Log in

Judd: District 6 Newsletter — November

Posted

We would prefer to have a Veterans Day Parade again this year, but due to the pandemic, we had to get creative.

To show our support for veterans on Veterans Day this year, we will be making a video and decorating Bullard Avenue. The compilation of community video messages will be featured on Veterans Day on the Surprise TV cable channel, our Parks and Recreation social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), and the city of Surprise website at surpriseaz.gov.

Remember to take a drive down Bullard Nov. 10 to 12. Decorated signs, provided by city of Surprise residents, will be on display with messages of thanks for our veterans.

Possible APS 230kv Power Lines down Cactus or Peoria roads

How would you like some nice, tall 230kv power lines in your backyard? APS needs to connect the power lines that run along the west side of the 303 to the Microsoft facility on Dysart Road and Olive Avenue. Options include Cactus Road, Peoria Avenue, or Olive Avenue.

APS is in the early stages of a public siting process to determine routes for new 230kV power lines. The project structures/poles will be between 115-195 feet tall.

Here is a 90-second summary from the end of our last council meeting: youtu.be/59x3wmk-yAs?t=5459

Members of the public are invited to learn more about the project and to submit comments at apswestvalleycentral.com. Comments will be accepted until Nov. 20.

Additionally, two Live Virtual Town Hall meetings will be hosted on Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Tuesday, Nov. 10,. Both are from 6-7:30 p.m. You can register here: surveymonkey.com/r/APSlivechat

Restaurants - Permits to expand outdoor dining are now free

Local restaurants can now apply for a Temporary Expansion of Premise (TEP) permit to allow for expansion of their dining areas in order to serve more customers while maintaining social distancing. Since the intent of the TEP is to curb the financial impacts of the pandemic on restaurants, there is no application or permit fee. In addition, the TEP process includes a streamlined application process and expedited staff review. Approved permits will be valid for 180 days with an option to renew. If your restaurant is looking to expand the service area for alcohol, review and approval of the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is required. To learn more about the TEP permit and download the application, please visit surpriseaz.gov/specialeventpermits.

Marley Park Overseed Schedule

You may notice some brown turf for a short time as the City and the Marley Park HOA work together to create a sustainable and turf healthy management program that also considers water conservation. This Fall, no overseeding will take place at the city park in order to rest the turf. Please see the schedule below, for future overseeding plans. Please note that this schedule will be reviewed annually and adjusted based on turf conditions.

Fall 2020 — No overseeding (entire park)
Fall 2021 — Overseeding (south side only)
Fall 2022 — Overseeding (north side only)
Fall 2023 — START OVER—No overseeding (entire park)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 623-222-2000.

What’s happening on that lot?

  • At the southeast corner of Litchfield Road and Waddell Road, Boyer Bakery will be opening at the former “Pinkabella” location, and Venue Taproom has opened its doors, taking over the former “Under Review” location.
  • Walls are up and construction is underway at the new Amazon last-mile distribution center at Sweetwater Avenue and Litchfield Road!
  • Expanding in the Rail Plex: Horizon Aviation is growing and Milam Glass is adding a new parking structure.
  • Skyway Commons along the west side of Dysart Road, south of Cactus Road, has nearly completed an additional 63,000 square feet of speculative industrial space for new business attraction.
  • A new Goodwill store opened at Cactus Road and Reems Road on October 23rd

Congratulations to our Economic Development Team

With all of these great projects going on, it should be no surprise, that the Surprise Economic Development Team recently received five awards from the International Economic Development Council:

  • Gold Award for the Community Partnership with Ottawa University
  • Silver Award for Costco Retail Attraction Campaign
  • Silver Award for its Economic Development Week Campaign
  • Bronze Award for the Virtual Ribbon Cutting Campaign
  • Bronze Award for the COVID-19 Business Help Website

In addition, the City of Surprise partnership with Ottawa University was recognized with an Innovation Award at the WESTMARC Best of the West Awards on Oct. 22

Thank you, Councilman David Sanders

Nov. 2 will be Councilman Sanders’ last meeting. Dave came on the council a few minutes after I did and was a great resource for our city. I had the great pleasure of working with Councilman Sanders on many different agenda items and budget items over the past two years.

Thank you very much for putting your life on hold these past two years and for the service you have given to your community. You led by example, you are extremely thoughtful in your approach and you are always a pleasure to be around. Just because you are leaving the council, you are not off the hook -- I still expect to see you involved in our great community.

Holiday Schedule

Please note the following holidays this month will result in a change to the trash pick-up schedule for city of Surprise sanitation customers: Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day, and Nov. 26 and 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. City Hall remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.

Council Meetings and Agenda

The next regularly scheduled City Council Meetings will take place on Monday, Nov. 2 (moved to Monday due to Election Day) and Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Agendas are always posted online at a minimum of two days prior. If you see something on the agenda that concerns you, please reach out beforethe meeting, so I have time to address your concern. I may even ask your questions during the City Council presentation. The best way to reach me is chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov.

Council meetings have been reopened for in-person participation. In order to adhere to CDC guidelines, in-person participants will be required to wear a facial covering when entering and exiting the chambers, but may remove it while seated, if they so choose. Capacity will be capped at 50 people, and physical distancing measures will be in place.

If you are not yet ready to attend in person, instructions for how to comment virtually are listed on the agenda. Agendas can be viewed at www.surpriseaz.gov/agendas.

Meet and Greet

Please join me for my Monthly Meet and Greet on Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. at Spencer’s Place, 15341 W. Waddell Road. I look forward to discussing the latest City issues, and answering any questions you might have. Due to COVID-19, there may be changes to my Meet and Greet schedule. Please check my webpage at d6.surpriseaz.gov/ for updates to my meeting schedule.