Phase 2 of the Haisley Road Reconstruction Project begins this week, starting today. Phase 2 runs from Northwood Loop to N Solar Heights Drive. Phase 3 will start after completion of Phase 2.
Please note, crews will perform final asphalt paving operations along the entire road length at the end of the project.
The overall project consists of reconstructing the asphalt pavement along Haisley Road, from the intersection of Valley Ranch Circle to Banning Creek Road. Additionally, this project will slightly narrow the roadway width of Haisley Road, add a sidewalk on the south side of the project length, protect the curb along the north side of the roadway, upgrade the existing storm drain system and tie-in existing concrete driveways with the new infrastructure.
This entire project is scheduled to be finished this summer. Once complete, this project will increase pedestrian safety, extend pavement life and improve the road quality for local motorists.
Work may occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please be aware of rough road conditions, reduced speeds, loud noise, flagging operations, and lane closures and restrictions throughout the work zones. As a City, we are dedicated to keeping residents informed of potential construction impacts throughout the project.
Due to consistently dry weather, this is the time of the year when significant road projects can be conducted throughout the city. Please be cautious in work zones, and follow all speed limits and signs.
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During our Executive Session meeting tomorrow, we will be discussing and considering the annual reviews of the City Attorney and the City Clerk.
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Tomorrow’s 1 PM Study Session topics should be very interesting to monitor and observe. First, we will have a Presentation from the Mayor’s Charter Review Commission regarding proposed amendments for the November 2023 General Election Ballot. One of the amendments will be to change the term of the Mayor to 4 years instead of current two years. This would not affect the new term for which I am currently running for re-election.
There is also a proposal to raise the stipend of the Mayor and Council members. Currently, the Mayor’s stipend is at $750 per month, and the Council stipend is at $500 per month. This proposal would raise the Mayor’s stipend to $1250 per month and the Council members stipends to $850 per month. These stipends have not changed since 1999, that’s 24 years. It also provides for adjustment for inflation. If the measure goes on the ballot as suggested and the voters agree, then the new stipends would take place in July, 2024 and the inflation adjustment would begin in July, 2025.
All in all, there are several Charter amendments that are being proposed. I highly recommend you read through them and review them carefully. We have provided a link below.
We will also hear from the Fire Chief regarding a Fire Adaptive Community framework to raise awareness of the need for a more comprehensive approach to living and thriving in the wild land-urban interface.
A core component of this continuation will be formally transitioning to a Fire Adaptive Community (FAC) framework. The framework was developed over the last 20 years by multiple national partners and is not a singular work or code but rather a mindset that drives collaboration and adaption. The city and the community have been involved in components of the FAC for a long-time. For instance, establishing the Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission (PAWUIC), now known as Yavapai Firewise, is an initiative that is a part of one of the ten components of this Fire Adaptive Community framework.
To continue this momentum, the city is hiring a Wildland Risk Management Supervisor that will be working in the fire department to work on building community coalitions, increasing the reach of education efforts, conducting a FAC pathways assessment, developing a 3-5 year wildfire mitigation plan, and undertaking critical policy and regulation review and development. In addition, the position will continue to seek funding for the projects of the city’s forestry crew through grants at the state and federal levels.
Much more will be explained during this presentation.
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During the voting meeting, the City will hear from APS also regarding fire mitigation and summer readiness.
The City and Prescott Unified School District are proceeding on the Affordable Housing Project at the Taylor Hicks School site. First up is the need to install a water main extension from nearby Campbell Avenue, plus a new fire hydrant and six new sewer service connections. This services package will be voted on during the regular voting meeting. Funding will come from the Water and Wastewater funds.
We will also adopt the tentative budget for FY 2024 and accept 3 significant funding grants from the Arizona Department of Transportation for our regional airport.
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The Granite Mountain Hotshots 10 year Anniversary Memorial will take place on June 30th this year. This event will involve several speakers, road closures and limited parking. More details will be given here as we get closer to the date,
Preceding this memorial ceremonial event on June 29th, at 11 AM, the GMIHC Learning and Tribute Center’s 5th Anniversary recognition will take place at Gateway Mall.
