Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rose Garden Club talks trash to Prescott's City Council

Prescott's City Council met with the Rose Garden Club in its regular monthly meeting on May 20.

Elizabeth Haltom, a member of the club, talked of the trash that has been littering the streets of Prescott.

"It's gotten terrible, our town doesn't look very nice," she said.

According to Mayor Howard Taylor, the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the clean up in Prescott.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Chamber, told the council and Rose Club an employee had been hired to pick up trash on the main highway. Brandon Bates, she said, would be responsible for the trash on highway 67 and at the two interstate exits.

This, however, did not appease members of the club, and Haltom said, "One man cannot do this."

She addressed the need for local businesses to pick up around their buildings. She said it was their responsibility to make their stores appear neat and clean.

Haltom suggested reminding the community through a weigh station program or through the local schools.

City Council member, Karen Ward, suggested a sign encouraging citizens to clean up around them. The council also suggested reminding citizens there is a fine, that will be enforced, if caught littering.

The community needs to "Take pride in Prescott," Haltom said.

The council also discussed several resolutions. The resolutions are needed for a new industry spec building. Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, said the building will host a prospect yet to be announced.

The resolutions were: grant application, fair housing, excessive force, drug free, residential anti-displacement plan, affirmative action, and SWAPDD administrator. All resolutions were passed.

An airport resolution was also passed, this will allow work to be done on the Prescott Airport  Kizer Field.

Chadwell also gave his monthly report. He said the Arkansas Community of Excellence plan has more than 100 residents involved.

Also contracts for the pocket parks have been awarded; Chadwell said soon bids will be taken and a time line planned. The engineering on the sidewalks have begun. The plans include repairs for the entire downtown area. The sidewalks will be handicapped accessible.

Chadwell also said the leadership program was going very well.

The pet problem was also addressed. The committee had yet to make a decision. The main problem the council wanted to address was stray dogs.

Council member, Howard Austin, said "We didn't really want to get into how many dogs' we didn't want to go into that."

The council suggested a contract with Howard County to help control the animal control problem. The council's committee planned to meet over the next month and make a final decision to be announced in June.

The Prescott Police Department will be issuing a new patrol program.

According to the police report, several individuals are walking in the late night and early morning hours. Therefor, the police plan to place patrol officers on bicycles in the night hours.

The plan is that the officers will be able to address those walking the streets or bicycling. The officers will call in to a patrol car if any problems arise. The program is designed to keep people off the street and to cut down on late night burglaries.

Godwin gave the Chamber report. She said the mural (Sterling) park is coming along nicely.

Godwin said the engraved brick should be laid and landscaping should be done soon.

Godwin also told the council 20 new street lights have been placed in the city and more will be placed later on.