Summer readers from 0-12 have logged more than 2,600 hours of reading, and teen readers have turned in nearly 200 book reviews. The summer reading program featured craft days, performances, and more, but reading was really at the heart of the program. "Studies show that children who read for fun during the summer go back to school ready to learn," said youth services librarian Amadee Ricketts, "so we try to reach as many kids as we possibly can. And the Blue Hair Challenge has definitely helped with that!"

The library is located at 215 East Goodwin Street. For details, visit the library online at www.prescottlibrary.info or call the Youth Services Desk at 777-1537.

Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This week, crews will perform incidental work along Copper Basin Road between White Spar Road and Sheriff�s Posse Trail. Traffic should follow all lane restrictions and flagging operations in affected areas.

Crews continue to excavate and install 20-inch water mains along East Aubrey Street. This week, crews will work from South Montezuma Street east to Marina Street. Please be aware of the following impacts:

Monday, July 20th through Thursday, July 23rd from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. East Aubrey Street will be partially closed from South Montezuma Street east to Marina Street. Traffic control will be in place to facilitate residential access, and use of alternate routes is encouraged.

MONTEZUMA STREET LANE RESTRICTIONS

As part of the installation of 20-inch water mains along West Aubrey Street, crews will perform sewer work under South Montezuma Street. Please be aware of the following impacts: Monday, July 20th through Thursday, July 23rd from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Lanes may be restricted along South Montezuma Street at West Aubrey Street when crews are working. Motorists will experience reduced speeds, narrow lanes, and possible flagging operations.

HASSAYAMPA DRIVE REMAINS CLOSED DURING WORK HOURS

Due to installation of new 16-inch water line, trenching operations in the roadway along Hassayampa Drive between Mistletoe Drive and South Hassayampa Drive will require a full closure of the road during working hours. Municipal trash pickup will not be affected by this work. Please be aware of the following impacts: Monday, July 20th through Thursday, July 23rd from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motorists should follow well-marked detours. Please drive slowly and safely along detour routes.

PIONEER PUMP STATION CONSTRUCTION ONGOING

Construction of the new Pioneer Pump Station will continue off the roadway. This week crews will construct the retaining wall for the building.

Monday, July 20th through Thursday, July 23rd from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Work will occur off the road. However, motorists should remain alert for construction workers and equipment at the intersection of Pioneer Drive and South Hassayampa Drive.

Monday, July 20- Join story time with Mr. Steve at the Prescott Library Gateway Branch. The ever-lively Mr. Steve will read stories and share with the kids. Story time is set to begin at 10 a.m. For more information call (928) 777-1537.

Tuesday, July 21- Drop-In Prescott Public Library from 1-2:30 p.m. for crafts. Make your own personalized bookmark to suit your personality. Kids of all ages are welcome to make fun craft projects! Children under five need help and supervision of an adult. For details call (928) 777-1537.

Bring the family to the Library at 7:30 p.m. for a free Summer Movie. For movie information call (928) 777-1357.

Wednesday, July 22- Bring your little-ones to Toddle Story time with Mr. Steve. Stories, songs and activities selected especially for kids up to three years. Siblings are welcome and there is no need to register in advance.

Join the Community Book Discussion at 6 p.m. in the Prescott Public Library. The Arizona Humanities Council is partnering with the library in discussion. Professional facilitator Bob Stewart will lead a discussion of "The Brave Cowboy," by Edward Abbey. Books will be provided upon arrival and registration is free. Prescott Public Library request's participants register early at (928) 777-1357.

Thursday, July 23- Lillian the Librarian takes on famous storybook villains! Lillian the Librarian's puppet show is part of the "Be Creative" summer reading program. For details on the show call (928) 777-1537.

Friday, July 24- Preschool Story time, finger plays, and crafts designed for ages 3-5. Siblings are always welcome, and registration is not required for the 10:30 a.m. event.

Saturday, July 25- Join us at the 2009 "Be Creative" Summer Reading Party. The party starts at 10:30 a.m. at Prescott Public Library. Enjoy games, snacks, and entertainment by Sticks and Tones. For party details call (928) 777-1537.

For a printable version of the Event Calender click here.

Ad hoc committees such as the one the mayor is recommending, do not require support of the City Council but may be disbanded after the mayor's term expires.

In honor of National Parks & Recreation Month, P&R Director, Debbie Horton, gave a special thanks to her staff and volunteers for the hard work they put in keeping the city's activities programs, lakes, parks, and trails in top shape. Horton also commended her staff for coordinating softball tournaments that bring nearly 4 million dollars in revenue into the city each year.

In other action... Lowe's gained the support from Council for their "soil buttress" solution to the hillside bordering Prescott Estates. Numerous warranty bonds ensuring the project's completion and maintenance were put into place by city staff.

The next scheduled City Council meeting is: July 21, 2009 at 3 pm. To download an official agenda, click here.

"I want to thank our dedicated volunteers and the supportive forest visitors who made these closures successful," said Wildlife Biologist Noel Fletcher. "The Prescott National Forest was able to provide the peregrines with an opportunity to use the unique cliff habitat for nesting during the late winter and spring. Now the Prescott National Forest can provide the opportunity for climbers to enjoy their pursuits on these same unique areas during the summer and fall."

If you have any questions about the peregrines and their management on Bradshaw Ranger District, please feel free to call Noel Fletcher, (928) 443-8020.

Posted: 2:44 pm local time

Traffic in both directions on Interstate 17 just north of New River was expected to re-open by 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon with smoke in the area dissipating .

The Department of Public Safety had closed the highway about 1 p.m. after a wildfire near the Sunset Point rest area blew heavy smoke on to the road, reducing visibility.

DPS crews requested that motorists delay trips until after 3 p.m., if possible, because a backup of heavy traffic was anticipated in the area.
A brush fire was moving rapidly through the area early Wednesday afternoon and producing smoke that was blowing across the highway, causing visibility problems and forcing the closure and evacuation of the Sunset Point rest area.

Motorists can call 511 or visit www.az511.gov for updates.

"I think Randy did an excellent job in building a great department," says City Manager Steve Norwood, who hired Oaks in late 2005. "That department now has much improved equipment, more officers, and top rated talent from top to bottom."

In an effort to aid Deputy Chief Mike Kabbel with the transition, Norwood has asked Oaks to continue on until Jan. 15. A decision regarding filling his vacated position will be made after Norwood confers with Kabbel and Oaks about the future direction of the department.

"I know the Chief had some challenging issues," adds Norwood. "But, he always approached the job with the utmost of professionalism. He was a very hands-on type Chief, who wouldn't ask an officer to do anything he wouldn't do."

Parks & Recreation and Public Library Month Activities

Consent Agenda Highlights

Warranty bonds associated with ensuring completion and maintenance of the "Lowe's Wall."

Amending the Prescott City Code by Amending Title IV, Chapter 4-12 regarding Cable Television Systems

Inter-governmental Agreement with Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management that establishes Unified Emergency Management for the tri-city area

Regular Agenda

A resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona, authorizing the creation of a Commission on Aging as a standing committee of the City of Prescott.

To download an official copy of the July 14th voting session agenda, click here

Prescott Police Department recently put the finishing touches on a piece of safety equipment to be used by their SWAT Unit. A surplus armored military transport vehicles, known as a "Peacekeeper" was donated to the City of Prescott by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 2008. Chief Oaks learned that LVMPD had surplused the vehicle and asked Sheriff Doug Gillespie of LVMPD if the vehicle could be transferred to PPD. Las Vegas Metro PD initially received this vehicle from the U.S. Navy as military surplus equipment. The "Peacekeeper" is a 1981 armored transport vehicle which was built on a Cadillac chassis and has a Chrysler engine.

The vehicle is designed to deploy SWAT members under certain circumstances and also for hostage rescues. S.W.A.T. Unit members and Hostage Negotiators were instrumental in refurbishing this vehicle to be made ready for service for use by Prescott Police Department.
Some of the hard work placed into preparing the vehicle for service was sanding the vehicle and having it repainted from military green to a flat black finish with personalized decaling. Side step-rails and handgrips were welded into place for deploying off the side if needed. In addition, a protective coating was added to the interior, seats were reupholstered, and emergency lighting and equipment installed. Some of the equipment needed was donated by two local businesses; Downtown Auto Body and Paint and Costco.

Chief Oaks proclaimed, "The Prescott Police Department is grateful to Sheriff Gillespie and proud to be able to deploy this type of vehicle for the protection of both our officers and citizens who may find themselves in harms way. It's not the kind of thing we expect to need often but when the time comes, it will be ready to save lives." Oaks also noted that the Prescott Police Department now joins a majority of other police departments throughout the United States with SWAT teams in deploying an armored vehicle for their use.

Oaks added, "The price was right too. We had this on our list of capital projects, but didn't expect to see the funding any time soon. The vehicle was acquired free of charge, we just had to go to Las Vegas to pick it up, then make repairs."