City of Surprise News
Surprise, AZ (September 16, 2021) The initial maps for Arizona’s redistricting process were approved on September 14, 2021 by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), and the public is being asked to weigh in on them.
The approved grid maps are of equal populations for the congressional and legislative districts as required by the state constitution. The link for the adopted grid maps is: https://redistricting-irc-az.hub.arcgis.com/.
Go to surpriseaznews.com
Motions are the most challenging aspect of Robert’s Rules of Order, but you can use the system of motions to make the moves that advance your goals. Once you understand it, you can work within the system effectively.
COUNTY TO SENATE: SEE YOU IN COURT
Maricopa County will not comply with the Senate’s latest subpoena for materials related to the 2020 election and a supervisor warned the Senate of a potential lawsuit over audit results.
Mayo Clinic in Arizona Patient,
Recently the Phoenix metro area (Maricopa County) returned to a state of “substantial spread” of the COVID-19 virus. The Delta variant, which is now the most common strain, is extremely contagious, and the respiratory impact on those it infects is substantially greater than the original strain of COVID-19.
| Regular City Council Work Session & MeetingAgendas for the September 21, 2021 Regular City Council Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting have been posted at:https://www.surpriseaz.gov/agendasQuestions concerning the City of Surprise Council Agenda? Contact the City Clerk’s office at: 623.222.1200 or via email: clerk@surpriseaz.gov. |
Surprise, AZ (August 5, 2021) Cactus Road is closed at Cotton Lane due to a sinkhole in the westbound lane of the roadway just east of 175th Avenue.
Traffic on Cactus Road will be detoured to Waddell Road and 175th Avenue.
Surprise, AZ (August 5, 2021) City Manager Mike Frazier announced today that he has selected Donna Meuse to serve as the next Surprise Human Resources Director. I believe that the city council should hire all directors including the fire & police chiefs as per Arizona Statutes. Director – Means the head of a department and includes any appointed official who serves as a department director (e.g. Presiding Judge, City Attorney). Employee – A person working for the City for compensation who occupies a position subject to appointment, promotion, demotion, or removal by an Appointed Official or city council.
Surprise, AZ (July 30, 2021) The city’s Human Service and Community Vitality department reminds Surprise and El Mirage residents that rent, eviction prevention and utility assistance programs are available for income eligible applicants at the Surprise Resource Center, 12425 W. Bell Road #124.
Surprise, AZ (July 27, 2021) Hollyhock Pool has reopened, and all afternoon programming will be held as scheduled.
For questions about Hollyhock Pool programming, please call 623.222.2530.
Surprise, AZ (July 21, 2021) Valley Metro’s RideChoice program, which offers discounted transportation options, has been expanded to allow more access for Surprise residents. All veterans with proof of eligibility will now qualify, and the FY2021 Income Limit Category has been changed to Low (80%) Income Limits – this is up from Very Low (50%). Persons age 65 and over and people with disabilities still automatically qualify for this program.
Surprise, AZ (July 22, 2021) The city has completed work to install traffic signals at the intersection of Waddell Road and 145th Avenue and will activate the signal lights on Tuesday, July 27.
Surprise, AZ (July 21, 2021) Work on the Greenway Road improvement project will require intermittent road restrictions and a change in traffic pattern as a new traffic signal becomes operational.
Drivers can expect intermittent restrictions from Monday, July 26 – Thursday, July 29 as the final striping, signing, and signal activation takes place from Sarival Avenue to Loop 303.
Surprise, AZ (July 21, 2021) The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Watch from 5 p.m. Thursday, July 22 through 11 p.m. Saturday, July 24 as an approaching weather system is expected to bring prolonged heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Remember that it is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. When you come to a flooded area, please “Turn Around Don’t Drown.”
When congress tries to decide between two new taxes, it’s like a woman deciding be-tween two dresses – she usually decides to take both.
It’s a lot easier to make a mistake than to undo one.
The argument you just won with your wife isn’t over yet.
You have to have patience on a diet – especially if it’s your wife who’s on it.
At today’s prices the shopper is left holding the bag – and there’s very little left in it.
It’s funny how a dollar can look so big when you take it to church and so small when you take it to the supermarket.
Millions of Americans aren’t working, but thanks to the good Lord they’ve got jobs.
A boss when asked how many people work for him replied, “About half of them.”
Executive ability is the art of getting credit for all the hard work that somebody else does.
It’s what you do when you have nothing to do that reveals what you are.
If money grew on trees some people are so lazy they wouldn’t shake a limb to get it.
A man’s fitness for public office can be judged by the means he uses to get in.
The City of Surprise cannot give us a map of the Saguaro Acres Community Facility District or how many acres it contains. They must have the answers.
Smart growth is not affordable without sufficient funding.
Pros and Cons
Do local decisions about land use and related issues address the root causes of poor land use patterns in our community ? Does the city council decisions about land use and related issues reflect our vision and values ?
I was a first season ticket holder for our game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers in 2003.
I was recognized by The National League of Cities for achieving the Bronze level in its Certificate of Achievement in Leadership program
Do a careful reseach on loneliness , there are some promising strategies.
A new study found that diet mixers intensify the effects of alcohol compared to full-sugar mixers. Why? … Meaning: cocktails made with diet mixers make you drunker faster.
Best time for older men to have Sex. Older men who have trouble attaining erec-tions at night can do better with morning sex. Testosterone levels are higher earlier in the day……..Source:…. Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality
Be cautious when operating your computer.
People on summer cruises are usually 15 to 20 years younger than those on winter cruises.
Governor Doug Ducey’s announcement on April 29 that the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) will receive a $700,000 investment for the Beat the Odds School Leadership Academy (BTO Academy) demonstrates a clear commitment to school leaders and a recognition of the critical role they have in student success.
Surprise, AZ (May 5, 2021) Experience stories of Arizona history and culture at a speaker event presented by the Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission in partnership with Arizona Humanities.
A local expert from Arizona Humanities’ AZ Speaks program will present on the following topic:
June 8, 11 a.m. – Noon
The 1894 Lowell Expedition to Arizona (Speaker: Kevin Schindler)
| Governor Ducey Takes Action On 25 Bills |
| PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey took action on 25 pieces of legislation today, including bills that celebrate cultural tradition in schools and expand opportunities for those who served their time and want to advance their careers. |
Gov. Doug Ducey is blocking government agencies and some businesses from requiring customers to prove they have been vaccinated against Covid.
| Governor Issues Declaration Of Emergency |
| PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey issues a Declaration of Emergency and announced he is deploying the Arizona National Guard to the state’s southern border to support local law enforcement efforts as the nation experiences a rapid increase in apprehensions and migrant children in federal custody. The State will provide up to $25 million in initial funding for the mission. |
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order that requires all sex education curriculum to be posted online for parents to review, without exception. This Executive Order includes more aggressive transparency requirements than Senate Bill 1456, which was vetoed by the Governor. Under that bill, posting sex education materials online would have been optional.
Corp Comm starts new plan on power cutoff ban
The Arizona Corporation Commission took an important first step to creating a permanent rule change on utility companies shut-off policies that stemmed from the death of a 72-year-old woman in 2018.
Join us via Zoom – It’s free to attend!
All signs point to a Colorado River shortage in 2022. How is Arizona preparing for this challenge? What conservation efforts are being explored? What steps can Arizonans take to prepare for less water and carve a sustainable path? Send in your questions! Tune in – it’s free to attend!
“The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” from the Ralph M. Brown Act. 1953
Colorado River water is currently the only renewable surface supply available to Surprise. All meetings of the city council and the mayors subcommittees will comply with the Arizona revised statutes.
Aquatics Maintenance Assistant: This is a part-time, entry-level position for those that enjoy working outside. This position will work between 15-20 hours per week assisting in the overseeing of the Surprise Pools by performing both grounds and aquatics maintenance. Early morning and weekend hours required. Experience is not necessary but is desired. The individual chosen will receive training from an experienced team member.
Assistant Swim Coach: Surprise Storm is in need of a swim coach! Surprise Storm is a year-round, USA Swimming program with the Parks & Recreation Department. Team member ages can range from 7-years old through high school. Visit www.surprisestorm.com for more information! This part-time role is for those who enjoy working with the youth, has prior swimming experience, and is willing to learn from a great coaching staff. If you are a former swim coach, we would like to have you; if you are looking to get into coaching, this can be your first step!
Interested in joining our team? Visit surpriseaz.gov/jobs or call 623.222.2000 for questions on how to apply!
Cactus Road will be closed between 175th Avenue and Magnolia Drive from 5 a.m. Saturday, April 10 until 5 a.m. Monday, April 12, for utility work. Read more…
Surprise, AZ (March 29, 2021) A City Council-led initiative to assist community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit City of Surprise residents is now accepting applications.
Splash pads at both Dick McComb City Park and Veramonte Park will remain open. Read more…
| COST OF LIVING | Arizona | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 96.1 | 100 |
| Health | 95.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 107.8 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $249,300 | $231,200 |
Ducey gets proposed ban on private funds for elections
Republican legislators voted April 7 to block counties from applying for private grants to make up for shortfalls in what they say they need to properly run elections.
Surprise pushing drop-off recycling, touts alternative until curbside options return.
City court Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau picked for fellowship.
City updating water plan to meet planned growth.
Ranks Surprise 221st for diversity, rankings put city in top half of U.S.
Surprise, AZ (June 14, 2021) A traffic pattern change is coming to two intersections of 175th Avenue in Surprise. Four-way stops will be added at Surprise Farms Loop North and Surprise Farms Loop South on Monday, June 28.
Due to Dysart Unified School District boundary changes slated for the upcoming school year, the city and school district collaborated on a Safe Routes to School study to identify new/modified locations for crosswalks.
Surprise, AZ (March 22, 2021) The city is accepting applications for a new Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission-led grant program that intends to assist community organizations that are pursuing arts and cultural events or activities that benefit City of Surprise residents.
Surprise, AZ (March 26, 2021) On Monday, April 12, Surprise City Hall and other city administrative buildings will open to the public, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Additionally, meetings of the City Council and all boards and commissions will open to in-person attendance effective that date.
Surprise, AZ (March 29, 2021) A City Council-led initiative to assist community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit City of Surprise residents is now accepting applications.
The City of Surprise is pleased to announce the Community Outreach Program. The major purpose of the program is to provide funding assistance to organizations within the City of Surprise for programs, events, and activities that enhance the overall lifestyle of the community. Council set aside up to $100,000 for FY2021-2022 in an effort to support and grow qualified local programs and events to improve the health and welfare of Surprise residents.
Why are elections in the United States held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November rather than on the first Tuesday in November ?
Surprise is bounded by the expansive White Tank Mountain range to the west and the beautiful Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant Regional Park to the north. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy that hiking, fishing and camping are within a 20-minute drive when living-in or visiting Surprise.
I have been fortunate to spend nearly my entire working career in the same field – community journalism. I enjoy just about all aspects of my work, particularly meeting and working with people. My goals remain what they have been for many years – to provide interesting reading and images for readers and give them balanced news coverage… see more
It’s Rusty’s Ramblins instead of Rusty’s blogs.
By Rusty Bradshaw
Twitter: @SunCitiesEditorPosted 3/11/21
The opposition to consolidation of EPCOR Water Co. wastewater districts will continue to be heard.
Bob Vukanovich, what are the 2 issues ?
Immunotherapy uses medicine to improve your immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapies can be used alone or combined with other treatments. Here’s what you should know about these promising drugs.
States have received 21 million doses since the Food and Drug Administration in December authorized two vaccines – from Pfizer Inc with partner BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc – but only about 6 million have been administered. I took my first shot yesterday, God Bless America.
‘I just ask God to help me’: Texas funeral home crushed by death as U.S. COVID toll nears 500,000
Sunday is traditionally a quiet day for Chuck Pryor’s Houston funeral home, but on this Sunday in February, almost a year after the global pandemic reached Texas, the phone was still ringing.
| Arizona opens vaccine appointments to everyone 16 and olderArizona is among the first states to allow anyone to sign up for vaccine appointments. |
In an interview with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz on This Week, Governor Doug Ducey called out the Biden administration for failed border policies that have led to a surge in illegal immigration, weakened security and a historic humanitarian crisis. On Friday, Governor Ducey visited the border in Cochise County to see firsthand the situation being made worse by the Biden administration’s policies.
As vaccinations continue to ramp up across the state, Governor Ducey announced more than one million Arizonans are officially fully vaccinated and a vaccination site in Yuma is expanding. The Governor this week also traveled to Douglas to discuss safety in border communities and across the state. Details below:
Rejecting claims the measure amounts to little more than window dressing, a House panel voted Tuesday to give local governments more power to regulate short-term vacation rentals.
| Having trouble viewing this email? https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZDOT/bulletins/2c6de59 |
| Eastbound US 60 near Morristown overnight lane restrictions planned March 15 and 17 |
| The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the following nightly lane restrictions along US 60 at London Road and Center Street in the Morristown area, for maintenance repairs: |
Arizona has administered its 2 millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the state and local partners work to get the currently limited supply into arms as quickly as possible. As of this morning, 2,016,512 doses had been administered to 1,312,951 individuals, including 711,074 who have received both doses.
Home / education / Ducey swings open school doors
By: Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services March 3, 2021
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 10 years that Surprise Police Chief Dan Hughes resigned, August 13, 2010.
Please be advised, GYS Development LLC on behalf of Brown Family Holdings LLC, will host a Neighborhood Meeting to discuss the project referenced below.
NOTE: This meeting has been rescheduled for March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Feb 1, 2016https://www.surpriseaz.gov/documentcenter/view/32357PLEASANT BRADSHAW MOUNTAINS H A SS A Y A M PA P IC A C H O W A SH T R ILB Y W ASH TW O W E ST W ASH SR 74 / MORRISTOWN NEW RIVER HWY R IV E R SURPRISE PLANNING AREA BOUNDARY H W Y 60 / PH OEN IX W ICKEN BURG H W Y H W Y 60 SURPRISE BELL RD. LO O P 30 3
Our odds of living to 100 are dramatically better than those of our grandparents, and babies born today have it even better.
This week’s guide to Crisis Management
This week’s email features a look at Landmark COVID ruling roils commercial leasing bar; Allocating risk of COVID-related delays in construction contracts; Update HR policies to handle workplace complaints; The risks of factoring agreements; Helping small business get to the light at the end of the tunnel.
2/26/2021 / Rusty Bradshaw: Being the senior editor of our major news orgination do you know why the City of Surprise is so secretive about aquiring the Circle City water company ? Tonight special meeting. K. Executive Session
1. Consideration and action to recess into executive session for the purpose of discussion and consultation with the City Attorney for legal advice and to consider its position and instruct the City Attorney regarding the Council’s position in matters related to the Circle City Water litigation
pursuant to A.R.S. 38431.03(A)(3) and (4).
CCWC is a small water service company located in the northern part of Surprise’s future planning and water service area. In addition to its infrastructure and customer base, CCWC also has a sizable CAP allocation which, if acquired, would greatly grow the City’s ability to access more Colorado River water. Having greater access to renewable water supplies affords the City the ability to meet future demands and avoid shortfalls.
The Surprise Independent has Surprise, Arizona the 6th best place in the West U.S to live for high salaries and the low cost of living.
Surprise, AZ (February 18, 2021) The city of Surprise will be performing pavement preservation activities on the following roadways, weather permitting:
· Cactus Road will be closed between Litchfield Road and Solar Canyon Way on February 22
o North and southbound traffic on Litchfield Road will not be impacted
o Traffic restrictions will be in place on Cactus Road, Solar Canyon Way to Dysart Road, February 22-26
· Waddell Road, 175th Avenue to Citrus Road, will have traffic restrictions from February 22-26
o Left turn restrictions from Waddell Road to south 175th Avenue will be in place after schools are in session
In response to COVID-19, the City of Surprise is communicating with public health partners at the regional, state, and national level to make sure we’re working together to provide the most accurate and timely information to our community and to safeguard the health and safety of our residents
If the moral fabric of the population is going to hell will our democratic system survive ?
Our politicians have lost our Standards of Decency.