The gate at the entrance to Downer Trail south of Sierry Peaks Drive has escalated tempers amongst area residents over the past several years. The crux of the debate is whether the gate should be opened to the pubic to provide a thoroughfare for Forest Trails residents to get in and out of west Prescott and Thumb Butte trails quicker.

Some residents contend that keeping the gate locked creates a gated community. Others believe the locked gate keeps the neighborhood safer. Prescott Council members will grapple with making a decision ot tomorrow's council session. City Engineer Mark Nietupski says there has been a lot of discussion on what's to be done with the gate and is offerring four alternatives for council to consider.

Council may opt to leave the gate locked, open it completely, remove it to allow limited northbound access or allow limited southbound access. Nietupski told council at last week's study session traffic studies indicate the current traffic pattern would increase by an estimated 200 vehicles a day if the gate is opened, and more than quadruple at full build-out of the subdivision.

In other action, council will vote on two agreements with the county: One involves extending the relationship for unified emergency management. The other allows Prescott Police to use the sheriff's office's driving track and facility in Prescott Valley.

Prescott Police Chief Randy Oaks told council last week the closest track Prescott Police have used up to now is in South Phoenix and this agreement would save hundreds of man hours in travel time. Additionally, the new, 2.5 million dollar facility at the county fairgrounds would cost the city only 25 dollars per officer per year for unlimited use.

Prescott Council members plan to meet at 3 p.m. tomorrow to vote on these requests and others at Prescott City Hall.

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