommends Council appropriate $1,500 from the General Fund for this event. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: The Committee met on June 24 to discuss the ongoing improper use of electric bicycles and scooters in the city. After researching the current Ordinances that already pertain to this subject and listening to Chief Murphy’s advice, the Committee determined that the Ordinances, which are already established, cover everything the police need to enforce the proper use of electric bicycles and electric scooters. It was also suggested that a public notice of the upcoming enforcement be place in the newspaper. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
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.
Frank Papini, President of the United Steel Workers of America, Retiree Organization, Martins Ferry, asked the Mayor if the parent company of Austin Masters has ever been contacted regarding the radioactive waste that was left behind? The Mayor believes the owner will be doing 30 days in jail. Mr. Papini said a firm from Texas bid on the clean-up project of Austin Masters but was turned down by ODNR because the firm wanted a guarantee that they would be able to operate at the facility after it was cleaned up. The Mayor is concerned that the Austin Masters facility will get flooded, contaminating the water supply, and there is no contingency plan in place. The Mayor and Service/Safety Director voiced their frustration with the lack of communication from ODNA and the State.
Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, reported that the owner and the parent company of Austin Masters have been added to the lawsuit by the Attorney General. Ms. Reed distributed and reviewed a graphic timeline of what has transpired with the Austin Masters plant from last summer until now. She is asking every Council member to get involved and make phone calls every day and write letters. The more people that get involved, the more successful the city can be to get the Austin Masters Plant cleaned up. The Mayor stated the city is working to create a page that can be accessed through the city’s website with information regarding the unsettling Austin Masters radioactive situation.
Bob Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, feels that ODNR is “fiddling” with this situation since they say “they are watching it” which is not acceptable. When Mr. Sutak spoke to a woman at ODNR and asked what is the plan if flood waters threatened to breach the Austin Masters Facility? The woman could not give him an answer. Mr. Reed is concerned that the last time the facility was threatened with flooding it came up in 3 days. He stresses that we must keep on top of this situation – we must have a plan!
William Hans, Martins Ferry Resident, a Chemist, has had experience with radiation, held the highest security clearance available and had had access to anything nuclear. He feels people do not understand what is going on and the threat the Austin Masters Facility poses to the city. Mr. Han states that he has a Geiger Counter at his home and is monitoring radiation levels. He urged the City Administration to continue pushing to get the Austin Masters Plant cleaned up at the expense of the state.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, inquired about future plans for The Times Leader Building. The Mayor said he has not heard anything but knows they have moved most of the staff and production to their Wheeling Location. Mr. Hord asked for an update on smoke testing the sewers. The Mayor said these are EPA mandated items that need done. In between water breaks and routine maintenance, crews have been identifying lead lines and performing smoke detection of lines running into the sewers. Regarding the Recreation Center, Mr. Hord was told the pool is doing well, Roller Skating has been suspended until the Fall, and new equipment has been purchased for Pickle Ball. When asked about a possible Satellite Office for Belmont College, the Mayor responded the College is considering a site but parking is a concern to be worked out.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
This Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Public Service To Advertise For Bids For The Sale Of Municipal Property And To Sell The Property To The Winning Bid.
This Ordinance will go to a second reading.
This Ordinance was given a first reading.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1155, Source Water Protection Area, Of The Codified Ordinances Of The City Of Martins Ferry, Ohio.
This Ordinance will go to a second reading.
President Davis reminded Council that these two Ordinances will have a second and third reading at the two meetings scheduled for tomorrow, June 27.
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 informed Council that citizens will no longer receive a warning about high grass. The city will cut the grass, when it reaches beyond 12 inches high, and send the owner a ticket. If the ticket is not paid, the amount owed will be place on the owner’s property taxes. Mr. Rodger asked if the trees could be cut along the 5th Street Exit of Route 7.
Mr. Rodgers made a motion and Mr. Neiman seconded to appropriate $1,500 from the General Fund to the Fire Department for Betty Zane Days. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Rodgers made a motion to appropriate $3,066 from the General Fund for repair of the EMS vehicle which was involved in an accident. Mr. Neiman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Neiman, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to excuse Mr. Schramm and Rev. Agnew from tonight’s meeting. Mr. Echemann seconded the motion. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Echemann 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.
Motion by Mr. Hunker that we designate the Council Clerk as the Council Clerk of Records. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Neiman voting yes. The motion carried.
It was agreed that the next meeting of Council will be in Council Chambers at the City Building.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to cancel the July 3 and August 7 Council Meetings and call special meetings as needed. Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Neiman, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. The motion carried.
President Davis has been contacted by John Theibert of Aspen Energy regarding Electric Aggregation. At this time, Council decided not to pursue this issue.
Mrs. Armstrong moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Neiman. After an affirmative voice vote, the meeting was adjourned with a salute to the flag at 7:11 p.m.
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Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
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