CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 24th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, February 24 th ,
2026, 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 February 10 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Brett Housewright was present and spoke briefly with the Council about his TIF
application. Mayor Smith reported to the council about the acceptable expenditures for
TIF funds and the guidelines that are used.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City has received notice that the asbestos
abatement at 1248 Wabash Ave. should be completed on March 17 th . If that is the case
then the City could include the demolition of that property in with the other Strong
Community Grant demolitions. However, a change order would be required. The Mayor
would like the City Public Works Director to discuss this option with the individual that
received the demolition bids.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve allowing Rich
Sealock to speak with W&S Contracting about a change order to the demolition bids. All
six Aldermen voted “yes”.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that Fortress Bank has turned in a permission
form asking for barricades on June 12 for the annual customer appreciation luncheon.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the Fortress Bank
permission form. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the City has received some clarification on
the permission form from Illini West in regards to the Car show that they would like to
hold on April 11 th . This event would be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the south
side of the square. They are willing to follow any restrictions or guidelines that the City
may have as far as the use of barricades are concerned.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the Illini West
permission form. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.

Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that the Public Property Committee met
and looked at repairs that are needed on the City Hall floor. Some of the floor joists on
the west side of the building are starting to sag and a new beam needs to be installed to
help hoist the floor back up.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that four tree bids have been submitted to
the City for removal of trees at 511 Walnut. This property is included in the most recent
round of Strong Community Grant demolitions. LT land and tree service was the low bid
of $1,500.00.
Motion was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Long to approve the bid of
$1,500 from LT land & tree service for removal of trees at 511 Walnut. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that repairs to the Water treatment plant have
been delayed until February 25 th . He also reported that the City Engineer and Public
Works Director drove the City streets to see which ones need repairs this coming year.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 7:58 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk