During the Oct. 28 meeting, the Prescott City Council approved an agreement with Computer Integrations Technologies, Inc. for the installation of a security system at Well #3.  Following renovations and upgrades, the treatment plant will feature $3 million in equipment and the security system is designed to protect the building against costly damage or loss.

The proposed security system includes video monitoring, alarms, and remote access capabilities that allows for immediate detection and response to any breaches or issues, minimizing downtime and preventing disruptions to water service. The Computer Integration Technologies security system, priced at $15,942, features three card reader door access points, three exterior cameras covering entrances to the well house, four door switch sensors on each door for monitoring access to the building, and one controller for all equipment. An annual maintenance cost of $1,500 will apply after the first year. Internet service for the well house will need to be arranged separately, as it is not included in this proposal.

Prescott Police Chief Eric Michaels reported a recent break-in at Well #4 stating, “We had no way to tell who did it or anything like that.”

He emphasized that a security system like the one proposed could safeguard against future vandalism, theft, damage, avoid legal liability, and provide critical information to first responders in the event of an emergency while also preventing pollution and contamination.

TID #4

Addressing the expiration of TID #4, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Beth Lansing said the city’s primary goal for improving downtown lighting was not merely aesthetic; the internal electronics of the current lights are warping, leading to ongoing repair costs.

“So really it is kind of perfect timing for us to replace the streetlights since we still have TID funds to cover it,” said Lansing.

The council approved the installation of the downtown streetlights at a cost of $150,200. A previous survey was conducted among city staff and members of the Prescott Chamber and Tourism Committee to select the design for the new streetlights, with design No. 1 being the chosen option. The installation of the new streetlights is scheduled for January or February 2025, ensuring that the project is completed and paid for by March 2025, before the TID expenditure deadline.

Land donation

The council approved the donation of a parcel of land from Estate Homes, Inc. The company offered to donate the .56-acre parcel of land located between Magee Park and the Pine Ridge First Addition subdivision in memory of Sue Magee Hiniker. Estate Homes, Inc. indicated that the donation is made with the understanding that the parcel “will be added to lands within Magee Park and utilized to construct recreational trails as part of the Coulee River Trails System project.”

Since the parcel is adjacent to Magee Park, Coulee River Trails plans to include it in future trail development, potentially connecting it to other areas. Estate Homes, Inc. expressed gratitude to the city leaders for their commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities in the City of Prescott.

“I’m just excited to see how they are able to honor her,” said Alderperson Lindsey Sorenson.  “It’s a lovely thing that they’re doing.”

Compost ordinance

Alderperson Dar Hintz provided the council with an overview on an ordinance amendments and additions to City Ordinance, Chapter 329-9 Compost Dumping. Hintz said the proposed changes would make the rules for proper posting legally enforceable, make violations of the compost site rules a citable offense, and prohibit commercial entities from dumping at the site. The council voted to move the ordinance to a third and final reading.

In other news

• The council approved the request by Coulee River Trails for $1,067 for 100 24-by-16-inch gray turfstone concrete pavers to help with erosion, to make the bike trail safer, and for trail stabilization. The work to be completed this fall by Coulee River Trail volunteers would come out of the remaining funds set aside for the Coulee River Trails and Trail Development.
• A new pizza establishment is set to open at 1120 US Highway 10, taking over the former Carbone’s location. JoDean Enterprises Inc., operating as The Pizza Arcade, has applied for a Class “B” beer license and a Class “C” liquor license, which the council unanimously approved.
• The previously scheduled closed session to discuss the Erickson Subdivision Development agreement has been postponed to the next meeting, when City Administrator Matt Wolf will be in attendance.