At the Sept. 23 meeting, the Prescott City Council reviewed the Erickson Subdivision Concept Plan.

After a brief history of the proposed subdivision from City Administrator Matt Wolf, Louie Filkins of Ogden Engineering explained the vision for the area with land lots much larger than the typical quarter or third of an acre because of the topography of the area. Filkins said lots could be made smaller to create more lots but “it just seems to make sense to make them more of a style that you’d find in the country so to speak.”

“I like the trail access up there too linking that side of everything to Magee Park. That is a good thought,” commented Alderperson Adam Granquist as the other members agreed.

Expressing her concern, Alderperson Maureen Otwell reminded the council that the previous housing study showed them that they need senior and first-time home buyer housing and development.

“I would like us to keep that in mind as one of our long-range goals is about affordable housing or even first-time home buyer housing and the seniors. They’re clamoring, every year,” she stated as the council approved the Erickson Subdivision Concept Plan.

Greg Adams of Cedar Corporation was also in attendance to review the improvements for Riverfront Phase 2.

“It would feature some park amenities and playground equipment, incorporating some of the phase one style,” he said and gave a brief description of some of the services and projects that would be overseen, citing Aug. 31, 2025 as a possible completion date for the project. Some of the proposed improvements would include trail enhancements, park features, replacement of the boat launch parking lot, a bathroom/shelter building, parking reconfiguration, and railroad pedestrian crossing. The city will pay for this improvement project with funds from TID #4.

Otwell asked if the pedestrian crossing for the railroad crossing will include a few options.

Adams answered that it would be built to pedestrian standards for a rail crossing.

Granquist asked how far the playground would be from the parking lot and if there would be any type of barrier to keep children from running into the parking lot.

Adams thought it would be approximately 60 feet and added that they hadn’t planned for a fence or a barrier, but it would be something that could be added if it was requested.

“I just know how kids love to dart and run and stuff and when you got especially trailers and boats and trucks and stuff running around,” said Granquist. “Just something to keep them from running.”

The council approved the agreement with Cedar Corporation for professional engineering services for the Riverfront Phase 2 improvements for an amount not to exceed $195,300.

Wolf explained the need for an amendment to the city ordinance regarding boat launching regulations.

“We’ve had some issues where vehicles that do not have trailers are parking in boat trailer spots and we don’t have an ideal ordinance that we can really cite those vehicles for,” stated Wolf.

Wolf said the city attorney proposed that the ordinance read, “The parking lot at Prescott Boat launch shall be designated and marked only for vehicles that have boat trailers attached for launching at the boat launch. Any vehicle parked in the designated area without a boat trailer shall be in violation and shall be subject to a forfeiture as provided in 1-4 of this code.”

Alderperson Mike Gerke asked if there is signage at the boat launch stating that they can only have people there with trailers. Wolf confirmed this and said they’re working on an improved sign layout for Riverfront Phase 2 improvements. The council approved the first reading of the proposed ordinance.

The council also approved the first reading of the amendments to City Ordinance, Chapter 545-15 Stopping or Parking Prohibited in Certain Specified Places. They added to the ordinance that “it shall be prohibited for any vehicle, trailer, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV, or any other motorized machine of any kind to park in a manner that is inconsistent with the posted signs or marked parking regulations within any city right-of-way, parking lot, or street.”

Other business

During public comment, Terry Schoonover introduced himself to explain that he is running for State Assembly for the new 29^th assembly district. Schoonover who lives between Alma and Cochrane retired seven years ago after working at Mayo Clinic for 20 years. He said he has received feedback that people are tired of the bipartisanship gridlock and “want us to get along and get stuff done.” Citing his previous job as an emergency management coordinator, Schoonover said he is used to dealing with “some fairly strong-willed folks” and “we got stuff done because we respected each other.”

At the end of the meeting, the council entered into closed session regarding the Prescott Police Union contract and the Erickson Subdivision Development Agreement.