The Surprise City Council held its regular meeting on February 17, 2026, addressing a consent agenda, presentations, public comments, and several action items. The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Riverview Bear Kudas student council. Key highlights included a VFW award presentation to a Surprise fire chief, updates from the Surprise Youth Council, and a significant portion of the meeting devoted to public comments regarding a proposed ICE detention facility on Sweetwater Avenue. The council also approved budget amendments for a Big 12 baseball championship and development agreements for new housing projects.
Twenty-six members of the public spoke during the public comment period, with the vast majority expressing strong opposition to the proposed ICE detention facility on Sweetwater Avenue. Many speakers referenced the city council's earlier letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which they described as insufficient. Several speakers urged stronger action, including moratoriums on detention facility permits and coordination with the Arizona Attorney General.
Vista Montañas Annexation (Case FS25-0291): Staff presented a blank petition to annex two parcels (5.57 acres) south of the CAP Canal along Dixoleta Drive and 79th Avenue roadway alignments. The hearing was a procedural step required within 10 days of the 30-day petition period. No action was taken; the council will hold a final hearing after signatures are collected.
Mesquite Mountain Ranch 5 Development Agreement (Resolution 2026-14): The council approved a development agreement for 265 gross acres south of Deer Valley Road between 231st and 223rd Avenues. The developer's obligations include: paying proportionate shares for two traffic signals on Sun Valley Parkway (at 227th and 219th avenues); improving 227th Avenue from the development's southern edge to Beardsley Road; designing and constructing half-street improvements for Deer Valley Road (shifted south to buffer existing rural residential communities); and addressing water/wastewater infrastructure needs (recharge basin participation or impact fees). Councilmember Haney praised the transparency of the process and the developer's willingness to work with the adjacent rural community.
Big 12 Baseball Championship Tourism Fund (Resolution 2026-25): The council approved a $100,000 budget amendment from general contingency to the tourism fund (funded by hotel tax) to support the Big 12 Baseball Championships in May 2026. The five-day, single-elimination tournament will feature 14 teams and expects 40,000 attendees (50% from outside the Phoenix metro), 3,500 hotel nights, and $3.5 million in economic impact. Funds are reimbursement-based and tied to verified hotel room nights and attendance. Councilmembers expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the Texas Rangers and the potential for future collegiate events in Surprise.
Desert Trails Annexation Intent (Resolution 2026-15): The council approved an intent to annex for a site northeast of Sun Valley Parkway and 219th Avenue (west of Ford Proving Grounds). This is the first of three required hearings; the annexation will allow the applicant to dedicate 55 feet of required future right-of-way per their development agreement.
Cell Tower Ground Lease at Section 10 Pocket Park (Resolution 2026-18): The council approved a 10-year ground lease (with three optional five-year renewals) for a 40 ft x 40 ft cell tower enclosure at the northeast corner of 183rd Avenue and Norwich Drive. The lease will generate $24,000–$33,000 annually with 3% escalations. The tower will improve cell service in underserved northwestern Surprise; Councilmember Haney emphasized the importance of treating cell service as a utility, noting that some residents have had to revert to landlines due to poor coverage.
Future Agenda / Other Business: No councilmember requested items for the future agenda.
Council Reports: No councilmember provided reports.
I thought the next day. All right, good evening, everyone. I'd like to call this uh regular city council meeting on Tuesday, February seventeenth, twenty twenty six to order. Tonight we have an invocation from Pastor McLean. Pastor, if you want to lead us in the vacation, please. Lord, we thank you for this day that you've given to us here in the city of surprise. We thank you, Lord, for all the good gifts you give to us, especially this city. Lord, we pray that this day you would keep all of us safe, especially our police, fire, and emergency personnel. We ask you, Lord, that you would bless this council, the mayor, and all city officials. Let the decisions we make today be pleasing in your sight and would lead this city to be an open, loving, and caring city for all who live and visit it. In your name we pray. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Vice Mayor Greenberg. He has an excuse absence. Councilman Haney. Here. Councilman Duffy. Here. Councilman Melton. Present. Councilman Hastings. Here. Councilman Chad. Here. Thank you, Mayor. We have quorum. Thanks. So tonight we have the Riverview Bear Kudas to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. So go ahead and take it away, please. Did you have anything you wanted to say? Perfect. Come on up. With me are Madison, Mayana, Isabella, and Shreya. We are a group of members committed to leadership, service, and representing the voices of our peers. We hope to continue learning how local government works and how we can contribute in meaningful ways. Thank you for your time and willingness to listen to student council leaders like us. Thank you. Great job. Can we take a picture together? Yeah. Okay. Council can join us. Are we standing? You guys want to come on us on the street like going down because they know it irritates them? We should just disclosure. Yeah, it's me. Awesome. Bruno Mars over here.