PRESCOTT VALLEY - A proposed public safety communication system atop Glassford Hill gained approval from the Town Council Thursday.
The council voted 6-0 for a conditional use permit to enable the Police Department to install the regional communications system on an acre that the town leases from the Arizona Land Department. Councilwoman Lora Lee Nye did not attend the meeting.
Police Chief Jim Maxson said the system would help to eliminate "dead spots" where police officers cannot communicate on their police radios with the dispatch center in downtown Prescott.
Maxson said afterward that he does not have a timeframe on installation of the system because he awaits word on a grant application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
When the regional system is installed, it will adjoin two existing lease areas with two separate radio communications systems, according to a staff report to the council. The system would have a tower with a maximum height of 100 feet.
"There will not be electrical power going up the side of Glassford Hill," Community Development Director Richard Parker said.
"This is probably the most valuable location for a public safety tower in the region," he said.
Parker told the council the proposed communication system is possible in the first place because town officials have cultivated an "extraordinary relationship" with their Land Department counterparts.
In other actions, the council:
• Appointed Ron Brinkman to fill a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and appointed Buzz Gummer to an additional term.
• Approved an amended lease with the Central Arizona Senior Association, which has occupied the town-owned building on Manzanita Way for 10 years.
One change in the arrangement is CASA has taken over the sit-down lunches and Meals of Wheels program because the Northern Arizona Council of Governments recently opted not to renew contracts with another entity.
Councilman Harold Wise excused himself from the vote because he serves on CASA's board.
• OK'd the final development plan for JPM Chase Bank at the Prescott Valley Crossroads Center on the southwest corner of Sundog Ranch Road and Highway 69.
• Acknowledged receipts of bids from four contractors for homes that are eligible for grant-financed repairs.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Article comment by:
Hilde
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Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Article comment by:
Chuck Bordenave
This project is in direct violation of the precious 2020 plan, that I've been reminded over and over by the council and mayor, that it in no way can it be violated, yet in almost every meeting the council rezones property for developers. Just another example of the hypocrites in politics and local governments.
Posted: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Article comment by:
The Sold You A Bridge
Since the Rust Bucket 20 million dollar plus library is alleged to be designed to mimic Glassford Hill ( The "WOW!" factor), will the Town Clowns install a mini regional communications system atop their latest patronage project? Could be some extra for them coming out of this embarrassment. To "How Sad" , if you live in Granville , expect nothing and you won't be surprised as the Fainville government "develops" all around you as profits decree. See the Bates Motel on Glassford Hill, watch the lights change color... AHHhh wonderful unspoiled Arizona.
ArmyVet
Posted: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Article comment by:
I also remember that promise
I thought both Prescott and Prescott Valley signed an agreement to protect Glassford Hill from development. I guess apartments and car lots don't count.
Posted: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Article comment by:
How Sad
I live in Granville and our house is just below the hill. I just wonder how this is going to look on the top. Is there any talk about making the towers blend into the landscape?
Posted: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
I heard many years ago that nothing, NOTHING, was to be built on Glassford Hill. I see all kinds of towers on it, and car dealerships and apartments sneaking up the side. Sad.
