PRESCOTT, Wis. — At its regular meeting on July 28, the Prescott City Council officially approved the vacation of the unimproved alleyway located between Kinnikinic and Walnut Streets following a public hearing. With no objections raised, the Council passed the motion unanimously without discussion. City Administrator Matt Wolf explained that all utility easements would remain intact under state statute.
“The one question that did come up a couple times was specifically the rights or easements that exist between the gas company and utility company that are back there. Per state statutes those do remain and run in perpetuity with that except basically what happens is the property lines all move forward,” Wolf said.

Impact Fees and Public Hearing Scheduled
The council also approved the updated Public Facilities Needs Assessment and Impact Fees Report, prepared by Trilogy Consulting. A public hearing on the revised ordinance will be held on August 25, 2025. Wolf stated the current recently updated impact fees will remain in place but noted the update includes a more detailed breakdown for multifamily developments.
Wolf referenced the feedback the city received from developers that single one bedroom apartment shouldn’t have to pay the same amount as a full size single family home.

McGee Park bridge contract awarded
The Council awarded the contract for the long-anticipated pedestrian bridge at McGee Park to River City Welding, contingent on receiving stamped structural engineering plans. The bridge will be 10 feet wide with a 90-foot span and is designed for a 10,000-pound load limit.
Alderperson Maureen Otwell asked whether the structure would accommodate snow removal.
Wolf confirmed that it will accommodate a lawn mower and a standard F-150 plow truck.

Mural approved for Freedom Park
A request from the Friends of Freedom Park to create a mural at the Freedom Park Visitor Center was approved. Local artist Kelly Geister will design and paint the artwork inside the entrance foyer of the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center.
“The proposed mural is intended to serve as a welcoming and educational feature for residents and visitors,” the group shared in their proposal.
The “I-Spy”-style mural will feature more than 80 birds, animals, and insects native to the region. An interpretive guide will be available, and the content may be updated in future years. The mural will be painted on all foyer walls except trim, doors, ceilings, emergency systems, and signage.

New motor approved for well #3
The Council approved the purchase of a new 150-horsepower motor for Well #3 at a cost of $23,920, supplied by Keyes Well Drilling Company.
“Well #3 is currently undergoing remediation and treatment for nitrates and PFAS,” Wolf said. “So right now, we don’t have the funds to do both the VFD and the new motor. The current motor that we have is too old to have a VFD on it.” He stated that the original well was built in 1971 and still contains the original motor.
Wolf added that the recommendation is to purchase a new motor now and within a couple years install a VFD. The city plans to budget the $40,000 cost for a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) in the next few years. The new motor will be paid for using the city’s water fund, which is expected to generate more than $40,000 in interest this year.

First Responders recognized after boat fire
Mayor Robert Daugherty closed the meeting by commending Prescott’s fire and police departments for their swift response to a recent boat fire at the Miss Croix Yacht Harbor that sent eleven individuals to the hospital.
“I think they did a great job. It was all done very professionally. So, thank you guys very much. Thank all your people responsible. Appreciate it,” Daugherty said.