Archive for June, 2009
Tennis
News
New City Hall Open
It is an historic day in Surprise as the city’s first-ever dedicated City Hall building opens to the public at 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.
“Relocating City Hall to the Surprise Civic Center Complex has transformed this area into the heart of the city,” says City Manager Randy Oliver. “From City Hall you are within walking distance to the Public Safety Building, Rio Salado College’s Communiversity (opens in late August), Heard Museum West and a score of recreation amenities such as the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex and DreamCatcher Park.”
The design of the nearly 136,000 square foot building is all about helping staff provide quality customer service. As soon as you enter the four-story building it is easy to spot the Development Services Center- a one-stop shop for annexation proposals, zone changes, conditional use permits, grading and drainage, paving, new building construction, single family homes, and landscaping.
The new Council Chambers, located in the east wing of the first floor, hold more than double the attendees of the former council chambers, with a 170 seat capacity. Before entering chambers visitors will be required to pass through security.
The City Store, offering Surprise-branded merchandise, is also conveniently located on the first floor.
Visitors to any of the departments located on the building’s second – fourth floors will be required to check in at the lobby Welcome Desk and receive a visitor’s badge. And Visitor Parking is located on the parking garage’s first floor, south bay.
The city hall, parking garage and the shell of the south building, which will house Rio Salado’s Communiversity, totaled $48.2 million and was paid for in cash by the city.
For more City Hall information and to view location maps and a photo gallery visit www.surpriseaz.com.
Telly Awards
The innovative “2009 State of the City” live video address has earned two national Telly Awards.
Mayor Lyn Truitt’s video tour and message won two Bronze Telly Awards in the categories of “TV Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces – Editing” and “TV Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces - Political/Commentary.”
The 2009 State of the City address was unique on several fronts. It was city’s first State of the City address, and it was the first to be broadcast live from a local television studio. The prime time broadcast on Surprise 11 and on www.surpriseaz.com gave Surprise residents unprecedented access to this important address.
“We wanted to do something unique, that captured the spirit of creativity and innovation that is defining Surprise,” Mayor Lyn Truitt said. “I also wanted to make it a live evening broadcast on Surprise 11 and the Web site so our residents who work all day would have a chance to see it.”
The program featured Mayor Truitt broadcasting from the Surprise 11 studios, introducing viewers to a variety of pre-produced video segments that took them on a tour of the city. Viewers saw the new City Hall and neighboring Communiversity, Surprise Stadium and the new Interfaith Community Care Campus as Mayor Truitt reviewed the challenges and opportunities facing the city in 2009. The mayor also appeared in the video clips, speaking about the tough economy from his backyard, and tossing peanuts at Surprise Stadium.
“It was a team effort, and I am pleased the Telly Award acknowledges the great work our Communications team did on the State of the City,” Truitt added.
The city’s “City of Surprise Tourism Spot” received a Bronze Telly Award, earlier this month for Outstanding Achievement under the Travel/Tourism category.
The city Web site and Surprise 11 are operated by the Surprise Communications Department.
Memorial Day
The 3rd Annual Memorial Day Parade was held on Saturday, May 23 at the Surprise Recreation Campus. Over 80 entries came out to show their patriotism and honor our veterans. The City of Surprise would like to thank all of the participants for making the parade a success and congratulate the following parade entry winners.
The City Manager Award for the Best Motorized Entry was awarded to the Stars & Stripes Volunteer Fire Department and Silver place went to the Ritzy Reds Livin’ Grand Red Hat Group.
The Tennis “Ball Kids” from the Community and Recreation Services Department won Gold for the City of Surprise Award which was awarded to the Best City Department Entry. Silver went to the Surprise Fire Department Honor Guard Pipes and Drums.
The City Council Award for Symbolism was given to the Tribute to the Arizona from the Oasis Baptist Church for the Gold while the Silver was awarded to the Luke 56th Security Squadron.
The Gold Sundancer Award for Best Youth Entry went to the Valley Vista High School Spirit Line. Valley Vista also won the Silver with the Monsoon Marching Band.
The Mayor’s Award which was given to the Best Overall Entry awarded the Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club with the Gold while the Silver went to the Tiny Trotters Miniature Horse Association of Arizona
The Annual Memorial Day Parade is a community event creating a tradition for residents to participate either as an entry or a spectator. This year’s parade entries displayed creativity, patriotism and community involvement. The City of Surprise thanks all of the 2009 entries and hopes to see even more participate next year!
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Interstate 10
Upcoming Restrictions and Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) rubberized asphalt paving. There are several ongoing restrictions to remind West Valley drivers of as well.
Interstate 10 Improvement Project construction activities this week include overnight restrictions in both directions between
107th Avenue
ATTENTION: Additionally ADOT would like to remind all drivers that the eastbound I-10 is closed between Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street from 11 p.m. Friday, June 19, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 22, for repairs to the Deck Park Tunnel’s fire detection system. Please use southbound I-17 as alternate route to connect with eastbound I-10 near Sky Harbor International Airport.
Being a politician
How can we say? Run for office if you’re not a politician, if you’re not, try to accomplish something, those that understand the system should make our politician’s know that they work for us, not themselves. They are more beneficial to the city serving on committees.
Because Councilman Joe Johnson was a seasoned politician we have one of the best tennis facility in the nation.
After being in office for a year and a half what has our Liberal Mayor Lyn Truitt and the rest of the council accomplished?
Take an interest
Because of the harassment of the Original Town Site and the requirement of a business license to rent a home that you can’t sell or afford to live in, because of the lack of jobs in Surprise, the council is showing their true colors.
Having been raised in the Great Depression and a veteran of WW11, living through the Korean and Viet Nam war, I thought that I had seen the worst.
But let me tell you folks if we don’t keep an eye on our government, locally and nationally we haven’t seen anything yet.
Bad timing
A report by the US Conference of Mayors: Hunger and homelessness increase in American cities.
14 December 2008: In US cities, hunger and homelessness are both on the rise according to a report by the US Conference of Mayors.
America is facing one of the biggest economic downturns in its history, the issues of hunger and homelessness are more prevalent than ever. “Cities are the front lines where these effects are first felt, which is why mayors have been proactive and have implemented local initiatives to combat hunger and homelessness in their communities to take care of our most vulnerable residents”.
This was why I thought it was wrong at this time to go after our citizens for bills dating back 10 years.
June 16, 2009
Surprise Arizona
New city hall opens today
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