Prescott City Council Confirms New Member and Reviews City Business at January Meeting

PRESCOTT — The Prescott City Council convened its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20th, at City Hall, addressing a full agenda that included the appointment of a new council member, recognition of city employees, updates from department heads, and discussion of zoning and community beautification efforts.

Mayor Terry Oliver welcomed attendees before the council turned its attention to the appointment of Megan Horton as council member for Ward 3, Position 1. Horton was appointed to replace former council member Phyllis Hicks. Her appointment was met with applause, and Mayor Oliver confirmed that Horton’s term would continue unchallenged, as she was the sole candidate and ran unopposed. Later in the meeting, it was determined that a formal council vote was required to finalize the appointment. The council unanimously approved Horton’s appointment at that time.

Council member Satarra Williams delivered the invocation, followed by Mayor Oliver leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The council then approved the minutes and financial reports from the December 2025 meeting without objection.

Several city employees were formally recognized for their service during the meeting. Francisco Chavarria was named the 2025 Employee of the Year; Mandy Marcum received the 2025 Newcomer of the Year award; and D.Q. Hopper was honored with the 2025 Spirit Award. Each was recognized for their dedication and contributions to city operations throughout the past year.

The Council confirmed regular meeting dates and times will remain unchanged, with meetings continuing to be held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., with exceptions noted for February and December.

Police Chief Ann Jordan provided a departmental report, noting the need to hire two additional police officers to meet staffing demands. She also reported previously scheduled departmental improvements remain pending. During her presentation, Jordan introduced Detective Ashley Whittecar, who was recently promoted after successfully completing required training.

City official Mary Godwin presented updates on current and potential grant funding, reporting an increase in tax revenue collections. Godwin also emphasized the city’s continued commitment to nuisance code enforcement and community beautification. In 2025, the city addressed 11 properties deemed unsafe or unsightly. Those homes were demolished, and the land was cleared. Godwin publicly commended city employees involved in the cleanup efforts for their hard work. Godwin encouraged residents interested in volunteer cleanup or yard maintenance efforts to coordinate with her office, explaining that community-led initiatives can often operate with fewer regulatory obstacles than city-managed projects. She highlighted the value of organized volunteer efforts in assisting residents most in need. Rowe Stayton expanded on those remarks by outlining efforts underway by the Rotary Club and other local civic organizations to support beautification and yard maintenance across the city. Stayton offered to provide fee-free, pro bono assistance with filing paperwork related to squatter removal, noting that while he can handle filings, associated court fees remain the responsibility of property owners. Stayton also noted civic groups’ willingness to assist with grass-cutting for elderly or disabled residents and stressed the importance of neighbor-to-neighbor cooperation. He discussed ongoing community-building projects, including the construction and maintenance of raised garden beds at local nursing facilities. These efforts, he said, not only provide volunteer and community service opportunities for students fulfilling graduation requirements but also foster meaningful relationships between students and senior residents.

The council later revisited a zoning request submitted by John Henegan to rezone his property from residential to commercial use to allow the operation of a barbecue (and bakery) business. Mayor Oliver explained the request had previously been denied in 2022 and was again denied at the Jan. 20 meeting for the same reasons cited in the earlier decision. Council members suggested Henegan reapply through the zoning commission, emphasizing that rezoning authority does not rest with the council. It was noted that Henegan had previously been approved to operate a food truck, an option he acknowledged might be the most viable path forward. Mayor Oliver and several attendees expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of enjoying Henegan’s barbecue and baked goods through that avenue. With no further business or public questions, Mayor Oliver adjourned the meeting.