Arizona Charter Academy started in-school attendance on Oct. 20, and I was thankful to be there to welcome students back.
Arizona Charter Academy is designated an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Education Foundation and has been A rated by the Department of Education for five years in a row. Thank you, Arizona Charter Academy, for all you are doing for our students here in Surprise.
Arizona Skin Institute Ribbon Cutting
While Arizona Skin Institute is not new to Surprise, they recently relocated their practice to a new office location at 11340 W. Bell Road, Suite 127. Mayor Hall and I were invited to celebrate the grand opening of this new location. Congratulations on your new office, Arizona Skin Institute, and thank you for inviting us to share in your grand opening!
Veterans Day Tribute
Thank you to all of our residents who submitted video tributes for our Veterans. The compilation of video messages can be viewed on Veterans Day, on the Surprise TV cable channel, our Parks & Recreation social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), and the City of Surprise website at surpriseaz.gov. Please also take a moment to drive down Bullard Avenue November 10-12 to see the decorated signs of thanks for our Veterans that were created by our residents.
Gaines Park Ball Field
Construction continues on Gaines Park Ball Field! The first phase of this project is anticipated to be completed early/late Spring of 2021 and will include the ball field and associated fencing, plaza area, sidewalks, restroom and both on-street parking and temporary parking. The parking lot and field lighting are anticipated to be complete in Fall of 2021.
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: November 11 in observance of Veterans Day, and November 26 and 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. City Hall remains closed to the public due to COVID-19. Please remember to continue to follow all CDC guidelines while enjoying your holiday festivities. I wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Temporary Expansion of Premise Permit
In an effort to curb the financial impacts of the pandemic on local restaurants, City Council recently approved the use of Temporary Expansion of Premise (TEP) permits. A TEP permit allows local restaurants to help expand their available dining space where viable and safe. This could include patio and outdoor areas as well as the use of tents or similar structures. There is no fee for the permit and a streamlined application and expedited staff review process has been implemented. To learn more about the TEP permit and to download the application, please visit surpriseaz.gov/specialeventpermits.
Hollyhock Library Pop-in Pickup Hours
The Hollyhock Library has Pop-in Pickup Hours! During the times listed below, patrons can come inside the library to pick up holds, brows a limited collection, and handle any account needs.
The Maricopa County Library District is also offering a program called Brainfuse HelpNow. This free, online program provides tutoring help for students! Students can use their Maricopa County Library Card to access live tutoring, writing assistance, language labs, skill building activities, interactive study tools, online test prep and customized study plans. They can also collaborate and connect with friends in virtual study rooms and create and share interactive notes. For more details please visit mcldaz.org/subject/school/.
Council Meeting Schedule
The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting is November 17, at 6 p.m. Council meetings are broadcast live on Surprise TV at surprisetv.surpriseaz.gov/. Cox channel 11 and Century Link channel 8513 also carry the meetings live. Check the agenda, when posted, for instructions on public comment.
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.
District 4 Community Meeting
My monthly Community Meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to conduct these meetings, but I look forward to meeting again when we are able. Please check the city website at surpriseaz.gov/ for updated information on my meet and greet schedule. Please call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.
