PRESCOTT – At the Prescott City Council’s Aug. 14 meeting, the city’s zoning changes were the topic of discussion as they are in the final stages of revision and completion.

Under the new zoning changes, the R-1 District would now allow for only three duplex conversions within 600 feet of street frontage while previously, all existing single-family homes could be converted into duplex units. Under the zoning map changes, the R-1 District is now changed to an R-4 in St. Croix Bluffs, Pineridge, and Great Rivers subdivisions. The parcel housing the mobile home park is being split into two to allow for the lot facing Highway 10 to remain commercial and the area south to be zoned mobile home.

The Prescott City Council voted unanimously to approve the Plan Commission’s recommendation of Highway Commercial C-2 zoning changes. Under this recommendation, the zoning changes are approved except the Principal Permitted Uses under 635-24, Highway Commercial C-2 changes would go back to the original language, thus allowing businesses to remain as they are and not be under conditional use permits.

Under accessory uses, essential services were added, along with electric vehicle charging stations in accordance with Article XII and wholesale facilities. Also added was warehouse but not to include mini storage structures, facilities or buildings. For conditional uses, transient travel trailer parks (campgrounds) were removed and vehicle and equipment sales and service establishments were added.

As Alderperson Pat Knox asked for explanation, Mayor Robert Daugherty informed the council, “We’re going to leave it as is and send it back for clarification and then bring it back as separate.”

Park grant

The Prescott Lions Club and the Pickleball Association received a grant through the Pierce County Public Health Built Environment Grant to make improvements to Public Square. The Park will receive a picnic table, shade structure, bike rack, and bench with the items scheduled to be purchased and installed in 2024.

Alderperson Bailey Ruona said it’s important to keep as much of the park equipment uniform as possible. She clarified that the reason the original items were chosen was due to “the longevity of the products” and they want to choose items that are going to last. City Administrator Matt Wolf said the products chosen for the grant do not match those the city currently has.

“I like these. I think these look very durable,” Alderperson Maureen Otwell said.

Ruona thought it looked nice but would like the items and equipment to get specked out the same in the future to look uniform.

Other business

• The council also approved an agreement with Cedar Corporation for $7,500 to complete the Scenic Byways Grant through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
• Daughtery nominated former Prescott Mayor Mike Hunter to replace Plan Commission member Rick Miller, who left a vacant seat due to moving out of town. This nomination will be up for a vote at the Aug. 28 council meeting and if filled, Hunter would serve until reappointment in April 2025.

The next council meeting is scheduled 6 p.m. Aug. 28.