PRESCOTT – With Mayor Robert Daugherty absent, President Lindsay Sorenson stepped in to preside over the June 23 Prescott City Council meeting, where alderpersons tackled a wide range of issues from dead tree removal and traffic congestion to riverfront security upgrades.

One of the actions of the evening was the council’s approval of a $22,900 contract with Rivertown Tree Service to remove 19 dead ash trees from city property. City Administrator Matt Wolf noted that while the original budget for the project had been “exhausted,” the city’s capital fund had accrued over $30,000 in interest income—enough to cover the cost. The Parks and Public Works Committee recommended reallocating those funds, which the council approved.

The council then turned its attention to Henry Street, where increased business activity and nearby softball games have created ongoing parking and traffic safety concerns. Wolf explained that ideally, a street needs 36 feet of width to allow for two 10-foot traffic lanes and 8-foot parking lanes on each side.

 “Unfortunately, we only have 34 feet and that’s when you count the concrete gutter pan,” said Wolf.

In response, the Health and Safety Committee proposed prohibiting parking on the north side of the street and adding lane striping to improve traffic flow and visibility.

“This is good because that street does become a mess sometimes, especially on weekends,” noted Alderperson Adam Granquist.

However, Alderperson Mike Gerke voiced concerns about lane striping being made near the road east of Kwik Trip. “That road is pretty much junk,” he said. “It just seems like a waste of money.”

Granquist countered by asking if Gerke believed resurfacing was imminent.

“Yeah,” Gerke replied. “Road’s going to have to be resurfaced, I would say, fairly soon.”

Wolf suggested that the yellow line could go up to where the parking starts or stops.

“We could paint just up to the last parking spot and then leave this section of road,” he offered.

The council agreed and passed both proposals.

The council also approved an agreement with Computer Integration Technologies to furnish, install, and set up a new security system for Phase 2 of the Riverfront Project. The $28,041 system includes four security cameras, three card readers, a four-door controller, backup battery, and structured cabling. Wolf said the system would automate public restroom access, help prevent illegal dumping, verify claims involving dock damage, and monitor use of the launch machine.

Later in the meeting, a resident from 170 Young St. requested the vacation of an alley behind his property, one of 13 unimproved alleys in the city. Wolf acknowledged that these alleys are often maintained by homeowners and no longer serve a public use.

“Each property would get 7.5 feet of additional space if it was vacated,” Wolf explained.

Alderperson Maureen Otwell expressed surprise at how many unimproved alleys still exist. “I’m surprised more people don’t ask for that,” she said.

The council unanimously approved the vacation of the alleys in Block 36 and a public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 28.

In other business, the council appointed Dave Hovel to the Prescott Police Commission following the resignation of Neil Riley. Hovel, who previously served as the Mayor of Prescott, is also an active member of the city’s Plan Commission.

Construction for Phase 2 of the Riverfront Project is scheduled to begin July 7, with the boat launch scheduled to close for reconstruction from Aug. 18 through Sept. 2. During that period, annual boat launch passes must be purchased at City Hall.

The second phase includes significant upgrades:

• Modifications to the boat dock to improve accessibility and usability
• Construction of a new pavilion structure
• Installation of permanent public restrooms
• Pavement replacement in Mercord Mill Park, Jacques Park, the boat launch area, and Second Street
• Installation of new playground equipment
• Placement of decorative streetlights, benches, and a drinking fountain

These improvements aim to enhance the recreational appeal and functionality of the riverfront area for both residents and visitors.