CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 25th, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, August 25th, 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 also present.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to approve the regular meeting minutes of August 11th. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City had some questions about the WIRC recycling bill. Clerk Roberts will reach out to WIRC to get a copy of the original agreement for the recycling program that the Council can review.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City is moving forward with the Strong Community Grant Project. 10 houses have been selected for demolition and have been inspected for asbestos. The City is asking for demolition bids to be submitted to Architechnics by September 10th.
The Council discussed moving the September Committee and Council meetings. The first Council meeting is early in the month and the first Committee meetings are scheduled on Labor Day. The Council would like to move all the September meetings back one week.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell sent several updates on delinquent properties for the Council members to discuss.
With the continued trouble hiring and keeping part-time officers the Council is discussing the possibility of hiring a 5th full-time officer. A fifth officer would help reduce the amount of overtime expenses and would allow the Police Chief to focus on Administrative responsibilities while keeping the streets patrolled. The Chief would like to search for a new officer with potential to hire them as a fifth full-time officer. The City would discuss payment and benefits if a good applicant is found.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Long to approve allowing the Police Chief to look for a potential fifth full-time officer. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that LT Landscaping and Tree Service will start on the tree removal for the City in September. He also reported that the City has received a maintenance agreement from Altorfer in the amount $1,595.00 for full-service maintenance on the City Generator at the Water plant.
Motion was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Roberts to approve the generator maintenance agreement from Altorfer. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Amy Graham reported to the Council that the landbank has submitted an agreement for the Council’s consideration. The landbank would like to hire Eric Lenardt as the code enforcer for the land bank.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the professional service agreement to hire Eric Lenardt as the landbank code enforcer. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the work on the new deep well that D&L has performed appears to be complete, a pay request will be forthcoming. He also reported that the bar screen was replaced at the Sewer plant.
Alderman Long reported that the Street Department has started work on sidewalk replacement at the corner of Wabash and Marion. He also reported that the large sidewalk project from the new Library, west to Scofield street and then north to Questover drive will start soon. The City will be starting at the Library on first street and moving towards the High school on Miller street.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the City has awarded the Motor Fuel Tax project for road improvements to WL Miller in the amount of $106,562.50. This bid came in under the engineer’s estimate of $121,860.00. He also reported that the City has applied for grant funds to help with the improvements to Nightingale Road.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 8:08 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Roberts
City Clerk









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