CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, November 25 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 also present.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of November 11 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.

Mr. David Vass addressed the council about his property at 22 main street. The City has
recently been to court over the issue with his property not being cleaned up after his
garage fell in on his neighbor’s fence. The court ordered that if Mr. Vass does not have
the property in compliance by November 17 th the City may do whatever is necessary to
bring the real estate into compliance with the Carthage City code which would include
the removal of any and all structures, debris, accumulation of inoperative or unused
chattel property and all nuisances to make the real estate safe.
Mr. Vass asked if he could have more time to clean up the property and bring it up to
code. The Council felt that he had already been given enough time as this first became an
issue on June of 2023. However, due to the fact that the street department is currently
busy he will be allowed some more time to clean up his property and bring it into
compliance with the City code. If this is not completed by the first Council meeting in
January the City will then remove all items deemed to be a nuisance or debris.

Mr. Ted Ufkes addressed the Council. He would like to ask the City for a variance on his
property at 712 center street. He would like to change that property to be three
apartments however this property is not currently zoned to allow for apartment buildings.
The Mayor notified him that the City has received concerns from several neighbors that
do not want an apartment building at that property. Mr. Ufkes had previously been told
that it is the City’s policy to require a person seeking a variance on a zoning issue to get
signatures of support from all adjoining property owners. As he only procured two
signatures of the 10 or so neighbors the City is reluctant to grant a variance.
Mr. Ufkes stated that his legal council notified him that this was not a legal requirement
for a variance to be granted. Mayor Smith responded that the City was aware that this
was not a requirement but it was also the City’s policy and that the City is not required to
grant a variance just because he has asked for one. The Council felt that a board of
appeals meeting should be held to discuss this issue further and that no more work should
be performed at this property until a board of appeals meeting is held and the Council has
made a decision on this property.

Clerk Roberts will be contacting all members of the board of appeals to set a meeting
date and will publish such meeting in the paper. Also, all property owners within 250
feet of that property are required to be notified.

Mayor Smith reported to the Council that Architechnics has submitted a proposal for
inspection of the 7 homes that are part of the Strong Communities Grant Program
demolitions. This proposal includes a fee for abatement design if required and building
demo bid documents including performing the bid opening. The proposal is for $6,500
for inspection of all seven properties including testing for asbestos. If asbestos materials
are discovered than an additional fee of $3,000 would be required to design the
abatement and bidding process for the abatement. A fee of $10,000.00 is included for the
general building demolition bidding documents and bid opening.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the Architechnics
proposal as stated above. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the TIF Ordinance for the Carthage Centennial
Development will be tabled until the next Council meeting.

City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Police Department has located a new
vehicle to replace the 2021 cruiser. This cost of the vehicle would be $44,900 plus
delivery fees.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Long to approve the purchase of a
2025 Explorer at the cost of $44,900.00 plus delivery fees. All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the City had reached out to several local
communities to find out what they are charging for dog boarding overnight. The City
would like to implement a policy/fees for overnight boarding of canines. The fee would
initially be paid by the City and billed out to the dog owner.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve
the animal control officer to charge a fee of $25 for boarding of a dog overnight. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Christmas open house committee has
submitted a permission form for the Christmas Open House event to be held on
Thursday, December 4 th .

Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the permission
form from the Christmas Open House committee. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in
approval.

Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that LT Land & Service has completed the tree removal for the City and will be submitting a bill soon. He also reported that he
would be talking to potential bidders for repairs at the Community Center.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that the well pump failed and the City had to
replace that pump. The City will be determining if that pump was under warranty as it is
only about a year old. He also reported that the Street Department has been sweeping the
streets and is trying to prepare for winter as best as possible.

Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 8:13 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk