Canton City Council had a pretty interesting meeting on November 13, with all council members in attendance. Two main topics were on the table for discussion. Once again, nuisance properties are one of the most talked about topics and the other was about criminal charges brought against Lolly Melander.
On the topic of nuisance properties, Danny Whalen was at the courthouse during the day of the 13th to decide whether or not to enter a plea deal. Brock Bergey reported that Whalen did not enter that deal and chose to have a jury trial. In his past times at court, he requested a judge trial, none turning in his favor. Whalen is in court for three charges for his nuisance property from 2018, not for the issues the council has been concerned about.
Another property the council expressed concern for is the Popplewell property. His property is the old school and has been an issue for awhile. This property has gotten to the point of being hazardous to the community. The council compared the building the an abandoned barn because of it’s lack of sound structure, heat, and even lighting. The council agreed that they have been fighting with Popplewell for too long and have given him many warnings and letters inviting him to see the council (which he did not attend to any). So, in conclusion, the council decided to file criminal charges against Popplewell.
Lyle Olson’s vehicles on his former property have also been an issue with the city. Olson has passed away with no immediate family and never set anyone to oversee his property. One of the distant family members may have to sign off the property to the city so they can use the vehicles for firefighter training.
The other main topic was Lolly Melander’s criminal charges. Lolly Melander was formerly the city clerk/treasurer for Canton. Melander resigned from her position on March 13, 2019, after the city found that there were some city funds misappropriated. Melander has been charged with the theft of city funds and has since been investigated by the Office of State Auditor and the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department. Since the incident, the city has been working to recover some of the misappropriated funds. Some has been recovered, and the city does expect to receive full reparations.
Other business in brief
• The ball field electric services want to remove the underground cable or charge $58 a month for idle services. The council decided that they will talk to the Legion since they take care of the field and see if they need the lights.
• Council decided to cover the costs for ZZ Tap’s cost for off-sale liquor for next year. Since last time paperwork did not get where it needed to go. The city took fault since he did pay the $100 for the license.
• Two separate companies plan on opening in Canton after the holidays. One builds frames for dirt track racing and small race cars. The other is going to be a welding business. The council expressed their excitement for the new companies.
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