The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of nine consent items and two development cases, including a proposed industrial rezoning in Tonopah that drew resident concerns about water, traffic, noise and emergency services.

Discussion Points

•An online participant raised concerns about repair noise and smells and asked what services were available for employees.
•Residents opposed the proposed industrial rezoning and raised concerns about wells, possible pollution, construction and operational traffic, noise, emergency response, fire training, flooding and time to review the proposal.
•Staff identified handouts revising conditions for two cases.
•Staff reported no known opposition to the consent items.
•Staff said neighbors objected to compatibility, screening, traffic, noise and light; the applicant said the site's uses predated nearby housing.
•Staff said the 961-acre plan amendment met the county's stated definition of a major amendment and must be heard by the Board of Supervisors within the filing year.
•The applicant described proposed walling, landscaping, lighting and operating limits and said it would designate a neighborhood liaison.
•The applicant said no specific users were lined up, and that future development would undergo drainage and well-impact review; sewer-dependent uses would require an adequate sewer system.

Decisions

•The commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of CPA 260010 and Z 260026; the Board of Supervisors' final decision was not made at this meeting.
•The commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the consent agenda.
•The commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the permit subject to conditions A through I, as modified in a handout memo.

Directions

•Staff said it would work with the applicant to refine the I-11 corridor restriction in the development standards.
•The applicant said it intended to continue discussions with neighbors before the Board of Supervisors hearing.

Nov

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Surprise Planning & Zoning Commission met Nov. 5, 2026, and approved three conditional use permits for multi-tenant buildings with drive-throughs in the Truman Ranch Marketplace; residents raised concerns about lighting, historic naming and delayed road work on Waddell Road.

Discussion Points

•Clarification that CUP is tied to code use category and that tenant or use-category changes may require a new CUP.
•Directions to ensure stipulations are met before permitting.
•Resident said bond passed Nov. 2023 for $8.4M; appraisals and staff delays left owners waiting; safety concerns at his driveway reported.
•Staff confirmed parking, queuing and landscaping metrics; a resident raised concerns about naming and lighting.
•Staff described parking, landscaping, and queuing analysis for the 13-vehicle drive-through; applicant stated tenants anticipated and outreach occurred.

Decisions

•Approval of CUP and site plan (FS25-0771)
•Approval of FS25-0770
•Approval of FS25-0779
•No formal action taken; staff to follow up with outreach.

Directions

•Record stipulations A–F; require shared parking agreement remain in effect.
•Record stipulations and require compliance prior to permits.
•Require follow-up if future tenants change use category.
•Staff to reach out to property owner after design is complete.

Nov

Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission Meeting

The Surprise Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission met Nov. 4, 2026, heard a presentation on downtown economic development, approved the FY28 Percent for Art budget and the Surprise Arts Program/Experience Plan, reviewed a pre‑qualified artist roster, and discussed removal of a City Hall mural during renovation.

Discussion Points

•Budget rounded for Elm Street artwork
•City retail and industrial growth (Prasada East, Whole Foods, Cheesecake Factory)
•Commissioners objected to short notice and insufficient documentation
•Contracting guidance and recommended pay ranges
•Elm Street completed phase one; city leased space for small‑business services
•Emerging priorities: parks, Elm Street, Shade Series
•Evaluation metrics and staffing/capacity constraints
•Housing growth and workforce housing pressure
•Imminent cashier‑area renovation will remove mural site
•Map of completed and planned artworks since 2023
•Partnership opportunities with businesses and schools
•Roster contents and list of 11 selected artists
•Staff said artist was notified and murals on drywall are at risk
•Structure of the programming portfolio
•Website ADA work and publication plan

Decisions

•Advisory recommendation to document and seek mitigation; no binding decision
•Approved FY28 Percent for Art plan
•Approved the program plan

Directions

•Continue recruiting mixed‑use and hospitality projects; prioritize Elm Street placemaking and small‑business support
•Post calls for artists and publish procurement timeline
•Post roster on website; cross‑post calls on statewide platforms
•Staff to document the mural, report preservation options and recommend improved notification procedures
•Use the plan as a guide to inform FY28 programming and evaluation

Nov

Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting November 4, 2026

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors held a formal meeting Nov. 4 that opened with a Veterans Day ceremony, approved an e-bike ordinance and several consent items, approved a sheriff's-office backlog-pay incentive (item 43), approved an IGA amendment with Chandler for heat relief (item 55), heard public comment on elections and a proposed citizen complaint process, and received supervisor reports.

Discussion Points

•911 response and call-recording concerns
•Amendment limited to section 1(b) applicability
•Backlog fell from ~1,200 to ~213 but remaining cases are complex
•Chair thanked staff for drafting enforceable language
•Chandler stated funds were already spent and requested reallocation
•Guest remarks on transition from military to civilian service
•Item previously voted down and returned for reconsideration
•Judicial penalties already assessed and fund exists to pay personnel
•Proposed incentive increase to $100/hr to attract command officers
•Questions about whether officers have been asked and whether funds cover cost
•Recognition of county veteran employees (~1,065)
•Request for county-level citizen complaint process and an independent compliance officer
•Requests for transparency during canvassing and scrutiny of County Recorder practices
•SRP requested exclusion of federal property
•Supervisor Stewart moved approval to allow Chandler to reconcile expenditures

Decisions

•Adopt ordinance P‑38 as amended
•Approve amendment to IGA with City of Chandler
•Approve item 43 allowing use of staffing funds for incentive pay; motion passed 4–1

Directions

•County staff to assist documentation and confirm reallocation
•Sheriff's office to monitor participation and report back quarterly

Nov

Regular City Council Meeting

Surprise City Council met Nov. 2 for ceremonial business, several appointments and a consent-agenda vote, and to hear public comment — notably multiple residents urging incorporation of the Whitman area rather than annexation by Surprise. The council also swore in a new fire medical chief and proclaimed International Fraud Awareness Week.

Discussion Points

•Buckingham requested public records about a taxpayer-funded trip and said he will pursue legal remedies if records are not provided.
•City auditor urged staff to review processes and report suspected fraud.
•City hosted Special Olympics swim and bocce with 43 local athletes; 24 athletes will attend state games in December.
•Clerk read items and council members moved and seconded the three appointment items.
•Isles praised city distribution of bottled water during Liberty Water issues and commended staff
•Mayor proclaimed Nov. 15\u000221 International Fraud Awareness Week.
•No consent-agenda items were pulled for separate discussion.
•Oath administered by Judge Dominguez; Sperlong pledged to uphold constitutions and municipal code.
•Residents presented petition and signature counts and described plans to file for incorporation with the county on Jan. 28.
•Speakers argued the city's rural-residential overlay does not give Whitman residents local representation or zoning control.
•Sperlong expressed gratitude and commitment to serve.

Decisions

•Appointments confirmed; consent agenda approved.
•Oath administered; formal recognition completed.

Nov

City Council Work Session

City staff briefed the Surprise City Council on a petition from Whitman to pursue annexation as a step toward incorporation; council members raised concerns about financial sustainability, large parcels (including BNSF and state trust land), and protections offered by the city's desert rural overlay. No formal action was taken.

Discussion Points

•Council asked if city could loan funds short-term as some cities did for San Tan.
•Council members expressed opposition to Surprise-initiated annexation and asked staff to dispel rumors.
•Council requested clarifications on assessed-value calculation and contiguity requirements.
•County-island configurations create additional procedural considerations and may involve the Board of Supervisors if city does not act.
•Map includes state trust and rail-owned parcels that cannot be encumbered without owner consent.
•No formal endorsement or veto of Whitman incorporation or annexation was made.
•Overlay cannot cover parcels excluded by noise contours or state trust land.
•Overlay protects rural lifestyle, limits urban infrastructure, and allows city comment on incompatible county rezonings.
•Staff presented annexation steps, map, and statutory thresholds.
•Whitman packet shows only state shared revenue and low salary estimates.

Decisions

•No action taken; meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Staff to check ownership and consent (BNSF, state trust) for parcels shown on the proposed boundary map.
•Staff to clarify exact parcels included/excluded and how overlay interacts with county zoning.
•Staff to continue evaluating ownership, financials and overlay applicability and to report back.
•Staff to request more detailed budget and staffing plans from Whitman proponents if they pursue annexation.

Oct

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Surprise Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission received staff reports, approved meeting minutes and 2027 meeting dates, nominated officers, reviewed and voted to adopt a proposed City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Master Plan through 2045 (to be sent to City Council Nov. 17), added Fiesta and Old Town location to a future agenda, and adjourned after a 59-minute meeting.

Discussion Points

•Chair absence noted; commissioners discussed nominations briefly.
•Commissioner raised concern that moving Fiesta away from Old Town diminishes heritage.
•Commissioners asked follow-up questions about supervision, software access and operational implications.
•Commissioners noted demand for more pickleball courts and additional shade, seating and indoor programming.
•Commissioners questioned benchmarks, acreage targets, and coordination with flood control and regional agencies.
•Presenter reported 4,642 participants and recapped Special Olympics events hosted in city parks.
•Presenter (S5) announced a council agenda item to reassign park rangers' budget to PD.
•Presenters highlighted population projections and community requests for shade, indoor recreation, and more pickleball courts.
•Routine approvals of minutes and scheduling were completed without extended debate.
•Staff suggested a future presentation and community forum; item was added to future agenda.

Decisions

•Add Fiesta/Old Town history as a future agenda item.
•Commission adopted the master plan and will forward it to City Council for final approval.
•Matt nominated and approved as chair; Michael nominated and approved as vice chair.
•Minutes approved; 2027 meeting dates set; meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Plan to be forwarded to Council Nov. 17 for approval.
•Staff to follow up on land-acquisition recommendations and future agenda items.
•Staff to prepare a presentation on Fiesta location options for a future meeting.
•Staff will present details and the transfer request to City Council on Nov. 17.
•Staff will reflect participation and facility needs in capital planning and master plan implementation.

Oct

Pawlitics with Havarti & Supervisor Thomas Galvin 🐶 Oct. 21 BOS meeting

Supervisor Thomas Galvin opened a brief board message with reminders about the Nov. 3 election, updates on animal services construction in the West Valley and a recent board vote to retire and transfer sheriff's canine Spike. He also promoted a dog available for adoption and directed residents to county voting and pet-adoption websites.

Discussion Points

•Board retired and transferred ownership of canine Spike; no procedural details provided.
•County entering phase 2 of construction for West Valley animal care and control facility.
•Galvin provided voter information and the county website but no further election guidance.

Decisions

•Retirement and transfer approved by the board (vote tally not provided)

Oct

Planning and Zoning Commission 10/22/2026

The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission held a hybrid meeting on Oct. 22, 2026, where staff announced several continuances and four rezoning/comprehensive-plan items on the consent agenda; the commission approved the consent agenda 7-0 and then adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Chair confirmed no vote was needed for continuance.
•Chair confirmed no vote was required.
•Clerk conducted roll-call; the clerk announced a 7-0 recommendation for approval.
•Commissioner moved and seconded the consent approval.
•No public opposition was recorded on the hearing record for this session.
•Staff announced continuance of CPA260004 and Z260007 (Sparrows Baseline) to Nov. 5.
•Staff announced continuance of SU260029 to Dec. 3.
•Staff noted no known opposition; no public testimony on the record for this item during this session.
•Staff presented CPA260006 and Z260016 (Harquihala Sun 34 expansion) and recommended approval subject to conditions a–o.
•Staff summarized the modification to previously approved C-3 CUPD conditions for Happy Valley Commercial.
•Staff summarized the rezoning proposal and recommended approval subject to conditions.

Decisions

•Case continued to Dec. 3.
•Cases continued to Nov. 5.
•Consent agenda approved, 7-0.
•Item approved on consent (7-0).
•Item approved on the consent agenda (7-0).
•Item placed on and passed via the consent agenda (see Votes at a Glance article).

Oct

Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting October 21, 2026

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 21, 2026, covered routine consent business and a lengthy statutory hearing on a proposed Peoria County Island Fire District, which the board denied after extensive public comment. Other votes included denial of a special use permit for Wrangler's Roost, approval of Belmont 4, and mixed action on an ARPA-funded Chandler IGA amendment.

Discussion Points

•Applicant counsel explained water-management commitments and a planned recharge facility.
•Applicant requested temporary ADA restroom relief and parity under existing noise ordinance.
•ARPA-funded reallocation intended to allow Chandler to shift funds to supplies.
•Clerk's office explained formation process and statutory requirements (Laurie Maderas).
•Concern expressed that Chandler should be present to explain the change and show how funds will be used.
•Multiple residents and HOAs disputed financial and statutory claims, cited lack of outreach and potential statutory conflicts with North County Fire and AFMA.
•Planning commission had recommended conditions to limit intensity and noise; applicant did not accept those conditions.
•Proponents argued need for automatic aid and equitable funding; proposed a $2.60 limited property value levy (Pat Frey).
•Public asked for public records documenting machine certification, software versions and hiring records.
•Speakers accused the recorder's office of sharing staff imagery with external actors and urged investigations.
•Support letters and planning-commission recommendation were cited.

Decisions

•Board approved item 17 unanimously.
•Board denied the application; denial recorded as 5 ayes to deny.
•Board denied the impact statement; motion carried unanimously.
•Initial motion failed; the board voted to reconsider and place item 76 on the Nov. 4 agenda.
•No formal investigatory motion was made during the meeting; supervisors pledged follow-up via staff channels.

Directions

•Clerk to record denial and notify proponents of statutory waiting period for re-filing.
•Staff to coordinate with Chandler for Nov. 4 briefing and provide detailed explanation of ARPA line-item shifts.
•Supervisors encouraged members of the public to submit formal agenda requests and public-records requests for staff to review.

Oct

City Council Work Session

City of Surprise council received a presentation on hazardous-material facility oversight and emergency response after a chemical distributor (Rinchem) began operations; councilmembers pressed staff about the facility's proximity to other uses and the absence of a shared federal emergency plan.

Discussion Points

•Council did not vote on or adopt any measures related to the hazardous-material facility.
•Duffy argued the facility's proximity to people-housing or lodging increases risk and that the city has not received federal emergency plans.
•EOC coordinates multi-agency response and public information.
•Fire staff explained required design safeguards and ongoing inspections under NFPA guidance, plus regional mutual-aid protocols and incident-command scaling.
•Inspection regimes rely on NFPA guidance and are risk-based by occupancy and hazard.
•Motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
•Planning staff reviewed the property's annexation, rezoning (I-1 to I-2 in 2020), site plan approval (2022) and certificate of occupancy (2024).
•Regional automatic aid and pre-incident planning are central to response scalability.
•Staff said they have requested the plan but have not received it; the citys role is to coordinate response and notify the public rather than forcibly evacuate surrounding private facilities.
•WEA used for geo-fenced actionable alerts; RAVE and opt-in systems supplement outreach.

Decisions

•Adjournment approved by voice vote; no further action on Item 1.
•No additional inspection program or new funding was authorized in this session.
•No change to alerting authority or new alert protocols were adopted at the meeting.
•No change to zoning or immediate regulatory action was adopted at the meeting.
•No formal action or vote on the facility or additional regulations was taken at this meeting.

Directions

•Clerk/City staff to continue pursuing emergency-plan documents and report back.
•Continue regular inspections and pre-incident facility familiarization; coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions for automatic aid.
•Council requested staff continue pursuing emergency-plan materials from the facility/federal entities.
•Maintain and refine prescriptive messages to accelerate alerting while verifying content.
•Staff to continue requesting emergency-plan materials from the facility and federal entities and report back to council.

Oct

Regular City Council Meeting

City Council met in Surprise for a regular meeting with youth council presentations, an election-hour update, approval of $10,000 in neighborhood grants, and multiple public commenters pressing for Whitman incorporation and asking questions about a nearby Rinchem/ICE facility; a work session on Whitman was scheduled for Nov. 2.

Discussion Points

•Eligibility criteria: public benefit, feasibility by June 27, HOA approvals required; 501(c)(3) ineligible for this program.
•Petitioners requested formal acknowledgment and written response from the city and asked to place incorporation on a council agenda.
•Speakers cited Tier II reports and RMPs and asked whether shelter-in-place or evacuation would be appropriate.
•Speakers requested clearer emergency-planning communication from DHS or other responsible agencies.
•Vote Center hours and resource center schedule presented.
•Youth Council described outreach and volunteer events.

Decisions

•Council approved the subcommittee recommendation to award $10,000 across four projects.

Directions

•Consider increasing program funding to support more projects (suggested by Councilmember Judd).
•Mayor scheduled a work session on Monday, November 2 for further discussion.

Oct

Board of Supervisors Informal Meeting 10/19/2026

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors received a presentation on the 2026 general election transition plan covering the logistics of switching equipment between early voting (administered by the Recorder's Office) and election-day voting (administered by the Board), asked questions about a reported tampering incident, and voted unanimously to enter executive session.

Discussion Points

•Bipartisan pairing for drivers and couriers to preserve oversight.
•Chair raised reported incursion and printer tampering from Recorder's Office press release.
•Jarrett described chain of custody: locking compartments and daily logs for printer paper.
•Motion to enter executive session after briefing.
•Nontechnical items remain on site; ballot printers and check‑in hardware will be swapped.
•Schedule for transitioning 46 early‑voting sites (Oct. 29–31 window).
•Separation of technical equipment between Recorder's Office (early voting) and Board elections (election day).
•Single website consolidates Recorder and elections department site status and wait times.
•Site has filters for dropbox‑only locations and provides wait times refreshed every 15 minutes.
•Vehicle assignments and who travels in what vehicle during transitions.
•Voice vote recorded with ayes and no opposition.

Decisions

•Executive session approved; public meeting adjourned.
•No formal Board action recorded on the incident during the public meeting.
•Proceed with bipartisan staffing model for drivers and couriers.
•Proceed with the transition plan as presented; Board moved to executive session after the briefing.
•Public should use locations.maricopa.vote to check site status.

Directions

•Board will convene executive session in the Sullivan conference room.
•Deliver election‑day tabulators to sites the weekend before election day.
•None recorded — Jarrett said Recorder's Office would implement procedures under its authority.

Oct

Board of Adjustment Hearing 10/15/2026

Maricopa County Board of Adjustment considered seven variance and compliance items including a code-compliance appeal for a Mesa property with occupied RVs and multiple setback/structure variance requests; the board approved each variance presented and affirmed the hearing officer in the code-enforcement appeal.

Discussion Points

•Applicant committed to revegetation of disturbed areas and engineering for septic and retaining walls.
•Applicant emphasized animal safety and engineering plans to show code compliance.
•Applicant emphasized property improvement and willingness to provide follow-up information if needed.
•Applicant indicated the structure is to protect animals and keep them away from high traffic.
•Board acknowledged structural remediation and urged permit pursuit.
•Board discussed fire-rating implications and noted construction permitting will address safety concerns.
•Owner built the carport for shade and equipment clearance without obtaining permits.
•Owner recounted purchase of property with unpermitted additions and remediation work performed.
•Staff described hillside slopes, a wash, and right-of-way acquisition limiting the buildable envelope.
•Staff described lot orientation and the ingress/egress easement.
•Staff noted wash and topography constraints and that the open structure is largely obscured from public view.
•Staff recap of inspection and notice timeline and the hearing officer\u0002s penalties.
•Topographic constraints including a wash and 37.4% hillside slopes on the lot were noted.
•Whether respondent's absence at the prior hearing constituted a procedural error eligible for remand.

Decisions

•Board affirmed the hearing officer's order (vote 4\u0002to\u00020).
•Variance approved 3\u0002to\u00020.
•Variance approved 4\u0002to\u00020.
•Variance approved 4\u0002to\u00020 per staff stipulations.
•Variance approved, board adjourned.

Directions

•Owner to pursue building permits and comply with fire-rating and inspection requirements.
•Owner to seek building permits and comply with building code.
•Proceed to permitting and engineering review as needed.
•Proceed with permitting and engineered plan review.
•Proceed with permitting and revegetation per county guidelines.
•Staff to contact respondent with compliance options and explain permitting process.

Oct

Library Advisory Commission

Surprise Library Advisory Commission met Oct. 8, 2026 to receive staff reports on programs and collection changes, consider minutes, hear extensive updates on collection development after Baker & Taylor’s collapse, review Hollyhock branch operations after its move to the Surprise Community Resource Center, and discuss a proposed advocacy subcommittee.

Discussion Points

•Benefits of co-location with senior/resource center and expanded program spaces
•Denver Public Library's tool-lending program requires a credit card on file and a waiver; the city attorney took a year to craft Denver's waiver
•Emergency reallocation of funds and supplemental purchases (Amazon, Ingram, Barnes & Noble)
•Estimated timeline: 18 months to 2 years
•Friends donated four Quest Playaway tablets to be distributed across branches
•Longer-term onboarding with other major vendors and rebuilding cataloging capacity
•Operational methods: record edits, new labeling, interns assisting, staged rollout (new books, adults, teens, picture books)
•Operational needs for staffing and shelving vs. program space
•Potential pilot ideas: starter tool kits, sewing machines, or select durable items
•Proposal to form a three-member advocacy subcommittee to coordinate outreach to the mayor and city council
•Questions about ethics/conflict-of-interest and whether a formal vote is required to create the subcommittee
•Rationale for interfiling (author-first shelving) and mitigation for patrons who prefer genre browsing
•Reported jump in checkouts and visitors after Hollyhock relocation
•Timeline of Baker & Taylor slowdown in 2025 through Chapter 11 filing in March 2026

Directions

•Staff to consult city attorney on feasibility of a pilot and report back with legal/budget analysis
•Staff will check rules and consult with the city attorney; matter may be agendized for formal action at a future meeting
•Staff will continue monitoring attendance and report staffing/space requests to the commission
•Staff will continue staged relabeling and produce communications for patrons
•Staff will continue to report vendor-onboarding progress to the commission

Oct

Planning and Zoning Commission 10/08/2026

The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission met Oct. 8, 2026, confirmed a quorum, approved minutes from Sept. 10 and unanimously approved a consent-item rezoning and CUPD (C2250008) for a 25-acre Love's Travel Stop at NW corner of 411th Avenue in the Campbell/Tonopah area; staff also reviewed hearing and public-comment procedures.

Discussion Points

•Minutes for Sept. 10 presented; no comments offered.
•Staff presented the rezoning and CUPD request and noted no known opposition.
•Staff read ARS 38-431 and described procedures for agenda availability, applicant presentation time, speaker registration and chair-controlled speaking times.

Decisions

•Consent-item approved by roll-call vote, 7-0.
•Minutes accepted.

Oct

Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission Meeting

The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission met Oct. 7 to review designs for a new series of decorated traffic/utility cabinets along 163rd Avenue. Commissioners heard presentations from community-selected artists, gave feedback on color, composition and community engagement, and discussed outreach and student-mentor components.

Discussion Points

•Announcements and upcoming events reviewed; adjournment motion passed.
•Chrome described using community feedback emphasizing nature and Alebrijes-style creatures.
•Commissioners liked the palette and cultural references; suggested keeping palettes eye-catching so cabinets read from the road.
•Commissioners praised community engagement methods used by artists, including library outreach, social media and high-school workshops.
•Commissioners praised the personal story and suggested minor visibility and detail adjustments.
•Commissioners suggested minor revisions to color contrast and background details so art reads on three-panel cabinets.
•Commissioners suggested slightly brighter color options and minor value adjustments for road visibility.
•Eli described in-person library engagement and how a 10-year-old's color palette shaped the final design.
•Lizzie described using library engagement and children’s drawings to shape imagery of home and belonging.
•Mentor described high-school workshop with templates and student interviews to determine how students wanted to be represented.
•Students emphasized Native identity, landscape and family themes.
•Two consent minutes items approved without substantive debate.

Decisions

•Commissioners expressed support to move forward with the design pending minor adjustments.
•Commission expressed support to move forward with the piece pending small adjustments.
•Commission supported inclusion of student work and mentorship continuation.
•Consensus to move forward with selected designs and ask artists for modest adjustments; no formal final acceptance vote recorded in transcript.
•Consensus to proceed with revisions and production after minor changes.
•Minutes approved and meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Artist to prepare alternate color/value options for staff review.
•Staff to coordinate mentor follow-ups and promotion of student work.
•Staff to coordinate minor revisions to improve contrast for street viewing.
•Staff to follow up with artist on minor visibility and contrast refinements.
•Staff to follow up with artists about requested small revisions and scheduling installation logistics.

Oct

Regular City Council Meeting

The Surprise City Council met Oct. 6, 2026. The meeting included a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Sojourner Center presentation, acceptance of a $24,400 veterans-support grant, a Westmark presentation on a West Valley workforce alliance, multiple development-agreement approvals, several Walgreens liquor-license recommendations to state regulators, public comments about Whitman incorporation and school-safety concerns, and adjournment to executive session on Whitman.

Discussion Points

•Agreement requires 55 ft right-of-way dedication, on-site chip-seal roadway without sidewalks, off-site Planota Lane obligations, and rezoning application for two R-3 parcels to C-2.
•Alliance will pilot solutions on Loop 303 and requires cross-sector data and partnerships.
•City obligations include consideration of rezoning ordinance and inspecting/accepting improvements.
•City will require evidence of buy-in payments before final plats or building permits in benefited areas.
•Clerk noted items 15–19 are separate applications for different Walgreens locations.
•Commenter said an ADE complaint was filed and an investigation record did not include requested documents.
•Council expressed appreciation for the program serving West Valley veterans.
•Councilmembers proposed an informational work session to explain overlay, annexation procedures and community options.
•Council praised transparency in identifying infrastructure commitments tied to the PAD amendment.
•No applicants were present and the council recorded voice votes to recommend approval.
•Owner obligated to design and construct 12-inch sewer line and purchase 529 EDUs of treatment capacity.
•Owner obligations for traffic signals, SPA 3 recharge basin buy-in fees, and dedication of a future fire station parcel were outlined.
•Proclamation designates October 2026 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Surprise.
•Public commenter asserted invocation of ARS for incorporation and expressed frustration at perceived inaction.
•She requested the city and district publicly release lockdown‑drill dates for Dysart High School for 2026.
•Sojourner Center presented 2025 service data and described shelter and hotline capacity.
•Staff described previous tranche and how funds were used for rent, utilities and car repair.
•Westmark outlined workforce barriers: childcare, housing and transportation.

Decisions

•Council expressed support and asked for follow-up reporting.
•Council recommended approval of each application to the state licensing authority.
•Proclamation signed by Mayor Kevin Sarter.
•Resolution 2026-113 approved.
•Resolution 2026-115 approved.
•Resolution 2026-133 approved to accept $24,400 and amend FY2027 budget.
•Resolution 2026-94 approved.
•Work session requested and informational; executive session scheduled later for legal matters.

Directions

•City staff and legal to prepare materials for a November work session on Whitman and overlay implications.
•City staff to consider engagement with alliance and provide local data or contacts.
•Council advised follow-up outside the meeting and encouraged the commenter to provide records to staff for review.
•Owner to design and construct roadways and initiate rezoning; city to inspect and assume maintenance upon final acceptance.
•Staff to administer funds via application and report back on distribution.
•Staff to collect necessary fees before final plat and ensure infrastructure is built to city standards.
•Staff to enforce buy-in payment condition on future approvals.

Oct

Stadium District Board Meeting October 2, 2026

Board meeting of the Stadium District covering banking and revenue reports, approval of interim bookkeeping, acceptance of the FY'26 audit subject to final QA changes, scheduling and a move into executive session on lease negotiations.

Discussion Points

•Amount on hand (~$11.999M).
•Audit largely complete; previous materials included incorrect org chart and text carryovers from prior audit.
•Auditors did much of the audit work using county finance due to prior county control of books.
•Board discussed interim need for bookkeeping and timeline for permanent hire.
•Clarification that the stadium (team) is the Energy Center customer, not the district; lease payments are for use of district land.
•County treasurer sweeps deposits into investments causing variable on-hand balances.
•Deadline for submission is Nov. 1.
•Delay in funds flow from county/state; need to meet to clarify timing.
•Draft letter prepared in statutory format.
•Lease negotiations are a priority; members want substantive legal advice in closed session.
•Monthly revenue estimates from city and state; team payments and other smaller receipts.

Decisions

•Approved interim contract with Eide Bailey.
•Board accepted audit subject to no material changes.
•Board comfortable with current draft; no further edits requested at meeting.
•Board entered executive session; no public decisions on lease terms recorded.
•Board requested a future presentation on the cooling system.
•Treasurer will report back with a Dec. 31 projection within 30 days.

Directions

•Convene executive session for legal counsel to advise on lease negotiations.
•Mark authorized to accept non-material changes from auditor QA and post final audit to website.
•Schedule a presentation by the Energy Center (or company representative) explaining ownership, obligations and service area.
•Staff to continue meetings with bankers and report financing options.
•Staff to finalize and file the letter by statutory deadline unless board requests edits.
•Staff to return with written proposal and recommendation for permanent solution.
•Staff to set up meeting with county/state treasurer to clarify transfer timing.

Oct

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission met Oct. 1, 2026 to receive a wide-ranging community development and transportation update, introduce new staff, approve the 2027 meeting calendar, and adjourn after brief Q&A about permit metrics and an intersection safety concern.

Discussion Points

•Active commercial and multifamily projects across multiple growth areas
•Approval of minutes and 2027 meeting calendar
•CIP and developer-built road projects (163rd completion, Happy Valley work)
•Cleanup totals: ~10 tons trash, 83 tires, ~1,300 illegal signs
•FY26 revenue ($15.9M) and fee mix
•Graffiti-abatement contract (24-hour resolution target)
•Industrial building completed at Summit of Surprise
•Introductions of new director and promoted planner
•Near-term operational change to prohibit northbound left turn at Greenway approach
•No corrections raised for minutes
•Plan-review completion count and 99% on-time rate
•Shift of some approvals to administrative processes
•Signals activated and planned

Decisions

•2027 calendar approved
•Minutes approved

Directions

•Staff to provide dwelling-unit counts associated with multifamily permits

Loading meetings…