Jack Hastings: District 5 Newsletter — August 2021
Posted
By Jack Hastings
Surprise City Council approved funding to support the Neighborhood Grant Program, providing eligible neighborhoods with small grants to fund neighborhood events, functions, or community improvements. Recognizing an opportunity to encourage community engagement and build strong relationships with communities in Surprise, the city designated $10,000 to support the grant program for FY22. For more information about the grant, visit surpriseaz.gov/NGP
SK Lounge Now Open
On the evening of Friday, July 9, Mayor Hall and Council Members Roland Winters, Aly Cline, and myself joined SK Lounge for a ribbon-cutting. Owner Dennis Tran of Saigon Kitchen hosted the ceremony in honor of the opening of SK Lounge, located at 14071 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85374.
Valley Metro RideChoice Update
Discounted transportation options are now available to more Surprise residents! Our Valley Metro RideChoice program has been expanded to veterans, and the FY2021 Income Limit Category has been changed. People 65 and over and people with disabilities still automatically qualify for this program.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3xVZjMR
Ready, Set, Go!
Are you prepared to evacuate if necessary? It’s always a good time to be reminded of “Ready, Set, Go!” a program designed to help keep you safe from seasonal threats. Take some time to read about emergency preparedness and the 5 P’s of Evacuation. Learn more at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go
Drop-off Recycling
Surprise residents can drop-off clean/dry acceptable recyclable materials in District 5 at the Public Works Yard, located at 17274 N. Litchfield Rd. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Accepted materials are:
Plastic bottles #1 and #2 (including milk gallons, soda bottles, condiment bottles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers)
Please be sure to screw all lids on the bottles or remove them completely
Cardboard
Aluminum and tin cans
A city staff member will be available to help sort recyclable materials and ensure that the recyclables are not contaminated.
Know What’s Below
Have you ever wondered what the different colored markings on roads or in yards are? They’re a sign that a homeowner or contractor has put safety first and had utility lines identified before excavation. Utility lines that serve the community, such as natural gas, electricity, sewer, and water, can be buried anywhere. Striking a utility line not only poses a safety risk but can also cause an interruption of service to customers. The City of Surprise and Southwest Gas encourage homeowners and contractors to call 811 or go online at call811.com at least two full working days before digging to request a utility line locate. Be safe…always know what’s below before digging!
Meet and Greet
Please join me for my Monthly Meet and Greet on Saturday, August 14, at 9 a.m. at Chef Peter’s Bistro, 17300 N. Sun Village Pkwy. I look forward to discussing the latest City issues and answering any questions you might have. You can also subscribe to my Notify Me mailing list on my city webpage at d5.surpriseaz.gov so you never miss any important District 5 news.
City Council Meetings
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is August 17 at 6 p.m. in the City of Surprise Council Chambers, located at 16000 N. Civic Center Dr. City Council meetings are 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 meetings live. Instructions for virtual public comment will be available on the meeting agendas at surpriseaz.gov/agendas.
