Council OKs sending downtown parking reimbursement to full council after invoice questions

The Cabot City Council on Jan. 12 moved forward with a community and economic development fund expenditure to reimburse parking improvements behind a downtown restaurant (referred to in the record as "Cheryl’s"). The committee and later the full council approved sending the item to the council and adopted Resolution No. 2 of 2026.

Mayor Ben and city staff described a trail project that will reconfigure Main Street and remove several on‑street parking spaces adjacent to a restaurant. As mitigation, staff said they worked with the restaurant owner (Brent Bailey) to create about 10 new parking spots behind the business at an estimated cost of roughly $9,800 paid to Whites Paving; staff showed the council a quote and said they had seen the invoice/quote from Whites Paving to Mr. Bailey.

Several councilors asked for clearer documentation before the city would disburse funds. Council member comments requested the vendor invoice or an itemized quote to confirm there is no markup and to ensure proper purchase controls. Staff responded that they had seen the Whites Paving quote and that the restaurant owner had provided a letter requesting city funds; staff said the city would require the invoice before issuing payment going forward.

The council approved moving the expenditure to full council and later adopted Resolution No. 2 by roll call. Staff said they would provide the invoice and supporting paperwork to the clerk prior to payment.

Quotes: "We did see the quote that he paid. It's a pass through. He paid Whites Paving 9,800," a staff member said during the discussion.

Ending: The council approved sending the parking reimbursement request forward and adopted Resolution No. 2; staff will provide the Whites Paving invoice and supporting documentation before payment is issued.