Martins Ferry approves $6 million water-system renewal notes, approves electrical purchase and cancels Nov. 19 meeting

Martins Ferry City Council on Oct. 15 authorized issuance of $6,000,000 in water-system improvement bond anticipation notes and approved a capital purchase order to restore electrical connections at the city's water facilities, actions council leaders said are needed to complete ongoing upgrades at the water plant.

The ordinance authorizes renewal notes to pay for water-well and plant upgrades, pumping-station work and related equipment and systems. Council suspended the usual reading rules and declared an emergency so the measure could be passed at the same meeting; the motion passed by roll-call vote with all present voting yes.

Council members and city staff said the notes will fund a list of plant work presented in the ordinance reading, including motors, pumps, controls, generators, filtration screens, transfer switches, electric upgrades, computer control systems, heating and dehumidifying systems, storage-tank repairs, compressor units and valve work. Service staff and the mayor reported that filter-bed replacement and ozone equipment deliveries are scheduled and that geotechnical inspections are planned for Northridge and Overlook streets to support related water or street work.

Council also approved a capital purchase order to Herb Electric for electrical work to reconfigure power at the pump house and tower after a break-in damaged wiring and equipment. During discussion council members described the work as necessary to keep pumps operating while the larger generator replacement project proceeds and said insurance reimbursement is pending. The auditor initially cited a purchase figure of $10,248.90, while a later motion recorded at the meeting asked to approve $10,289.90 from capital projects; council approved the amount stated in the motion by roll call.

Council additionally voted to cancel the Nov. 19 regular meeting because the clerk will be absent; members said the meeting can be rescheduled if business requires it.

Before adjourning the council voted to enter an executive session for personnel and possible litigation under the revised code citation stated at the meeting; the motion and roll-call passed, and the council later returned to regular session and adjourned.

Actions taken at the Oct. 15 meeting were unanimous among members present.

The votes advance planned water-plant improvements but do not themselves show final contract awards or completion timetables; city staff said contractors are scheduled to start some filter-bed work later in October and that the generator replacement is a separate, larger capital step.