PRESCOTT – At the May 12 Prescott City Council meeting, the council approved a revised Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Prescott and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for tourism promotion and development. City Administrator Matt Wolf reminded the council that a similar agreement was approved in 2022, designating the Chamber to oversee room tax funds used for tourism promotion development.

“Per that agreement the Chamber provides management, organizational, clerical and accounting for the tourism committee,” Wolf explained.

He noted that, in accordance with Wisconsin state statutes, the committee must have at least four members. Due to difficulties maintaining a seven-member committee, the primary change in the updated memorandum is a proposed reduction in membership from seven to five.

The council then adopted the Pierce County Multi-Hazards Mitigation Plan 2024-2029.

During the meeting, Wolf explained that Pierce County Emergency Management sent over the FEMA updated plan that they have been working on.

“Basically, they’re asking for all the municipal jurisdictions within the county to pass a resolution of support which then can help with Wisconsin emergency management FEMA in terms of looking for critical funding and infrastructure support as those emergency situations come up.”

Alderperson Maureen Otwell remarked, “I actually read the plan — it’s pretty interesting,” referring to the approximately 200-page document. She noted that the plan outlines various hazards and highlights areas in need of improvement.

During public comment, Israel Haas—a Prescott resident and member of the Coulee River Trails group—addressed the council to discuss a letter he had sent in advance, offering insight into the group’s perspective on Zone 2, which is currently under consideration for development. He noted that the letter outlined background conversations about how trails have been envisioned within Prescott and the surrounding areas.

“There are a couple of locations that are critical for trail connection and Zone 2 is one of those critical corridors,” he stated. “We hope to have connections as part of our overall Coulee River Trails plan that the city has adopted as part of the comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.”

He added, “You guys are amazing. You’re doing a great job. We are fully behind whatever decisions that you deem are best for the community. From a Coulee River Trails perspective, we’re always here to weigh in on any factors that you might see as relevant for conversations that are happening.”

Haas then explained that the Coulee River Trails Group is committed to advocating for a trail system that not only shapes the community’s development for generations to come but also has the potential to become one of the area’s most significant assets—economically, recreationally, and as a driver of residential appeal.

After the council approved four special event permits at the Monday evening meeting, Alderperson Lindsey Sorenson commented, “It’s fun to see all the special event permits. I hope there’s more. It’s exciting.”

“This is the most I’ve seen in a long time,” Alderperson Dar Hintz remarked.

Due to Memorial Day, there will not be a council meeting on Monday, May 26.