By John McLoone

PRESCOTT – Mayor David Hovel has presided over the Prescott City Council since 2014. For much of that time, the council and its committees spent many hours working on its riverfront redevelopment plan.

It’s fitting that at Hovel’s final meeting on Monday, April 11, the city council approved bids for the project that will kick into high gear this spring.

Hovel decided against seeking re-election. Alderperson Rob Daugherty ran unopposed and was set to take his oath of office for the mayor’s office Tuesday, April 19 at the council organizational meeting. The city council unanimously approved the bid of Haas Sons, Inc. of Thorp for the project. Their bid came in at $1,096,017.10, about $80,000 less than city engineer Cedar Corporation has estimated the work would cost. The Haas Sons bid was the lowest of three the city received for the project.

State grant funds will pay for $600,000 of the project.

The city is hoping for project completion by Prescott Daze, held the first weekend after Labor Day. The project will include sidewalk and street work along the riverfront and will eventually include construction of a trail from downtown to Freedom Park.

Project plans are for several phases of construction throughout the summer, starting with reconstruction and alignment of storm sewers on Orange and Front streets. Curb, gutter and sidewalks will be rebuilt on those streets as well. The project also includes a new parking area, a greenway area, riverfront walk and construction of an emergency road access trail.

Plans show that the project includes decorative fencing and limestone fence columns, an overlook deck with decorative fencing, benches and tables along the riverfront and bicycle racks.

“We’re excited to get going on this,” said Hovel.

Attention turned to Hovel later in the meeting, when a “Commending Mayor Hovel for Dedicated Service to the City of Prescott” was unanimously approved by the council.

Incoming Mayor Rob Daugherty read the resolution.

“WHEREAS, Mayor David Hovel was elected by his constituents to serve as Mayor of the City of Prescott and “WHEREAS, Mayor Hovel has displayed true dedication to his 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: David Hovel is commended for the years of dedicated service you have given to the City of “Prescott and its residents. We all wish you great health and success in all endeavors.”

Hovel did have to personally sign the resolution to make it official.

With that, he gaveled his last meeting as mayor closed.

“On to my favorite motion. I need a motion to adjourn,” he said.