Surprise City Council Regular Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Surprise City Council held a regular meeting on March 3, 2026, to consider a major rezoning, a comprehensive sign program, an annexation, the fiscal year 2025 annual audit, and a compliance resolution. The meeting also featured extensive public comment regarding a proposed ICE detention facility in the city.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved seven consent agenda items with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Item 8 (Rezone): Richard Stutzman (219th and Pinnacle Peak) expressed concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure not keeping pace with development, water supply, and flooding issues, stating that roads should be built before homes.
• On the Call to the Public (non-agenda): Over 40 residents spoke, most in opposition to the ICE detention facility purchased by DHS near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road. Speakers cited documented medical neglect, deaths in ICE custody, constitutional violations, potential strain on emergency services, loss of community trust, and harm to tourism. Several speakers called on the council to publicly oppose the facility, use legal tools to stall or block it, and require ICE agents to be unmasked and identifiable. A few speakers expressed support for ICE enforcement, arguing for border security and the rule of law.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – Mesquite Mountain Ranch 5 Rezone (FS24-0765): Staff presented a proposal to rezone approximately 264.9 gross acres south of Deer Valley Road between 223rd and 231st Avenues from Planned Area Development (PAD) to R1 (low density), R2 (medium density), and OS1 (open space). The applicant, Jeff Bliley, stated the current zoning already permits residential development and that the new zoning would cap units at 975, preserve an open space corridor along Five West Wash, and require road improvements including a realigned Deer Valley Road and 227th Avenue. Councilmembers discussed traffic, the width of the wash corridor, wildlife connectivity, water infrastructure, and the unit cap. Councilman Judd expressed concerns that the open space corridor (minimum 150 feet) was too narrow and might not protect wildlife movement. Councilman Haney proposed converting an R2 parcel to R1 and reducing the unit cap further. After extensive debate, the council voted to table the item to April 7, 2026, to allow staff and the applicant to negotiate stipulations regarding the wash corridor, unit cap, and single-story restrictions adjacent to rural residents.
• Item 9 – Comprehensive Sign Program for Multi-Generational Community Resource Center: Staff presented a request to allow a Class 6 monument sign on Santa Fe Drive (a local road) to improve visibility from Grand Avenue. The planning and zoning commission recommended approval. Councilman Melton asked about the sign size and nighttime illumination. The council approved the program subject to standard stipulations.
• Item 10 – Annexation of 5.57 Acres (Vista Montaña): Staff presented a final annexation hearing for two parcels of county land south of the CAP Canal along Dixileta Drive and 179th Avenue to allow half-street improvements. No public comments. Council approved the annexation ordinance.
• Item 11 – FY2025 Annual Audit Presentation: Auditor Brittany Williams of Heinfeld, Meach presented the annual comprehensive financial report, including a clean (unmodified) opinion on financial statements and on federal awards. One significant deficiency was noted related to inadequate documentation of vendor suspension/debarment checks for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which management had already corrected. Council accepted the report, praising the finance team.
• Item 12 – Compliance with ARS 4114 (Training Prohibition): Staff presented a resolution asserting the city has not used public funds for training that presents blame or judgment on the basis of race, ethnicity, or sex. The council approved the resolution unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8 tabled to April 7, 2026, for further negotiations on stipulations.
• Item 9 approved (motion passed).
• Item 10 approved (annexation ordinance 2026-09).
• Item 11 accepted (audit report).
• Item 12 approved (resolution 2026-23).
• Councilman Judd requested a future work session on the rezone process for new members.