MARTINS FERRY - City council met briefly Wednesday night to review end of summer plans and future developments.
Mayor Paul Riethmiller reported that the city street sweeper is currently being repaired with replacement parts on order. It may be a few weeks until it is up and running. Residents are asked to continue to move their cars if requested.
Also, he noted bid packets are currently available in the court clerk's office for anyone interested in bidding on the city street paving jobs. The bids will be opened Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. in the mayor's office.
Article Photos
Mayor Paul Riethmiller compliments city workers and officials for their progress in maintaining properties and utility in town. Pictured are Safety Director Bill Suto and Council President Kristine Davis.
T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK
In addition, Riethmiller reported patching was necessary at the bottom of the High School Road and Alumni Road. The edge of Alumni Road has deteriorated and the base must be repaired. They will obtain estimates for stripping on that road and on Colerain Pike. The goal is to have work completed before school starts.
Paving has also been completed at the Cemetery Road.
A citizen inquired about the possible implications of the purchase of the RG Steel Plant. Riethmiller said it was too early to state anything definitive, but welcome and assistance would be extended to the buyer.
"Hopefully it's going to bring some jobs into town," he said.
Another citizen complimented city officials and workers for their efforts in maintaining grass and shrubbery in town. He added that a dead tree near Zane Highway is posing a safety hazard and needs to be cut down.
Also, Councilman Robert Krajnyak noted that the comment section of the forum for the city website has been closed down in the interest of maintaining order on the site.
"Our website is for educational purposes and informational purposes for the citizens of Martins Ferry or for outside people who want to see what Martins Ferry is about," he said. He noted there are several private online forums for citizens. Anyone with a question may contact officials through the "Ask Martins Ferry" section.
Contact information for city officials is also on the site, and the council meetings are open to the public.
Safety Director Bill Suto reported 10 police officers have just graduated a basic interrogation training using the Reid method. A total of 12 officers will graduate the advanced class today.
In other matters of law enforcement, estimates are being acquired for a new cruiser. Also, the Fraternal Order of Police is selling T-shirts to raise funds. Order forms are available from any officer. The shirts are $15 for child or adult sizes, $16 for extra large sizes.
Regarding the fire department, the Vigilant truck will be fixed and returned within the next two weeks. Betty Zane Days are next Tuesday through Saturday.
Also the EMS is looking at the possibility of hiring a supervisor back into the EMS to help cut back on overtime. It is also pricing a transport vehicle and a new wheelchair van. EMS officials should have more information at the next council meeting.
Also, council held the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the director of public service to solicit bids for the repair or replacement of filter beds at the water treatment plant.
Regarding cemetery and public improvements, the city is obtaining prices for playground improvements. They will also inspect cemetery headstones to find any in need of repair.
In addition, the 2013 budget hearing will be held 2 p.m. next Thursday at the county auditor's office.
A service meeting will be held 6 p.m. Aug. 14.
Council held the first reading of an ordinance to continue the modified meeting dates of the first and third Wednesday of every month.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
