The Ironton marina riverfront project is one step closer to being a reality.

The first reading of Ordinance 15-34, authorizing and directing the mayor to advertise for bids and award a contract for construction on the project and declare it an emergency, was given. Bob Cleary made a motion to suspend the rules and give the second and third reading by title only with Aaron Bollinger seconding. The decision to suspend the rules was approved by all of the council members.

Bollinger then made a motion to adopt the ordinance with Cleary seconding the move and it was approved by all.

Mayor Rich Blankenship said after talking to the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, even though he does not have the permit yet, the city is still able to bid out the project.

Also on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance 15-35, amending the annual operating budget for the city of Ironton for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2015, and declare it an emergency. A finance committee meeting prior to city council addressed this ordinance.

Cleary made a motion to suspend the rules and give the second and third readings by title only. Bollinger seconded the decision and it was approved by all. Bollinger then made a motion to adopt the ordinance with Cleary seconding, which passed unanimously.

The last ordinance was the second reading of Ordinance 15-33, authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract with Ohio University Southern and declare it an emergency, which would place a police officer on the campus. Cleary made a motion to suspend the rules and give the third reading by title only. All but Bollinger and Dave Frazer voted to suspend the rules, as it did not get the needed six votes.

The next city council meeting is Thursday, Sept. 24 in the council chambers on the third floor of the city building.