Tag Archives: Road work

Newsletters

Councilmember Ken Remley July Newsletter

Thank you for signing up to receive my notifications and monthly newsletters. I am always available for any questions or concerns via email at ken.remley@surpriseaz.gov. You can also find me on Facebook for weekly updates.

4th of July Celebration

38th annual 4th of July celebration flyerJoin us on Sunday, July 4, at 6 p.m. for the 38th Annual 4th of July Celebration at Mark Coronado Park. There will be food trucks, music, and a fireworks display at approximately 8:40 p.m. Admission is FREE with a canned food donation.

If you’re looking for a cooler way to celebrate, tickets are now on sale for the 4th of July Pool Party at the Surprise Aquatic Center. Space is limited! For more information or tickets, call 623-222-2500.

Roadwork

A new traffic signal is being installed at the intersection of Waddell Road and 145th Avenue. As a result, drivers can expect intermittent lane restrictions while signal preparation work occurs. The signals are tentatively scheduled to be fully operational by the end of August 2021.

Citizen Patrol

Surprise Citizen Patrol is a volunteer-based program consisting of 62 highly trained individuals who donate their time and skills to further the Police Department Mission. On June 19, 2021, I attended the Surprise Citizen Patrol Annual recognition dinner at Briarwood Country Club. This event recognizes the individual efforts of all the highly dedicated City of Surprise citizen patrol members and congratulates recipients with special awards. Thank you for all you do here in Surprise!

Maricopa County Public Health

Maricopa County is conducting a survey on the impacts of COVID-19. Your responses about your experience will help guide future funding for recovery efforts. Open to all residents 12+. Click the link to take the survey now through July 5: http://bit.ly/3i1sqti.

City Court Judges Reappointed

Presiding Judge Louis Frank Dominguez and Associate Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau

Congratulations to Surprise City court Presiding Judge Louis Frank Dominguez and Associate Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau. Council has reappointed them to new 4-year terms beginning July 1. Thanks to both judges for their continued service to the City of Surprise!

Surprise Sanitation Customers

Surprise sanitation customers will see a change on their city utility statement beginning July 1, 2021, as a rate increase determined by a structured schedule is implemented. Beginning July 1, single-family solid waste (trash) customers will pay a monthly base rate of $23.50. This is an increase of $0.10 per month. Please note that residential wastewater and water utility rates will remain unchanged.

FY 2022 Budget Approved

Fiscal Year 2022 budget thumbnailSurprise City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2022 City Budget. The budget is focused on maintaining our current level of service as the city continues to see steady growth and focuses on the Council’s commitment to maintaining quality public services and infrastructure. This budget includes 25.5 full-time positions in the General Fund and eight new employees in water, sewer, sanitation, and sports and tourism to address the city’s growth. Also included in the budget are operational costs for new capital projects such as Countryside Park and Fire Station 308; and services such as the Maricopa County Library contract. Additionally, the adopted budget includes $121.5 million for planned Capital Improvement Projects. Details and information on the City’s budget are always available on our website at surpriseaz.gov/budget.

Heat Relief Stations in Surprise

The City of Surprise is a Heat Relief Network partner. The city provides hydration and refuge stations for those in need of a place to cool off during Arizona’s hot summer months. Listed below are the City of Surprise Heat relief stations:

  • Surprise Resource Center – Refuge & hydration: 12425 W. Bell Rd., Building A, Suite 124
  • Surprise Fire-Medical Station #301 – Hydration: 16750 N. Village Dr. East
  • The Salvation Army – Refuge & hydration: 17420 N. Avenue of the Arts Blvd.

You can help those in need of relief by donating water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats at either the Surprise Resource Center or Surprise Fire Medical Station #301.

Please also remember, Hot Cars Can Kill! The Surprise Police want to remind you to:

  1. Never leave a child alone in a car
  2. Check for kids, pets, and vulnerable persons before you lock your vehicle
  3. Call 911 if you see a child alone in a vehicle

District 4 Community Meeting

Please join me for my next monthly Community Meeting on August 25 at 6 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, located at 15832 N. Hollyhock St. Please note, there will be no Community Meeting in July. Check the city website at surpriseaz.gov for updated information on my meet and greet schedule. Call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.

City Council Meetings

The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting is August 17 at 6 p.m. in the City of Surprise Council Chambers. City Council meetings are now open to in-person attendance, or you may tune in on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11 to watch the meeting live.

Newsletters

Councilmember Ken Remley June Newsletter

Thank you for signing up to receive my notifications and monthly newsletters. I am always available for any questions or concerns via email at ken.remley@surpriseaz.gov. Please also join my monthly community meetings on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Surprise Community Center, located at 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Please check the calendar at surpriseaz.gov to check for cancelations during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also find me on Facebook for regular updates.

Senior Center Hot Lunch Program

The Council and I were able to assist in handing out meals to our seniors on Wednesday, May 6. Each day, 120-160 free meals are distributed through the hot lunch program at Surprise Senior Center, which is designed for adults, age 60 and better, and adults with disabilities. The Council and I were glad that we could provide assistance to our senior community during this difficult time. For more information about this program, please call the Surprise Senior Center at 623.222.1500.

Councilmember Remley and Councilmember Sanders pack hot lunches in an insulated bag.Councilmember Remley, Councilmember Sanders and Mayor Hall pack hot lunches in an insulated bag.

The Surprise Senior Center is open to people aged 50 or better, and adults with disabilities, and costs just $12 a year for residents. There are many programs and resources to take advantage of with your membership. For more information, please call 623.222.1500.

Free Meals for Kids

From June 1-July 31 children up to 18 years old can come to the Surprise Resource Center, Monday-Friday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and receive free breakfast and lunch. This program is a partnership between the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Kids Café ® and the City of Surprise. Meals will be handed out using a drive through model, and are offered on a first come, first served basis. The Surprise Resource Center is located at 12425 W. Bell Rd., Bldg. A., Ste. 124. For more information, please call 623.222.1600.

Thank you to The Links Restaurant

I would like to thank The Links Neighborhood Grill for graciously providing a free soup and Sandwich “to go” meal to 200 people on Saturday, May 30. Meals were distributed at the Surprise Senior Center. It is great to see so many people helping out those in need during this crisis.

4th of July

While the city shares in our community’s excitement to celebrate our nation’s independence, it’s important to do so responsibly. As a result of COVID-19 concerns, this year’s Fourth of July Celebration will be greatly modified in an effort to avoid mass gatherings and maintain physical distancing, in accordance with CDC recommendations.

On Saturday, July 4th, the city will feature a 20-minute fireworks display beginning at 8:40 p.m. The display will be staged in the area around Bullard Avenue and Paradise Lane.

The city encourages people to observe the fireworks show remotely from their homes or vehicles, as the display will be visible from vantage points across the community. Limited surface parking is available at Surprise Stadium, Surprise Aquatic Center and Dreamcatcher Park. While not recommended, should observers chose to drive to the Civic Center and Recreation Campus area, parking will be first come, first served and must be done in accordance with state and local traffic laws.

Unlike past celebrations, there will be no baseball game, food trucks, beverage sales, or any additional entertainment. The Aquatic Center will not be open. Ramada rentals and grill use at Surprise Community Park will be unavailable. Personal grill use is prohibited within the Civic Center and Surprise Recreation Campus. In compliance with Arizona State law, the consumption of alcohol in vehicles or in public spaces is not permitted.

Please remember to follow all CDC guidelines for protecting yourself against COVID-19, including limiting gatherings to less than 10 people and keeping a minimum of 6 feet physical distancing between your gathering and others.

Heritage Building

Work on the mural on the side of the Heritage at Surprise building was recently completed. The mural is made of individual tiles that were hand painted by members of the community, including myself.

A mosaics mural on the wall of the Heritage building.Councilmember Winters, Councilmember Remley and Mayor Hall outside the Heritage building.A worker in a lift placing mosaics tiles waves.

Virtual Ribbon Cuttings

Many businesses have been able to open their doors again. We are proud of our businesses in District 4 and want to celebrate their re-opening! Below are some pictures from their virtual ribbon cuttings.

A purple ribbon is cut outside of Imagine Salon & Day Spa for the business' re-opening.A purple ribbon is cut outside of Hurricane Grill & Wings for the business' re-opening.A purple ribbon is cut outside of My Daddy's Italian Bakery & Cafe for the business' re-opening.
From Left to Right: Imagine Salon & Day Spa, Hurricane Grill & Wings, My Daddy’s Bakery & Cafe
A purple ribbon is cut outside of Joe Streckfuss Plumbing for the business' re-opening.A purple ribbon is cut outside of Direct Carpet One for the business' re-opening.A purple ribbon is cut outside of Gifts to Go for the business' re-opening.
From Left to Right: Joe Streckfuss Plumbing, Direct Carpet One, Gifts to Go

Congratulations to I&J Fountain Restaurant, Lou’s Tivoli Gardens, and Portofino West Ristorante, Grand Pet Hotel, Other Mothers, Briseno Aztec Imports, Fast Med Urgent Care, Flying Pig Embroidery, Arizona Quilts, Baker Bros Area Rugs & Flooring, and Genesis Salon, on their re-openings as well!

Traffic Improvements

Pavement preservation will be taking place in the coming weeks on Bell Road from 134th to Avenue of The Arts, and is expected to be completed by the end of June. The utility lowering work will begin on June 6, and milling will begin on June 7. Mill and overlay work will take place at night.

District 4 Community Meeting

My monthly Community Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Please join me for my meeting on June 24. Attendees will have a chance to win door prizes, and refreshments will be served! Please bring a mask to wear during the meeting, and attendees will be asked to adhere to social distancing. Please call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.