CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 11th, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, November 11 th ,
2025, at City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at
7:00 P.M. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Steinkamp, Long,
Biondolino and Walker. City Treasurer Pam Edris was absent.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to approve the regular
meeting minutes of October 28 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve the October budgetary report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the mapping meetings went very well, several
good ideas for ways to improve the community were discussed. He feels that the City
could benefit and should work to help the mapping group.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Fire Department is switching reporting
software. They have also scheduled ladder testing for the first week in December. Pump
testing is scheduled for later this month and SCBA flow testing will be the week before
Christmas.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Police Department’s new desktop and 2
new in-car computers are in service. They are also looking into a Hancock County Farm
Bureau Rural Development Grant to help with the cost of radios and tasers.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the month of October was busy for the
Police Department. They had 6 arrests recorded, many of which are in relation to the
recent vehicle break-ins and stolen vehicles. Additionally, the 2017 squad car has
received all new tires from Pomp’s.
Alderman Smith reported that Officer Ben Schweizer has submitted a letter of
resignation. He is currently a part-time officer with the City of Carthage and has been to
busy with the Sheriff’s office to cover very many shifts with the City.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to accept the resignation of
Officer Ben Schweizer. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the City has received an estimate for a
single camera system for the traffic signal at the intersection of Buchanan and Madison.

The City would like to schedule the replacement for June of 2026. The current light
seems to be functioning better than before and this would allow the City to budget for this
new system if it was replaced next year.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that he has contacted LT landscaping about
the tree removal bids. Vanfleet tree service originally got the tree bid however due to a
family illness the work has not yet started. LT landscaping was the next lowest bidder so
they were contacted to start the tree removal process as soon as possible.
Alderman Biondolino reported that AEC, LLC is in town to do more sampling at the
landfill. He also reported that no bids for snow removal on the sidewalks at 5 of the City
building locations were received by the City. The Council asked Attorney Hartzell if the
City is allowed to accept the previous years low bid from Steinkamp lawn care due to the
fact that he is now an Alderman. Mr. Hartzell said that it is okay to accept a bid from
Alderman Steinkamp due to the fact that no other bids were received by the City.
Steinkamp Lawn care’s bid is for $145.00 for removal of snow at all 5 locations. This
bid also includes a provision for a charge of $5 per location for just an application of salt
at City Hall, Fire Department, Museum and Community Center and $7 for salt at the
Theater.
Motion was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Roberts to approve the bid from
Steinkamp Lawn Care for removal of snow as stated above. Aldermen Smith, Roberts,
Long, Biondolino and Walker voted “yes”. Alderman Steinkamp abstained. Motion
passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
Alderman Walker reported to the Council that the October bills need to be approved with
the inclusion of two additional bills. The First additional bill is from Benton Engineering
in the amount of $4,051.40 for additional engineering on the Second Deep Well. The
Second additional bill is from Cahoy Pump Service in the amount of $280,615.66 for fees
related to the installation of the Second Deep Well.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the payment of
the bills with the addition of the Cahoy bill and Benton bill. All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.
Alderman Walker reported to the Council that the Finance Committee discussed
Christmas bonuses for the City employees. The Finance Committee suggests that the
City give $200 to full-time employees and $50 to part-time employees for Christmas
bonuses, this is the same amount as last year.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the Christmas
bonuses as stated above. Alderman Smith, Long, Biondolino and Walker voted “yes”.
Alderman Roberts and Steinkamp abstained. Motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that several culverts have been replaced. The
City also had a water main break near the City garage that was repaired.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts at 8:17 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk