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June 22, 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, June 22, 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 June 22, 2026 , at 6 :0 0 p.m . 2. ROLL CALL Members present for the roll call were Bailey Ruona, Maureen Otwell , Adam Granquist, Dar Hintz, and Lindsey Sorenson . Ben Bettis was excused . Also present were City Administrator Matt Wolf, C ity Clerk Rashel Temmers , Police Chief Eric Michaels, Jeff Ryan, Jan Anderson, Matt and Allison Bronk, Dar Hovel, Aaron Wolf, and Shawn Len tz from Ehlers. 3 . PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS There were no public comments. 4. PROCLAMATION 1. Commemorating the 250 th Anniversary of the United States of America and Recognizing the Prescott American Legion Post 61 Celebration Mayor Gerke read the Proclamation. 5 . CONSENT AGENDA 1. Board of Review Minutes – June 8, 2026 2. City Council Minutes – June 8, 2026 3. Parks and Public Works Committee Minutes – June 15, 2026 4. Approval of Luke Peterson to the Cable Advisory Committee 5. Special Event Permit – Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club Bridge the Valley Bike Rally – Sunday , August 9, 2026, from 6:30 am – 4:00 pm at Freedom Park 6. Approval of Sidewalk Café Applications a. Kitchen Table – 211 Broad Street b. Muddy Waters Bar and Grill – 231/227 Broad Street c. Prescott Roadhouse – 127 Broad Street 7. Approval of Amplifier Permit Applications a. Two Rivers Lodge Bar & Grill – 117 Broad Street b. Scab ’s Place – 145 Broad Street c. Philander ’s Bar & Grill – 1000 US Highway 10 d. No Name Saloon – 114 Broad Street e. Muddy Waters Bar and Grill – 231 Broad Street Hintz/Ruona motioned to approve the consent agenda items 1 through 7 . There was no further discussion on the motion. The motion passed without a negative voice vote. 6 . PUBLIC HEARING 2. Public Hearing on Liquor License Applications and Fermented Malt Beverage Applications for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 3. Take Action on Liquor License Applications and Fermented Malt Beverage Applications for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 Hintz/Ruona motioned to go to Public Hearing. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Jan Anderson, representing Leo ’s Landing, addressed the Council regarding not receiving a Liquor License application this year. She stated that she has received an application annually for the past 20 years and expressed concern that city staff were attempting to prevent her long-standing local business from continuing operations. City Administrator Wolf stated there is limited discussion that can be had on Leo ’s Landing as the City is currently in active litigation with them but stated no liquor license was being offered currently due to City Code 356-7(C). 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, Granquist – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Otwell/Granquist motioned for a contingency on issuing a Liquor License to Muddy Waters until the 2025 taxes are paid in full. Alderperson Ruona asked if all of 2025 taxes were due, and Clerk Temmers stated that yes, all of 2025 were still due. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Ruona – Nay, Otwell – yes, Granquist – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed by a voice vote of 4 to 1. 7. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS A. FINANCE COMMITTEE B. PLANNING COMMISSION – Next meeting – Wednesday, July 8 , 2026 , at 6:00 PM C. PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS – Next meeting – Monday, July 20 , 202 6 , at 5:00 PM Alderperson Sorenson provided an overview of the minutes from the Parks and Public Works meeting of June 15 , 2026. D. HEALTH & SAFETY – Next meeting – July 13 , 2026, at 5:00 PM E. PERSONNEL - Next Meeting – To Be Determined 8 . 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. Jeff Ryan spoke regarding A Confluence of Communities , an event scheduled for August 8, 2026, at Freedom Park to honor and celebrate the longstanding relationship between the Prescott community and the people of Lac du Flambeau. Since 2000, Prescott High School students and community members have participated in 4-day educational visits to the Lac du Flambeau Reservation to learn about Ojibwe culture, history, governance, and contemporary issues. Over the past 26 years, more than 400 Prescott High School students and approximately 150 community members have participated in 51 visits. The August 8 th event will celebrate those relationships and provide residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture. Because Prescott is located on the traditional homeland of the Dakota people, the Dakota Drum Group , Imniwaska , and traditional dancers from the Prairie Island Indian Community have also been invited to join the celebration. Adam Granquist spoke about concerns regarding bullying in local schools , particularly incidents involving racism and students targeting children of color . Speaking as both an elected official and a parent , he emphasized that every child should feel safe, respected, and included at school. He noted the impacts bullying and racism can have on students ’ mental health, confidence, academic performance, attendance, and sense of belonging. He expressed support for stronger reporting procedures, increased support for affected students, age-appropriate education on respect and racism, and additional opportunities for parents and students to be heard. 2 Recommendation of Denial of Sidewalk Café Application for 202 Broad Street North – Twisted Oak and The Corner Italian Mayor Gerke stated he had facilitated a n agreement between Twisted Oak and The Corner Italian where each business would be limited to three outdoor tables , bring ing both business es into compliance. City Administrator Matt Wolf stated that staff requested a jointly signed layout from both business es because the previously submitted layouts did not coordinate with one another . Staff also received complaints regarding ADA accessibility. The signed layout would be required within 30 days. Alderperson Otwell motioned to table this discussion. The motion died for lack of a second. Sorenson/Ruona motioned to approve the Sidewalk Café applications for Twisted Oak and The Corner Italian Sidewalk Café contingent upon submission of a joint application and signed site layout within 30 days. There was no further discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 3. Resolution 2 9 -26 Providing for the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of $2,075,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, of the City of Prescott, Wisconsin; Establishing the Terms and Conditions Therefor; Directing Their Execution and Delivery; Creating a Debt Service Account Therefor; and Awarding the Sale Thereof Shawn Lentz of Ehlers reviewed the 2026 financing plan . He explained that Ehlers worked with city staff to prepare the official statement for prospect ive bidders and update the city ’s bond rating . Prescott maintained its Aa3 bond rating , reflecting its strong local economy , proximity to the Twin Cities, tourism , and healthy fund balance and liquidity. He noted that the city ’s smaller operating size and lower resident income levels remain credit challenges . Potential future improvements to the rating could result from continued economic growth and reduced long-term debt. Ehlers received 5 bids for the financing. The lowest interest rate was 3.8295% , while the highest rate was 3.9726%. P rojects included in the borrowing are the Orrin Road project, Campbell Street design, TAP Grant engineering and design, and the purchase of a new fire truck. Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve Resolution 29-26 Providing for the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of $2,075,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, of the City of Prescott, Wisconsin; Establishing the Terms and Conditions Therefor; Directing Their Execution and Delivery; Creating a Debt Service Account Therefor; and Awarding the Sale Thereof. There was no further discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll- call vote; Ruona – yes, Otwell – yes, Granquist – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 4. Resolution 30 -26 Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures from Proceeds of Borrowing City Administrator Matt Wolf reviewed the proposed Well #4 Water Treatment Plant repairs. CBS Squared completed the preliminary design and estimate d the total project cost at approximately $4,427,000, including construction, engineering, legal financing , and contingency costs . The project is expected to be financed through the Wisconsin Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) . Because project costs may be incurred before loan proceeds are received , the proposed resolution establishes the city ’s intent to reimburse eligible expenditures from future borrowing proceeds and authorizes reimbursement up to $5,000,000. Wolf reported that the project may qualify for up to 70% principal forgiveness through the SDWLP. In addition, the city has also requested Congressional Discretionary Spending support through Congressman Van Orden and Senator Baldwin. The project was recently included in the House Appropriations Subcommittee ’s funding bill at $700,000 ; h owever, any federal funding received would reduce the amount of principal forgiveness available through the SDWLP . The adoption of the reimbursement resolution does not obligate the city to borrow the full $5,000,000 but rather preserves the city ’s ability to reimburse eligible project costs with future borrowing proceeds and ensures compliance with federal tax regulations associated with the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. The WI DNR will make its final funding decision at the end of this year. Alderperson Ruona asked if the treatment system would be similar to the Well #3 reverse osmosis system . Wolf explained that Well #3 required a reverse osmosis syste m to treat both nitrates and P FA S , while the proposed Well #4 improvements would utilize a full anion exchange treatment system for P FA S. Ruona/Granquist motioned to approve Resolution 30 -26 Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures from Proceeds of Borrowing . There was no further discussion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 5. Resolution 31-26 Approving Repairs and Maintenance to the Non-Motorized Boat Launch for a Total Cost of $62,052 from Luke Busker Masonry City Administrator Matt Wolf reviewed the proposed repairs and maintenance to the non-motorized boat launch at the end of Lake Street. At the June 15, 2026, Parks and Public Works meeting, the committee reviewed an updated quote for the repairs and maintenance to the non-motorized boat launch. The original proposal totaled $72,375 . At this meeting, the committee directed staff to remove several items from the project to preserve funding for future park maintenance needs. The revised proposal from Luke Busker Masonry totaled $62,052 and includes replacement of sidewalks and stairs, tuckpointing of the fieldstone walls, and related concrete work. The Committee requested pricing for future shoreline stabilization and a kayak access ramp, which would be considered separately. The project is proposed to be funded with Capital Fund dollars repaid from TID #4. Alderperson Ruona asked whether the existing fieldstone would be removed. Wolf stated that the fieldstone would be tuckpointed not removed. Alderperson Otwell asked whether DNR approval would be required for the repairs to the retaining wall. Wolf stated that repairs would not require DNR approval, although additional review would be necessary if shoreline improvements are pursued in the future . Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve Resolution 31-26 Approving Repairs and Maintenance to the Non-Motorized Boat Launch for a Total Cost of $62,052 from Luke Busker Masonry. There was no discussion on the motion. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 6. Resolution 32-26 Informing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the Prescott Wastewater Treatment Plant City Administrator Matt Wolf presented the c ity ’s annual Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) for the wastewater treatment facility. Every year the city is required to complete and file a CMAR under WPDES Permit No. 0022403 and serves as a self-audit of the overall performance of the wastewater system. The treatment p lant received an overall score of 2.34 out of 4.00 in 2025 , compared to 3.66 out of 4.00 in 2024. Wolf explained that t he lower score resulted primarily from high- strength wastewater discharges from SV Labs between July and September 2025 , which negatively affected biological oxygen demand ( BOD/COD ), total s uspended s olids (TSS), and phosphorus removal. Wolf noted that the city previously authorized discontinu ation of sewer service if SV Labs failed to achieve compliance. Since then, the company has correc ted the issue and has returned to compliance , although the 2025 performance continues to affect the annual score. Alderperson Ruona asked about the consequences of our scor e. Wolf explained that if future performance does not improve, the WI DNR could require the city to implement a formal compliance plan. Mayor Gerke asked if SV Labs was fine d for the violations . Wolf confirmed that the company was assessed penalties for violat ing the industrial sewer agreement. Otwell/Ruona motion to approve Resolution 32-26 Informing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the Prescott Wastewater Treatment Plant. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Sorenson – yes, Hintz – yes, Granquist – yes, Otwell – yes, and Ruona – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 8. Resolution 33-26 Approving Professional Services Agreement with Ayres Associates, Inc. for Design of Master Planning Concepts for the Prescott Business Park City Administrator Matt Wolf reviewed the proposed agreement with Ayres Associates, Inc. At its March 23, 2026, meeting, the Council approved an agreement with IAG Commercial to market the approximately 150-acre Prescott Business Park. During those discussions , IAG recommended preparing a master plan and conceptual site layout to better market the property. Proposals were re ceived from ISG and Ayres Associates and reviewed by the Council during its May 27, 2026, workshop. Ayres submitted a revised proposal focuse d on creating a three-dimensional visualization package to support economic development, marketing, recruitment, and funding efforts . The project includes development of a 3D model showing roadways, parcels, grading, and stormwater features , surrounding topography, and adjacent land uses . The work is expected to be completed within approximately three months for $11,000. Funding will be provided through TID #6. Ruona/Otwell motioned to approve Resolution 33-26 Approving Professional Services Agreement with Ayres Associates, Inc. for Design of Master Planning Concepts for the Prescott Business Park. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Ruona – yes, Otwell – yes, Granquist – yes, Hintz – yes, and Sorenson – yes. Motion passed without a negative voice vote. 9 . OTHER BUSINESS 1. Board of Review Meeting – Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. 10 . CLOSED SESSION 1. Closed session per Wisconsin State Statute 19.85 (1)(e) “ Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. ” – School Resource Officer Agreement with Prescott School District 2. Closed session per Wisconsin State Statute 19.85 (1)(f) “ Considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations. ” – City of Prescott Owned Property Ruona/Hintz motioned to go into closed session at 6: 46 p.m. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Sorenson – yes, Hintz – yes, Granquist – yes , Otwell – yes , and Ruona - yes . Motion passed without a negative voice vote. Ruona/ Sorenson motioned to come out of closed session at 7:23 p.m. There was no discussion on the motion. Mayor Gerke called for a roll-call vote; Sorenson – yes, Hintz – yes, Granquist – yes, Otwell – yes , and Ruona - yes . Motion passed without a negative voice vote. There was no action taken at this time on either matter. 1 1 . ADJOURNMENT Granquist/Sorenson motioned to adjourn the Council meeting at 6:5 4 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