Log in

Opinions

Nick Haney: District 1 Newsletter — January 2025

Posted 1/17/25

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday surrounded by those who mean the most.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor
Opinions

Nick Haney: District 1 Newsletter — January 2025

Posted

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday surrounded by those who mean the most! This month marks the final few days of me serving and representing our city as your Vice Mayor. It has been an absolute honor to serve as the youngest Vice Mayor in our city’s history. It has been extra special for me because, like many of you know, I got my start growing up in Surprise as a member of the Youth Council. I truly believe every member of our council, in good standing, should have an opportunity to share this honor of being the Vice Mayor for our city. I look forward to supporting our next Vice Mayor as they take on this role this year. Although I will hand the title to another council member, I still get the honor to continue serving as the councilman for District One. It is my belief that leadership is not a title or a rank to be given; leadership is a service to be given. We have a lot of work to do to move our district and our city forward, and I look forward to serving alongside you to make things better for generations to come.

Nichole Haney holds her daught up to television screen showing Vice Mayor Haney at a council meeting Vice Mayor Haney and two other sit on stage
Vice Mayor Haney hugs a contestant at the adaptive talent show Vice Mayor Haney kneels down next to two dogs
a group of people sitting around a conference room table

DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Surprise Party

Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated the holiday season with us at the annual Surprise Party! We loved seeing all the smiles, excitement and holiday cheer! Also, thank you to Surprise Parks & Recreation for putting on an amazing event for our community.

Vice Mayor Haney speaks to residents at a podium on stage Surprise City Council members pose for a photo on stage at Surprise Party
Vice Mayor Haney hold his baby daughter and poses for a photo in front of the Surprise Christmas tree a group of people around a christmas tree

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season. This year I spent Christmas at the firehouse but was still so incredibly blessed to be able to spend time with my family in between running calls.  As always, I’m unbelievably grateful to experience our little girl’s first Christmas alongside my beautiful wife! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and were able to experience all the joy these holiday seasons offer us!

Councilmember Haney and family posing infront of a fire truck

Better Buzz Coffee Ribbon Cutting

I was able to join General Manager Julia Kuhn and her team to cut a ribbon for the new, Better Buzz Coffee in Surprise on December 28, located on 14441 W. Bell Rd. In addition to being the newest, delicious spot in our community, Better Buzz Coffee is also the first business in the new Elm Street Development to open its doors!

Vice Mayor Haney, his wife and daughter seated at a table on an outdoor patio with cups of coffee Mayor Hall, Vice Mayor Haney and Better Buzz Coffee staff pose for a photo behind a yellow grand opening ribbon

NEWS & UPDATES

North Surprise Transportation Updates

There are no new updates. If you would like to refer back to previously sent north Surprise transportation information, view current transportation updates.

Traffic Signal Updates

The following are planned traffic signals along 163rd Avenue that will be constructed as part of the 163rd Avenue Improvement Project:

  • 163rd Avenue & Asante Boulevard (To be installed with widening from Pat Tillman to Happy Valley)
  • 163rd Avenue & Country Club/162nd Avenue (Currently underway)
  • 163rd Avenue & San Ysidro Road (To be installed with widening from Pat Tillman to Happy Valley)
  • 163rd Avenue & Smoketree Drive (Installed by developer, this will be activated in coordination with the final work at the Happy Valley Road intersection)
  • 163rd Avenue & Desert Oasis Boulevard (To be installed with widening from Happy Valley to Jomax Road)

Traffic Signal Construction Updates

Sun Valley Parkway & 219th Avenue / Sun Valley Parkway & 227thAvenue – The design process for these two signals is underway, and the construction for these signals is anticipated to start in fiscal year 2026 (July 2025 - June 2026). These traffic signals will be owned and maintained by Maricopa County Department of Transportation, and construction start is slated to commence when traffic volumes warrant the installation of the signals.

Upcoming & Current Traffic Restrictions

US 60: With the upcoming additional improvements, this corridor will have multiple traffic restrictions upcoming. The City will work with ADOT to ensure that residents are being informed ahead of any traffic restrictions. Residents can expect that communication via our social media channels and via AZ511.

Deer Valley Road & US 60: We are working with the developer that is constructing the roadway improvements on Deer Valley Road at 172nd Avenue and the Deer Valley Road/US 60 intersection. The latest information that we have received is that the intersection improvements are in the final stages of inspection and acceptance by ADOT. What that means is that residents may see the removal of the traffic control at the intersection soon. ADOT hasn’t shared the exact date, but as soon as we have that, we will pass it along to residents. Additionally, improvements to the south side of the intersection are almost complete. The developer is just waiting for warmer temperatures to put down the final pavement on Deer Valley Road. As soon as it is warm enough, work will be completed over a weekend. Next, the roadway will be striped, then the traffic control can be removed. Until then, the City will work with ADOT and the developer to ensure that their traffic control is maintained in a proper manner.

These improvements will help to improve the safety of Deer Valley Road but will require some traffic restrictions during construction. Due to proximity to US 60, most restrictions are being led by ADOT. The City is working diligently with the developer and ADOT to reduce the impact on our residents. 

Cell Tower Update

We are moving closer to having additional cell towers to serve the residents of District 1 in Surprise.  The following is a quick update of City-led initiatives where we are utilizing excess pieces of City lands to help solve the problem of cellular coverage in the area:

Desert Oasis Water Facility  The agreement for a cell tower at Desert Oasis was signed in May. TowerCom, the site developer, has submitted their final designs after comments from the City. Civil reviews are pending approval, and their next step will be to apply for their building permit.   

Rancho Mercado Water Facility – After a few changes to the terms, the agreement is under review by the AT&T legal team. Once AT&T has approved the modifications, City staff will present the agreement to City Council. If approved, the developer will have 12 months to begin construction.

Fire Station 304 and Pocket Park – City staff met with the cell tower developer to review modifications to the agreements in early January.  Negotiations are ongoing.

Asante Community Park – The City is exploring a potential option near Asante Community Park with AT&T. The City is evaluating opportunities within and around the park that will not impact the stormwater drainage basin that serves the Asante Community.  City staff plans to participate in a site walk with the developer by the mid-February.

In addition to these City-led projects, there is another site plan under review for a cell tower in Desert Oasis.  With this addition, there are now six towers that are either in the planning process or in negotiation. Thank you for your patience as we continue to find creative ways to solve this issue that affects so many residents in District 1.

Legislative Update

Earlier last month, I met with representatives of BNSF to discuss my concerns that I addressed in a letter to Maricopa County regarding their 4,300-acre intermodal facility within our Surprise planning area. These conversations are ongoing, and I will continue to provide you updates regarding this. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to delay the vote on their Comprehensive Plan Amendment as BNSF works through their zoning application with Maricopa County until March 26, 2025.

Read my letter regarding BNSF

In other news, the First Regular Session of the Fifty-seventh Legislature convened January 13. Updates on legislation that could impact you will be provided via my newsletter in the coming weeks and months.

Surprise Stadium Seeks Performers for Spring Training

Surprise Stadium is looking for experienced vocalists and Color Guards to perform the National Anthem and pre-game ceremonies at Surprise Stadium for Spring Training games, February 21 - March 22, 2025.

National Anthem

Interested performers must submit an audio or video recording of them performing the National Anthem to marcus.wojtkowicz@surpriseaz.gov. All submissions must include the entrant’s contact information, including phone number and email address.

Color Guard Presentations 

Organizations interested in presenting the colors prior to a Spring Training game should contact marcus.wojtkowicz@surpriseaz.gov. Interested groups must include the organization’s contact information, including phone number and email address, and meet the following criteria:

  1. Knowledge of Color Guard procedures
  2. Provide their own service dress uniforms
  3. Provide their own equipment and gear - flags, rifles, harnesses, etc.
  4. Provide references upon request

To be considered for the National Anthem or Color Guard, entries must be submitted by January 24.

Limited spots are available. Due to the number of submissions, only the applicants that are selected will be contacted. Accepted entries will be contacted early February.

For more information, please contact marcus.wojtkowicz@surpriseaz.gov.

Spring Training Schedule

Batter up! In conjunction with the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers, Surprise Stadium has released their finalized 2025 Spring Training schedule, complete with game times. View the complete schedule.

Opening Day of the 23rd Spring Training season at Surprise Stadium will be Friday, February 21, with the Royals hosting the Rangers, starting at 1:05 p.m. Surprise Stadium was recently voted as a top Spring Training stadium in the Cactus League in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for “Best Spring Training Facility.”

To receive the most up-to-date ticket information – sign up for Spring Training ticket notifications. For Spring Training and general information, please visit SurpriseStadium.com or call 623.222.2222.

Out of the Park Music Fest Announces Artist Lineup

To close out the 2025 Spring Training season in Surprise, the Out of the Park Music Fest will take place Saturday, March 22, from 2 - 10 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park, located within the Surprise Stadium Complex. We're thrilled to announce Nashville's rising star, ERNEST will be headlining, and George Birge, Louie TheSinger and Lauren Watkins will be also take the stage! The evening portion of the music fest highlights big-name country stars, while the daytime portion brings a multi-genre mix of acclaimed bands and local artists.

Secure your spot and lock in the best deals! Tickets are on sale NOW at OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com/Tickets.

VIP Ticket: $100 (SOLD OUT!)
 Enjoy a premium experience with a dedicated viewing area, catering, drinks, private restrooms and parking.

Surprise Resident Promotion: $30 (Save $10 until February 28!)
Get access to the festival and general viewing areas. Use code MUSICFEST25! to take advantage of this special deal. Resident tickets may be verified by zip code.

Spring Training Game & Music Fest Bundles: Starting at $38
 Catch both a Surprise Spring Training game and the music fest for a fun-filled day!

Regular priced General Admission concert tickets are $40. Tickets will be available the day of the event online or at the Surprise Stadium Box Office for $50. Ticket pricing subject to change, and dynamic pricing may apply.

Stay up to date as more artists are announced at OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com and on social media!

New Phone App to Assist Homeless Outreach

Surprise has launched a new mobile application, Surprise Area Focused on Encampments (SAFE) Reporting, that allows community members to submit non-emergency reports to the city about homeless families, individuals or encampments that may benefit from outreach services. 

The SAFE Reporting application is available through the ESRI QuickCapture app that is available for download in both the Apple and Android app stores. For instructions on how to load the SAFE Reporting module to the Quick Capture app, visit safe.surpriseaz.gov.

For any additional support with the SAFE Reporting application, email SAFEReporting@surpriseaz.gov.

CURRENT EVENTS

City Council Meetings

The next City Council Meeting is on January 21 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the City of Surprise Government Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11

Community Meeting

I look forward to seeing you at my next Community Meeting to get your questions answered, share ideas and learn more about your city!

Thursday, February 27, at 6 p.m.
Asante Library
 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.

Economic Development

Exciting news! McDonalds, located in the Asante Marketplace, is now open.

In addition, here are some new businesses coming to Asante Trails:
 Coming Soon

  • Academy Bank
  • Black Rock Coffee Bar
  • MY DR NOW
  • Thai Chili
  • Tropical Smoothie Café

View the developer plans

SAVE THE DATE

Aquatic Certification Courses for Summer Employment

The summer job search starts now, and the City of Surprise is looking for new members of our aquatics team! The Parks & Recreation Department is holding several low-cost training opportunities to get you certified and ready to apply to make a splash this summer!

Why be a lifeguard?

  • Fun, rewarding and flexible – Watch a video of our team!
  • Learn lifesaving skills
  • Work in your community, in a supportive team environment
  • Obtain valuable experience for college and employment applications
  • Starting pay for lifeguards is $16.53

Lifeguard Certification Courses

Six different classes are being offered January through March. These courses are blended and consist of eight hours of online instruction to be completed prior to the first day of in-person work. An online link will be emailed one week prior to the in-person session. In-person class times will vary depending on day of the week but will consist of over 20 hours of in-person training. Course material includes a variety of swim tests, water rescues, CPR and First Aid certifications. Participants must be 15 years or older.

Lifeguard certification courses will be offered:

  • January 23 - 26     
  • February 6 - 9               
  • February 27 - March 2   
  • March 6 - 9     
  • March 10 -13         
  • March 17 - 20        

Enrollment is $10 for Surprise residents and $20 for non-residents.

Swim Lesson Instructor Certification

This is a blended course where online instruction needs to be completed in advance. A link will be emailed one week prior to the in-person session. Classes will be held from 4 - 8 p.m. at Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave. Participants must be 16 years or older and must be lifeguard certified or currently enrolled in a lifeguard certification class to enroll in the instructor class.

Swim lesson instructor classes will be offered: 

  • March 17 - 20
  • March 27 - 30
  • April 7 - 10

Enrollment is $50 for Surprise residents and $70 for non-residents.

Registration is required. To sign up, go to surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and click on ‘Aquatics.’

Participants who successfully complete courses will be certified by the Starfish Aquatics Institute; however, course completion does not guarantee employment with the City of Surprise.

For more information about certification courses or how to apply for a lifeguard or swim instructor position, please contact the Parks & Recreation Office at 623.222.2000 or visit surpriseaz.gov/Aquatics.

When Disaster Strikes: Prepare, Act, Survive Course

The City is hosting a course designed to equip individuals with the essential skills needed to respond to a disaster when emergency responders may not be immediately available. In this free course, participants 18 and older will learn how to create a family preparedness plan, perform self-rescue, conduct basic search and light rescue operations, and understand the recovery process following an emergency. While the course does not certify individuals to serve as professional emergency responders, it provides vital knowledge and skills for managing immediate disaster impacts.

This two-day Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs training class will be held at the Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.

  • February 5, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (class will break for an hour at lunchtime)
  • February 6, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Registration is required. View registration instructions. If you have any questions or need any assistance with registering, contact 251.455.4353 or Laine.Spruill@teex.tamu.edu.

LIVE at Asante

Get ready for free, outdoor entertainment for all ages! LIVE at Asante is a casual performance series offering live music, engaging art activities and delicious food trucks. Join us on select Thursday nights from 6 - 8 p.m. at Asante Library, 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr., to enjoy a variety of talented local artists. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and friends for a fun-filled evening under the stars.

Upcoming Performances

  • February 6 | Indie Blues | Band of Fools
  • April 3 | Country-Pop | High Horse and Eden Cislo

While an RSVP is not required, it is highly recommended to receive event updates and to allow our Arts, Culture & Library Department and partners to plan for activities. Head to surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp to RSVP. For more information or more arts and cultural events in Surprise, please visit surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents.

THANK YOU

Thank you for signing up to receive my council newsletters! I am honored to serve the residents of District 1 and am always available for questions, concerns or comments. My goal is to provide you with important City updates. If you haven't done so already, I would encourage you to follow our social media pages, subscribe to our text alerts and newsletters. I am available to speak with you at nick.haney@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1321. Please follow me on Facebook and visit my webpage surpriseaz.gov/District1

Nick Haney, Surprise, City Council, newsletter, District 1

Share with others