Stayton named new city attorney

By submitted, 02/22/23 10:21 AM

PRESCOTT – James Stayton was appointed as the new Prescott City Attorney at the January meeting of the Prescott City Council Monday night.

Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver said there had been a lot of meetings, and there’s a lot going on with the city now. He continued saying Stayton has been a joy to work with. Stayton said he’s grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Prescott and is humbled by the experience. “I’ll need everyone’s help, but I’m eager to work for the City of Prescott.” The council unanimously voted to approve the appointment.

Jamie Hillery, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, reminded the panel of a ribbon cutting for Style by Heather Thursday morning. She pointed out the business has moved, and Heather Ratcliff has been cutting hair locally for 20 years. Hillery also presented the 2023 directory to councilmen.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, followed recognizing members of the 2023 Leadership Nevada County class in attendance. She pointed out the leadership group had its second meeting of the year, learning about state government by visiting the capitol in Little Rock.

In addition, she presented the council with copies of the mowing bid for the year. Only one bid was received for the mowing of downtown, and no bids were made for the mowing of the DeAnn Cemetery. The council approved Mary Colbert’s bid of $375 per mowing for the upcoming season. Last year, Godwin said, the city was mowed 11 times, but because of all the rain of late, mowing season could start earlier.

She also informed the panel the EDO is working with Nevada County on a new hazard mitigation plan, something that has to be done every five years. This plan, she said, helps the city and county get grants, so it’s important for as many people as possible to respond to the survey. Every city in the county is being contacted about the plan.

Oliver told the council former City Clerk Sandy Cason recently died, adding she was the city clerk for 21 years and qualified for retirement. He asked for, and received, approval for her husband to receive half of her retirement. He read the requirements under state statute.

The council reminded the March meeting will begin at 4 p.m. as James Walden will be on hand to discuss the updated city codes. He suggested the council read the proposed changes and be prepared to discuss them during the meeting. Councilman Susie Meeks asked if the city has a zoning commission and if it had been notified.

Oliver said it does and the members will be notified after the codes are approved. He added, the codes are different from before and will help clean up the city.

Under council discussion, Ivory Curry reminded the council there will be a monthly feed at his mission Saturday.

Councilman Howard Austin brought up the drainage problem on Wildcat Road saying something needs to be done because when it rains the sewers flood and back up into people’s tubs and toilets.

Oliver said the city is doing work the council approved last year on the Elm Street, Webb and Holly Street projects, which will cost $300,000. He added Wildcat isn’t the only area with a problem in town and it would cost millions to fix the problem.

Perry Nelson, superintendent of the Prescott Water and Sewer Department, said he’s aware two houses have been affected and manholes in the area checked. He added check valves have been installed in the sewer line so they shouldn’t back up into homes. However, he continued, the problem in that area is a hill. Water runs off faster than the sewers can handle them which causes the backup problem. He said the city needs to do a Sewer System Evaluation Survey and hopes it will be included in plans for the new sewer plant.