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City of Prescott · Pierce County · meeting of Jul 13, 2026 · Minutes

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July 13, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council Meeting of the Prescott City Council was held on Monday, July 13, 2026, in the Prescott Municipal Building, 800 Borner St. , Prescott, WI 54021. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Gerke called the regular City Council meeting to order on July 13, 2026, at 6 :0 0 p.m . 2. ROLL CALL Members present for the roll call were Bailey Ruona, Maureen Otwell , Dar Hintz, and Lindsey Sorenson . Adam Granquist and Ben Bettis were excused . Also present were City Administrator Matt Wolf, C ity Clerk Rashel Temmers , Police Chief Eric Michaels, Greg Adams, and Cory Scheidler from Cedar Corporation , Linda Shenk, and Jared Schmitz from Great River Road Learning Center, and Alan Ca tchpool with Kimley-Horn Engineering. 3 . PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS There were no public comments. 4 . CONSENT AGENDA 1. City Council Minutes – June 22, 2026 2. Fire and EMS Commission Minutes – June 24, 2026 3. General Fund Balances – June 2026 4. Cash Balances – June 2026 5. Paid Invoices Report - June 2026 6. Special Event Permit – Celebration of Life for Ernest Tromberg – Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Freedom Park Ruona /Sorenson motioned to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 6 . There was no further discussion on the motion. The motion passed without a negative voice vote. 5 . PUBLIC HEARING 1. Public Hearing on Liquor License Applications and Fermented Malt Beverage for Enrique ’s and The Pizza Arcade for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 2. Take Action on Liquor License Applications and Fermented Malt Beverage for Enrique ’s and The Pizza Arcade for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 Ruona/ Hintz motioned to go to Public Hearing. Mayor Gerke called for a roll- call vote; Ruona – yes, Otwell – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Wolf stated that two businesses filed their Liquor License Applications late; therefore, a second public hearing was needed. Background checks have been completed, and there are no issues with either business. There was no further discussion on the motion. There were no public comments. Ruona/Hintz motioned to come out of the Public Hearing. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Ruona – yes, Otwell – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Ruona/Sorenson motion to approve Liquor Licenses for Enrique ’s and The Pizza Arcade for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Mayor Gerke called for a roll- call vote; Ruona – yes, Otwell – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 6 . REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS A. FINANCE COMMITTEE B. PLANNING COMMISSION – Next meeting – Monday, August 3 , 2026 , at 6:00 PM City Administrator Matt Wolf provided an overview of the minutes from the Parks and Public Works meeting of Ju ly 8 , 2026. C. PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS – Next meeting – Monday, July 20 , 202 6 , at 5:00 PM D. HEALTH & SAFETY – Next meeting – September 14 , 2026, at 5:00 PM Alderperson Hintz provided an overview of the minutes from the Health and Safety Committee meeting of July 13, 2026. E. PERSONNEL - Next Meeting – To Be Determined 7 . COMMUNICATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS 1 . PUBLIC COMMENTS – The City Council will receive public comments on any issue(s) not related to agenda items . Limited discussion by the City Council may take place; however, no action will be taken on any items. This includes receiving written requests or documentation and possible action at a future meeting. There were no public comments. 2 445 Court Street – Assisted Living Facility Approval a. Resolution 34-26 Approving the Site Plan Review for the Assisted Living Development at 445 Court Street b. Resolution 35-26 Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Assisted Living Facility at 445 Court Street City Administrator Matt Wolf provided a n overview of the proposed Assisted Living Facility located at 445 Court Street. Nottingham Construction submitted a conditional use permit application and site plan for a new assisted living facility at this location. The property was previously operated as a sanatorium and daycare before the vacant facility was demolished in 2023. On August 4, 2025, the Plan Commission reviewed the Concept Plan for 445 Court Street and forwarded it to the City Council for approval on August 11, 2025. Since that review, the developer has added parking, revised the layout, and included additional stormwater drainage and accessibility features. The revised plan consists of 59 total units: 17 Studio units, 34 1-bedroom units, and 8 2-bedroom units. The Plan Commission held the required public hearing on July 8, 2026. Following the public hearing and review of the submitted materials, the Plan Commission recommended approval of both the conditional use permit resolution and site plan resolution to the City Council by a vote of 4-0. Based on the submitted materials, the proposed assisted living facility meets the applicable dimensional, parking, landscaping, architectural, and impervious surface standards reviewed. a. Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve Resolution 34-26 Approving the Site Plan Review for the Assisted Living Development at 445 Court Street. Alderperson Hintz thanked Wolf for including the comments from the Plan Commission meeting . Hintz ’s biggest concern was the stormwater drainage. Alderperson Otwell asked if the site plan for drainage would protect the new retaining wall at Peacock Ridge. Alan stated that this issue has been addressed. There was no further discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. b. Ruona/Hintz motioned to approve Resolution 35-26 Approving a Conditional Use Permit for an Assisted Living Facility at 445 Court Street. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 3. Approval of Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Prescott and Zoe Nawrot Chief Michaels provided information regarding the Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Prescott and Zoe Nawrot. The city currently has one Police Officer vacancy following the departure of Officer Blue. In 2023, the Council approved the use of Law Enforcement Reimbursement Agreements to sponsor candidates through basic law enforcement training. A sponsored candidate is paid to complete basic training at the city's expense, and in return, commit s to 36 months of employment. If the candidate leaves before completing the 36-month commitment , the candidate must reimburse the city for the expenses related to the background investigation, medical, psychiatric, drug-screening, and other employment-related examinations, uniforms and equipment issued by the city, training expenses, and salary paid to others during Basic Law Enforcement Training and Field Training sessions. The reimbursement rate is based on the candidate ’s months of service to the city along with other criteria. Chief Michaels stated that the department has had success with this agreement . The city has already sponsored two officers who completed the program and remain employed with the city . Hintz/Ruona motioned to approve the Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Prescott and Zoe Nawrot. Alderperson Sorenson asked whether Zoe was from the area , and whether she had been able to review the agreement through the online application . Chief stated that she is not from the area and the agreement was not included in the online application . There was no further discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 4. Resolution 36-26 Approving a Certified Survey Subdividing a Parcel in SW 14 of the SW 14 of Section 3, Township 26N, Range 20W City Administrator Matt Wolf pr ovided background information for Resolution 36- 26. Ed Lucas, the property owner , submitted a preliminary certified survey map (CSM). The CSM proposes dividing 1201 Pearl Street into two lots and combining the western half with 501 Sunset Court. The CSM was prepared in October of 2024 but was not brought before Plan Commission or City Council because a planning application was not submitted at that time. Staff have reviewed the CSM and did not identify any changes to the applicable zoning regulations or other city requirements that would affect the proposed land division. Both lots meet the minimum lot size requirements for the R-1 district. Typically, land divisions within the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (LSCR) require a conditional use permit for residential purposes . H owever, the CSM includes conditions that a principal structure already exists, and the buildable area is located outside of the LSCR, allowing a residential structure to be permitted . Therefore, a conditional use permit is not required. The Plan Commission met on July 8, 2026, and recommended approval to the Council by a vote of 4-0. Ruona/ Hintz motioned to approve Resolution 3 6 -26 Approving a Certified Survey Subdividing a Parcel in SW 14 of the SW 14 of Section 3, Township 26N, Range 20W . There was no discussion on the motion . Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 5. Approval of Special Event Permit for A Confluence of Communities on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. City Administrator Matt Wolf presented information regarding the Confluence of the Communities event , which will be held on August 8, 2026, at Freedom Park from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be open to the public and will include food trucks, vendors, performances, and cultural programming. P erformances will include the Ojibwe Drum Group, LDF Drum Group-Tomahawk Circle, traditional Ojibwe and Dakota dancers, and the Dakota Drum Group-Imnizaska. Freedom Park Director Linda Shenk provided a n event layout and asked if the city c ould provide needed supplies such as traffic cones and extension cords . T he city will provide two extra porta-potties . Event organizers will be responsible for implementing the traffic control plan and providing letters to neighborhood residents notifying them of the event . Jared Schmitz provided a proposed parking layout for the event. Alderperson Otwell stated they would have to discuss the size of the traffic/parking sign s . Jared stated that the signs will be 24x24 inches . Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve the Special Event Permit for A Confluence of Communities on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 6. Resolution 37-26 Approving an Agreement with Cedar Corporation for Professional Design Engineering Services for the Coulee River Trails Phase 1 Segment 2 – Walnut Circle to Magee Park Trail Connection City Administrator Matt Wolf provided a n overview of the project, including costs and financing for design engineering services. The city previously approved the preliminary plat, road plans, and development agreement for the Walnut Circle subdivision. This subdivision dedicated 23.9 acres to the public for park purposes . A s part of the agreement, the city is responsible for constructing a trail connection between Walnut Circle and Magee Park. The city entered into a grant agreement with the Friends of Freedom Park/Coulee River Trails for $100,000, with an additional commitment to raise $40,000 to complete the project. Cedar Corporation submitted a proposal to provide professional design engineering services for the Coulee River Trails Phase 1 , Segment 2 project . The project would create a 0.24-mile accessible trail connection from the Walnut Circle development to Magee Park. The proposed scope of services includes topographic survey, photo documentation, right-of-way verification, preliminary design, staff/committee/Council meetings, final design documents, opinion of probable costs, and permitting services. The design services will allow the city to move the project from the concept plan stage to construction- ready documents. The design proposal is a lump sum fee not to exceed $18,150. Greg Adams from Cedar Corp. reviewed the project timeline and anticipate d completing the topographic field survey in July of 2026, preliminary design engineering in August 2026, and final design engineering in September/October 2026, keep ing the project moving toward potential construction in 2027. Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve Resolution 37-26 Approving an Agreement with Cedar Corporation for Professional Design Engineering Services for the Coulee River Trails Phase 1 Segment 2 – Walnut Circle to Magee Park Trail Connection. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 7. Resolution 38-26 Approving an Agreement with Cedar Corporation for Concept Planning Services for the Police, Library, and City Hall Facilities City Administrator Matt Wolf provided an overview of an updated facilities needs concept plan. In January of 2024, Cedar Corporation completed a comprehensive Municipal Facilities Needs Assessment for the City of Prescott. The assessment evaluated the current conditions and future needs of the Police, Fire, EMS, City Hall, and Library facilities and identified opportunities for improvements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiencies. On August 12, 2024, the Council approved concept planning for a central Public Safety building that would house all municipal departments. On July 28, 2025, the Council held a workshop to evaluate the concept planning . T he concept required a 5-acre site. On May 27, 2026, the Council reviewed potential next steps , including limited options for a 5-acre site and the Fire Department ’s desire to remain at its current location. The Council decided to consider splitting the projects, keeping Fire and EMS at their current location on Flora Street and keeping the City Hall, Library, and Police Department at their current locations in a shared facility. The agreement with Cedar Corporation would include develop ing a conceptual design ; review ing opportunities for cost savings through reuse, adaptability, and renovation; preparing a general site layout; updating opinions of construction costs; and providing a final recommendation and presentation of the updated plans. Cory Scheidler from Cedar Corporation spoke regarding the revised concept plans. The current space needs will be reevaluated based on the needs of the groups included in the proposed facility to develop a solution that fits the current City Hall/Police Department site. Alderperson Hintz stated that we need to make sure the Cable Department will be included. Cory stated that this was the beginning stage of the process and that discussions would take place with all departments. Alderperson Otwell stated that she was under the impression that all departments would be included in the new facility building because of shared facility needs . She also asked what would happen to P ublic W orks , since the department has requested the fire department building to provide additional space . Wolf stated that at the May 27, 2026, Council meeting , the Council voted in favor of splitting the departments and allowing the fire department to remain on Flora Street. Regarding P ublic W orks ’ needs, money has been set aside to repair the fire department building, and that funding c ould be used to add additional storage at the current Public Works site. Otwell asked if the current City Hall would be demolished due to its inadequate basement and storage space . Wolf stated that the current City Hall building has a solid foundation and structure and was never part of the plan to demolish it. Ruona/Sorenson motioned to approve Resolution 38-26 Approving an Agreement with Cedar Corporation for Concept Planning Services for the Police, Library, and City Hall Facilities. There was no further discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Ruona – yes, Otwell – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 8. Resolution 39-26 Reaffirming the Incorporation, Continued Existence, and Operational Status of the Housing Authority of the City of Prescott, WI and its Official Office Address City Administrator Matt Wolf reviewed a request from the Prescott Housing Authority for a Resolution reaffirm ing its date of incorporation. The Prescott Housing Authority is required to maintain an active System for Award Management (SAM) account to continue receiving HUD and Rural Development subsidy funding. The Housing Authority ’s SAM account has been inactive for an extended period , and HUD is requiring updated documentation to correct the issue. HUD is requesting formal documentation verifying the legal existence of the Housing Authority, including its legal name, incorporation or formation information, and current address. The City of Prescott was unable to locate documentation from the Housing Authority ’s creation in 1978. The proposed resolution would reaffirm that the Housing Authority of the City of Prescott, WI was incorporated in 1978 and continues to legally exist and operate as an active public body corporate and politic under Wisconsin law. Adopting this resolution will provide the Housing Authority with the formal municipal documentation needed to assist with reactivating its SAM account and maintaining eligibility for HUD and Rural Development subsidy funding. Alderperson Ruona asked whether the Housing Authority receive s state or federal money. Wolf stated that the Housing Authority works with HUD and receive s a certain amount of subsidies based on income levels. The housing is specifically for senior s or disabled persons and is subject to income restrictions. Ruona asked if this was a reactivation process because the account had been inactive. Wolf stated that , to his understanding , the Housing Authority had remained active but for whatever reason , the SAM account was not reapplied for or reactivated. Following a change in management, the SAM number was lost , and the Housing Authority is now attempting to reactivate the account. Sorenson/Hintz motioned to approve Resolution 39-26 Reaffirming the Incorporation, Continued Existence, and Operational Status of the Housing Authority of the City of Prescott, WI and its Official Office Address. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 9. Approval of Plan Commission to Hold a Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 635-Zoning on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM City Administrator Matt Wolf reviewed the proposed amendments to Chapter 635- Zoning of the City Code . The Plan Commission reviewed the conditional uses currently identified in Chapter 635. Under Wisconsin law, when a use is listed as a conditional use within a zoning district, the ordinance recognizes that the use is generally appropriate for that district. As a result, an application for a conditional use permit must be approved if the applicant demonstrates compliance with the standards and conditions established by the zoning ordinance. The permit may be denied if the applicant fails to meet those standards or conditions. Based on its review, the Plan Commission recommended the following amendments to Chapter 635-Zoning: C-1 Central Commercial – remove large-scale solar farms as a conditional use; I-1 Light Industrial – Remove large-scale solar farms as a conditional use; I-2 Heavy Industrial – remove airports, airstrips, and landing fields, railroads and railroad facilities, and large-scale solar farms as conditional uses; I-3 Mixed Industrial – remove large-scale solar farms as a conditional use; R-5 Single-Family Residential – add accessory dwelling units (AUDs) as a conditional use. Because these amendments modify the city ’s zoning ordinance, Wisconsin law requires a public hearing following publication of a Class 2 Notice. The Plan Commission reviewed the proposed amendments to confirm they reflect the commission's direction. During the review, it was noted that the Accessory Uses section within each residential zoning district contains inaccurate information following the 2023 amendments. The Plan Commission requested that the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 zoning districts be amended to remove the inaccurate language and replace it with: Accessory Uses and Structures – In accordance with Article X. Article X of the City Code includes Section 635-87 , Accessory Uses or Structures, which establishes the number of accessory buildings permitted on residential properties within the City of Prescott. Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve the Plan Commission to Hold a Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 635-Zoning on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 8 . OTHER BUSINESS 1. Discussion on Prescott Fire and Rescue Boat No discussion was held as Alderperson Bettis requested this to be on the agenda , and he was not present. 2. Board of Review Meeting – Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM 9 . CLOSED SESSION 1. Closed Session per Wisconsin State Statute 19.85 (1)(g) “ Conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved. ” – City-owned Property at 256 Front Street Ruona/ Otwell motioned to go into closed session at 6: 53 p.m. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Sorenson – yes, Hintz – yes, Otwell – yes , and Ruona - yes . Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Hintz/Otwell motioned to come out of closed session at 7: 18 p.m. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Sorenson – yes, Hintz – yes, Otwell – yes , and Ruona - yes . Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Otwell/Sorenson motioned to move forward with a 30-day notice of termination of tenancy prepared by the City Attorney for the tenant(s) at 256 Front Street. If the tenant has not vacated within 30 days and has not contacted the city when they can vacate, the City Attorney is to file a Summons and Complaint with the Pierce County Clerk of Court. There was no further discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 1 0 . ADJOURNMENT Ruona /Sorenson motioned to adjourn the Council meeting at 7:18 p.m. There was n o discussion on the m otion . Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Respectfully Submitted, Rashel Temmers Rashel Temmers Clerk

Source: City of Prescott website. First collected Oct 9, 2026.