Surprise City Council Regular Meeting – September 17, 2025

The Surprise City Council met on September 17, 2025, for a regular meeting. The meeting opened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance led by Sunset Hills Elementary National Junior Honor Society, and presentations from the Surprise Youth Council. The council approved the consent agenda, held a public hearing on a comprehensive sign program for the Asante Trails Commerce Center, and unanimously approved a resolution to reduce the initial business licensing fee. Public comments addressed concerns over Flock safety cameras, microtransit for seniors, and other topics. Council members provided reports on district events and upcoming initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously. (No items were pulled for discussion.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nathan Madden, Second Vice Chair of the Arizona Libertarian Party, urged the council to terminate the contract with Flock Safety and remove all surveillance cameras, citing privacy and constitutional concerns. He noted the cost of approximately $2,500 per camera per year and referenced Sedona's decision to end the program.
• Sheila Shaver (submitted in writing, not present) also expressed opposition to Flock cameras, arguing they constitute warrantless mass surveillance and violate privacy.
• Catherine Ryman (crossroads: Greenway and North Law Cometa) pleaded for the council to find a way to preserve microtransit services for senior citizens and others in need, stating she had raised the issue three months prior with no progress.
• Kevin James (submitted statement, not present) thanked the mayor for a meeting and expressed appreciation for staff unity, indicating he would attend future meetings.
• Alex Hunkrin (crossroads: 75th and Waddell) spoke about the recent death of Charlie Kirk, urging respect for differing beliefs and condemning violence.
• Robert Bochump (crossroads: 163rd and Pat Tillman) thanked Councilman Haney for his district work.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Sign Program for Asante Trails Commerce Center (FS24-1519): Staff presented a proposal to set design standards for signage in the commercial and residential portions of the development located at the southwest corner of 163rd Avenue and Pat Tillman Boulevard. The program includes minor deviations from the sign code, such as a one-square-foot increase in size for residential monument signs. A neighborhood meeting was held on June 23, 2025, with two attendees. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval subject to stipulations A and B. Council questions focused on traffic circulation and sign placement. No public speakers. The council voted unanimously to approve.
• Resolution 2025-11 – Reduction of Business Licensing Fee: The council considered a resolution to reduce the initial business license fee from $168 to $84, effective January 1, 2026. The annual renewal fee of $84 remains unchanged. Council members expressed strong support, noting it lowers barriers for new businesses and aligns with the city's strategic plan. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Comprehensive Sign Program for Asante Trails Commerce Center approved unanimously, subject to stipulations A and B.
• Resolution 2025-11 approved unanimously, reducing initial business licensing fee to $84, effective January 1, 2026.
• Public comments recorded on Flock cameras, microtransit, and other matters; no immediate action taken.
• Council reports included upcoming district meetings, interfaith breakfast, school safety summit, and a request to explore allowing council members to lead the invocation if no one else volunteers.

Additional Notes

• The meeting date as recorded in the official timestamp is September 17, 2025, though the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on September 16, 2025.