At the Jan. 27 meeting, the Prescott City Council approved the design and purchase of new entry signs for Mercord Mill Park, Jake’s Park, and Magee Park, with Graphic House Inc. contracted to create the signs at a total cost of $17,704.88. Funding for the signs at Mercord Mill Park and Jake’s Park will be provided through TID #4, while Magee Park’s signs will be covered by the park’s budget. The design and purchase were previously approved by the Parks and Public Works Committee at the Jan. 21 meeting.

City Planner Carter Hayes noted, however, that sign location at some parks may change due to ongoing construction.

“One thing to note is that the exact location of these signs would be subject to change with the extensive construction going on at some of these parks, namely Jake’s Park,” Hayes said highlighting the difficulty in determining permanent sign locations prior to the start of construction.

Alderperson Maureen Otwell inquired if there would be just one sign for each park. Hayes confirmed that each park would have a single-entry sign.

“Will they be lit at all at night?” asked Alderperson John Peterson.

Hayes responded that while the signs would not be illuminated initially, lighting could be added in the future if desired.

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025-2030

Hayes presented a proposed amendment to the City of Prescott’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for 2025-2030 that includes renaming St. Croix Bluffs Park to Fairy Wonderland Park, along with updates to the sidewalk and trails master plan “to reflect the current and anticipated needs.” A key part of the proposal is the addition of a trail connection from Freedom Park to Magee Park, which Hayes explained would help leverage the city’s plans for future grant submissions.

Alderperson Mike Gerke raised a question about the city’s trail plans.

“How are we having trails going through the city? What are we going to do to make trails through the city?” he asked.

He also inquired whether the trails would be asphalt. Hayes said the trails would be planned as sidewalks but explained that the "industry trend" is to design trails as multi-use paths that accommodate both bicycles and pedestrians. He added that it is generally an asphalt trail that is typically cheaper per linear foot than a concrete sidewalk. The council approved the amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan for 2025-2030.

Bicycle Ordinance

Wolf said the Health and Safety Committee has been reviewing City Code Chapter 248, Article II-Bicycles throughout 2024 “just mainly looking to streamline the code.” He shared that some major updates include updating the equipment requirements to align with the state statutes, eliminating the requirement for a bicycle license and removing references of the license stickers.

“This would just make it more simplified for everybody,” Wolf said.

 The council sent the ordinance to a second reading.

Auditing Services

Johnson Block CPAs, the CPA firm contracted by the city for auditing services, came up during the meeting as Wolf provided an update on the 2025 budget. He explained that everything is accounted for in the budget except for one specific audit—the single federal audit required due to the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program received for 2024.

“We did receive over $750,000 as part of that grant and loan program,” Wolf noted, adding that this necessitates a federal audit. Wolf went on to explain that Johnson Block conducts the audits, reviewing all financials in the spring, preparing the report, and typically presenting their findings to the Council in the fall.

“You’re happy with their service, right?” asked Gerke.

“Yes, overall, they do good work and they’re very responsive,” Wolf responded affirmatively.

The council approved the agreement with Johnson Block CPAs for auditing services for 2025.

Other business

• As the council meeting concluded, Mayor Robert Daughtery reminded the attendees of the vacant seat in Ward 1: “We’re still looking for volunteers. Step up. Don’t be afraid. Put your name on the line,” he urged. “Make Prescott great again,” Peterson added.
• The council appointed 15 municipal election inspectors including, Elizabeth Lansing, Kate Killian, Shelley Glasspoole, Cindy Huppert, Nancy Seifert, LuAnn Sabelko, Cindy Sabelko, Tracy Jennings, Andrea Arnston, Mark Poff, Nita O’Connell, Melissa Vesperman, Teri Pickle, Jackie Jones, and Laura Hanneman. The inspectors have no partisan affiliation and will serve through the end of the term on Dec. 31, 2025.