Posted on: May 13, 2024
The May 15th meeting of Martins Ferry City Council will held at 6pm at the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center, 401 South Fourth St, Martins Ferry. The meeting will be held in the dining room on the first floor.
Kristine Davis, President
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 1st 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.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: April 27, 2024
The Wednesdasy May 1st, 2024 regular meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be held at The Martins Ferry Recreational Center at 6pm. We will be unable to stream this meeting, but the Public is welcome to attend, and this site is handicap accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Posted on: April 18, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 27, 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. Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member, informed President Davis that he was unable to attend this meeting.
Minutes: Minutes of the March 6, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: Council approved changing the order of the meeting so Mayor Davies could read a proclamation honoring retired Sergeant Beth Scales, recognizing her 31 years of service to the Martins Ferry Police Department. The Mayor also swore in Micah Armstrong to the position of Sergeant to replace retiring Officer Scales.
The American Legion is asking for permission to hold a Poppy Day on Friday, May 24. Sales will be conducted from 11:30 – 5:30 p.m.
The Street Sweeper will run only during the last two weeks of April and November. Street signs have been adjusted to note the new dates/hours that residents must move their vehicles. Cars not moved on designated Sweeper days will be ticketed.
Saturday, April 6 will be Clean-Up Day from 8:00 – 12:00 noon. Items needs to be taken to the old City Garage on 1st. Street. There will be an extra charge for Mattresses and Box Springs. No tires, batteries or hazardous waste will be accepted.
Approximately 2/3 of the turf has been laid for the Splash Pad. The rest will be completed when weather permits.
Council was updated on the closing of the Austin Masters facility located on 1st Street. The company took in an excess of 10,000 tons of debri over what their permit allows. The Plant is currently locked down and security is present to insure no one enters the building. The Mayor will meet with the EPA next week and ODNR will be consulted on the next steps to remedy this situation.
Service/Safety Director: Mr. Sutak updated Council on the upgrades to the Water Plant. Air Dryers are scheduled to be delivered on April 10. The High Service Pump #4 will be installed in the next couple of weeks. Dehumidifiers and heaters have been ordered and should be in soon. The Engineer has approved all the submittals. Updated equipment is being ordered for the lab. Comcast internet has been upgraded to meet the expectations of the Skadis Water System.
Auditor: If Council chooses to approve the Operator of Record Ordinance, the salary will be backdated to February 1. Mr. Regis commented on a few projects in the budget. Council was reminded that the budget needs to be submitted to the County by the end of the month and the Payroll Summary and the New Hire Report needs approved. Mr. Regis reviewed options for the Perpetual CD coming due at Unified Bank. In an effort to cut back on paper and outgoing mail, paystubs will now be sent by email.
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 committee met on March 22 to review the budget which will have to be monitored closely this year. A carry-over for next year will be available as long as there are no unforeseen expenses. The Committee recommends passage of the budget for 2024. Minutes of the meeting were submitted to the clerk and will be included with these minutes.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: Recommendations from the committee, regarding fines for repeat offenders of property codes, were distributed to Council Members. These recommendations will be given to the Law Director so an Ordinance can be created.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: Mr. Schramm met with the Fire Chief to discuss the roofing problems at the Vigilant Fire Station. It was discovered that a downspout was clogged causing water to leak into the engine room. The leak in the kitchen area still needs addressed.
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.
Alexandria Goddard, 906 Carlisle Street, spoke regarding the violations that shut down the Austin Masters Facility on 1st. Street. She read a press release from David Yost, Ohio Attorney General, regarding his concerns about the city’s water system. When asked what the city plans to do, Mayor Davies said ODNR issued the permit and only they can revoke it. Ownership of the company has changed although the name remains the same. City Administrators have a meeting with the EPA next week and they will also be in contact with ODNR.
Beverly Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, stated there is an imminent threat to the public for radiation contamination from the Austin Masters Facility and has concerns for the water supply. The Mayor doubts that company officials will speak to anyone and the company will probably file bankruptcy. The Mayor said the City will move forward to find a solution to this problem.
Ron Reed, Bridgeport, Ohio, presented the media with a flash drive containing pictures from the Austin Masters Plant that were taken 3 years ago.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, reported that the property at 917 Virginia Street has been sold and the front yard has been cleaned up. However, there is still a pothole that need filled on the road in front of this house. In retrospect, the Mayor said the city could have insisted on inspection reports from Austin Masters to insure the company was in compliance. There is no information on the future of the S.M.A.R.T. Building on 5th Street owned by Mr. Young. No decision has been made on which streets will be paved in 2024.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Amending The Salary For The Position of Temporary Operator of Record.
This Ordinance was given a second reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Rev. Agnew. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Schramm to pass the Ordinance as read. Mr. Echemann 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.
An Ordinance to make appropriations for the expenses of the City of Martins Ferry, State of Ohio, During the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2024, and Declaring an Emergency.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schramm. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Echemann to pass the Ordinance as read. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm and Hunker voting yes. The motion carried and the Ordinance was declared passed.
Mr. Hunker made a motion and Mr. Rodgers 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 Resolution was given a first reading.
A Resolution Requesting The County Auditor To Certify To The City Of Martins Ferry The Total Current Tax Valuation Of The City Of Martins Ferry And The Dollar Amount Of Revenue That Would Be Generated By A Three (3.0) Mill Renewal Levy And Declaring An Emergency.
Motion was made by Mr. Hunker to suspend the rules. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Armstrong. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Rodgers to pass the Resolution as read. Mr. Echemann seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong 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. Schramm made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to cancel the April 3, 2024 Council Meeting. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Echemann informed Council he would not be available the week of April 24 should an emergency meeting be scheduled.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to accept the New Hire Report and Payroll Summary. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong asked if there were plans for the departments that were exceeding their budgets. Auditor Regis said these departments’ budgets are being watched and if anything is out of line, Council will be notified.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to allow the American Legion to conduct a “Poppy Day” on May 24, 2024. Sales will be conducted from 11:30 – 5:30 p.m. Mr. Rodgers 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. Hunker. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Rev. Agnew made a motion to excuse Mr. Neiman from tonight’s meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Echemann. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Hunker 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
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: April 12, 2024
Posted on: April 4, 2024
Posted on: April 2, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 6, 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 with 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. Ben Neiman, Council at Large Member, informed President Davis that he was unable to attend this meeting. President Davis noted this meeting was a “soft opening” for the live-streaming system.
Minutes: Minutes of the February 21, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: The Street Sweeper recently had some minor issues fixed and was running today to pick up grit on the heavily traveled streets. It will officially begin running in April. Tickets will only be issued to vehicles parked on the wrong side of the street in April and November, which will be the only 2 months the Sweeper will run.
Mayor Davies asked Council to consider raising the Part-Time EMS/Paramedics salary by $1. Mary Greer has accepted the full-time EMS supervisor position at $40,000 per year with no benefits. Mr. Stecker said she may have to sign a waiver of the benefits since it is a policy for supervisors to receive benefits.
Repairs to the Swimming Pool are estimated at $27,000. A decision regarding funding for this project needs to be made quickly if the pool is to open on time and be ready for the Swim Team.
The Fire Department will partner with the City to secure funding for the fireworks for the July Celebration in the Park (July 6) and Betty Zane Days (August). The Mayor also asked Council for permission to hold a food drive on the corner of Zane Highway and Carlisle Street.
The issue of trash in the city was addressed. The Mayor proposed beginning in April, if a bag of trash is on the ground and not in a covered trash can, $3 per bag will be added to the homeowner or landlord’s utility bill. If it’s not paid, utilities will be ceased. Currently, there is over $79,000 in delinquent water bills.
The Mayor asked for an Executive Session towards the end of the meeting to discuss contracts and personnel.
Service/Safetly Director: Mr. Sutak and some of the Water Department Employees will be meeting soon with the Engineers to review the submittals for the upgrades to the Water Plant. This will insure all improvements are accurate and safeguards are in place.
Senator Sherrod Brown’s office has supplied the city with a packet of possible funding opportunities for the Alumni Road Repair Project. Mr. Sutak will review this material to see if any of the funding specifically fits the situation with the school roads. If a grant is found, Mr. Sutak will check with Senator Brown’s office to see if it fits the criteria, and if it does, he will apply for the funding.
Council was then updated on the progress of the Water Plant improvements.
Auditor: Auditor Regis supplied Council with the most recent Financial Reports. He also shared Belmont County’s E-911 Centralized Dispatch Final Plan Report, noting that Martins Ferry was the only city not represented on the County’s Advisory Board. The budget should be sent to Council for review by March 15. Present Davis noted that there may not be enough Council Members present on March 20 to suspend the rules to pass the budget. Consideration to change the March 20th meeting will be addressed under Miscellaneous Business.
Auditor Regis informed Council that $27,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund could be used for the pool repairs. As donations and fundraising monies are received, the Fund can be reimbursed. This can insure repairs can be made timely and the pool can open as scheduled.
Auditor Regis praised the well behaved Martins Ferry Students who traveled to Union Local High School to cheer on the Basketball Team to victory on March 5.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief Murphy gave the end of February Police Report. The phone recording system has been updated and installed. Employee training on the system is complete.
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 will schedule a Finance Committee Meeting after Council Members have a chance to review the Budget.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: Rev. Agnew will schedule a Committee Meeting next week to create an Ordinance on “Progressive Fining” which would help in dealing with violations in Mayor’s Court.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: Councilman Echemann attended the Fire Department’s 300 Club Party. It was a wonderful community event.
Code Administration: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: The Real Estate Committee met on February 22. The committee recommends not selling the property in Crawford Heights at this time. This area can be used as a “lay down yard” for the contractor who will be doing road work in the area. If the property is sold, the city would be charged a fee to store the equipment someplace else.
The Mayor and the Safety/Service Director informed the Committee that many of the city’s properties have transfer, deed and survey issues. The Committee recommends the Service/Safety Director hire a Real Estate Attorney to research and resolve the city-owned property issues.
Income Tax: No report.
Citizens To Be Heard: President Davis reminded citizens to limit their speaking to 5 minutes.
Michael Bianconi, Pease Township Trustee, distributed information on the Township’s Free Clean-Up Day on March 23. Mr. Sutak said he would put this information on the city’s website. Mr. Bianconi also thanked the Mayor, Service Director and Council for working with the Township on the road project in Crawford Heights.
Richard Hord, 915 Virginia Street, mentioned Belmont College would be conducting classes in the city again which was very positive. The Mayor clarified the Street Sweeper will only run in the months of April and November. Retired Sargent Beth Scales will be honored at a future Council Meeting. Future plans for the old Lamplighter property and the adjoining parking lot were not known. The Mayor told Mr. Hord the Aetnaville Bridge will be torn down sometime next year and that is all that is known at this time.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An Ordinance Amending The Salary For The Position of Temporary Operator of Record.
This Ordinance was given a first reading. The 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:
Mr. Schramm made a motion to appropriate a $27,000 loan from the Permanent Improvement Fund to be used for the replacement of the swimming pool pump. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried. The President of the Aquatic Club thanked Council for this motion. He said fundraising will begin shortly to raise money to help payback this loan from the Permanent Improvement Fund.
Mr. Echemann made a motion to approve the February, 2024 Financial Reports and the Check Register as received from the Auditor’s Office. Motion was seconded by Mr. Rodgers. A roll call vote was heard with Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Schramm, and Hunker voting yes. The motion was declared 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.
The Mayor asked Council to consider advertising the property at 1200 North 9th St. for bid. Mr. Sutak will check on the original value of the property and recommend a minimum bid and any other requirements that might be needed. This will be discussed at the next Ordinance Committee Meeting.
Mr. Schramm made a motion to move the March 20th Council Meeting to March 27th . Mr. Hunker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Schramm, Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong asked the Mayor and Service/Safety Director to research Real Estate Attorneys and bring in recommendations to the next Council Meeting.
At the next meeting, Mr. Stecker will bring in an ordinance for a $1 salary increase for part-time EMT, EMTB and Paramedic employees. Effective date will be when the ordinance passes.
Mr. Hunker made a motion for Council to go into Executive Session under Ohio Revised Code 121-22, G1 and G2 for Contracts and Personnel. Rev. Agnew seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and Council went into Executive Session.
Mr. Hunker made a motion to go out of Executive Session. Mr. Schramm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew and Schramm voting yes. The motion carried and Council returned to regular session.
Mayor Davies told Chief Murphy that Council approved the implementation of a new Sargent.
Mr. Echemann made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to excuse Mr. Neiman from tonight’s meeting. After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Hunker moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Rev. Agnew. 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, March 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Kay H. McFarlan, Clerk of Council Kristine Davis, Council President
___________________________________
Date
Posted on: March 28, 2024
The April 3rd Regular meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council has been cancelled. The next Regular meeting will be held on Wednesday April 17th at 6pm in Council Chambers.
Kristine Davis, President
Posted on: March 24, 2024
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry City Council will be held Wednesday March 27, at 6pm in Council Chambers in the City Building.
City Council meetings are now being live streamed via YouTube and may be viewed live on this web site, by selecting the “Government” tab, then the “City Council” option, and then clicking on the arrow where indicated under “Live Stream.” We sincerely hope this new option will provide more information and transparency for our citizens.
Kristine Davis, President
Posted on: March 11, 2024
The Martins Ferry City Council met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 21, 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; and James Agnew; Council at Large Member. Ben Neiman and James Schramm informed President Davis that they were unable to attend this meeting. Live streaming was not available for this meeting. Council Members were invited to attend “Streaming Training” scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Minutes: Minutes of the February 7, 2024 Council Meeting were approved as written.
Correspondence: There was no correspondence.
Reports of Officers of the City:
Mayor: The Mayor expressed appreciation for the Street Department Employees who cleared snow from the roads this past weekend. Demolition of the house at 710 Elm Street has been completed.
Mayor Davies met with the Martins Ferry School Board regarding Alumni Road. Hopefully an agreement can be reached soon and funding can be secured to get the road repaired. The Mayor gave a stern warning that if anyone is caught traveling Alumni Road, they will be fined!
Council was asked to review the Ordinance amending the salary for the position of temporary operator of record which had to be amended due to PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) rules.
Council was informed that a buyer is interested in purchasing the parking lot and the small park on the corner of Hanover and 5th Street.
The Mayor distributed a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Police Department allowing officers to work six twelve (12) hour shifts and one eight (8) hour shift for a total of eighty hours every two-week work period.
Safety/Service Director: Mr. Sutak asked Council to consider putting a piece of city-owned property in Crawford Heights up for bid. A family is interested in building a house on the property.
Mr. Sutak informed Council on the progress of the Water Plant Improvements. He asked Council to give a voice approval to contract with W. Quick-Sol to review submittals on the upgrades to the Water Plant to make sure that everything is satisfactory for the Plant. An application, for a Water Protection Grant, has been submitted to the EPA for fencing around the wells and gates for the roadways. Mr. Echemann thanked everyone for their hard work in getting these upgrades in place.
Auditor: Mr. Regis asked Council to approve the New Hire List, Payroll Summary and Statement of Cash Positon with MTD Totals. Two Purchase Orders need to be approved since they exceeded the $3,000 limit. One is for $27,809 for extra charges on work for Well #13 and the other is for a generator amounting to $6,088.80. Work is being done on the Appropriations.
Law Director: No report.
Police Department: Chief Murphy reported on two recent incidents/arrests. At the recent State Auditor Meeting, the issue of ticket reconciliation was discussed. This matter has been resolved and new tickets have been purchased. Each ticket is now numbered and tracked. Next week the phone recording system will be replaced and employees will be trained on usage of the system.
Fire Department: No report.
Code Administrator: No report.
Park District: No report.
Water Department: No report.
Reports of Committees of Council:
Finance and Audit: A meeting was held on February 14, 2024. The committee would like to have a line item in the budget for the revenue from the Impound Lot. Council will need to decide how this money can be spent. The budget will need to be passed on or before the March 20, 2024 Council Meeting to enable the Auditor to get it to the Belmont County Auditor’s Office. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes.
Street: No report.
Ordinance: Rev. Agnew is working on gathering information for an Ordinance on “Progressive Fining” which would help in dealing with violations in Mayor’s Court.
Sewer/Sidewalk: No report.
Code Administration: No report.
Safety: No report.
Service: No report.
Cemetery: No report.
Public Relations: No report.
Real Estate/Utility: A meeting was held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The Committee recommends when property is being advertised for sale, a minimum bid must be stipulated as well as any requirements for purchasing the property as set by the Service Director. Minutes of this meeting will be filed with these minutes. Later in the meeting, Mr. Hunker scheduled a meeting for Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.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, asked about a recent incident at the Recreation Center. He was told there was some superficial damage to ceiling tile so the program was shut down for a couple of weeks. It has since reopened and things seem to be going well. Mr. Hord thanked the city for demolishing the house at 710 Elm Street. The Mayor said the Street Sweeper will now only run April 15-30 and then November 1-15. There were no updates regarding buildings in the city being designated as historical.
Ordinances and Resolutions:
An ordinance was emailed to Council yesterday but there were not enough members present to suspend the 72-hour rule.
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. Echemann recently attended a Wheeling Nailer’s Hockey Game where the Martins Ferry High School Choir/Performing Art Students performed the National Anthem. They did a wonderful job.
The Mayor asked Council to review and let him know their feelings on the schedule changes for the Police Department.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Rev. Agnew seconded to accept the reports from the Auditor (Payroll Summary, New Hire List and Financial Report). After an affirmative voice vote, the motion passed.
Mr. Rodger made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to approve payment of $27,809 for the purchase order to Ohio Drilling Company for Well No. 13. A roll call vote was heard with Rodgers, Agnew, Hunker, Echemann and Armstrong voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion and Mr. Hunker seconded to approve payment of $6,088.80 to the W. Quick Sol Company for the engineering generator. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. 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.
Mr. Hunker motioned to allow W. Quick-Sol to proceed with the submittals for the upgrades to the Water Plant. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. A roll call vote was heard with Hunker, Echemann, Armstrong, Rodgers, and Agnew voting yes. The motion carried.
Mrs. Armstrong made a motion to allow the Service Director to proceed with the process of advertising bid specs, including minimum bids, for both the Truman Avenue Property in Crawford Heights and the 5th and Hanover Street properties (small park and parking lot). Motion was seconded by Mr. Hunker. A roll call vote was heard with Armstrong, Rodgers, Agnew, Hunker, and Echemann voting yes. The motion carried. Mrs. Armstrong then amended this motion to include a lot at 1200 North 9th Street. After an affirmative voice vote, this motion was amended to include the property on 9th Street.
Rev. Agnew made a motion and Mr. Echemann seconded to excuse Mr. Schramm and Mr. Neiman from tonight’s meeting. 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 meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
The next meeting of the Martins Ferry Council will be held on March 6, 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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