Prescott Valley council approves Lookout Ridge final plan, pursues stormwater recharge grant, and adopts flag-display policy

The Prescott Valley Town Council on April 20 unanimously adopted three resolutions: a final development plan for Lookout Ridge at Stone Ridge Unit 5, authorization to seek Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) funding for a stormwater recharge pilot project, and an amendment to Town Policy 1-07 setting rules for display of flags on town property.

The council approved the final development plan (FDP 24-007) for Lookout Ridge at Stone Ridge Unit 5, a proposed 11.27-acre subdivision that will contain 19 single-family homes with a minimum lot size of 6,900 square feet. "This is the final development plan for Lookout Ridge at Stoneridge," said Mr. Norlock, a town staff member presenting the item, describing the site's history and surrounding zoning. The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The approval converts a parcel that had been previously planned as a school site into low-density residential lots that the town and the developer say align with the town's general plan and existing infrastructure. The council noted the project’s consistency with a 2019 general-plan amendment and rezoning that changed the site from public land (PL) to R1L to allow for single-family homes.

The council also authorized staff to submit an initial application to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority for $664,358.20 to test a stormwater recharge technology referred to in staff remarks as "parjana." Public works staff described the pilot as two adjacent basins — one control basin and one fitted with the subsurface infiltration shafts — designed to measure whether the technology increases infiltration and reduces evaporative loss by moving water deeper underground. Mr. Wadsworth, a town staff member, said the town’s current expectation is that the WIFA award would be a mix of grant and loan (staff stated an expected split of roughly 40% grant and 60% loan, but said final terms will be set by WIFA). The council voted unanimously to authorize the application; staff said an answer from WIFA could come after the authority’s next ranking and board meeting, possibly in June.

Finally, the council adopted a resolution amending Town Policy 1-07, governing the display of flags on town property. Mr. Legler, a town staff member who presented the policy changes, explained the update was drafted after state and federal court guidance clarified when municipal flag programs can be treated as government speech rather than a public forum; the amended policy aims to provide consistent rules for temporary and permanent flag displays, including reserved language to ensure military service flags may be flown. The resolution passed by unanimous vote.

Other routine business: The consent agenda, described as routine in the staff report, was approved by electronic vote without separate discussion.

What’s next: For the stormwater pilot, staff said application materials will be completed and submitted; the project’s scope, funding split, and possible loan terms will be determined by WIFA if the town is selected. For the Lookout Ridge development, the adopted final development plan and attached conditions become the controlling development approvals; staff will follow up on building permits and required conditions.

Votes at a glance - Resolution adopting Final Development Plan FDP 24-007 (Lookout Ridge at Stone Ridge Unit 5): motion to adopt made on the record; clerk recorded the vote as unanimous (7–0). Outcome: approved. - Resolution authorizing submission of an initial WIFA application for a stormwater recharge pilot project (application amount $664,358.20): motion to authorize; clerk recorded the vote as unanimous (7–0). Outcome: approved. Note: staff described an expected 40% grant / 60% loan split but said WIFA will confirm final terms. - Resolution amending Town Policy 1-07 (Town Facilities Usage — flag displays): motion to adopt; clerk recorded the vote as unanimous (7–0). Outcome: approved. - Consent agenda: adopted by electronic vote; clerk recorded the vote as unanimous (7–0).

Speakers who appeared on these agenda items included Mr. Norlock (town staff member, development presentation), Mr. Wadsworth (town staff member, public works/water presentation), and Mr. Legler (town staff member, policy presentation).