PRESCOTT – The Prescott City Council awarded the bid for the 2025 Mill and Overlay Project to Monarch Paving Company in the amount of $463,376. City Administrator Matt Wolf said the project will include improvements to a portion of London Road, as well as Tower Heights Road, Tower Heights Court, Tower Road, and Jewel Street.

“We also decided to include Chestnut Street, just because it’s a smaller section of road and it’s in very poor condition,” Wolf explained.

Without the addition of Chestnut Street, the project would have remained under budget. However, including it creates a shortfall of $29,283, which Wolf proposed covering through the 2025 street maintenance and repair budget, which annually allocates $60,000 for “general repairs and maintenance.” Wolf also noted that Monarch Paving was the sole bidder for the project.

The council unanimously approved a certified survey map to subdivide Parcel ID 271-01179-0400, following a review and recommendation from the Prescott Plan Commission. Wolf said the subdivision involves separating approximately 5.73 acres from a 78-acre parent parcel to create Lot 1. While the “parent lot” spans both the City of Prescott and Oak Grove Township, the newly created lot lies entirely within the City of Prescott.

“This division of land is being done to accommodate the sale of the 72-acre parcel to Landmark Conservancy for conservation of what is called the Coulee River Area and would eventually become part of the Coulee River Trail system,” Wolf stated.

The goal is to eventually incorporate the land into the Coulee River Trail system, with a long-term vision that includes trails, parks, and related amenities.

To support the acquisition, Landmark Conservancy has secured two grants—one through the Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and another from the U.S. Forest Service. Wolf noted that splitting off the lot was a necessary step to meet grant requirements and finalize the land sale.

Moving on, the council approved Ordinance 04-25, amending sections 635-125 and 635-126 of the city's zoning code (Chapter 635). The update reflects recent changes to Wisconsin state law, which no longer require a three-fourths supermajority vote of the common council in certain protest scenarios involving zoning amendments.

Instead, state legislation now directs municipalities to adopt a simple majority vote for these decisions. The ordinance change brings the City of Prescott’s zoning code into compliance with the updated state requirements.

Also authorized during Monday evening’s meeting was a plan to complete curb and gutter repairs in conjunction with the 2025 Mill and Overlay Project.

Wolf explained that several sections of curb and gutter along the affected streets are cracked and deteriorating, with some areas dating back over 30 years.

“There are large sections that we don’t have the equipment for and that are just more efficient to have a company that does that,” Wolf said.

Harmon Concrete and Construction, the city’s usual contractor for such repairs, provided a quote of $22,034 to replace 479 feet of curb across the five streets included in the overlay project.

Funding for the repairs will come from the city’s storm sewer fund, which currently has an unrestricted cash balance of just under $140,000, pending the completion of the annual audit.

As the meeting neared its conclusion, Prescott City Council formally recognized Alderperson John Peterson for his three years of dedicated service representing Ward 1. Mayor Robert Daugherty read a resolution commending Peterson for his commitment to the community: “Council Member John Peterson was elected by their constituents to serve as the Ward 1 representative of the City of Prescott and whereas, Council Member John Peterson has displayed true dedication to their position, outstanding leadership, sincere concern for all citizens of the City of Prescott, and devotion for the common good of Prescott. Now, therefore, upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed by a majority vote; be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Prescott as follows: John Peterson is commended for the years of dedicated service you have given to the City of Prescott and its residents.” He concluded with a heartfelt farewell, “We all wish you great health and success in all endeavors.”

Other business

• The City of Prescott is currently seeking a new city planner following the departure of former planner Carter Hayes, who accepted a position with the City of Apple Valley. The application period closed on April 18, with six candidates applying for the role. City officials are now in the process of reviewing applications and determining the next steps in the hiring process this week.
• Tracey Franek is being considered for appointment to the Tourism Committee following the resignation of Cortney Franklin. Additionally, Mike Hunter has stepped down from his position on the Plan Commission, and Dave Hovel—a former Prescott Plan Commission member, City Council member, and mayor—is being considered to fill the vacancy. Both appointments will be brought forward for a vote at the April 28 council meeting.