Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council covers leaves, condemnations and bids

The Prescott City Council met for only a half hour, but spent that time on an array of subjects.

Council members have again called for Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor to create a bidding system for the citys herbicide and pesticide disbursement. The subject has arisen over the course of several council meetings, including the March 19 meeting at which the council approved the bid for mowing specific city property, including the cemetery.

Council members were presented four bids. Councilman Jerry Wilson cited a large difference between the lowest bid and the upper three and said he wasnt certain the low bidder understood the requirements of the job.

Other council members apparently agreed and the council approved the second lowest bid.

Gary Rowe of PSE requested the opportunity to bid on the citys herbicide and pesticide work several months ago. At that time, Taylor said the city has done business with an out of town contractor for several years and said he was reluctant to abruptly severe those ties. Council members said they wanted to see a set bidding process but Taylor has indicated that its difficult to know how much of those services are needed and when. Councilmen cited their desire to support local businesses and Taylor has promised to give the local business the opportunity to bid on the citys jobs this year.

In other business, the council heard a report from Prescott City Manager Billy House regarding the citys billing system. Council members did not receive a copy of the citys monthly financial report because of issues with the new system. House said the city was slated for another training session.

After we do that, we should be able to start billing like we should be, House said.

The city recently purchased a new billing system for the municipal electric company with some specific goals, including levelized billing.

The council talked briefly about plans to begin the condemnation process for six properties in the city. Councilman James Roy Cornelius said he believes the citys first action should be to send registered letters to those property owners. Taylor said hell be working to establish ownership of those properties soon.

While the topic was centered on property, Taylor gave the council a brief update on the Highway 24 widening project.

According to Taylor, there are some trees to be cut along the right-of-way before the widening can officially begin. Taylor said hes received phone calls from residents who dont want the trees cut. He said, in his opinion, theyre doing themselves a favor by getting it cut at no cost.

On the subject of the ordinance banning leaf burning within the city, a member of the audience asked for clarification and was told the law doesnt ban burning of limbs and other items - only leaves.

To me, thats left the gate open a little bit, Taylor said.

He said itll take some time to work it out.