August was an important month for the City of Prescott, as council took several steps to ensure a prosperous future for our citizens, while looking back on a half century of partnership with one of our Sister Cities. Prescott City Council approved the purchase of more than 300 acres of property for the purpose of natural open space in the Granite Dells. The land was acquired from the Storm family, following a letter of intent approved by council on Nov. 9, 2021. This strategic acquisition of … [Read more...] about Celebrating Open Space and Sister Cities
Mayor Phil Goode
Testing Prescott Area Wells
On July 8, the City of Prescott learned that recent test results found the presence of man-made chemicals called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in two of its water production wells located in the airport area. While PFOA and PFOS are not currently regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), there are research findings that support the possibility that these compounds may be harmful to human … [Read more...] about Testing Prescott Area Wells
Keeping Up with Public Safety Services as We Grow
We all know that Prescott is a highly desirable community in which to live and work. This is, in part, due to the high quality of core public services that the city provides to ensure the safety of our residents. However, community growth has impacted our ability to provide these public safety services. One of the issues we have been discussing at council is how to fund and plan for future public safety locations. I have met with Fire Chief Holger Durre and Police Chief Amy Bonney about several … [Read more...] about Keeping Up with Public Safety Services as We Grow
Western Heritage Center Plans May Celebrations
In the three years it has been open free to the public on famed Whiskey Row in Prescott, the Western Heritage Center (WHC) has become one of the more popular destinations for visitors in downtown Prescott. Founder-owner and president of the WHC, Dennis Gallagher, is inviting anyone who wants to attend to help him celebrate its third anniversary during the three-day Memorial Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m., Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. “Our team has … [Read more...] about Western Heritage Center Plans May Celebrations
Living Water Smart, Receiving Rebates
Prescott City Council is moving toward adoption of a new water policy, one that is designed to help us properly manage this precious resource. For many years, the city has offered programs to encourage our citizens to conserve water at home. The city offers a series of rebates for homeowners who upgrade their appliances and fixtures to high-efficiency models that conserve water better than ever. Rebates are also available for rainwater harvesting systems, turf removal and smart irrigation … [Read more...] about Living Water Smart, Receiving Rebates
Prescott Mayor Calls Economic Outlook ‘Strong’
Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said economic growth in the greater community seemed “…more than just solid for the coming year” when he shared his State of the City comments with hundreds of local residents. Goode was the featured speaker during the Prescott Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on March 1 at the Prescott Resort. The mayor’s remarks followed those of outgoing Chamber Board Chair Danielle Rickets, manager at Sir Speedy, and incoming 2022-23 Board Chair Mackenzie Rodgers, a local … [Read more...] about Prescott Mayor Calls Economic Outlook ‘Strong’
Preparing for Wildfire Season
Wildland fire season is just around the corner in the Prescott area. This is a good time to review the resources that are available to prevent and fight wildland fires in this area, and to remind ourselves about our roles as citizens in reducing the wildland fire threat to our community. The Forest Service’s Fire Center, Henry Y. H. Kim Aviation Facility at the Ernest A. Love airfield in Prescott, was dedicated in May 1992. The Prescott Fire Center combines a vast array of programs and expert … [Read more...] about Preparing for Wildfire Season
Drafting Prescott’s Water Policy
For the past several months, Prescott City Council and the Water Issues subcommittee have been working with staff to draft a revised water policy that will meet the needs of our current users and create a sensible plan for growth in Prescott for years to come. Water use is a primary concern for many of our residents. How we use and conserve water will have an impact on the entire Prescott region for many years to come. There are 24 points to the policy. Here are a few particularly important … [Read more...] about Drafting Prescott’s Water Policy
Mayor’s ‘State of the City’ Report: Business Climate is Robust
Recently, I was asked to provide an address on the State of the City at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. This provided me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on and share where we are now as a city and where we are going. As I mentioned last month, we are transitioning city leadership among our recently elected officials. I am pleased to say that with several meetings completed, the new council is working well together. The open call to the public has been successful, and … [Read more...] about Mayor’s ‘State of the City’ Report: Business Climate is Robust
Setting Up Prescott Committees
First, I would like to wish all our readers a Happy New Year. With the return of our traditional holiday events and gatherings, Prescott truly is Arizona’s Christmas City once again. As we look ahead to the new year, and my first full year in office, there are many priorities for City Council. I would like to congratulate Cathey Rusing, who was elected by Council to be mayor pro tem. The primary responsibility of the mayor pro tem is to lead meetings and represent the city when the mayor is … [Read more...] about Setting Up Prescott Committees