Public Meetings - Surprise, Arizona

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on Thursday, August 6, 2026, and continued into the early hours of August 7, 2026, matching the provided timestamp. The meeting focused on a proposed zoning text amendment (ZTA FS23-1041) for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The commission heard public testimony and deliberated on appropriate separation distances before voting to recommend approval with a 100-foot setback from existing dwellings. Consent Calendar - The July 16, 2026, planning and zoning commission meeting minutes were tabled to the next meeting due to the absence of two commissioners who had been present at the previous meeting (Commissioner Leonard and Vice Chair Spada had excused absences). A motion to table passed with four votes in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Johnson (landowner in Surprise) expressed support for the 100-foot setback, arguing that larger setbacks (500, 1,000, 1,500 feet) do not account for substation requirements and are inconsistent with NFPA standards and other jurisdictions. He noted that the city would benefit from tax revenue and that the 100-foot setback is realistic. - Matthew Ragsdale (Key Capture Energy) supported the 100-foot setback, citing NFPA and Fire and Risk Alliance recommendations as the baseline. - Autumn Johnson (Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association) supported a setback of no more than 150 feet based on national best practices, and recommended incorporating a waiver provision similar to Goodyear's ordinance to allow flexibility with a plume study. She thanked staff for clarifying that the ordinance applies to utility-scale systems, not customer-sited systems. - Kimberly Fadul (retired teacher, West Valley resident) expressed support for clean energy and the 100-foot setback, emphasizing the need for reliable power during hot summers and cleaner air. - Christiana Fadul Pepper (Buckeye resident, but with ties to Surprise) supported the 100-foot setback, aligned with Maricopa County and NFPA standards, and urged the commission to base decisions on current technology. - Jessica Perry (APS Public Affairs Manager) supported the 100-foot setback and also suggested considering Goodyear's model with a plume study option for larger setbacks. She emphasized that BESS is essential for grid reliability. - Manel Gutierrez (Veterans Bower America) supported the 100-foot setback, noting that clean energy projects create jobs for veterans and provide reliable power. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Chris (staff) provided a timeline of the ZTA process, including outreach meetings in January 2025 and 2026, work sessions with the commission and city council, and council's direction to provide three separation options: 1,000 feet, 500 feet, or 100 feet from existing dwellings. The proposed ordinance creates a Battery Overlay Zone with a 150-foot setback from the property line to the perimeter wall, plus an additional separation from existing dwellings. Staff clarified that the overlay zone cannot be combined with other overlay districts and that the 100-foot separation is a siting criterion at the time of zoning entitlement. - Commissioner Perry: Expressed strong support for the 100-foot setback, noting economic benefits (stable grid for TSMC and other growth) and that the combined 150-foot wall setback plus 100-foot dwelling separation equals 250 feet, which is reasonable. He thanked staff for their work. - Commissioner Holland: Focused on safety, referencing an EPA evacuation recommendation of 330 feet from equipment. He liked the Goodyear model (330 feet to residential, reducible to 150 feet with a plume study). He expressed concern that the language "existing dwelling" could allow a BESS facility to be sited next to undeveloped residential lots, bypassing the buffer. He ultimately supported the 100-foot setback as adequate for safety and accommodation of existing landowners. - Commissioner Everett: Supported the 100-foot setback, arguing that NFPA standards should be applied consistently. He contrasted BESS with gas stations (which have more fires but no special setbacks) and emphasized grid reliability and tax revenue. He noted that some council members had not toured a BESS facility. - Commissioner Bash: Supported the 100-foot setback but asked whether the setback would hamstring property owners wishing to build accessory dwelling units. Staff clarified it would not. Key Outcomes - Motion: Commissioner Perry moved to recommend approval of ZTA FS23-1041 to the mayor and city council with a separation distance of 100 feet from existing dwelling units. The motion was seconded and passed with five votes in favor (Commissioners Perry, Holland, Everett, Bash, and Chair Chapman; Commissioners Leonard and Spada were absent). - Next Steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the city council for a final decision on September 1, 2026.

Mayor Kevin Sartor called the regular meeting to order at 0:57 AM on August 5, 2026, following a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Surprise Youth Council. The Youth Council then presented their recent activities and committee goals. Youth Council Presentation - Emma Tran, SYC Parliamentarian, reported the youth council packed 293 boxes at Feed My Serving Children, providing 5,062 meals. They are preparing for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference. - Ava Lucero, first-year member, described four committees: Community Impact (connecting with local teens), Teen Life (planning events), Youth Development, and Outreach (bringing together teens, children, and seniors). Consent Calendar - Approved 11 consent agenda items unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony (During Agenda Items) - Items 12–16 (Liquor Licenses): Multiple speakers expressed opposition to routine city business until the mayor and council publicly address the proposed ICE detention center. David Israel (Peoria), Jeremy Helfgott (Phoenix), Mary Hendricks, Taylor Bone (Coyote Lakes), Miguel Ramirez (Glendale), Josh Calvert (Army veteran), and Jason Chavez called for transparency and action on the facility. Jeremy Helfgott also raised concerns about enforcement resources for liquor regulations. All applications (Vogue Bistro, The Grove, Arizona Traditions Golf Club, Great Eagle Golf Club, Circle K) were approved unanimously. - Item 17 (Rezone at 163rd Ave & Happy Valley Road): Jeremy Helfgott proposed a policy requiring a public safety offset for new developments to fund police and fire resources. Applicant Matt Stevenson stated the rezone would allow a Terrible’s gas station and car wash, with additional commercial uses under consideration. Approved. Discussion Items - Item 18 (Election Results): Resolution 2026-109 declaring the July 21 primary election results approved. - Item 19 (Community Outreach Grants): The subcommittee (Chair Judd, Councilors Duffy and Haney) recommended funding 33 of 57 nonprofits with $150,000 from the FY2027 budget. Councilors highlighted the impact of these grants. Approved. - Item 20 (Broadstone Ranch PADA): Fifth amendment extended the pre-annexation development agreement term to December 31, 2031, to allow time for water/wastewater infrastructure planning. Approved. - Item 21 (Surprise 160 Development Agreement): Agreement for 160 acres at SW corner of 231st Ave & Deer Valley Road. Developer must provide assured water supply, pay for traffic signals, and contribute to water/wastewater infrastructure. Councilman Judd questioned water supply assurances; staff clarified the developer demonstrates groundwater availability and city handles replenishment. Approved. - Item 22 (Buena Vista Ranch Development Agreement): Agreement for 422 acres at NW corner of 227th Ave & Pinnacle Peak Road. Includes roadway improvements, traffic signal contributions, and water/wastewater infrastructure. Discussion focused on wastewater capacity and reliance on Liberty Utilities’ water. Approved. - Item 23 (Original Town Site Incentive): Waiver of $22,405.69 in building permit, plan review, and impact fees for Shawnee Promenade commercial project in the Surprise Heritage District. Councilman Milton praised investment in East Surprise. Approved. - Item 24 (Workers’ Compensation Appeal): Approved expenditure to appeal the case City of Surprise vs. Industrial Commission of Arizona, allowing the city to challenge a claim. Approved. Public Comments (General) - Many speakers (Kayla Bishop, Jeffrey August, Leif Nygaard, Heather Abbott, Larry Henley, Jeremy Helfgott, Taylor Bone, Bernadette Green, Nancy Trujillo, Brent Peak, David Israel, Mary Hendricks, Callie Overs, Hillary McKillip, Ros Melling Derocher, Judith Cornell, Alyssa Estebio, Casey Fowler, Lisa Isles, Steve Isles) addressed the council on topics including: - Strong opposition to the proposed ICE detention center near Rinchem chemical facility; calls for council to take a public stand, provide transparency, and prioritize student safety. - Requests from Whitman residents (August, Nygaard, Abbott) for a formal vote on incorporating Whitman as an independent town. - Concerns about data centers’ energy and water use, heat islands, and noise (Henley). - Advocacy for increased police funding (Green). - Reading names of individuals who died in ICE custody (Trujillo, McKillip). - Documentation of illegal parking of chemical tanker trucks from Rinchem (Derocher). - Water quality issues with Liberty Utilities (Isles). - Mayor directed police chief to follow up with Alyssa Estebio about threats to her organization. Key Outcomes - All liquor license applications, the rezone, election results, grant awards, development agreements, incentive fee waiver, and legal appeal were approved by unanimous votes. - Mayor announced a new city website launching August 6, 2026, to provide verified factual information about the DHS facility, including city authority and official documents. - Council reports highlighted: 163rd Ave expansion ahead of schedule (Haney); Grand Avenue street improvements (Vice Mayor); details of meeting with Senator Gallego regarding Rinchem and detention center safety (Duffy); community meeting and upcoming Rinchem update expected October 2026 (Judd); QT gas station project update (Hastings); and a meeting with Liberty Utilities to address water concerns (Haney).

Note: The provided meeting date is July 17, 2026, but the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on Thursday, July 16, 2026. This summary uses the provided date for the title but notes the discrepancy. The Planning and Zoning Commission met to consider a conditional use permit for a Zaxby's restaurant with a drive-through and handle routine approvals. The meeting included roll call (Commissioners Perry, Holland (absent, unsure), Leonard, Chapman, Spada, Bash; Commissioner Everett excused), approval of previous minutes, and a public hearing. Consent Calendar - Approved the July 2, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing for the conditional use permit. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Zaxby's Restaurant with Drive-Through (Case FS25-0733) - Staff (Leslie) presented the request for a CUP with site plan for a Zaxby's restaurant with a double drive-through at the southeast corner of 163rd Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road. - The site is zoned C2 with a beauty overlay. The drive-through lane has queuing capacity for 17 vehicles. - Access is via internal drive aisles, with a three-quarter access driveway off Pinnacle Peak Road and full access via Planata Lane. - Landscaping conforms to the LDO and complements existing right-of-way landscaping. Architecture matches Zaxby's branding but incorporates materials from the master site plan (brick veneer, neutral palette, steel accents). - A neighborhood meeting on February 25, 2026, had five attendees; questions focused on restaurant background, adjacent parcel uses, access, and traffic. - Staff recommended approval subject to stipulations A through E. - Commissioner Perry asked whether the restaurant includes sit-down seating. Applicant Ben Brunig (development team) confirmed both indoor seating and a double drive-through. - No other discussion items. Key Outcomes - The Commission moved to approve the conditional use permit with site plan for Zaxby's restaurant (Case FS25-0733) subject to stipulations A through E as outlined in the staff report. The motion passed 5-0 (Commissioners Chapman, Perry, Leonard, Spada, Bash in favor; Everett excused; Holland absent status unclear). - No future business items were raised, and the meeting adjourned.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 3, 2026 (note: the meeting transcript indicates the date as Thursday, July 2, 2026, creating a discrepancy with the provided timestamp). The primary agenda item was a public hearing on a rezone request for a site at 163rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road, proposed for a commercial development including a Terribles gas station. The commission approved the rezone unanimously with stipulations. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the June 18, 2026 regular meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing for the rezone item. However, Commissioner Perry relayed questions from residents regarding the need for another gas station and trailer access. - During the public comment period for non-agenda items, no speakers came forward. Discussion Items - Rezone Case FS25001 (163rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road): Applicant proposed rezoning approximately 3.11 acres from rural residential (RR) to community commercial (C2) to allow a Terribles gas station with two additional pads for restaurant or retail. Staff recommended approval subject to stipulations A and B. Commissioner Perry asked about the determination of need for a gas station in the area and about access for large vehicles and trailers. Matt Stevenson, property owner, responded that Terribles does not consider saturation because it offers a premium product, and that while no dedicated trailer lanes exist, access remains possible. Commissioner Everett expressed strong support, noting community backing and personal anticipated use. The project site is at the southeast corner of 163rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road, with surrounding zoning (rural residential to west and south, high-density residential to north, and a Sante PAD to the west). Key Outcomes - Rezone Approval: The commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the rezone (Case FS25001) subject to stipulations A and B as outlined in the staff report. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at an unspecified time. Note: The transcript indicates the meeting date as July 2, 2026, but the provided metadata states July 3, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date as instructed, with the discrepancy noted for accuracy.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 22, 2026, with Vice Chair Spada presiding due to the excused absence of Chair Chapman. The commission considered two rezoning applications and approved both unanimously. The meeting also included public comments on traffic concerns and housing needs. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 21, 2026, Meeting Minutes: Motion passed with five votes in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Stetsman spoke on both agenda items. On the Surprise 160 rezone, he expressed strong opposition, citing traffic congestion and safety issues similar to those at 163rd Avenue and Grand. He argued that adding 1,000 homes with only one way in and out creates a dangerous situation and urged the commission to require better roads before development. On the Buena Vista Ranch rezone, he reiterated concerns about single access via Sun Valley Parkway, noting that a past accident shut down all four lanes, stranding residents. He stated that adding minor roads to the parkway does not provide true alternative access. - Mahalia Moonalim spoke in support of the Buena Vista Ranch rezone. She described the difficulty young people face affording homes and emphasized the need for diverse housing types, including higher density. She stated that adding different housing options benefits future generations and supports community prosperity. - Email from Mike Johnson was read into the record, expressing support for battery energy storage systems. Discussion Items - Surprise 160 Rezone (FS25-0750): The commission considered a request to rezone approximately 160 acres at the southwest corner of Deer Valley Road and 231st Avenue from Rural Residential (RR) to Residential Medium Density (R2). Staff planner Trevor presented the case, noting the site is within the Luke Auxiliary Field graduated density concept (0-6 du/ac, maximum 960 units) and consistent with the General Plan's Neighborhood Character Area. The applicant, Jeff Liley, stated that a development agreement is being negotiated and will go to City Council on August 4, 2026. He explained that roads—including 231st Avenue to Beardsley Road and Deer Valley Road across the frontage—must be built before any homes, and the project will contribute to traffic signals on Sun Valley Parkway. Commissioner Perry noted the city now requires two fully functional public access points. The applicant clarified that construction is likely three years away even if a builder were contracted. Motion to recommend approval with stipulations A and B passed 5-0. - Buena Vista Ranch Rezone (FS24-1191): The commission considered rezoning 422 acres at the northwest corner of 227th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak from the existing Buena Vista Ranch PAD and a RR parcel to a combination of residential (R1, R2, R3), open space (OS-1), and General Industrial (I-2) zoning districts. Staff noted the existing entitlements already permit similar density. Applicant Jeff Liley explained that the rezone was prompted by changes in the regional transportation plan and the need to correct road alignments. Key changes from the 2005 PAD include adding an open space wildlife corridor, a school site, and a third well site for the city. He confirmed that Pinnacle Peak will be built only to 227th Avenue, not extended further, addressing concerns about impacts on rural areas. The secondary access will be via Surprise Foothills Boulevard. Commissioner Bash raised a concern about educating new residents on sharing roads with horses and livestock. Motion to recommend approval with stipulations A and B passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the May 21, 2026, meeting (5-0). - Recommended approval of the Surprise 160 rezone (Case FS25-0750) to the Mayor and City Council, subject to stipulations A and B (5-0). - Recommended approval of the Buena Vista Ranch rezone (Case FS24-1191) to the Mayor and City Council, subject to stipulations A and B (5-0). - Future business: Commissioner Bash asked about data centers; staff reported that the zoning code only mentions data centers in two places (permitted in BP and I-1 districts, and requiring a parking study), so no further presentation is planned. - Meeting adjourned after all business.

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.

The Surprise City Council held a work session on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to receive presentations and discuss two major master plans: the Public Safety Master Plan (covering fire and police services) and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Both plans were presented by consulting firm Citigate for public safety and Dig Studios for parks. No formal votes were taken; the presentations were informational ahead of a fall budget retreat. Discussion Items Public Safety Master Plan (Fire & Police) Fire Presentation (Stu Gary, Citigate): - The plan is growth-driven: within the next five years, the city could add 35,000 new residents based on already-entitled projects, with a broader planning footprint of 42,000. - The fire department is described as high-capacity and high-quality but currently at its limits. The plan includes 59 key findings and 35 actionable recommendations. - Key recommendations over 10 years: 74 additional full-time employees (FTEs), three new fire stations (Stations 310, 11, 12) within six years, a second ladder truck (on order), peak-hour ambulance surge capacity, and a new Public Safety Center to serve both fire and police. - Near-term (FY27): two civilian positions approved (radio technician and PPE cleaning technician) to free up sworn personnel; 21 paramedics in training. - Recommended adoption of tiered response times based on population density (urban, suburban, developing edge, rural) rather than a uniform standard. - 77% of public street miles currently reached by first-due fire truck; coverage would decay without new stations. - A citywide growth officer is strongly encouraged to coordinate hiring, facilities, and logistics across departments. Police Presentation (Tom Woodward & Jack Surrear, Citigate): - The police department is strong but very strained; growth has outpaced staffing. No state/federal standards exist, so recommendations are based on industry benchmarks (IACP, ICMA). - Recommended 22 additional positions in the first year (beyond 17 sworn already approved) to meet current demand. Over five years, a phased addition of 115 FTEs is recommended. - Patrol currently accounts for only 38% of sworn staff (vs. 60% recommendation). Span of control in patrol exceeds the 8:1 ratio, a critical issue as new officers are hired. - Additional facilities: Precinct 200 (already under construction) and two more stations needed (Beat 42 and Beat 32) in a multi-precinct model due to geographic split by US 60. - Other needs: expanding training, recruiting (competitive environment), criminal investigations, traffic, canine, real-time information center (including drone first response), and agency support staff. - Since 2022, the department has added 58 FTE positions. Chief Beecher outlined restructuring: a chief of staff, tactical response unit, and goal of 12 squads (12 sergeants) on patrol by January 202x. Council Q&A on Public Safety: - Councilman Duffy asked whether the 74 fire FTEs included retirements; staff clarified they are new positions, with retirements likely increasing total hiring needs. - Council members expressed concern about recruitment trends. Fire and police chiefs highlighted successful programs (Speed, Interest to Badge, cadet programs) yielding higher applicant numbers than neighboring agencies (e.g., 80 police applicants vs. 20 for a larger agency; 500 fire applicants). - Councilwoman Melton inquired about CID caseload; Chief Beecher noted family violence as an area needing proactive attention. - Councilman Haney confirmed that funding discussions will occur at the fall budget retreat. - Mayor emphasized that the city is growing rapidly and must scale public safety accordingly; he thanked Citigate for the independent assessment. Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Holly & Jay, Dig Studios) - Presentation focused on growth projections and community priorities from 1,700 survey responses. Top desires: picnic areas, playgrounds, pickleball, indoor recreation, shaded trails, and safety. - Current inventory: 5 pocket parks, 4 neighborhood parks, 4 community parks, 0 regional parks. Only 1.4 developed park acres per 1,000 residents vs. peer city average of 3.2. Deficits exist in playgrounds, soccer fields, tennis courts, and recreation centers. - Recommendation: add 567 acres of developed parkland over 20 years, prioritizing community and regional parks (50–100+ acres) rather than small pocket parks. Two regional parks are needed; the McMicken Dam open space (3,500 acres) can partially meet this need. - Emphasis on preserving land now: CAP (Central Arizona Project) land requires 6–8 year lease process; initiating that soon is critical. Also important: securing wash corridors and grade-separated trail crossings to create a connected green armature. - Indoor recreation centers and an indoor field house are identified as major unfilled needs, given the extreme summer heat. - Coordination with other city master plans (transportation, public safety) is essential, as is working with developers to secure larger parcels (25+ acres) for community parks. Council Q&A on Parks: - Councilman Hastings questioned how to gauge resident preferences amid survey bias; Holly noted that peer benchmarking helps level the field. He stressed parks are essential for quality of life and family attraction. - Councilman Haney emphasized that parks are a need, not a want, due to their role in youth development and community identity. He asked what concrete actions the council can take to avoid letting the plan languish. Holly recommended prioritizing a regional park, specialty parks, and pursuing CAP land, likely requiring bond funding. - Councilman Haney also advocated for an archery range as a specialty park and offered to help initiate talks for CAP land. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. Both master plans were presented for informational purposes and will be further discussed during the fall budget retreat, where funding strategies (including potential bond measures) will be explored. - The council expressed general support for the recommendations and directed staff to prepare multi-year implementation plans with cost estimates for the retreat. - Specific next steps: coordinate all master plans (public safety, parks, transportation) to ensure consistency; begin long-term land acquisition processes (especially with Bureau of Reclamation/CAP); and continue recruitment and hiring efforts already underway in fire and police. - Mayor adjourned the work session at approximately 5:30 PM to prepare for the subsequent public meeting.

[Note: The meeting was called to order on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, but the assigned date for this summary is June 3, 2026 per source metadata. The transcript reflects a continuation into the early hours?] The Surprise City Council met to recognize community members, approve routine items, and hear lengthy public comments opposing a proposed ICE detention facility and a neighboring chemical storage operation. The council unanimously approved a consent agenda, a youth scholarship program, an economic development partnership, and development agreements for road improvements. Consent Calendar - The council approved six consent agenda items without discussion or pull. Recognitions and Presentations - Community Champion Award: Jonathan Thornton, owner of Legacy Martial Arts, was honored for his work with youth in martial arts, taking children to international competitions. - Library Card Design Contest Winners: City Librarian Miss Ware announced the 2026 winners: adult category – Summer and Harper Nitz; teen – Nalisa Amato; youth – Alexis Duran; city librarian choice – Timothy Mullett; special edition for America 250 – Karina Lawrence. Over 250 entries were received. New cards will be available starting July 1, 2026, and all entries will be displayed at the Surprise Regional Library. Public Hearing - Item 6 – Liquor License Application No. 397963: The applicant was not present; the city had received notification of a possible withdrawal. The council nonetheless proceeded and voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Discussion Items - Item 7 – Youth Scholarship Program: Seth Dyson presented recommendations from the education subcommittee. Ten students were awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, paid directly to their accredited institutions. Recipients included Peyton Anthony, Jacob Garrett, Bastion Eubanks, Raul Livier, Gerald Gilkey, Claire Wilson, Christian Ibrahim, Leo Franco Ramirez, and McKenzie Mice. Councilman Hastings spoke in support of education investment. The council unanimously approved the recommended recipients and amounts. - Item 8 – Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Agreement FY2027: Economic Development Director Janine Yorkovic and GPEC President/CEO Christine Mackey presented the partnership. The agreement, costing $84,690 on a per‑capita basis, provides regional marketing, research, and business attraction. Mackey highlighted the new “A New Way to City” branding campaign with 5.2 million social media interactions in its first 27 days. The city has seen a return of $64 per dollar invested, resulting in $242 million in consumer spending and 2,719 jobs. Council approved Resolution 2026‑86. - Item 9 – Norbella Development Agreement Amendment: Lloyd Abrams presented the first amendment to the Norbella development agreement to facilitate right‑of‑way acquisition for Jomax Road improvements. The developer must complete road improvements before issuing residential building permits, except for model homes. Council approved Resolution 2026‑56. - Item 10 – Property Acquisition for Jomax Road: In conjunction with the previous item, the council authorized acquisition of real property along Jomax Road by dedication, donation, purchase, exchange, or eminent domain. Council approved Resolution 2026‑32. Public Comments Seven residents spoke during call to the public on non‑agenda items, all expressing opposition to the proposed ICE detention facility and the Rinchem chemical storage facility located nearby. Key points: - Kayla Bishop criticized the council for ignoring residents and silencing public comment; she urged a town hall and stated that the lawsuit against ICE was initiated by a resident, not the council. - Jennifer McCann called on the council to fight the facility on moral, safety, and fiscal grounds, citing scripture and pledging to attend every meeting. - Anne Bentheim shared her family’s history fleeing Nazi Germany and drew parallels to the danger of a chemical release when detainees are unable to evacuate. - Taylor Bone referenced an investigative report by Project Salt Box detailing that Rinchem stores hazardous chemicals such as hydrogen chloride; a valve failure could release 20,000 pounds every 10 minutes, creating a toxic cloud affecting 74,000 residents and a dozen schools. She urged the council to hold a public discussion. - Allie Overs questioned the lack of emergency plans and called on residents to run for school board, criticizing a candidate. - Alex Chris stated that the Attorney General’s lawsuit is against DHS, not the chemical facility, and called the lawsuit frivolous; he urged voter registration. - Natalie Bautista recounted a recent ICE detention in Tempe and demanded safety plans from the city and school district before her military deployment. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of consent agenda, liquor license recommendation, youth scholarships, GPEC agreement, and two development/road agreements. - No council discussion or action taken on the ICE detention facility or chemical storage concerns raised during public comments. The meeting adjourned without further remarks on those topics.

The Surprise City Council held a special meeting on June 3, 2026, to consider and adopt resolutions regarding property tax rates, streetlight improvement district levies, and the final budget for fiscal year 2027. All three items were approved unanimously with no public comments. Property Tax Rate Adoption (Resolution 2026-88) - The council adopted a primary property tax rate of 0.5534 per $100 of assessed valuation, generating a levy of $11.49 million—38% less than the maximum allowed. The secondary property tax rate for general obligation bond repayment was set at 0.3880 per $100 of assessed valuation, resulting in an annual cost of $116 for a typical home. The motion was made by Councilman Duffy and seconded by the Vice Mayor; all members voted yes. Streetlight Improvement District Tax Levies (Resolution 2026-89) - The council approved the levies for 142 streetlight improvement districts (SLIDs) totaling $2.3 million. These special taxing districts fund electricity costs for street lighting, with rates varying by district. The motion passed unanimously. Final Budget Adoption for Fiscal Year 2027 (Resolution 2026-87) - The council adopted the final FY2027 budget with total revenues of $681.6 million and a citywide budget of $1.01 billion. After transfers, the expenditure limit is $966 million. The general fund makes up 28% of the citywide budget, with 50% allocated to public safety. The per-resident spending of $1.6 million ranks Surprise as the second lowest in the West Valley. The final budget is $8.8 million less than the tentative budget due to adjustments in capital project carryforwards. The council expressed confidence in staff and the city manager, Andrew, for execution. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions (2026-88, 2026-89, 2026-87) were approved on a unanimous vote with no public comments or council debate. The property tax adoption hearing is set for June 16, 2026.