This week is Monsoon Awareness Week. National Weather Service offices across Arizona are joining together to help promote safety during the monsoon season, which officially starts this coming Sunday, June 15th.
The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting that nearly all of Arizona is leaning towards above normal precipitation during July, August and September. In case you were wondering, the 1991 – 2020 average precipitation from June – September is 7.34 inches at the Sundog Water Treatment Plant, and 5.95 inches at the Prescott Airport for the same period of time.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for monsoons include:
• Inspecting and repairing your home, looking for roof damage, cracks and leaks. Also ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear, and outdoor items are adequately secured in the event of high winds.
• If you think you’re in danger of flooding, pick up sandbags at our local fire stations.
• Make sure there is proper drainage around your home and in your yard.
• Develop an Emergency Kit, including non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, important phone numbers, necessary medications and device chargers.
• Don’t forget your pets and their needed supplies.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecasts.
• During the monsoon storms, avoid low water crossings and do not drive through floodwaters. If necessary, pull off the roadway.
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During this Election Season, please remember that political signs may not be placed in the City right-of-way or in Sign-Free zones. Also, as a governmental entity, we cannot allow election-related campaign materials on City property. This includes bumper stickers and car magnets in the City Hall parking lot.
In addition, changing, damaging or moving political signs is a Class 2 Misdemeanor and can be prosecuted.
If you see signs you believe are improperly placed in the right-of-way, please do not remove them yourself, but contact the Neighborhood Services Division at 928-777-1320 or at code.compliance@prescott-az.gov
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A lot of people have expressed concern about Prescott’s Bicentennial Tree on Cortez. Rest assured that even though the City has sold the old City Hall, we are very aware of the importance of this tree in our community.
Recently the 360-year-old tree was examined by two separate arborists. They each determined that it had a great deal of rot and decay due to a fungal disease. But, despite the number of dead branches, it also has areas of new green growth. Last week, the City had an expert perform structural pruning and canopy thinning, which is expected to help invigorate the tree.
We have high hopes that proper maintenance and care will help us preserve this historic tree. However, much will depend on whether or not the tree’s health can be restored.
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Last week, Public Works held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Intermediate Pump Station and Water Production Facility. I want to congratulate them on the completion of this multi-year project, which is very important to our water infrastructure in the community.
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The Fiscal Year 2026 City Manager Proposed Budget is now available for public review. The budget can be accessed on the new OpenGov platform which offers a user-friendly interface that navigates like a webpage.
Tomorrow, during the 1 PM Study Session, we will have a presentation and discussion to help us all learn about the new OpenGov transparency software.
We will also have a presentation and discussion regarding an Annual Update from the Tourism Advisory Committee.
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During the 3 PM voting meeting, Council will consider a citizen petition originally presented by Ralph Hess at the May 27th Voting meeting. By law, any citizen of the city may present a written petition, and it must be acted upon by the council within 60 days.
However, there is no specific direction within the Charter regarding how the petitions shall be acted upon. There have been eight petitions over the last year and a half, causing staff to spend a significant amount of time reviewing, revising and addressing these petitions for the Council.
In the second regular voting item of the meeting, Council will consider a proposed procedure to alleviate these issues and receive Council direction prior to committing significant resources.
Therefore, staff is recommending an addition to the City Council Rules of Procedure, which would establish that upon receipt of a valid petition submitted for Council action, the City Clerk shall add an item to the next available Consent Agenda, which would by default constitute a vote to deny the petition.
The Mayor or any Council member may then pull the item from the Consent agenda for discussion and review and vote on it individually. At that point, Council may deny the petition, provide specific direction to staff or take other appropriate actions.
Council will finish out the Voting Meeting by voting on a Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
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There will be a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, June 12th at 9:30 AM in City Council Chambers continue the discussion regarding the Updated City of Prescott 2025 General Plan. This meeting is open to the public.
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In other City meetings this week, the Prescott Preservation Commission will meet at 9 AM on Friday in Council Chambers.
