The Prescott Public Library’s 2024 highlights and upcoming plans for 2025 were shared with the Prescott City Council at the March 24 meeting, showcasing the library’s growth and community involvement.

"Kind of a snapshot overall, we’re seeing increases in different areas," said Prescott Public Library Director Carissa Langer.

She highlighted a 7% increase in checkouts, including books, digital items, video games, and movies. Additionally, the library welcomed 276 new cardholders and saw a slight uptick in program attendance, with over 4,000 individuals participating in library events. Visitor numbers also increased by 14%.

The library has hosted various community entertainment events, such as craft hours where attendees have embraced messy fun, a comedy duo performance, and a snake discovery event where participants had the opportunity to hold a snake. Other programs include STEM story times at local daycares, games at the Malone Carnival, lunchtime school visits, and fun community contests in collaboration with Community Ed. Additionally, the library holds a monthly story time at Freedom Park, featuring a story walk along the park’s path.

Looking ahead to 2025, the library is excited about the teen internship grant they received, allowing them to hire a teen for the summer to gain the full library experience and complete a community project.

"We like to get in more with the classrooms and work more with the teachers," Langer said, emphasizing the library's commitment to expanding its educational role. The library is also gearing up for the Summer Reading Program and its kickoff event.

"We’re excited to continue with our Homeschoolers Hub," she added, where homeschooling families can connect, share resources, and enjoy storytime, crafts, activities, and guest science talks.

Alderperson Maureen Otwell praised the library’s plans, stating, "I think that looks wonderful," as the council expressed their gratitude for the library's update.

Magee Park Project

Addressing the council on the Magee Park project, City Administrator Matt Wolf began, “So, one of the things that still is needed is the pedestrian bridge on the west side of the park that spans an intermediate waterway that experiences some seasonal flooding.”

He added that a bridge is needed to keep the “whole loop” ADA compliant. The bridge’s cost estimate is “hopefully between” $75,000 to $110,000.

“The pedestrian bridge is an essential element of the Magee Park project, ensuring connectivity for park visitors as well as accommodating for seasonal flooding or heavy rainfall. The bridge is designed to not interfere with the waterway channel and sized for a 100-year flood event,” stated City Planner Carter Hayes.

With a motion by Otwell, the council approved the plans to go to bid for the Magee Park pedestrian bridge.

Ryden Road Business Park

In 2021 the City of Prescott purchased 150 acres for the expansion of the Prescott Business Park. “This past year in 2024 the city started a Tax Increment District in order to assist in paying for public infrastructure costs related to utility extensions, road improvements, business subsidies, and other improvements in the business park,” Wolf explained.

Recently, there have been inquiries from businesses interested in purchasing smaller sites (5-6 acres or less) in the park for expansion. In response, the City of Prescott requested that Cedar Corporation develop a proposal for a preliminary design of Ryden Road, as well as a layout for a sewer lift station and stormwater pond, both essential for development within the 150-acre area.

 “As we’re having that conversation with potential interested parties it would be something that would be good to know so we can have a full picture of the costs for that area,” Wolf said.

The proposed design costs include a kickoff meeting, concept layout, and staff consultations for $500; overall grading plan and earth balance calculations for $10,700; preliminary stormwater pond modeling and layout for $2,200; utility and lift station layout for $1,900; and a review meeting, revisions, and preliminary cost estimate for $500, totaling $15,800. The council approved the agreement with Cedar Corporation to proceed with the preliminary design of the Ryden Road Business Park extension.

Sewer connection fee

The council approved Resolution 22-25, amending and adopting a revised sewer connection fee structure to a meter-size tier system. Sharing a brief background update on the resolution, Wolf said the council approved an updated public needs assessment and impact fee study at the Feb. 10, 2025 meeting.

 “As part of that approval, the city council then approved an updated ordinance to officially adopt the new impact fees for the first time since 2003,” he said. “So, with those impact fees, we do have the highest fees in terms of the area but one of the areas that has not been looked at and is 57% of those fees is the $4,750 fee for sewer connection fees.”

He noted that larger communities have a sliding scale based on meter size as they grow, unlike Prescott’s flat fee.

 “So basically, right now a home being built pays the same sewer connection fee as say a large industrial business, so basically that’s why a tiered system is adopted so it’s more equitable throughout and is specifically based on the size of your water meter.

“We would like to change our sewer connection fee to a meter-size tiered system to accommodate and remain competitive in the building market for residential units.”

Currently, a housing unit pays $8,715 in development fees. With the new tier system and revised sewer connection fee, that amount would be reduced to $6,121.

Other business

The council approved Ordinance 02-25, to repeal and replace City Ordinance, Chapter 635 Zoning, Section 635-57 Off Street Parking in residential areas. Some key elements of the proposed ordinance include RV habitation is restricted to 14 days and then must be stored “to not indicate habitation.” Additionally, the number of recreational vehicles allowed to be parked in side and rear yards is capped at three. The new ordinance also permits “unlimited” vehicles to be stored on driveways, as long as they fit within the driveway and do not block the right-of-way.