Looking for a great gift for your mother on Mother’s Day? The City of Surprise invited you, your mom and whole family to the next “Second Sundays in the Park” event, featuring the West Valley Conservatory of Ballet’s rendition of “Peter and the Wolf.”
This free performance begins at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 13, at Surprise Community Park, 15953 N. Bullard Avenue.
Families are encouraged to bring a picnic or purchase food from the onsite vendors and enjoy the free entertainment.
This will be the final Spring Series of the “Second Sundays in the Park.” The Fall Series will begin again in September 2012, when the temperatures are cooler.
For more information please contact the Community & Recreation Services Office at 623.222.2000 or visit us online at www.surpriseaz.gov/specialevents.
Registration is now open for the very popular Surprise HOA Academy and for the first time, you can apply online!The goal of the HOA Academy is to provide expert information for west valley HOA board members, management company staff, and homeowners. Topics range from contracts and budgeting to CC&R enforcement and code compliance.
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Class Dates:
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Monday, October 15 Monday, October 22 Monday, October 29 Monday, November 5 Tuesday, November 13
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Time:
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6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
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Class will be held at:
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Public Safety Building 14250 W. Statler Plaza Surprise, AZ 85374
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16000 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, AZ., 85374Applications are due by 6 p.m., September 27, 2012.For more information please contact Ruby Sitea at 623.222.3242 or ruby.sitea@surpriseaz.gov.
The City of Surprise Community and Recreation Services Department is gearing up for another season of Summer Youth Basketball for boys and girls, ages 5 -15.
The Youth Basketball League will teach the game of basketball in the spirit of sportsmanship, fun and wholesome competition. The league which will begin in early July is a condensed version of the winter season where teams will play two games a week.
Registration is available now, with a Special Saturday Registration on May 19, 8 am – 11am at the Community and Recreation Services office at Surprise Stadium. Registration is also available online at www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation.
Surprise is also offering a number of Youth Basketball Camps in June which will teach participants the basic fundamentals of the game of basketball in a safe and fun environment. Instructors will work on skills such as passing, shooting, dribbling and footwork. Participants will also be provided with experience in game situations and be introduced to defensive and offensive strategies. For a list of camp dates and details, visit www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation.
The City of Surprise is looking for volunteer youth basketball coaches. If you are interested, please fill out a volunteer application and get fingerprinted at the Community and Recreation Services Office. For more information, please contact the Sports Division at 623.222.2000 or visit www.surpriseaz.gov/recreation.
The Surprise City Council heard details, Tuesday night, of Gestamp Solar Steel’s planned facility expansion in Surprise and the addition of 80 new jobs.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Mihelich reported that Gestamp Solar Steel has filed plans with the City to begin Phases 2 and 3 of the expansion of their solar manufacturing plant at Skyway Business Park.
Phase 2 construction, which begins next week, includes 36,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space. Phase 3 construction is slated to begin later this summer. When complete later this year, Gestamp’s Surprise facility will total 140,000 square feet.
“The best news, based on the emphasis of City Council, is that over 50% of Gestamp’s current employees live in the City of Surprise,” said Mihelich.
Gestamp Solar Steel Plant Manager Scott Ellis, also present at the City Council meeting Tuesday, commented on the quality of the city’s workforce. “We’re happy to be in Surprise and we’re finding a very strong workforce here.”
Gestamp Solar Steel began production in Surprise in August 2011, manufacturing steel products used in the solar display industry.
The Surprise City Council has approved a Tourism/Special Event Grant to secure a Surprise Music Fest and Classic Car Show event this fall at Surprise Stadium.
The $20,000 grant was awarded to SCI Sports & Entertainment to provide the music entertainment including Country recording artist Tracy Lawrence. Nancy Perry Productions has committed to attracting at least 100 cars for the Classic Car Show portion.
The grant funding comes from a portion of the city’s bed tax that is dedicated to promoting tourism-based programs in Surprise.
In March, the City of Surprise put out a solicitation requesting applications for third party special events. A proposal from SCI Sports & Entertainment for Surprise Fest 2012 was evaluated and approved by the Tourism Advisory Board in April; presented to the City Council during the May 1 Special City Council Work Session and approved by Council last Tuesday night.
The Surprise Music Fest and Classic Car Show will be held September 29 at the Surprise Stadium, with the gates opening at 4 p.m. Additional details will be released closer to the event.
IS YOUR CHILD RIDING SAFELY IN THE CAR?
We invite you to Children Are Priceless Passenger (CAPP) Safety Class presented by Safe Kids
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians!!
When: May 12th, 2012Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Where: Surprise Public Safety Bldg 14250 W. Statler BlvdSurprise, Az. 85374It’s free and open to All.
| City volunteer opportunities highlighted during National Volunteer Week
Surprise AZ (April 16, 2012) It’s National Volunteer Week and the City of Surprise offers many volunteer opportunities for residents to enjoy, Surprise Fire Crisis Response: Surprise Police Citizen Patrol: Surprise Senior Center: Annual Pride Day Community Clean-Up: Boards/Commissions: Learn more about volunteer opportunities in Surprise at www.surpriseaz.gov/volunteer. |
Rush hour commuters who use Grand Avenue (US 60) between the downtown Phoenix area and the City of Surprise are saving time following the improved timing of traffic signals, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The average person uses 136 gallons of water daily. The Water- Use It Wisely “Water Tower,” now on display at City Hall, provides a visual reference for how much water that really is.
At 16-feet tall, the tower features water bottles in the shape of a pyramid, providing a thought-provoking display of how much water we use and the display also contains informational materials from EPCOR Water for ways we can reduce our water usage.
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will close Loop 303 between Cactus Road and Peoria Avenue, Friday, May 4, 2012, beginning at 9 p.m. ADOT will reopen Loop 303 no later than Saturday, May 5, 2012 by 5 a.m. The closure will allow for underground utility work. In addition, East and Westbound Peoria Road will be closed between Cotton Lane and Sarival Avenue. The proposed posted detour route is Sarival Avenue or Cotton Lane via Olive Ave or Cactus Road. Questions regarding this closure, please contact ADOT at 855-712-8530.
(April 16, 2012) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, BUSINESS PARTNERS APPRECIATED, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WANTED FOR MAY 12 PRIDE DAY COMMUNITY CLEANUP EVENT!
One of the larger issues our community has faced in recent years has been the great number of foreclosures and vacant homes. While this issue has improved since our first implementation of a citywide clean-up in 2008, it continues to pose a monetary challenge on many of our neighborhoods.
What you can do to help:
TONIGHT: Share your thoughts at the Planning Meeting at Jim’s Burgers&Eggs,17019 W Greenway (Cotton/Greenway). The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
MAY 12: Meet at Surprise Stadium at 7:30 a.m. for a light breakfast and to receive cleanup assignments. Meet back at 11 a.m. for lunch and a raffle.
Students needing community service can request a certificate of verification of hours served from Councilman John Williams. Please contact him at john.williams@surpriseaz.gov ahead of the May 12 Cleanup.
Over the past four community-wide events we’ve managed to clean over 1,000 homes in Surprise! Surprise needs you!!! So grab a friend, a neighbor, your kids and grandkids, and show your hometown pride in Surprise!
There are cleaning and yard work details planned for people with all abilities. Learn more by calling Christina Ramirez at 623.222.3238.
Surprise, AZ (April 12, 2012) As you drive in and around Surprise ever wonder what the transportation plans are for the future? The answers are a click away at www.surpriseaz.gov/transportation, thanks to the launch of the City of Surprise Transportation Briefing Book.
This comprehensive online source is your one-stop connection to all of the current and long-range transportation projects, programs and studies impacting the Greater Surprise Area.
The site features summaries and status updates for all of the transportation-related plans that affect the City of Surprise, including those that reside within our city limits and those managed by outside agencies that have an impact for the Greater Surprise Region and Northwest Valley.
“This Transportation Briefing Book helps residents and city partners to see the big picture when it comes to the future of transportation in the Northwest Valley,” says Public Works Director Robert Beckley. “The various studies and plans that are in the works show how our streets, freeways and rail access can and must work seamlessly to be most effective in moving the public and commodities.”
The site links to projects, programs and studies managed by the City of Surprise; Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT); Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG); Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT); neighboring municipalities; and others.
The Transportation Book site also features links to the road restrictions/closures in Surprise and Capital Improvement Projects by District.
This is a moving document, so users are encouraged to check back often for status updates as they occur.
Surprise, AZ (April 12, 2012) The Surprise Police invite area youths between the ages of 14 to 20 years old and their families to an informational meeting about our new Explorer program. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Surprise Police Department, 14250 West Statler Plaza Surprise AZ.
Along with providing applications to the program, the Crime Prevention Unit will offer a short tour of the police station to all that are interested. Come and join us on the 25th and learn more about our Explorer program. For additional information or questions, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 623.222.4422.
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Surprise, AZ (April 11, 2012) The Surprise Police Department will be participating in a nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back Day”, Saturday, April 28, hosted by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
Police are asking residents to properly dispose of their unused, unneeded and expired medicine. The initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to theft, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.
The City of Surprise collection areas will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the following locations:
• Target (parking lot) 13731 W. Bell Road
• Sun City Grand Sonoran Plaza 19753 N. Remington Drive
April 21: Be Green and Be Healthy Fair, Shred-a-thon and Swap Meet at Surprise Rec Campus
Surprise, AZ (April 10, 2012) Discover your eco-friendly side…. See what options are out there to help you get healthy…. Shop for new and used bargains…. Have your personal documents shredded…. It’s all possible April 21 in Surprise!
Be Green & Be Healthy Fair: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Surprise Stadium, 15960 N Bullard Ave.
Stop by to learn how you can make Surprise sustainable and your homes and businesses energy efficient. There will be plenty of information and on-site activities.
Banner Health will be on site to check your blood pressure; enjoy a 5 minute massage and learn about the newest health products from the many different vendors on hand.
Check out the list of Be Green and Be Healthy vendors at www.surpriseaz.gov/greenfair.
Shred-a-thon: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dream Catcher Park gravel parking lot, 14534 N. Tierra Buena
American Shredding will accept all paper products for the shred a thon, however no metal clips, paper clips are allowed, staples ok.
Electronic items such as: computers, laptops, printer cables, circuit boards, small appliances, stereos, gaming systems and more can be recycled at this event.
Traffic will need to enter off of Greenway Rd. and Civic Center Plaza, turn left onto Tierra Buena. Follow the signs to the electronic recycle and shredding parking lot.
Surprise Super Swap Meet: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Surprise Aquatic Center parking lot, 15831 N. Bullard Ave. (across from the stadium
Council names General Plan Advisory Committee
Surprise, AZ (April 11, 2012) The Surprise City Council approved the creation of the 12-member General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), Tuesday night, to assist the city in the General Plan Update process.
Arizona State Law requires every city and county to prepare a General Plan to address growth.
The citizen-led GPAC will be charged with providing important oversight for the General Plan Update Process by reviewing completed work, including draft goals, policies, and action programs, and generally providing feedback to staff on the General Plan Update. The Committee may also help out with building community support for the Plan they are helping to create.
The current Surprise General Plan was adopted in 2000 and ratified by a vote of the citizens in
2001. The proposed plan is projected to be completed by December 2012, and placed on the ballot for the November 2013 election.
A selection committee comprised of Councilmember’s Richard Alton, Skip Hall, and Jim Biundo interviewed a total of 26 residents citywide for the GPAC and recommended the following 12:
Robert Adams- Northwest Ranch
Claro Salvo- Rancho Gabriela
Leo Mankiewicz- Sierra Verde
Daisy Anderson- Desert Oasis
Melissa Holdaway- Mountain Gate
Daniella Cortez- Sarah Ann Ranch
Frank Dias- Marley Park
Jack McSweeney- Marley Park
Mitchell Rosenbaum- Bell Pointe
Andy Jochums- Orchards
Anthony Gunderson- Rancho Gabriela
Mike Kramer- Mountain Vista Ranch
According to the bylaws, the GPAC can meet as often as needed but not less than once a month for a period of 6-8 months or until the draft General Plan has been created.
Council hires auditors to analyze data, fulfill transparency commitment
Surprise AZ (April 10, 2012) The Surprise City Council took a series of important actions Tuesday night in the City’s latest moves to repair past financial missteps. The Council unanimously approved contracts with two firms who will examine development agreements, impact fee collections and expenditures dating back to 2000, and verify whether development impact fees were correctly assessed, collected and accounted for in the various impact fee funds. The Council also approved hiring temporary workers to take up the workload of full time staff needed to coordinate with the firms as the audits get underway.
“In addition to providing the analysis we need to set our records straight, tonight’s action fulfills step one of the Council’s five step Transparency Plan, which calls for bringing on expertise to get to the bottom of the financial tangle caused by past missteps,” City Manager Chris Hillman said.
Red Oak Consulting will analyze the financial obligations in the City’s estimated 90 development agreements and the City’s overall expenditure of impact fees prior to 2007. Red Oak will work with auditor Clifton Larson Allen to determine any differences in City compliance with the terms of the agreements and any financial impact the City may experience in the future. The Council approved an expenditure of $150,000 from the City’s Risk Management Fund to cover the contract, which is in effect until June 30, 2013.
Clifton Larson Allen, which recently completed the City’s FY11 audit, received Council approval to perform an audit of internal controls related to the assessment and collection of development impact fees. Their objective is to verify that processes were adequate to mitigate the risk of improper assessment, tracking and collection of the fees. They will also verify that applicable building permits were charged the correct fee and that those fees were actually collected and accounted for in the appropriate funds. The Council approved an expenditure of $150,000 from the City’s Risk Management Fund to cover the contract, which is in effect until June 30, 2013.
The two firms will meet with staff to determine how to collaboratively develop procedures to understand the historic accounting of collected fees, their use and the manner in which the accounting and use conforms to applicable development agreements. The procedures will also determine how each development agreement affects the determination, assessment and expenditure of development impact fees already received and those to be collected in the future.
The Council also approved $100,000 to hire three temporary full time employees to carry the work load of other staff who will be assigned to assist in the audits. The positions are a temporary fiscal support specialist in Community and Economic Development and two senior financial analysts in the Finance Department. Staff told Council they expect the help will be needed through the duration of the audit contracts, which expire June 30, 2013.
Under a separate contract, the Council also hired Red Oak Tuesday to calculate the City’s development impact fees, as required by the new state law. Red Oak will set the fee levels for the City’s ten eleven impact fee categories as well as consider the structure for a new category for funding of storm drainage projects. The $285,000 contract represents a switch to Red Oak from Heinfeld and Meech, which began the study last year. Chief Financial Officer Scott McCarty recommended the switch due to staff changes at Heinfeld and Meech, and said the unspent balance of that contract, or $130,000, will be used toward the Red Oak contact. The work already completed by Heinfeld and Meech assists in complying with the provisions of the new state law, he told the Council.
During the course of the audits, the Finance Department will facilitate regular public briefings on progress and findings, also part of the Transparency Plan, Hillman said
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