Chad Dininger

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included a public comment regarding severe traffic congestion on Maple Street, especially during Marian Days, with a proposal to convert Maple and potentially Main Street to one-way streets to improve traffic flow and emergency vehicle access. The manager of the Bootsport Motel and Visitor Center reported a high volume of out-of-state and international visitors, anticipating an even larger influx due to the Route 66 100th-anniversary celebration, and noted plans for a related event on June 5th. Committee reports covered several items: the Budget, Ways and Means Committee discussed a budget amendment for the police department (Resolution 2112), Council Bill 2604 concerning council member residency, and Capital Expenditure Requests for FY 2026-2027. The Committee on Insurance Audit and Claims approved the February 10th claims report and updated the Civil War Museum guide job description, clarifying reporting structure to the tourism director. The Public Services Committee reported ongoing negotiation with the YMCA regarding pool operations for the summer. The Public Works Committee addressed the annual asphalt contract (Council Bill 2607), awarding the low bid to Bleven's Asphalt at $71.50 per ton, and tabled discussion on the HH Chapel sidewalk project due to a low bid exceeding the budget by $64,000, pending discussion with the R9 school district regarding potential cost sharing. Special committees reported on the success of the Vision Carthage fundraiser and progress on the Red, White, and Bloom initiative, including seeking bids for a new mural. The Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation Commission approved three Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior signage and a new parking area for the public library, while continuing to work on historic design guidelines. The Mayor's report focused on budget meetings and attending a legislative kickoff concerning taxation.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and roll call. Key discussions included the approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2025, meeting. Public comments focused on ongoing animal control issues, specifically discussing the resumption of a civilian-run Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program for cats and addressing concerns regarding rabies in the county following recent stray dog attacks. Committee reports covered several significant items: the Budget, Ways, and Means Committee reviewed the budget adjustment for fiscal year 2025-2026 (Council Bill 2601), the acceptance of an anonymous donation to the police department (Resolution 202108), and the approval of the budget calendar for the 2026-2027 budget year. The Committee on Insurance Audit and Claims approved the claims report and the 2026 employee health fair incentive program, which included modifications to gym membership requirements. The Public Works Committee decided to rebid the HH and Chapel Road sidewalk project to safeguard TAP grant funding and selected Xanavan as the engineer for the Third Street bridge replacement project. The Kellogg Lake board reported receiving a $35,000 grant and approving bylaw changes to increase the president's purchasing authority, while noting ongoing concern regarding a new disc golf course. The Library Board reported on successful grant funding, current program funding shortfalls (including high school diploma, citizenship, and English programs), and plans to establish reserve funds for operations and improvements.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and a roll call. Key discussions included committee reports. The Budget Ways and Means Committee reported starting the budget season with its next meeting scheduled for February 9th. The Committee on Insurance Audit and Claims approved the claims for January 27th and renewed the Delta Dental coverage for city employees for 2026 without a rate change. This committee also accepted the KPM audit report for the year end June 30, 2025, which resulted in an unmodified and clean opinion with no noted deficiencies. The Public Safety Committee, meeting on January 26th due to a holiday, heard about the upcoming Tower to Tower run during Public Drinking Water Week (May 3rd to 9th) and discussed agenda items concerning an MDOT HMV grant, a violent crime prevention grant, and the decommissioning of police vehicles. The Public Services Committee reported on granting permission for the removal of four unhealthy trees at the Jasper County Youth Fair construction site and reviewed proposed changes to the baseball contract, including participant age ranges and signage approval requirements. Staff reports included updates on golf course revenue exceeding the previous year's due to favorable weather, upcoming year-end sales, ongoing vendor signups for a market, and planning discussions for the Red, White, and Boom event, which will feature bull riding. Reports from special committees included updates on the ongoing work session for historic guidelines review by the Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation Commission, and a report on the CWEP board meeting, which included a proclamation for the retirement of Harland Block. Power services reported being over budget due to higher power costs from operational issues at certain power plants. Water services presented a cost-saving measure involving a new spray-in coating for manhole covers, reducing cost significantly compared to previous lining methods, and discussed the creation of a new 'Utility Services Manager' position, detailing salary determination methodology using LOC benchmarks. Additionally, the potential for significant annual savings regarding the Stockton Lake water usage insurance policy payment was noted, pending final contract receipt from the Core of Engineers. Finally, there was discussion regarding the emergence of a Downtown Alliance focused on revitalizing the square and supporting local businesses.

The meeting began with a call to order, invocation, and pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call where it was noted that one member was absent due to health issues. The minutes from the November 25th meeting were approved. Key discussions centered on proclamations and appointments. A proclamation honoring Police Chief Bill Hawkins for his 43 years of service was read, followed by his remarks. The council then amended the agenda to move up mayoral appointments, which included the appointment of Chad Dinger as the new Police Chief effective December 16th, the appointment of Ed Barlo to the Civil War Museum Board, and the approval of standing committee appointments. Reports from standing committees included updates on the Budget Ways and Means Committee (meeting canceled, next meeting scheduled for January 12th), the Insurance Audit and Claims Committee (approved claims and approved the job description for Golf Course Superintendent), Public Safety, Public Services, and Public Works committees (rescheduled meeting due to lack of quorum). Reports from special committees included updates on City Code communication efforts and extensive details from the Civil War Museum meeting, including the planning for the 165th Battle of Carthage reenactment and the presentation of historic papers. The Vision Carthage report detailed numerous community events held in December. The Mckimbrooks Trust board met and noted two resolutions for the agenda concerning grants for Kellogg Lake Board and Cross Lines in Carthage.

The Carthage City Council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The council approved the nomination of Juan Tipete to serve as the Ward One council member. They discussed the annual run through the lights, Hometown Holidays, Tamaeli Thursday, and S'mores and Santa events, approving road closures for these occasions. Also, the council discussed the dog park policy, the lease purchase of the pump house repairs for the golf course, and improvements for the municipal pool for the upcoming 2026 swim season. The council also heard reports from various committees, including the Public Safety Committee, Public Services, Kellogg Lake board, Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation.