Surprise, AZ News blog

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.

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.”

“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 Web site and Surprise 11 are operated by the Surprise Communications Department.

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 56^th 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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The second workshop in the Compassionate Surprise Series is set for June 27, 1 p.m. -3:30 p.m., and will focus on “Learning to Advocate for an Effective Individualized Education Program (IEP)”.

This free educational workshop will be held at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Rita Kenison, Director of Education and Training for Raising Special Kids, will serve as the speaker.

The IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a very important document for children with disabilities and for those who are involved in educating them.

The Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity Foundation recognized the entire Surprise City Council as “Friends of the Taxpayer,” and Surprise Vice Mayor Joe Johnson was one of four elected officials in the state to be named a “Hero of the Taxpayer,” in their newly-released Local Government Scorecard for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.