Mayor Phil Goode’s June 3 Update

Map: ADOT’s Project Map for the Widening of State Route 69

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be enacted this Thursday, June 6th at 8 AM, according to a joint press release from the Prescott Fire Department and the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. This is in cooperation with the Prescott National Forest and the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County.

These restrictions will stay in effect until we have received enough rain to justify lifting them.

As part of the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions please understand that:

NO residential burn permits will be issued.
Use of model rockets is PROHIBITED.
Use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are PROHIBITED except upon approval of a pyrotechnics permit.
NO smoking outside of vehicles, outside of residential yards, or outside of designated smoking areas.
NO outdoor use of firearms.
Cooking, warming, or campfires (ash or ember producing) ARE ALLOWED at single and multi-family residential properties and Town parks (where approved) but MUST BE attended at all times.

These restrictions help keep our community safe, and we ask for your cooperation and adherence.
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Here in the City of Prescott, we are ready for summer with a multitude of activities. The Splash Pad adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn on North Montezuma Street is open, and should help keep folks cool during the increasing heat of the summer.

The Library’s Summer Reading program is here. Summer Reading is for readers of all ages – from children to adults and everyone in between. Kids earn prizes based on logging their reading minutes.  The more often adults read and log in, the more drawing entries they earn; and if they read a minimum of 200 minutes, they are also entered into the grand prize drawing.

The Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trail System for mountain bikers held their ribbon cutting last Friday for Phase 1. It’s the first of its kind in Arizona, and can be enjoyed by riders of many different ages and abilities. We are very proud to have it here in Prescott.

The new Basketball Court next to the dog park off Willow Creek Road opened this weekend, with a great Hoops & Heroes game between the Prescott Police Department and the Prescott Fire Department.

This basketball court is now open to the public and will be a great addition to the many recreation facilities in our city.

The month of June and early July Prescott is particularly active with events of all kinds including art fairs, music festivals, car shows, parades, fireworks and of course, Rodeo. These events offer a variety of experiences catering to our local residents as well as visitors.

Many citizens assume the City organizes all of these fine events.  Actually, nearly every special event is operated by locally based non-profit organizations. Often, these events help raise funds for many worthy causes while providing a unique experience for our community.

The City is responsible for two major community events each year.  One is the Fourth of July Fireworks and the other is the Veterans Day Parade, held in November.  Thanks to our dedicated Recreation Services staff, who work hard to improve these events every year.

For the first time in many years, this year’s 4th of July Fireworks will offer free admission for those who only want to attend and enjoy the show. Additional fun activities will be available for a modest charge.

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Right now, we are in the period of time that is the most advantageous for major road projects, as they require extended good weather.

If you drive much in Prescott, I am sure you are aware of the significant projects on Willow Creek Road and Prescott Lakes Parkway. We are also reconstructing the Library’s parking lot to make sure it is ADA compliant. There are additional projects throughout the City, so please stay alert.

I want to give you a heads up on an upcoming project. This is a much needed improvement, but it will cause disruptions to traffic. The Arizona Department of Transportation (also known as ADOT) in partnership with the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization will start the planned widening of State Route 69 from Heather Heights through to Prescott Lakes Parkway in the Frontier Village area. They will also be adding a raised center median along this route. The purpose of the project is to improve traffic safety and increase the capacity of the roadway.

This project is scheduled to start in early July, according to ADOT’s website page about this project, which is linked below. They anticipate that it will take about 9 months to complete. We will do our best to keep you apprised of progress as the construction ensues.

It’s also worth recognizing that Prescott isn’t the only community with roadwork projects. Roadwork is happening all over the state at this time of year. There is a huge project on the I-17 corridor, as I’m sure you have experienced, and it frequently results in lane and even entire roadway closures. Please check ADOT’s website and AZ511.com in advance of any statewide travel plans. It just might save you from having to sit in a traffic jam on the freeway.

Let’s be patient as these improvements are underway. Be alert, watch the signs and follow the speed limits and add a little more time than usual to reach your destination.
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A draft of the Community Development Block Grants Program (also known as the CDBG) 2024 Annual Action Plan (AAP) is now available for a 30-day public review and comment period. The public comment period begins May 22nd, 2024 and will close on June 25th, 2024. Following the public comment period, the Annual Action Plan will be presented to the Council at the June 25th meeting, followed by a public hearing. The City Council will then consider approval of the Annual Action Plan after the conclusion of the public hearing.
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We want to let you know that the City Council will be considering and possibly adopting new and increased fees and charges on the Citywide Fee Schedule. These will be considered and possibly adopted at the June 11 Council meeting.
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This week, the Council Subcommittee on Water Issues will meet on Tuesday, June 4th, at 9:30 AM in Council Chambers.

On Wednesday, June 5th, the Mayor’s Veterans Commission meets at the Grace Sparks Activity Center at 9 AM.

The Workforce Housing Committee also meets on Wednesday, June 5th, there will be also be a Workforce Housing Stakeholder Meeting on Thursday, June 6th. Both meetings take place at 10 AM in Council Chambers.

Finally, next Monday, June 10th, the Pedestrian, Bicycle & Traffic Advisory Committee meets in the Public Works Conference Room at 433 N. Virginia Street.