CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MAY 12th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, May 12 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 also present.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of April 28 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the Annual
meeting minutes of April 28 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve the April Budgetary Report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Carolyn Cole addressed the Council. She asked that the Council consider allowing
chickens inside the City limits. After discussion the Council decided to have Clerk
Roberts call Hamilton, which allows chickens to see how well it has worked in that
community. The Safety committee will then discuss it before the Council makes a final
decision.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that Jamie Hopkins from Lee Agency met with the
Mayor, Clerk Roberts and the head of Finance to discuss changing to Lee Agency as the
City’s insurance agent. Jamie Hopkins was previously with the company that the City
currently uses as an insurance agent before moving to Lee Agency.

After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Biondolino to
approve hiring Jamie Hopkins from Lee Agency as the City’s insurance agent. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.

City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce
has submitted a permission form for the annual Hancock County Independence Day
parade on July 4 th

.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the permission
form from the Carthage Chamber for the Independence Day parade. All six Aldermen
voted “yes”.

 

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that Chief Himan will be contacting ILEAS in
reference to a potential taser grant. This grant is usually administered in the fall. He also
reported that ammunition has been ordered and received by the City.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Police Department would like to make
the department shotguns “less than lethal”. Alterations can be made to the shotguns that
would make them “less than lethal” and different ammunition is available.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the purchase of
materials up to $250.00 to make the department shotguns “less than lethal”. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that a 3 Day less lethal training is available in
Macomb. The department would like to send officers to this training.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Long to approve sending officers to
the less lethal training in Macomb. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Fire Department held elections for
officers as follows. Chief – Kody Horn, 1 st Assistant Chief – Dirk Tweedell, 2 nd Assistant
Chief – Nathan Reid, President – Keegan Steinkamp, Vice President – Shaun Lohmeyer
and Secretary/Treasurer – Rhea Flambeau.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the Fire
Department officers as listed above. Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Long, Biondolino and
Walker all voted “yes”. Alderman Steinkamp abstained.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that he has contacted possible replacements
for the vacant tree board positions.
Alderman Walker reported to the Council that the Finance Committee discussed the April
bills. Also, Benton Engineering has submitted a bill for engineering on the Second Deep
Well in the amount of $14,421.98.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Long to approve
payment of the April bills including the bill from Benton Engineering. All six Aldermen
voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the City is still waiting on quotes for the new
motor at the sewer plant. He also reported that the Street Department has been working
on reshaping ditches on Wabash and Madison. The Street Department has also been busy
at the Landfill getting all the items on the IEPA’s check list up to compliance.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that Benton Engineering has a Resolution that
needs passed for the City’s Motor Fuel Tax Program. This Resolution is for maintenance
under the Illinois highway code in the amount of $249,000.00.
Motion was made by Alderman Long, seconded by Biondolino to approve Resolution
No. 2026-1 A Resolution for maintenance under the Illinois highway code. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts at 8:26 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk