The Prescott City Council got right to work during its April 28 meeting, which marked the first for newly elected Ward 1 Alderperson Ben Bettis.

One of the evening’s highlights was the approval of the Prescott Façade Improvement Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing the exterior appearance of local businesses. City Administrator Matt Wolf explained that on March 3, as the expenditure period for Tax Increment District #4 (TID #4) came to an end, the city allocated $300,000 over the next six years to launch the program. These funds are secured through an escrow agreement with the First National Bank of River Falls.

Wolf noted that eligible projects are limited to the C1 District, where the funds originated. “Specifically, it calls out exterior improvements to local businesses as available eligible expense,” Wolf clarified.

Examples of eligible improvements include canopy or awning installation, exterior lighting, painting, siding, masonry work, landscaping (up to 25% of the total project), barrier removal for accessibility, window and door repair or replacement, masonry repairs and tuck pointing, removal of architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes and materials, repair or replacement of exterior wall or monument stein, and restoration of exterior finishes and materials.

“Each grant applicant would be limited to $50,000 as a maximum grant amount per cycle,” Wolf said, adding that the city plans to offer six annual funding cycles, running through 2030.

“The matching grants can cover up to 50% of the matching funds with 50% being the overall cost,” he added.

Applicants can invest more than the $50,000 match, but the city’s contribution will remain capped at $50,000. To apply, property owners must submit an application, project goals and description, budget breakdown, two contractor proposals, and design renderings for review if applicable. For 2025, applications will be open from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, with award notifications sent by Dec. 31. From 2026 through 2030, the application window will shift to Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, with notifications sent by April 1 each year.

All awarded projects will require a signed agreement between the applicant and the City of Prescott, which must be approved by the city council prior to moving forward. A five-member selection committee—comprising one city staff member, one Chamber of Commerce representative, and three community members—will review and score all applications. Projects with the highest scores will then be brought to the council for final approval.

Wolf explained the process further: “The awarded projects will be granted the funds on a reimbursement basis. So once the project is completed, the awardees would be required to submit after photos as well as paid itemized invoices for reimbursement.” He added, “An annual report will be required then as part of the project completion for each awardee for two years detailing project successes and any feedback they have on the project.”

Alderperson Mike Gerke asked whether unused funds from the current year would carry over. Wolf confirmed that any unspent money would roll over to the next grant cycle.

 “Looks great, I’m excited to see,” said Alderperson Lindsey Sorenson.

Magee Park Pedestrian Bridge

The council also approved Resolution 31-25, awarding a $144,900 bid to River City Welding for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Magee Park. The bridge is a required component of the Magee Park project, spanning a waterway on the park’s west side.

River City Welding previously completed the city’s fishing pier and courtesy dock. While the Magee Park Pedestrian Bridge was initially estimated to cost between $75,000 and $110,000, the current price is $34,900 over budget.

Wolf attributed the overage primarily to the cost of concrete abutments, which had been discussed in earlier meetings.

“Ultimately though, this is part of a flood plain for a 100-year rain event,” he noted and explained that there is a 1% chance of that rain event occurring. “If we get somewhere between 9 to 10, that bridge would be underwater. So, to assure that it would never go anyplace, that’s why ultimately the concrete abutments were added to the overall project.”  

Alderperson Bettis expressed concerns about the contractor’s past work. “I guess I’ll just be interested to see what their design looks like. They didn’t do a great job with our public dock or our boat launch that they’re having to redo. And the public dock is underwater. If the river goes up another six or eight inches, you’ll be walking through water to get off that public dock. Just like to see what their plan is on it to make sure that it doesn’t have to be redone in a couple years,” he commented.

“They haven’t completed that one yet with the extension, did they?” asked Gerke.

 “No, it’ll be done most likely in August,” Wolf responded.  

Public Square Park

As part of the 2025 budget, the council approved $132,000 for the reconstruction of tennis courts at Public Square Park. According to Wolf, one of the existing tennis courts will be removed, and the remaining space will be elongated by 30 feet to allow for the construction of four new pickleball courts.

Contractors will handle fencing, paving, surfacing, and net installation, while public works staff will complete the subgrade work and remove the old asphalt. The surfacing alone is expected to cost over $25,000, triggering a formal bid process under state requirements. Wolf explained that the new surface area will cover 13,800 square feet, with the installation of new nets and posts for both tennis and pickleball play.

Other business

• Tracy Franek was appointed to the Tourism Committee.
• Dave Hovel was appointed to the Planning Commission.
• Due to Memorial Day, there will be no city council meeting on Monday, May 26.