Marietta Law Director Paul Bertram shares the financial logistics regarding the Start Westward Monument during Thursday's meeting. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Debate over the Start Westward Monument project took center stage at Thursday’s Marietta City Council meeting where council members declined to fast-track two key ordinances after raising concerns about contracts, funding and the city’s role in the project.

Council reviewed Ordinance Nos. 46 and 47, which would authorize an agreement with McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservation to create a bronze replica of the monument and establish a cooperative use agreement with the Ohio History Connection and the state.

Motions to suspend the rules on both ordinances failed following questions from Finance and Taxation Committee Chair Jon Grimm.

“I have not received a copy of this contract. Has any other member of council received a copy of this contract?” Grimm said. “I don’t see how we can vote on an ordinance that nobody in council has received a copy of the contract. I don’t know why we would enter into a contract that would financially obligate the city for a statue that it will never own.”

Law Director Paul Bertram said the arrangement mirrors previous agreements, with the city acting as a project sponsor while funding flows through the state.

“The total budget was $750,000 from the beginning,” Bertram said, noting deadlines requiring construction readiness by July 1 and completion by Dec. 31. Despite that explanation, council voted down efforts to advance both ordinances, leaving them for further discussion.

While the monument legislation stalled, council approved a series of other measures. Ordinance 42, authorizing a lease-purchase agreement with Huntington Public Capital Corporation for two Pierce Enforcer fire engines, passed unanimously after suspending the rules.

Council also unanimously approved Ordinance 43, which appropriates and transfers more than $1 million across multiple funds to support the city’s paving program. Grimm said the measure would “completely fund it, with the exception of the AOC money” still awaiting final state approval.

Ordinance 44 was adopted unanimously to fund operations at the Marietta Family Aquatic Center, while Ordinance 45 authorizing the hiring of one firefighter also passed unanimously after suspension of the rules.

Council further approved Ordinance 48 amending city code, along with Resolution 9 establishing an OVI enforcement and education fund, and Resolution 10 acknowledging the pending resignation of the city’s director of budget and procurement and approving a succession plan for the position.

Ordinance. 40, which would authorize an agreement with the Southeastern Ohio Building Department for zoning and property maintenance enforcement services, received its second reading with no further action.