Surprise council approves appointments, Jomax right-of-way resolution and a 24-hour agenda rule

The Surprise City Council on April 21 approved several routine and procedural items, including two commission appointments, a right-of-way vacation and a change to the municipal code governing agenda submissions.

Appointments and oaths: Council approved the recommendation to appoint Patrick Campbell to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (term to June 30, 2027) and Kerwin Forrest to the Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission (term to June 30, 2029). Both appointments passed by voice vote and the new appointees were sworn in during the meeting.

Jomax Road right-of-way: The council approved Resolution 2026-43 to vacate roughly 116,140 square feet of right-of-way along the south side of Jomax Road west of 173rd Avenue so the land can be replatted into the Assante North development. Staff said the original right-of-way width exceeded what is necessary for the ultimate build-out of Jomax Road; the item was presented as a continuance of earlier corridor approvals.

Agenda-submission ordinance: The council passed Ordinance 2026-005 amending City Code section 2-61 to permit two or more council members to place an item on the agenda with at least 24 hours’ notice. Councilmembers debated the administrative and open-meeting implications; supporters said the change levels the playing field for members while opponents raised concerns about inadvertent quorum or open-meetings issues if multiple members coordinate outside public view.

What this means: Votes were taken by voice and recorded in the minutes as passed; the transcript does not contain roll-call tallies. Council directed staff to continue regular communications with DHS on unrelated items at the meeting and agreed to consider future business related to the DHS facility.

Representative quote: "I move to approve ordinance 2026-005," said Councilman Judd as proponents of the change argued it would give members needed flexibility.