Surprise City Council Regular Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Surprise City Council convened on June 17, 2026, for a regular meeting that included presentations, public comments, and votes on several items. Key topics included the reappointment of commission members, approval of liquor licenses, the appointment of a new city auditor, updates on regional transportation projects, property tax levies, and a detailed discussion on proposed zoning for battery energy storage systems. The meeting also featured extensive public comments regarding a proposed DHS ICE detention facility and a nearby chemical storage plant.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (17 items) unanimously via voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• ICE Detention Facility & Chemical Safety (Multiple speakers): Numerous residents expressed strong opposition to the proposed DHS ICE detention center on Sweetwater Avenue, citing environmental, public health, and moral concerns. Speakers highlighted the proximity of the Rinchem chemical storage facility, which stores hazardous chemicals including hydrochloric acid, and the potential for a mass casualty event. They demanded the city conduct an independent risk assessment, develop shelter-in-place plans for schools, and provide regular updates. Several speakers criticized the council's silence and lack of action, with some calling for recalls. A few speakers also made anti-Muslim remarks unrelated to the main issues.
• Community Champion: Christine Pritchard was recognized for her service on the Dysart Governing Board.

Discussion Items

• Commission Reappointments: Five individuals were reappointed to various commissions (Veterans Disability and Human Services, Board of Trustees, Judicial Selection Advisory, Audit Committee) all approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Liquor Licenses: Three new liquor licenses were approved: Southern Steer Butcher (Series 10), Circle K store #9628 (Series 10), and Park at Surprise (Series 7). All passed unanimously.
• City Auditor Appointment: Kathleen Davis was appointed as city auditor effective August 3, 2026, following a committee process. The vote was unanimous. Davis expressed commitment to transparency and accountability.
• MAG Update – North Surprise Traffic Interchanges: Representatives from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and ADOT presented an update on two major projects: the US 60/Grand Avenue corridor (Deer Valley Road to Loop 303) and the Loop 303 at 155th Avenue traffic interchange. Construction funding for the Loop 303 interchange has been accelerated to fiscal year 2028, and the US 60 project has been combined and accelerated to fiscal year 2031, representing over half a billion dollars in investment. Council members praised the progress and noted extensive public engagement.
• Property Tax Levies: Approved Resolution 2026-98 levying primary property taxes at 0.5534 per $100 and secondary at 0.3880 per $100 for FY2027, and Resolution 2026-97 levying up to $1.20 per $100 for street light improvement districts. Both passed unanimously via roll call.
• Financial Status Report: Presented by finance staff, showing general fund revenues 0.3% above budget and expenditures 1.5% below budget through March 2026. Council noted a decrease in permitting and inspections fees and franchise fees.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Zoning Amendment (Continuation): Council continued discussion on establishing a BESS overlay zone. Staff recommended a 1,500-foot separation from existing residential dwellings, a 5-megawatt cap for commercial accessory uses, and a conditional use permit requirement. Council members expressed divergent views: some favored larger buffers (e.g., 1,500 feet), others argued for industry standards (100 feet), while others sought a middle ground (500–1,000 feet). After debate, council directed staff to bring back three options for setbacks (100, 500, and 1,000 feet) for further consideration, along with a 5-megawatt cap and elimination of the conditional use permit in favor of an overlay. The item is expected to return in August or September.

Key Outcomes

• Commission reappointments approved unanimously.
• Liquor licenses approved unanimously.
• City auditor appointed unanimously.
• Property tax levies approved unanimously.
• BESS zoning amendment directed to return with three setback options (100, 500, 1,000 feet), 5-megawatt cap, and overlay approach; action anticipated in August 2026.
• Future agenda item requested: Councilman Duffy requested a future presentation on emergency planning for a catastrophic event at the Rinchem chemical facility, given its proximity to schools.