Public Meetings - Surprise, Arizona

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on February 19, 2026, but the provided metadata states the meeting took place on February 20, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date. The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission met on February 20, 2026, to consider a rezone of approximately 120 acres and a comprehensive sign program for a community resource center. Both agenda items were approved unanimously. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former Commissioner Matthew Keating. Consent Calendar - Approval of February 5, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes: Motion passed unanimously (5-0) with no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Rezone (Case FS 241433): Eddie Eaton, a resident of the area east of the proposed development, spoke in support of the 150-foot buffer along the eastern side. He expressed concern about potential through-roads that could increase traffic and endanger horse riders and pedestrians. He requested that no east-west connection be created that would allow access from Pinnacle Peak to 219th Avenue. - Comprehensive Sign Program (Case FS 25-0835): No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Rezone of 120 Acres (Case FS 241433): Staff presented a proposal to rezone approximately 120 acres at the northeast corner of Deer Valley Road and 227th Avenue from Rural Residential (RR) to Residential Low Density (R1) and Community Commercial (C2). The project is consistent with the General Plan's Neighborhood designation. The developer agreed to a 150-foot buffer with an equestrian trail on the eastern side to protect the adjacent rural residential area. Access will be via 227th Avenue and Deer Valley Road only; no east-west connections will be built. The developer will contribute proportionally to traffic signals at 219th and 227th avenues. An outreach meeting on February 27, 2025, had 13 attendees. Staff recommended approval subject to stipulations A through C. - Applicant Jeff Bliley (representing the owner) explained that the 150-foot buffer exceeds the city's proposed desert overlay requirement. He emphasized that no roads would connect to 225th Avenue, preserving access for the rural community. The project will include a maximum of 50% two-story homes along the buffer. The development agreement will be presented to council later. - Commissioner Perry questioned the need for a small 10-acre commercial parcel within the site. Mr. Bliley responded that the city encourages commercial at the major intersection of 227th and Deer Valley, and that a grocery store on the opposite corner is planned. Commissioner Perry also asked about the project timeline; Mr. Bliley estimated construction would begin in 4-5 years, after the adjacent Mesquite Mountain Ranch project is built out. - Commissioner Everett expressed support for the commercial parcel, noting the need for amenities in the area. - Commissioner Holland raised a concern about horse safety on roads and suggested a public education campaign – a topic not directly related to the rezone but acknowledged by the chair. - Comprehensive Sign Program (Case FS 25-0835): Staff presented a request for a comprehensive sign program for the Multi-Generational Community Resource Center (CIP Project 51010) at the northwest corner of Santa Fe Drive and Hollyhawk Street. The proposal includes three signs: a primary monument sign (class 6) on Santa Fe Drive, a secondary ground sign on Hollyhawk Street, and a tertiary ground sign. The primary sign requires deviations for height (14 ft 8 in vs. allowed 8 ft) and sign area (45.96 sq ft vs. allowed 32 sq ft) because Santa Fe Drive is a local road, not an arterial. The secondary and tertiary signs meet code. An outreach meeting on November 12, 2025, had one attendee with no concerns. Staff recommended approval subject to stipulations A and B. - Commissioner Perry asked about aesthetic compatibility with the existing Surprise Original Townsite monument sign and about potential light impact from the digital sign on nearby housing. The project director explained that the new sign was intentionally placed away from the historic sign and that the senior apartments have windows facing away. The only nearby household expressed no concerns. - Commissioner Holland supported the larger sign size to attract visibility from Grand Avenue, which runs adjacent to the site. - Commissioner Bash noted that larger signs benefit seniors with reduced vision. Key Outcomes - Rezone (Case FS 241433): Motion to recommend approval to the City Council, subject to stipulations A through C, passed unanimously (5-0). - Comprehensive Sign Program (Case FS 25-0835): Motion to recommend approval to the City Council, subject to stipulations A and B, passed unanimously (5-0). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after a call to the public yielded no speakers.

The Surprise City Council held its regular meeting on February 17, 2026, addressing a consent agenda, presentations, public comments, and several action items. The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Riverview Bear Kudas student council. Key highlights included a VFW award presentation to a Surprise fire chief, updates from the Surprise Youth Council, and a significant portion of the meeting devoted to public comments regarding a proposed ICE detention facility on Sweetwater Avenue. The council also approved budget amendments for a Big 12 baseball championship and development agreements for new housing projects. Presentations - VFW Award: Glenn Stark of VFW Post 285 presented a special recognition award to Chief Battalion Chief Lewis D'Angelo for exceptional leadership and collaboration within the Surprise Fire Medical Department. Stark noted that past Surprise Police Officer of the Year, Carlton Williams, received national recognition from the VFW for his role in a hostage situation. - Surprise Youth Council: Two youth council members, Peyton Anthony (Highland Prep) and Olivia Vaughn (Paradise Honors), reported that the Youth Council will attend the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C., with four members representing the city. They also announced a Mother's Day event, "Memories with Mom," and that Youth Council recruitment is open through April 3, 2026. - Special Election Update: City Clerk Chrissy informed the council that state legislation moved the primary election date to July 21, 2026 (two weeks earlier), affecting candidate filing and committee reporting timelines. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: four consent agenda items (not individually listed in the transcript). Public Comments & Testimony Twenty-six members of the public spoke during the public comment period, with the vast majority expressing strong opposition to the proposed ICE detention facility on Sweetwater Avenue. Many speakers referenced the city council's earlier letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which they described as insufficient. Several speakers urged stronger action, including moratoriums on detention facility permits and coordination with the Arizona Attorney General. - Lisa Everett (Bell & Reims): Argued that the current system violates the 2001 Supreme Court decision in Zadvydas v. Davis, as many detainees are held indefinitely because countries of origin do not provide passports. She advocated for the bipartisan "Dignity Act" in Congress and stated, "The punishment does not fit the crime." - Georgia Spillers (Bell & Reims): Supported the facility, citing examples of illegal immigrants committing violent crimes. She argued that enforcing immigration laws prevents anarchy and protects citizens. - Alex (Waddell & 75th Avenue): Praised the council's tourism fund investment for the Big 12 baseball championship but also expressed support for the ICE facility, emphasizing that law enforcement should be allowed to enforce laws. - Kayla Bishop (Bell & Reims): Described the council's letter to DHS as "monotone" and showing the council is "too scared to take a definitive stance." She provided examples of other cities (Kansas City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Seattle) taking action to restrict ICE operations and urged the council to "do something." - Amanda Kaminskis (works near 37th Avenue & Greenway): Opposed the facility due to documented inadequate medical care in ICE detention, the risk of lowered property values, and danger to her high-needs, autistic, brown-skinned client who might be misunderstood by officers. - Alexa Coulter (Grand & Reims): Called for the council to move from "planning for public governance to planning for public crisis," citing school absences increasing 20–40% in Minneapolis after ICE operations. She requested the council form task forces to evaluate access to schools, food, and healthcare. - Brooke McNeil (Reims & Greenway): Warned that the facility would increase student homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act, overwhelming school support systems. She stated, "Cities are judged not by what they permit, but by who they protect." - Callie Overs (Dysart student): Expressed disappointment at the council's lack of urgency regarding student safety. She noted that her school (Dysart) is only half a mile from the proposed site and that many students walk near the facility. - Tina Malica (Bullard & Cactus): Requested a moratorium on the facility and asked about coordination with police and schools. She also questioned whether water and sewer lines could handle 1,500 detainees and estimated the facility could cost the city lost property tax revenue and community character. - William Buckingham (Mountain View & Reims): Referenced recent shootings in Minnesota involving ICE agents and urged the council to use the 10th Amendment and state resources to block the facility. - Vincent Hernandez (83rd & Bethany): Cited statistics from the American Immigration Council showing ICE detention numbers rose from 40,000 in early 2025 to 73,000 by mid-January 2026, and the percentage of detainees with no criminal history soared from 6% to 41% over the same period. He described ICE operations as "lawlessness and fear tactics." - Rosalind Mellinger Rocho (Cactus & Reims): Raised concerns about potential expansion of the facility, noting that nearby open land and warehouses could allow DHS to grow the site. - Donna Baronski (Reims & Bell): Called on the council to pass a resolution opposing the facility, and offered to volunteer in creating health and hygiene standards for the facility. - Christine Ciana (Reims & Greenway): Cited a New York Times investigation reporting overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and denial of medications in ICE detention centers. - Paul Revere (Perryville & 10th Avenue): Provided legal citations (18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242, 245) and argued that DHS was formed under the Patriot Act in response to 9/11, alleging Zionist influence. - William Spillers (Reims & Paradise): A 30-year Air Force veteran who supported the facility, arguing that entering the country illegally is a crime and that the facility would help remove violent criminals. He cited that even if only 14% of undocumented immigrants are violent criminals, that represents 54,000 individuals. Discussion Items - Vista Montañas Annexation (Case FS25-0291): Staff presented a blank petition to annex two parcels (5.57 acres) south of the CAP Canal along Dixoleta Drive and 79th Avenue roadway alignments. The hearing was a procedural step required within 10 days of the 30-day petition period. No action was taken; the council will hold a final hearing after signatures are collected. - Mesquite Mountain Ranch 5 Development Agreement (Resolution 2026-14): The council approved a development agreement for 265 gross acres south of Deer Valley Road between 231st and 223rd Avenues. The developer's obligations include: paying proportionate shares for two traffic signals on Sun Valley Parkway (at 227th and 219th avenues); improving 227th Avenue from the development's southern edge to Beardsley Road; designing and constructing half-street improvements for Deer Valley Road (shifted south to buffer existing rural residential communities); and addressing water/wastewater infrastructure needs (recharge basin participation or impact fees). Councilmember Haney praised the transparency of the process and the developer's willingness to work with the adjacent rural community. - Big 12 Baseball Championship Tourism Fund (Resolution 2026-25): The council approved a $100,000 budget amendment from general contingency to the tourism fund (funded by hotel tax) to support the Big 12 Baseball Championships in May 2026. The five-day, single-elimination tournament will feature 14 teams and expects 40,000 attendees (50% from outside the Phoenix metro), 3,500 hotel nights, and $3.5 million in economic impact. Funds are reimbursement-based and tied to verified hotel room nights and attendance. Councilmembers expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the Texas Rangers and the potential for future collegiate events in Surprise. - Desert Trails Annexation Intent (Resolution 2026-15): The council approved an intent to annex for a site northeast of Sun Valley Parkway and 219th Avenue (west of Ford Proving Grounds). This is the first of three required hearings; the annexation will allow the applicant to dedicate 55 feet of required future right-of-way per their development agreement. - Cell Tower Ground Lease at Section 10 Pocket Park (Resolution 2026-18): The council approved a 10-year ground lease (with three optional five-year renewals) for a 40 ft x 40 ft cell tower enclosure at the northeast corner of 183rd Avenue and Norwich Drive. The lease will generate $24,000–$33,000 annually with 3% escalations. The tower will improve cell service in underserved northwestern Surprise; Councilmember Haney emphasized the importance of treating cell service as a utility, noting that some residents have had to revert to landlines due to poor coverage. - Future Agenda / Other Business: No councilmember requested items for the future agenda. - Council Reports: No councilmember provided reports. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval: Mesquite Mountain Ranch 5 Development Agreement (Resolution 2026-14). - Unanimous Approval: Big 12 Baseball Championship Tourism Fund Budget Amendment (Resolution 2026-25). - Unanimous Approval: Desert Trails Annexation Intent (Resolution 2026-15). - Unanimous Approval: Cell Tower Ground Lease at Section 10 Pocket Park (Resolution 2026-18). - No Action Taken: Vista Montañas annexation (public hearing only). - No Action on ICE Facility: The council did not discuss or take any formal action regarding the proposed ICE detention facility during the meeting. The public comment period on the facility concluded with no council deliberation.

The Surprise City Council held a regular work session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, receiving presentations from the Police Department, Public Works, and a financial status report for the first half of FY2026. Council members expressed appreciation for department efforts and discussed future staffing and infrastructure needs. Police Department Programs Police Chief and Sergeant Hernandez presented an overview of the department's divisions and programs. The FY26 general fund operating budget is $56 million, with patrol accounting for 35%. In 2024, the department responded to approximately 45,000 calls for service. Successes included a targeted traffic enforcement operation at 163rd Avenue and Grand Avenue, resulting in 330 traffic stops and about 300 citations over two days. The annual toy drive served 165 families (548 children) in partnership with HSVC. Council members praised the department's professionalism and community engagement. Sergeant Hernandez noted that staffing remains a key concern as the city grows, and a public safety master plan is expected by May 2026. Questions were answered regarding FTEs in the crime scene unit (currently one specialist, hiring two more) and the need for future investments. Public Works Programs Kristen, representing Public Works, outlined the department's four divisions: Engineering, Fleet, Facilities, and Solid Waste (enterprise fund). Engineering reviewed nearly 9,000 civil plan sheets in the past year, set city standards, and managed plan review and permitting. Fleet maintains over 1,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment, handling lifecycle management, parts, and maintenance. Facilities supports nearly 70 buildings and over 1 million square feet of space, providing custodial and maintenance services. Council members thanked the team and inquired about integration with growth plans, a future second Public Works Operations Facility (PWAF) in the northern area, and building management systems. The department uses a part-time hour accumulation model to scale with new hires and buildings. FY2026 Financial Status Report (Through December 2025) Sandy presented the financial status for the first half of the fiscal year. Overall ongoing and one-time revenues were 1.2% above expectations, while expenditures were slightly under budget due to timing. Local sales tax and state shared revenue performed well, while property tax, franchise fees, and some one-time charges were slightly below projections. The overall general fund (including transfers) was 1.6% less than budgeted. No council questions were raised. Key Outcomes - The Police Department presentation was informational; no actions taken. Council emphasized need for future staffing and strategic planning. - The Public Works presentation was informational; council acknowledged the need for a future PWAF and inquired about energy management tools. - The financial report was received and noted; no formal action required.

Mayor Sarder called the special meeting to order at approximately 2:29 PM on February 11, 2026. The sole agenda item was to vote on sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security requesting information and clarification about a building purchased in Surprise the previous month. The mayor acknowledged that residents had expressed concerns at the prior regular council meeting and stated that the council heard them. Discussion Item - The council considered a motion to approve the letter. Vice Mayor Greenberg seconded the motion. Key Outcomes - The motion passed unanimously with all seven council members voting in favor (7-0). The meeting then adjourned. Note: The transcript also included a promotional description of Surprise, Arizona, which appeared to be part of the meeting recording but not directly related to the business conducted.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Surprise, Arizona, convened on February 5, 2026, at 00:58:52 UTC, with Vice Chair Spada presiding in the absence of Chair Chapman. Commissioners present: Perry, Holland, Leonard, Everett, and Bash. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing on a rezoning request, and a call to the public. Consent Calendar - Approved the December 18, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes. Motion passed with five votes in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Ashley Westerbeck (opposed rezoning): Representing her family, she stated opposition to the rezoning of 264 acres from rural residential to high-density development. She argued it removes rural protections, increases traffic, strains infrastructure and water resources, and sets a dangerous precedent. - Kimberly Broster (opposed rezoning): A resident of the rural community, she expressed concern about the impact of over 1,800 homes on a 70-home area with gravel roads and livestock. She requested that Deer Valley Road be shifted south to avoid impacting existing homes and that infrastructure plans be presented before approval. - David Lee (opposed rezoning): A resident on Deer Valley and 221st Avenue, he raised concerns about road access and the impact of Deer Valley Parkway on his property, including potential right-of-way takings and access from a dirt road. - Alex Chris (call to the public): Expressed concerns about water agreements on the Colorado River, the pending expiration in October 2026, and the need for long-term water planning given the large number of planned units in the region. He urged the commission to consider water availability and rates. Discussion Items - Case FS24-0765 – Mesquite Mountain Ranch 5 Rezone: The item was a request to rezone approximately 264.9 gross acres from the existing Planned Area Development (PAD) to Residential Low Density (R1), Residential Medium Density (R2), and Open Space Conservation (OS1). The site is located south of Deer Valley Road between 223rd and 231st Avenues. The proposal is subject to the Luke Air Force Base Graduated Density Concept (GDC), which permits a maximum of 6 dwelling units per acre (up to 1,589 units). The applicant, represented by Jeff Bly, stated the conceptual plan is approximately 975 units, a reduction from the maximum. The rezoning is accompanied by a development agreement scheduled for the February 17, 2026, City Council meeting, which includes roadway improvements such as extending 227th Avenue and shifting Deer Valley Road alignment south entirely onto the subject property. An outreach meeting was held on October 16, 2024, with five attendees raising concerns about traffic, access, water, and timing. - Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Perry noted the density shift from mostly R1 in the original PAD to mostly R2 in the proposal, with medium density parcels adjacent to rural residential properties. Commissioner Bash asked about school capacity; the applicant responded that a school site was relocated to the Surprise Foothills project and that three school sites are planned in the area. Commissioner Bash also asked about the Deer Valley Road realignment and its impact on properties. The applicant explained that the road will be constructed entirely on the subject property, with the north half of the right-of-way also on their land, and that they will build two travel lanes back to 219th Avenue. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner Perry moved to recommend approval of the rezone (Case FS24-0765) subject to stipulations A through C, with a condition that dwelling units not exceed 975. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0). - Next Steps: The rezoning will go to the Surprise City Council for final action, along with the associated development agreement scheduled for February 17, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after the call to the public.

Mayor called the special council meeting to order at 23:28 UTC. Roll call was taken: Vice Mayor Greenberg, Councilman Haney, Councilman Duffy, Councilman Melton, Councilman Hastings, Councilman Jet were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The sole purpose of the meeting was to discuss or consult for legal advice regarding the United States Department of Homeland Security's purchase of a warehouse near Sweetwater Avenue and Cactus Road. The council voted to adjourn to executive session (motion and second, all in favor). The public meeting was then adjourned. Key Outcomes - Council unanimously voted to adjourn to executive session for legal consultation on the DHS warehouse purchase. - No public comments or discussion items were presented. - The meeting concluded with a note that Councilmember Earl Greenberg was sworn in as Vice Mayor at the January 20 meeting.

Note: The meeting transcript states the date as Tuesday, February 3, 2026, but the provided meeting timestamp is 2026-02-04 00:58:01+00:00, which is February 4. This summary uses the provided date. The Surprise City Council held a regular meeting that included a proclamation, informational presentations from the Arizona Corporation Commission, the FY2027 budget kickoff, fee schedule updates, and a parks and recreation program overview. The majority of the meeting was devoted to public comment on the recent purchase of a warehouse by the Department of Homeland Security for a proposed ICE detention center. Over 100 residents and community members spoke, with the overwhelming majority opposed to the facility. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which contained three routine items. Presentations & Discussion - Skills USA Week Proclamation: Mayor Sarder proclaimed February 2–6, 2026 as Skills USA Week in Surprise. Student leaders Grace Brennan and another speaker highlighted the organization's accomplishments, including raising 240 toys and collecting over 160 pounds of trash. - Arizona Corporation Commission Update: Commissioner Kevin Thompson provided an overview of the ACC's role in regulating utilities, recent rate reductions, grid reliability (Arizona ranked 7th nationally), and the repeal of renewable energy standards (REST rules) which had cost ratepayers $3.2 billion. He noted that data centers are not regulated by the ACC, but the commission ensures contracts do not burden residential ratepayers. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the update. - FY2027 Budget Kickoff: Finance Director Sandy Simmons presented the budget process, emphasizing the need to balance limited resources with service demands. The FY2026 total budget is $986 million, with $395 million in operating expenses. Public safety accounts for 60% of general fund expenditures. The budget timeline includes a tentative adoption on May 5, 2026. - Citywide Fee Schedule Updates: Staff proposed annual fee adjustments, including new and amended fees across departments. 22 fees are being eliminated this year. A public notice will be posted and council action is scheduled for April 7, 2026. - Parks and Recreation Programs: Holly Osborne presented an overview of parks, recreation, and special events. Parks receive nearly 3 million visitors annually, with Surprise Community Park ranking among Arizona's top 10 most popular parks. The cost recovery model ranges from 0% for parks maintenance to 100% for adult sports and rentals. Youth sports enroll over 15,000 children. Councilmembers praised the department's work and discussed future plans for McMicken Dam conservation area. Public Comments & Testimony - The mayor read a statement acknowledging the city was not aware of the DHS purchase of a warehouse at Dysart and Cactus Roads for a proposed ICE detention center. He noted that federal projects are not subject to local zoning, but the council was committed to listening. - Opposition to ICE Detention Center: The vast majority of speakers opposed the facility. Key points included: lack of transparency, proximity to schools (Dysart High School and elementary schools), documented human rights abuses at ICE facilities, strain on local infrastructure (water, sewer, emergency services), decreased property values, fear and trauma among immigrant families and citizens, and calls for the council to use every legal tool to halt the project. Several speakers cited deaths and violence by ICE agents, including the murder of Alex Pready. Many urged the council to pass a resolution opposing the facility and to demand environmental and safety reviews. - Support for ICE Detention Center: A few speakers expressed support for the facility, citing the need for law enforcement and immigration enforcement. They argued that ICE targets criminals and that the facility would be located in an industrial area away from residences. - Other Public Comment: One speaker opposed the use of Flock safety cameras, citing privacy and civil liberties concerns. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - No votes were taken on the ICE detention center; the council heard public comment and did not deliberate or take action. - Presentations were informational; future action on the fee schedule and budget is scheduled for April 7 and May 5, 2026. - The meeting was adjourned after public comments.

The Surprise City Council held its regular meeting on January 21, 2026. Key actions included the selection of Councilmember Greenberg as Vice Mayor, unanimous approval of four municipal code updates for utilities, and a detailed presentation of the Surprise Police Department's strategic plan. Public comment focused on home occupation regulations, street maintenance, and opposition to the proposed Project Bacara data center and power plant. Proclamations & Presentations - Mayor Kevin Sartor proclaimed January 2026 as Human and Sex Trafficking Awareness Month, in partnership with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and the Break the Chain campaign. - The City of Surprise was recognized as a Just Serve City by Arizona Director Ruth Pagan for its decade of volunteerism and community service. Surprise was also nominated for the Global Just Serve City Award, to be announced at the National League of Cities Conference. - Members of the Surprise Youth Council (Chloe Eastburn and Anaya Hood) announced the upcoming Teen Summit (February 25) for high school students and the mid-year retreat for council members. Recruitment for the Youth Council opens February 9. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously after item 4 (revised 2026 meeting schedule) was pulled and later tabled to the February 3 meeting. The remaining 14 items were approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Lauren Donovan (Bell Road area) requested the council reconsider the city code regarding home occupations for personal services (nail technicians, etc.). She argued that licensed professionals operating from home could support homeschooling families and should be allowed with restrictions (one client at a time, no employees). Councilmember Haney asked staff to review the ordinance. - Tim Jacavarino (Coyote Lakes, 30-year resident) complained about neglected street sweeping in his cul-de-sac, leading to road deterioration. He asked for better maintenance. The city manager connected with him after the meeting. - Roy Denbar urged the council to formally oppose Project Bacara, a proposed data center/power plant near residential areas. He criticized the city's inaction and demanded a resolution of opposition. - Alexis Young (Greenway and Con) detailed environmental and health concerns about Project Bacara: 18 gas turbines, 89.9 tons of nitrogen oxides annually, 200 tons of greenhouse gases, and 59 million gallons of groundwater consumption per year. She stated Surprise is already in serious non-attainment for ozone and asked the city to fight the development. Discussion Items - Municipal Code Updates (Items 18–21): Staff presented four updates to Chapter 58 (Utilities): - Item 18 (Sewer Interceptors): Cleaned up language to align with industry standards and international plumbing code. - Item 19 (Stormwater Service): Updated definitions, clarified operations and maintenance responsibilities, added a credit program for commercial properties (up to 25% reduction). Councilmember Judd raised a concern about businesses required to capture 100% of stormwater still being billed; staff noted future utility rate studies would address that. - Item 20 (Water Conservation): Tightened restrictions on non-functional turf in new developments, limiting it to active recreation areas and areas with slope <25%. Worked with Home Builders of Central Arizona. - Item 21 (High Water User Regulations): Adopted a three-tier approach: 0–100,000 gallons/day is allowable; 100,001–200,000 requires council/staff discretion; above 200,000 requires the user to bring water to the city. Councilmember Judd praised the measure for protecting the city's water supply. All four ordinances (2026-03, 2026-04, 2026-02, 2026-07) were approved unanimously. - Annexation Correction (Item 22): The council approved a corrected resolution of intent to annex two 55-foot-wide parcels (5.57 acres) for the Vista Montanas project, south of the CAP Canal along Dixoleta Drive and 179th Avenue. The correction fixed an outdated legal description in the previous blank petition. - Police Department Strategic Plan (Item 23): Chief and commanders presented the new mission statement and alignment with council priorities. Highlights: - Core services: patrol, investigations, traffic, community engagement, training, support services. - Recruitment: The SPEED program had 798 participants in 2025, resulting in 16 new hires; a record 12 recruits entered the academy in October 2025. Efforts to shorten the hiring timeline to 3 months (6–8 weeks for laterals). - Wellness: partnerships with Fire and HR for mental health, infrared/cryotherapy, nutrition classes, and peer support. The department's culture has driven strong retention and recruitment. - School safety: 15 schools with dedicated SROs; 7 additional schools covered by off-duty officers funded by a state grant. Free threat/vulnerability assessments for all 50 schools in the city. - Public Safety Master Plan completion expected spring 2026; new police precinct design near completion, projected for summer 2027; full implementation of Mark 43 records management system in October 2025. - Councilmembers commended the presentation and emphasized the need for continued staffing increases and funding to keep pace with growth. Key Outcomes - Vice Mayor Selection: Councilmember Greenberg was elected Vice Mayor by written ballot (unanimous) and sworn in. - Planning & Zoning Commission Appointment: Lisa Everett was unanimously appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, term expiring June 30, 2027. She was sworn in. - Votes on Ordinances: All four utility code updates (2026-02, 2026-03, 2026-04, 2026-07) passed unanimously. - Annexation Resolution 2026-19: Approved unanimously. - Tabling of Item 4: The revised 2026 meeting schedule was tabled to the February 3 council meeting to allow more time to determine if a March 24 meeting is necessary. - Council Reports: Mayor announced a $500 donation from his discretionary fund to the MLK Scholarship Fund. Councilmember Hastings outlined a Bell Road revitalization initiative (lanes, lights, landscaping). Community meetings scheduled: District 3 – Jan 27 at Sonoran Heights; District 2 – Jan 28 at Sun Village Acadia Room; District 5 meet-and-greet – Feb 7 at Public Works facility. - Adjournment: The regular meeting adjourned to an executive session.

The Surprise City Council held a work session on January 20, 2026, to receive a presentation on the fiscal year 2025 Surprise Community Outreach Program (SCOP) and Neighborhood Grant Awards. Seth Dyson presented the outcomes of $160,000 in grants distributed to 23 local nonprofit and neighborhood groups, serving over 35,000 community members. Councilmembers expressed strong support for the programs and praised the staff and committee for their work. Discussion Items - Presentation by Seth Dyson: Summarized each grantee's funding and impact. Key examples: - Arizona Burn Foundation: $10,000 for deaf/hard of hearing smoke alarms; 68 volunteers installed 34 alarms in partnership with Surprise Fire Medical. - Autism Life and Living: $10,000 to expand social events; 350+ attendees, 186 served via gym, 50 from Surprise. - Best Buddies Arizona: $10,000 for clubs at Shadow Ridge and Willow Canyon High Schools; 160+ teens served through 37 activities. - Chant Shelter: $6,000 for capacity; partnered with Surprise Stadium for a pup night. - DICE Art Education Foundation: $5,000 for teacher mini grants; 12 grants impacting 1,700 students. - DICE Art Special Education PTSA: $5,000 for Walk and Roll for Inclusion; 250 attendees. - Spencer's Place (Employed and Overjoyed): $10,000 for workforce development for adults with disabilities. - Hope Community Services: $5,000 for equestrian-based behavioral health; 79 children served, 90% reported increased resiliency. - One Step Beyond: $2,500 for showcase festival; 350+ attendees. - Radiant Church: $10,000 for Night to Shine prom; 1,200+ served including 325 kings/queens, 500 parents/caregivers, 450 volunteers. - Neighbors Who Care: $7,000 (plus $14,000 total investment); $3,000 for Beanbag Day (426 volunteers), $2,000 for Project Connect, $2,000 for Vista sponsorship. - Sounds of Autism: $9,000 for unified responder training; 950+ served, 122 at a partnering event. - Stepping Up for Seniors: $6,500 for financial assistance; 116 seniors served. - Surprise Original Townsite Stakeholders Committee: $5,000 for Founders Day; nearly 1,000 attendees. Next event March 28, 2026. - Surprise Young Life: $8,000 for weekly youth club. - Surprise Youth Foundation: $7,500 for after-school tuition; serves up to 50 youth. - Foster Youth Alliance: $2,500 for back-to-school program; 213 served. - Valley View Community Food Bank: $2,500 for bulk food; anticipates serving 27,000 individuals. - Women for Women: $5,000 for feminine hygiene kits; 400 volunteers packed 3,000 bags distributed to multiple organizations. - Valley of the Sun YMCA: $5,000 for child care assistance; 25 Surprise youth served. - Neighborhood Grants: $10,000 total; two recipients: - Homestead at Marley Park: $5,000 for neighborhood events; 150-200 average attendance. - Royal Ranch: $5,000 for holiday party; 550 attendees. - Councilmember Comments: - Councilman Melton praised the targeted investments and heavy lifting by organizations. - Councilman Judd thanked the team and noted the program's broad coverage for distressed families, disabled adults/children, and community events, emphasizing that small grants yield large impacts. - Councilman Haney acknowledged behind-the-scenes work by staff and highlighted the AZ Burn Foundation's work turning tragedy into life-saving measures. - Councilman Greenberg commended the amplification of dollars and suggested finding more funding and promoting the program in his district. - Mayor Sarter thanked the committee (Judd, Haney, Duffy) for their work. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the presentation was informational and received with unanimous appreciation. - Councilmembers expressed interest in increasing future funding for the programs and in further promoting the neighborhood grants to residents. - The meeting was adjourned with a motion and a second, all in favor.