Public Meetings - Surprise, Arizona

The Surprise, Arizona, City Council met on 2026-11-03 (the mayor's opening says "Monday, November 2nd"; the supplied meeting timestamp is 2026-11-03 00:58:10 UTC). Mayor Kevin Sarder (as transcribed) presided; Councilmembers Duffy, Melton, Hastings, and Jed were present, and Councilman Haney was excused. The meeting included an invocation, Special Olympics recognition, a fraud-awareness proclamation, a new fire chief's oath, consent-agenda approval, board/commission appointments, public comment, and adjournment to executive session. Consent Calendar - A nine-item consent agenda was presented. No council member pulled an item for discussion. A motion by the Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilman Duffy, passed. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeffrey August (Whitman resident) opposed annexation and the rural residential overlay, saying the overlay "still keeps Surprise in charge" and gives Whitman no voice. He said Whitman residents want incorporation, not annexation, citing 871 notarized letters opposing annexation, an August 2022 incorporation petition total he gave as "933, 993" as transcribed, and 738 signatures in an October 2026 drive. He said the group has pre-filed with the county, will file on January 28, and is "done talking." - Sharon Acratelli supported incorporation, saying Whitman is working with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns and wants to control its own zoning, especially regarding industrial development near 231st Avenue. She said she does not believe Surprise's overlay plan will help. - Elizabeth Oldham said she has opposed Surprise annexing Whitman since the 1990s and hand-carried almost 1,000 signatures against the 2020 general plan. She argued Whitman has had no say for 20+ years, criticized the city's infrastructure planning, referenced 18,000 to 22,000 future truck trips through the 163rd/Grand/303 intersection, and said the city is "20 to 30 years behind" on infrastructure. She also criticized past Mayor Schaefer's BNSF promises and asked that Whitman be allowed to govern itself. - William Buckingham complained that public records requests made since April 7 for records about a taxpayer-funded Washington, D.C., trip to meet with ICE and DHS had not been fulfilled despite three requests. He accused the council of hiding information and violating Arizona open-meetings law, said the mayor stated in mid-April the city would not consider litigation supporting the state of Arizona, and cited diminished-property-value litigation in Romulus, Michigan, as a successful model. He said he had talked to the ombudsman and would go to the ACLU or sue. - Stephen Isles said he came to thank the city rather than complain. He thanked the city for delivering bottled water during a recent Liberty Water equipment/boil-water incident, saying the tap water made him, his wife, and his dog sick. He also thanked the council for communicating on ICE and chemical storage issues, contrasted that with the attorney general ("Chris Mays" as transcribed), and thanked firefighters for help with smoke detectors. - Alex Christ praised the constitutional right to address leaders, encouraged everyone to vote in the next day's election, thanked veterans, congratulated Chief Spurlong, and said socialists and communists should be stopped because their ideas are incompatible with the Constitution. Proclamations and City Manager Reports - Mayor Kevin Sarder proclaimed the week of November 15–21 as International Fraud Awareness Week, established by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in 2000. A representative of the City Auditor's Office encouraged employees to "pause, verify, or ask a question" to protect public resources. - Megan Gladio, adaptive recreation coordinator, reported that Surprise hosted Special Olympics state games with swimming and bocce: 43 local athletes competed and earned bronze, silver, and gold; over 1,000 athletes attended; 24 Surprise athletes are expected to compete in the December Special Olympic State Games. - Surprise Youth Council members Emma Chan and Caden Noble described recent volunteer events and upcoming activities. Caden told Councilman Jed his favorite part was the volunteering. - Judge Dominguez administered the oath of office to new Fire Medical Chief Kevin M. Spurlong; his wife Annette pinned his badge. Chief Spurlong thanked the council and said he had worked in Surprise half his life. Board and Commission Appointments - Councilmember Melton described the appointment process and said many qualified residents applied. - Reappointed Kim Draden to the Public Safety Retirement Commission for police and fire, four-year term expiring June 30, 2030. Motion passed. - Appointed Neil Freiser to the City Audit Committee for a two-year term. Motion passed. - Appointed Stephanie (name transcribed as "Stephanie's logging Odell") to the Board of Trustees for a four-year term expiring June 30, 2030. Motion passed. - The appointees were not present for oath administration, so that was rescheduled. Discussion Items - None. The mayor stated there were no regular agenda items or public hearings. Council Reports and Other Business - Councilman Duffy and Councilman Jed announced a Saturday 9 a.m. community meeting at the Corral near the White Tank Mountains; Councilman Jed also announced a Wednesday 6 p.m. meeting at Head Wright Brewery. - Councilman Hastings encouraged voting, noting that nonvoters in the last presidential election would have formed a "no vote" bloc larger than either major candidate's total. - The Mayor encouraged attendance at the Veterans Day Parade on November 11 at 10 a.m. Key Outcomes - Proclaimed International Fraud Awareness Week (November 15–21). - Administered the oath of office to Fire Medical Chief Kevin M. Spurlong. - Approved the nine-item consent agenda. - Approved/reappointed three board/commission appointees; each motion was recorded as a pass vote, with no individual roll-call tally read in the transcript. - No regular agenda items or public hearings were held. - The council voted to adjourn to executive session, later reconvened, and adjourned.

On Monday, November 2, 2026, the Surprise City Council held an afternoon work session on the proposed incorporation of the Whitman area and Whitman's request for annexation. Mayor Sarder presided; Councilmember Haney was excused and the remaining councilmembers were present, establishing a quorum. The session was informational, and the council took no formal action on annexation or incorporation. Discussion Items - Staff explained that under state statute, the city could either approve a resolution supporting incorporation or follow the annexation provision in A.R.S. § 9-101.01. Because no resolution had been adopted, the city is proceeding with the annexation path. A valid annexation petition would start a 120-day city review; if the city does not act, Whitman proponents could go to the county for incorporation. - The annexation overview included the statutory requirements: a petition signed by more than 50% of property owners and representing 50% or more of assessed property value, contiguity and boundary-shape requirements, public notice, and a 10-year service plan if annexation is approved. Staff noted the city does not proactively seek annexation; annexation requests come from property owners or developers. - Staff described the Whitman proposal as roughly 31.5 square miles. The 2040 General Plan created a rural residential overlay and Desert Rural ("desert role" in the transcript) zoning designation to preserve the area's rural lifestyle, and the overlay also gives the city the ability to comment on incompatible county rezoning in the planning area. - Staff's preliminary concerns included financial sustainability, reliance on state shared revenue, below-market salary figures, a single sheriff for 31.5 square miles, at least three small and one large county island in the proposed boundary, and inclusion of state trust land and BNSF property without the written owner consent required by statute. - Councilmember Judd asked whether any councilmember had requested annexation of Whitman; staff answered no. Judd said Whitman residents he knows do not want annexation, and he believes incorporation would endanger the rural lifestyle, pointing to Surprise's own incorporation in 1960 as an example. He stated the city should make clear it is not trying to annex Whitman. - Councilmember Duffy asked whether BNSF must consent to being included in the proposed boundary. Staff confirmed that large vacant parcels require written property-owner approval and that staff does not know BNSF's position. Duffy concluded the process could not move forward without that consent. - Councilmember Hastings questioned the financial plan, noting it appeared to depend mainly on state shared revenue, budgeted only one sheriff, and listed salaries below current market rates. He asked whether taxes would likely increase and whether failed incorporation could burden Surprise. He said he has no intention of annexing Whitman and supports the Desert Rural overlay as the best protection for the rural lifestyle. - Councilmember Melton said he had difficulty seeing an upside to supporting annexation or incorporation. - Staff cited Santan as the last Arizona city to incorporate. Santan received financial support from Queen Creek, initially $250,000 per month and later $450,000 per month, and had just received its first state shared revenue payment. City staff said Surprise would not be in a position to make that kind of monthly loan because of its capital improvement needs. - Staff also noted the proposed Whitman boundary sits in the middle of Surprise's future planning area, which could affect the city's master plans, roadway connections, development agreements, and long-term strategic growth. - Mayor Sarder explained that because Whitman lies within 3 to 6 miles of existing incorporated city limits, it is considered urbanized, so the statute requires either support resolutions from nearby cities or the annexation process now under review. Key Outcomes - No motion or vote was held on annexation or incorporation; the work session was informational. - Councilmembers expressed consensus that the city is not pursuing annexation of Whitman and that the rural lifestyle should be protected through the Desert Rural overlay and county-comment authority. - Staff will send Whitman's representatives a summary of city and state annexation requirements. If a proper annexation petition is submitted later, the city's 120-day review period would begin. - The council adjourned by unanimous voice vote after a motion and second.

The Surprise City Council held a work session on October 21, 2026, to discuss the city's emergency preparedness related to a hazardous material storage facility, specifically focusing on the existing RinChem facility and its proximity to a proposed 1,500-person federal detention facility. City planning staff and the Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) provided overviews of zoning, fire code compliance, and tiered emergency response systems. Council members unanimously expressed full confidence in SFMD while directing strong criticism toward the federal agency for its lack of emergency planning and communication. Discussion Items - Hazardous Material Storage Facility Background: Staff detailed the entitlement history of the RinChem facility, including its 1996 annexation, a 2020 rezone from I-1 to I-2, a 2022 site plan approval, and a 2024 certificate of occupancy. All approvals met city code requirements at the times they were processed. - Emergency Response and Preparedness: SFMD chiefs described the city's layered hazmat response system, which includes pre-construction code reviews, annual facility inspections, Tier II reporting through ADEQ, Risk Management Plans under the Clean Air Act, Automatic Aid agreements, and Incident Command protocols (upwind/uphill/upstream). Staff emphasized that required safeguards are layered into a facility's design and maintained throughout its life, and that responsible parties execute their own evacuation plans. - Council Concerns on Federal Facility Siting: Councilman Duffy expressed alarm over the 400-foot proximity of a proposed federal detention facility to the chemical storage site, stating, “This should not be in that spot.” Vice Mayor Greenberg speculated that the detention facility’s lack of an evacuation plan would lead to staff abandoning the building. The Mayor stated that the federal action bypasses all city zoning and ordinance requirements, limiting the city's enforcement options. - Federal Agency Communication Failure: Staff confirmed no emergency operations plan had been received from the federal agency despite requests. Councilman Hastings expressed frustration, noting the city had escalated concerns to federal elected officials. Councilman Haney emphasized that limiting first responders’ access to information severely impacts their ability to protect themselves and the public. - Risk Profile, Regional Coordination, and Other Hazards: Councilman Judd inquired about other hazmat risks in the city and the use of plume modeling. Councilman Melton asked about coordination with neighboring cities (e.g., El Mirage) through the regional automatic aid system. Councilman Haney led a discussion on risk management (risk a lot to save a lot) and the importance of pre-incident planning for high-life-hazard occupancies such as senior living facilities. Key Outcomes - No Formal Action: As a work session, no binding motions or resolutions were passed on the substantive safety issue. - Direction on Advocacy: Council agreed to continue aggressively pressing the federal agency for a comprehensive emergency plan and operational transparency regarding the proposed detention facility. - Expression of Support: Councilmembers reiterated strong support for the professionalism and readiness of the SFMD. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned via a unanimous voice vote.

The regular city council meeting began with an invocation by Miss Valenzuela, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Valley Vista High School's Purple Star Club and Youth Government Club. City Manager Davis introduced two Surprise Youth Council members, Mila Witt and David Thompson, who reported on upcoming community events. The clerk provided an election update, noting early voting hours and locations. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar of seven items. Consent Calendar - All seven items approved without discussion or pull. Neighborhood Grant Program (Item 8) Seth Dysonway presented the Neighborhood Grant Program recommendations for fiscal year 2027. The subcommittee on community outreach partnerships and grants (Chair Judd, Councilmembers Haney and Duffy) recommended funding all four applications totaling $10,000 from the grant program budget. Projects included events in Homestead at Marley Park, Royal Ranch, City Center, and Sierra Montana. Councilmember Judd praised the projects and suggested increasing future funding. The motion to accept the recommendations passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeffrey August (President of Capus Rural, representing Whitman residents) clarified that Whitman seeks incorporation, not annexation. He stated they have 738 signatures and requested a formal city council response and placement on an agenda. He noted a work session scheduled for November 2nd to discuss the matter. - Charles Makula (Whitman resident) urged support for incorporation, arguing for local control over zoning, roads, and other services. - Sharon Accratelli (Whitman resident) expressed frustration over the city's inaction, asking why Surprise has not supported incorporation. She feared the city intends to use Whitman land for warehouses. - Lori Hendershot (Whitman resident) recounted four years of efforts to incorporate, stating residents love the rural life and dark skies. She asked the council to permit incorporation. - Alex Christ (Surprise resident) praised the Surprise Fire Department and encouraged resident participation in the upcoming election. - Brent Peak (North Phoenix resident) expressed concern about the ICE detention facility and adjacent Rinchem warehouse. He criticized the lack of emergency planning from DHS and GardaWorld and noted that a chemical risk management plan shows a hazardous zone of 2.7 miles affecting 73,000 people. He urged the council to investigate whether the site is suitable for mass detention. - William Buckingham (Surprise resident) criticized the mayor and council for their handling of the ICE facility. He claimed a $300,000 home near the facility could lose $60,000 in value. He stated he had made three public records requests for documents from the March DC trip but received no response, and accused the city clerk and manager of not following the law. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The Neighborhood Grant Program recommendations were approved unanimously. - A work session on the Whitman incorporation request is scheduled for November 2, 2026. - Councilmembers reported on upcoming community meetings: Councilmember (district 1) at Asante Heritage; Vice Mayor on water meetings; Councilmember Melton meeting at Sun Village on October 28; Councilmember Hastings anniversary mention; Councilmember Judd and Duffy hosting a meeting on November 7 at The Corral. - The meeting adjourned.

The Surprise City Council held a work session on October 20, 2026, to review the RIMCEM chemical distribution facility's approval history and the city's hazardous materials preparedness, fire code compliance, emergency response, and emergency management systems. Council members thanked fire staff for the presentation but raised safety concerns about a planned 1,500-person federal detention facility near the chemical facility, particularly the absence of a shared emergency plan from federal authorities. Entitlement and Zoning History - City staff member Trevor said the RIMCEM site entered the city through a 1996 annexation. - In 2020, the property was rezoned from light industrial I1 to general industrial I2 through a public hearing approved by the City Council. - In 2022, a site plan was approved for warehouse distribution and outdoor storage; the facility was designed for chemical distribution, not converted later. - A building permit was issued in 2022, construction passed inspections, and a certificate of occupancy was issued in 2024. Fire Code and Hazardous Materials Compliance - Fire department staff explained the pre-construction review of proposed materials, storage methods, and fire code requirements, including control areas, spill control, secondary containment, sprinklers, alarms, ventilation, gas detection, and explosion control. - SFMD conducts periodic inspections and intends to perform comprehensive annual walkthroughs, guided by NFPA 1730. - Assistant Chief Cody Warrell described federal reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act: Tier II reports must be filed annually through ADEQ and are shared with the state, county LEPC, and local fire department. - Facilities with extremely hazardous chemicals above thresholds must also comply with the EPA Risk Management Program under the Clean Air Act, including a risk management plan updated at least every five years. Emergency Response and Emergency Management - Fire operations staff described a layered response: first-arriving companies assess the hazard and isolate the area, hazmat technicians provide specialized monitoring, PPE, entry, leak control, containment, and decontamination, and regional automatic aid can expand the response. - Firefighters train with regional hazmat teams and conduct pre-incident familiarization walkthroughs. - Emergency management coordinates with the incident commander to verify information, issue public alerts, and activate the Emergency Operations Center for larger incidents. Alert tools include the Wireless Emergency Alert system, RAVE reverse 911, city website, social media, and coordinated media briefings. Council Discussion and Concerns - Councilman Duffy said the planned federal detention facility is roughly 300 to 400 feet from the chemical facility, questioned why a building housing people would be allowed so close, and noted the city has not received an emergency plan from DHS. The Mayor confirmed no emergency plan has been received and said the city has been advocating in Washington and with federal officials, but the federal action does not have to comply with local zoning. - Councilman Judd asked about other hazardous materials sites, tier reporting, chemical deliveries by truck, plume modeling, and evacuation coordination with schools and nearby facilities. Fire staff said all facilities are required to have at least an evacuation plan. - Vice Mayor Greenberg raised concerns about trucks parked near the facility as an attractive nuisance and worried about evacuation behavior if an incident occurred. - Councilman Melton asked about coordination with El Mirage and thanked staff. - Councilman Haney asked about the fire service risk management model and the importance of pre-planning and information sharing for protecting first responders. Fire staff described the model: risk a lot to save savable lives, risk a little to save a little, risk nothing to save nothing. - Councilman Hastings praised the department's professionalism and the motto always there, always ready. Key Outcomes - The work session was informational; no policy votes were taken. - Council members expressed continued concern about the lack of federal emergency planning information and signaled they will continue advocating for the city's safety needs. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 2, 2026, to receive a comprehensive update on development activity, community development operations, and transportation improvements across the city. The meeting began with staff introductions and the approval of the 2027 meeting calendar. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda (motion carried with six votes in favor). - The commission unanimously approved the 2027 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting calendar (motion carried with six votes in favor). Discussion Items - Staff Introductions: Assistant City Manager introduced new Community Development Director Mindy Davis (28+ years experience in Phoenix) and new Planner I Aiden Murray (a Surprise native, graduate of ASU, previously a code enforcement intern). - Development Activity Update: Trevor Fleetham and other staff presented an overview of planning and zoning activity, noting a decline in cases due to administrative approvals and market conditions. Key statistics for fiscal year 2026 included: - 4 preliminary plats approved covering 992 lots. - 38 final plats (26 residential, 12 commercial) with just under 1,500 platted lots. - Community Development generated approximately $15.9 million in revenue. - Building plan reviews: 14,039 completed with a 99% on-time rate. - Permits issued: 2,020 single-family, 27 multifamily, 180 condominium/townhome, 391 pool, and 255 commercial permits (573,000 sq ft, $65.6 million valuation). - 210 tenant improvement permits ($50.5 million valuation). - 44,533 building safety inspections (avg. 17 per inspector). - Code enforcement opened 6,234 cases, resolved 6,245, completed 15,810 inspections, removed 1,300 illegal signs, and a cleanup event collected nearly 10 tons of trash and 83 tires. - Transportation Improvements: Stephen Chang presented road projects by district, including completed, under construction, and planned roads, as well as new traffic signals. Notable projects: 163rd Avenue extension, Happy Valley Road bond project (60% design), and new signals at multiple intersections. Commissioner Holland raised a safety concern about visibility at Greenway and Saroval due to a fence on a well site; staff noted future road narrowing will improve sight lines. Commissioner Everett asked about making the presentation publicly available; staff confirmed it will be part of the meeting record on the city website. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the consent agenda. - Unanimous approval of the 2027 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting calendar. - No non-agenda public comments or future business items. - Meeting adjourned.

Note on date: The meeting began on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, per the opening remarks. The timestamp provided for this summary indicates September 16, 2026, possibly due to the meeting extending past midnight. The summary uses the date given in the instruction. Opening & Ceremonial Items - The meeting was called to order with an invocation by Rosie Ruiz and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Dysart High School student government. The student council vice president, Esmeralda Escobal, invited the mayor and council to participate in homecoming events. - A proclamation was read by the mayor declaring September 17–23, 2026, as Constitution Week, in recognition of the 239th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution attended. City Manager Reports - DHS Facility Update: The city continues to update its webpage (SurpriseAZ.gov/DHS) regarding the proposed DHS facility. - Youth Council Reports: Riker Yeager (junior, Shadow Ridge High School) reported on the Youth Council's selection to represent Surprise at the National League of Cities City Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, and their upcoming participation in a Meals of Hope event packing 25,000 meals and the Fiesta Grande event on October 10. Chloe Alessna (sophomore, Highland Prep High School) highlighted a teen game night, a community arts initiative, and the Meals of Hope volunteer event. - Economic Development – Cheesecake Factory Announcement: Economic Development Director Janine Dyrkovich, in a playful "Mission: Impossible"-themed presentation, announced that after six consecutive years as the top requested restaurant in the city's retail survey, The Cheesecake Factory is officially coming to Surprise. The announcement included a photo opportunity with council members wearing sunglasses. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (five items) was approved unanimously without discussion. Discussion & Action Items - Item 6 – Asante Trails Comprehensive Sign Program Amendment (Case FS251042): Staff presented a request to incorporate Lot 3 of the Asante Trails development into the existing sign program, with two deviations: reducing the required 150-foot monument sign separation to 100 feet, and increasing the maximum wall sign area for the grocery tenant from 1.5 to 2.5 square feet per lineal foot of building frontage on the southern elevation. A neighborhood meeting had one attendee; no public opposition was received. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Councilman Haney clarified that the signs would match existing ones. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 7 – Minor General Plan Amendment for Happy Valley Road BizTech Park (Case FS251081, Resolution 2026-127): A request to change 7.52 acres from Neighborhood Character Area to Commerce and Office Character Area for a flex-space business park near 157th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. The applicant cited upcoming infrastructure improvements (Happy Valley Road widening and 155th Avenue interchange). After initial opposition from adjacent property owners, a second neighborhood meeting resolved concerns, and a formal protest letter was rescinded. Planning and Zoning recommended approval. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 8 – Rezone for Happy Valley Road BizTech Park (Case FS251081, Ordinance 2026-18): Accompanying rezone from Rural Residential to C-3 Regional Commercial with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay. The PUD overlay allows a reduced east-side setback of 15 feet (instead of 45 feet) in anticipation of a future commercial rezone of adjacent land. The applicant, Adam Baugh, noted the need for small business employment space in the area and emphasized the project's open space amenity. Councilman Haney spoke in support, citing traffic improvements and local business needs. Motion carried unanimously. - Item 9 – Liquor License Recommendation (Application 406712): Staff recommended approval of a new Series 10 liquor license for Carioca Shell 7 at 13935 West Practice Road. Motion to recommend approval carried unanimously. - Item 10 – First Amendment to Willow Trails Water Agreement (Resolution 2026-104): The amendment modifies the water line obligation for the Willow Trails development (175th Avenue and Deer Valley Road). The developer will now install a 16-inch water line under Grand Avenue via boring (no road closure), serving both the development and the city's Northwest Operations Center (including a future DEMA facility, Fire Station 310, and the SPA 3 wastewater plant). The city will pay $1 million as a benefited property. Completion expected by summer 2028. Council noted the benefit of an emergency interconnect with Liberty's water system. Motion carried unanimously. Call to the Public (11 speakers) - Marsha Hill: Expressed strong opposition to any Islamic schools, centers, or mosques in Surprise, stating Islam is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution. She urged the council to keep the city free from what she described as an advancing program. - Linda Landry (25-year resident): Requested removal or tightening of the city code exemption allowing utility trailers to park on streets for up to 72 hours twice a month. She cited a neighbor's enclosed trailer parked excessively (45 times in 2025, 30 times in 2026) and said police and HOA had not resolved it. Councilman Judd referred her to Assistant City Manager Jeff Ravens. - Kayla Bishop (resident near Bell & Reems): Criticized the council for not paying attention to speakers and for not taking proactive action against DHS and ICE. She reported that two community members have been taken by ICE and urged the council to prioritize prevention. She also noted the previous meeting's thorough discussion on battery storage safety and questioned why a similar approach was not taken for the DHS facility. - Lori Hendershot (Whitman resident, 17 years): Spoke in favor of incorporating Whitman to preserve its rural character, dark skies, and open range. She noted many snowbirds cannot vote in an incorporation election. - Jeffrey August (President of Keep Us Rural LLC, Whitman): Requested the council place a resolution to discuss incorporation on the October 6 agenda. He presented a first-year budget and municipal plan, delivered to the city earlier that day. He reported 639 signatures on an online petition supporting incorporation. - Sharon Architelli (Whitman resident since 2008): Supported incorporation to maintain an R-1 zoning (one home per acre), allowing rural businesses, horse boarding, and roping tourism. She emphasized the importance of keeping Whitman's lifestyle. - Jim Kirk (Whispering Ranch area, Whitman): Presented a different perspective, arguing that cities should not grow indefinitely. He advocated for limits on municipal size (e.g., 100,000 people) and suggested that division into smaller communities can increase accountability. He supported Whitman's right to self-determination. - Scott Bennick (Patton Road & 233rd): Supported incorporation to preserve the rural feel, space, and ability to have RVs and gardens. He cited encroachment from BNSF and nearby development. - Laura Makula (Grand & Deer Valley Road, Whitman): Moved to Whitman in 2021 to escape city life. She supports incorporation to keep one-acre zoning and low crime. She offered contracting help to the Keep Us Rural group. - David Pieseki (Paradise, Cactus & 303 area, 21-year resident): Urged the council to reconsider mass surveillance technology like Flock (ALPR cameras), sharing a story from Arkansas where a license plate misread led to a family being held at gunpoint. He emphasized that behind each plate are real people and that technology errors can have severe consequences. He supported the decision to end the Flock relationship but asked that the cameras be removed and that future systems respect the Fourth Amendment. Council Comments & Future Agenda Items - Councilman Judd: Requested a future work session to review and potentially strengthen the city's animal cruelty ordinance, following incidents in his district. - Councilman Hastings: Thanked the Surprise Police Employee Association for their service. - Vice Mayor Queenberg: Announced district meetings in early October. - Councilman Haney: Announced a community meeting on September 28 at 6 p.m. at Asante Library. - Mayor Sarter: Thanked staff for the successful ribbon cutting of the new community center and commended the team's leadership. - Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - All action items (items 6–10) were approved unanimously. - The council directed staff to review the Whitman incorporation packet and report back within two weeks to determine if it can be placed on a future agenda. - Councilman Judd's request for a future work session on animal cruelty ordinances was noted; no formal vote taken. - The city's economic development team announced The Cheesecake Factory's arrival to Surprise, a culmination of years of resident requests.

The Surprise, Arizona City Council held a work session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The council heard a Chamber of Commerce update, reviewed the FY2026 financial status report through June 2026, and received the annual Surprise Arts update. A quorum was present; two council members were excused. No formal votes were taken. Discussion Items Chamber of Commerce Update - Chamber representatives reported 49 new businesses from Surprise have joined or gotten involved, up from the previously reported 48, and that 102 active chamber members are based in Surprise. - The chamber reported a 20% overall membership increase, adding 287 members, with totals of 1,100 members, 10,000 people gathered across 100+ events, and 33,000 in media reach across all platforms in the past year. - Three chamber board members are based in Surprise. The chamber has launched a President's Leadership Council under its foundation, with about 20 participants, including Chanel Coons of Desert Lights. - Upcoming chamber events include a board and council dinner at Sun Health Colonnade next Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with nearly 20 regional council members registered, and an event at HeadWright Brewing Company in Surprise. - Council Member Patrick Duffy attended the chamber's meeting last month and expressed satisfaction with the chamber's work. - The chamber cited Avondale and Goodyear as comparable cities at a higher level and noted it handles ribbon cuttings for those cities. It also offered to host its training academy at Spark Surprise. - A council member asked how the chamber would support Spark Surprise and City Center as it starts up, and requested information comparing city investments in small business organizations such as the Arizona Small Business Association and Westmark with the benefits local businesses receive. The chamber acknowledged some benefits are not directly quantifiable and offered to look at investment data. - The mayor thanked the chamber, saying Surprise's numbers were close to tripling what they had before, and asked for future comparisons with other cities and Surprise-specific engagement breakdowns. - A council member complimented networking events such as Midday Mingle for encouraging business leaders to support one another and build community, not just generate leads. - A council member stressed the city does not operate in silos; while initially concerned the chamber work might contradict the city's Economic Development team, he now wants the partnership to complement existing economic development efforts and support small businesses. FY2026 Financial Status Report - Finance Director Simmons presented the year-end financial status report through June 2026, including major revenue and expenditure trends. - Simmons said the report uses the departments' January estimated budgets to forecast the ending fund balance for the next fiscal year. - He stated that a $5 million budget was higher than it should have been and that staff are currently analyzing which departments account for the $1.1 million figure. - In an FTE discussion, staff explained that vacancy savings are one-time: once a position is filled, the next fiscal year includes a full year of salary expense. Public safety hiring and training timing, plus employee benefit selections, make forecasting difficult. - Council and staff discussed using six months of vacancy savings for one-time capital projects rather than committing it to ongoing revenue, since the savings disappear once the position is filled. - The council asked to set up a follow-up meeting to continue the discussion. Surprise Arts Update - Staff presented the annual Surprise Arts update, highlighting the launch of the Roots of Creation Festival and the Surprise Arts Presents series. - Staff reminded the council that consultants had said spring 2026 shows were very unlikely, but the programs launched. The first Surprise Arts Presents performance, featuring Sons of Serendip, is scheduled for September 26. - The arts program reported a 100% increase in newsletter followers, noting it previously had no newsletter or social media. - Public art traffic cabinets have expanded significantly since the last update. Artwork is sent to fabricators locally or in other states depending on cost and quality. - The community was offered seven public art options and selected Expressions in Full Bloom by Taysha Harrison, part of OLA, a multi-city West Valley project. Public art is concentrated at City Center. - Surprise Arts provided 400 complimentary tickets to veterans for Surprise Arts Presents shows and supported 97 professional artists, arts organizations, and small businesses. - Staff described the Roots of Creation Festival as different from a typical vendor/booth arts festival. Staff said for now programming will be done twice a year. - A council member asked about arts membership cost and signup information. - Council members praised the public art at the pool and baseball facility and noted that volunteers came from across the valley, which helps increase viewership through word of mouth. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session. - Council directed staff to set up a follow-up meeting on the financial report details, including FTE vacancy savings and possible one-time capital project uses. - Council requested future chamber updates include comparable metrics with other cities and more Surprise-specific engagement data, while continuing to coordinate with the city's Economic Development team. - The Surprise Arts update was received for information; no formal action was taken.

The Surprise City Council held a regular meeting on September 2, 2026, addressing multiple agenda items including rezoning proposals, a battery energy storage system ordinance, a development agreement, a tourism fund budget amendment, and public comments on the DHS facility, Flock cameras, and Whitman incorporation. The meeting began with opening ceremonies and reports from the Surprise Youth Council. Key decisions included approval of two major rezoning projects, adoption of a BESS text amendment with a 100-500 foot separation range, and approval of a commercial development agreement. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda consisting of seven routine items without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony (Call to the Public) - Multiple speakers addressed the proposed DHS processing facility, demanding stronger action and transparency. Residents expressed frustration with the city’s response, citing lack of a safety plan and legal boundaries. - A speaker criticized the mayor’s initial openness but claimed the council has since restricted public input. - Residents from Whitman requested the council place incorporation on the next agenda, emphasizing the community's financial expertise and desire for self-governance. - A speaker warned against replacing Flock cameras with more advanced ALPR systems and questioned campaign contributions to councilmembers. - Concern was raised about police department transparency and potential adoption of Axon technology. Discussion Items Surprise 160 Rezone (Ordinance 2026-14) - Staff presented a rezone of approximately 160 acres from Rural Residential to R2 Medium Density Residential at the southwest corner of Deer Valley Road and 231st Avenue. The project, called Surprise 160, is consistent with the General Plan and located within the 0-6 band of the Luke Air Force Base graduated density concept. Maximum potential units: 960, but actual yields will be lower due to development constraints. - A development agreement approved in August requires the applicant to contribute to traffic signals at Sun Valley Parkway, provide two access points, and construct water/wastewater infrastructure including a well site and 12-inch water line on 231st Avenue. - A citizen participation meeting on January 14, 2026 had one attendee; concerns included transportation, drainage, and growth. - The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with stipulations. Council discussion centered on preserving the open space wash area and the role of development agreements in ensuring off-site improvements. - Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote). Buena Vista Ranch Rezone (Ordinance 2026-15) - Staff presented a rezone of approximately 422 acres at the northwest corner of 227th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak from Buena Vista Ranch PAD and Rural Residential to multiple current LDO districts (R3, R2, R1, Open Space, I2). The site spans all three bands of the graduated density concept. - The development agreement (approved in August) requires contributions to Foothills Boulevard, 227th Avenue, a traffic signal, water infrastructure (SPA3 recharge basin, well site), and wastewater capacity. - A citizen participation meeting on January 28, 2025 had 10 attendees; concerns included density, access, trails, and infrastructure. - The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. The applicant noted that the rezone aligns with existing entitlements and that development will occur in phases as Surprise Foothills Boulevard extends north. - Council discussion clarified that the council’s zoning discretion is limited to categories; a development agreement expands city benefits beyond code requirements. - Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote). Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Text Amendment (Ordinance 2026-10) - Staff presented a proposed overlay district for utility-scale BESS facilities. The draft ordinance included definitions, a rezoning process with site plan approval, development standards (8-12 foot wall, 150-foot internal setback from property line to wall), and separation distances from existing residential dwellings. - Three separation options were presented: 100 feet, 500 feet, and 1,000 feet from existing residential property lines (in addition to the 150-foot internal setback). - Public comment was extensive: speakers from Vets Forward, Solar United Neighbors, the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, Western Way, Key Capture Energy, and individual residents overwhelmingly supported the 100-foot recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission, citing improved technology, safety, grid reliability, and economic benefits. An APS representative suggested a 100-500 foot range to allow the industry to earn trust over time. - Council debate focused on legal risk, consistency, and protection of existing homes. Some members favored a variable range (100-500 feet), while others preferred a fixed number. A motion to amend to a 100-250 foot range failed 2-5. - Vote: The original motion for a variable separation distance of 100 to 500 feet passed (voice vote). Alexandria Way Development Agreement (Resolution 2026-118) - Staff presented a development agreement for Prasada East, approximately 10 acres south of Waddell Road and east of Sarival Avenue. Proposed tenants include a specialty grocer (likely Whole Foods), Flower Child, and Barnes & Noble. - The city will construct Alexandria Way and 161st Drive improvements costing up to $4 million (budgeted FY25-27), with the developer reimbursing the city over 10 years with interest. Improvements include a traffic signal at Alexandria and Sarival and 900 linear feet of roadway. - Construction mobilization is expected within 60 days, with the first tenant opening late 2026 and the grocer in early 2028. - Vote: Approved unanimously. Tourism Fund Budget Amendment – Desert Fall Festival (Resolution 2026-124) - Staff requested a $30,000 budget amendment from general contingency to the tourism fund to support the Desert Fall Festival, a seasonal event at Surprise City Center scheduled September 25 to November 1, 2026. - The festival is expected to attract 50,000–60,000 attendees from multiple states, generate over 1,000 hotel room nights, and have an economic impact of $3–5 million. The applicant is investing over $1 million of their own funds. Reimbursement is tied to verified hotel nights and attendance. - Vote: Approved unanimously. Liquor License Recommendation (Agenda Item 13) - Council voted to recommend approval of liquor license application 404665 by Eurosaba Macris to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. - Vote: Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved two rezonings (Surprise 160 and Buena Vista Ranch) with development agreements requiring significant off-site infrastructure. - Adopted a BESS text amendment allowing battery energy storage facilities through an overlay district, with a 100-500 foot separation distance from existing residential (in addition to a 150-foot internal setback). - Approved the Alexandria Way Development Agreement for a major commercial project in Prasada East. - Approved a $30,000 tourism fund budget amendment for the Desert Fall Festival. - Recommended approval of a liquor license. - Council directed staff to schedule a work session on parks code updates and a review of the Land Development Ordinance, including planned area developments (PADs). - Whitman residents formally requested incorporation; staff will provide additional information for future discussion.