Log in

District 1

Roland Winters: District 1 Newsletter — April 2022

Posted

Hello out there to the residents of District 1 and all the citizens of Surprise. March started off with our City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 1, where the City’s Internal Auditor, Carol Holley, was voted into her newly appointed position. Congratulations Carol!

On Monday, March 7, Vice Mayor Aly Cline and I attended a meeting at Arizona Traditions to discuss safety hazards affecting the community. Deputy City Manager, Mike Gent, led the discussion. It was a pleasant afternoon meeting, speaking with the folks from the community. Later that week on Friday, March 11, I had my monthly AZ Traditions Chat at The Retreat at AZ Traditions.

Of course on Tuesday, March 15, you found me at our City Council Meeting where a proclamation was issued, recognizing March 14-20 as Fix-A-Leak-Week. Fixing household water leaks can save you about 10% on your water bill. To remind residents of the importance of checking for leaks, Surprise is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix-a-Leak Week campaign. The next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. I hope to see you there.

Mayor Hall and Amy Petersen from Water Resource Management hold up a proclamation.

Wednesday, March 23, I had a Community Outreach, Partnership and Grants Subcommittee Meeting. The City is accepting applications for the Community Outreach Program now through April 29. This City Council-led initiative provides funding assistance to organizations within the City of Surprise for programs, events and activities that enhance the overall lifestyle of the community. https://bit.ly/36uKIzB

The next day, March 24, I attended the Valley Metro Board Meeting in Downtown Phoenix with Vice Mayor Aly Cline. We wanted to discuss better transportation options for us folks here in the west part of the valley.

The City is requesting public comment on the 2022 Annual Action Plan. The Human Service and Community Vitality Department will hold a public hearing on April 13 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz. This public hearing will be held in anticipation of receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the Department of Housing in Urban Development. The Program Year 2022 Annual Action Plan will identify specific projects to be funded that meet the goals and objectives identified in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. Public comments received during the Public Hearing will be considered and included in the Plan. The City Council will take formal action on April 19, 2022. For questions regarding the draft plan or public hearing, please call Adam Lane at 623.222.3238 or email at adam.lane@surpriseaz.gov.

Surprise is offering a summer job program for Surprise teens between the ages of 15-19 who are income-eligible. Through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), applicants must be available to work up to 25 hours a week for six weeks between June 6 and July 15. Chosen interns will receive professional development training, from shadowing engineers to working with youth and seniors, and earn $12.80 per hour. For eligibility requirements and how to apply go to surpriseaz.gov/syep. For questions, please contact Lord Garcillano at lord.garcillano@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1647.

Surprise Retail Survey - Shopping and Dining in Surprise

The 2022 Surprise Retail Survey is now open. Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d like to see open here in Surprise? What about a unique shopping experience you want to be added? Now is your chance to tell us. Every response helps the Economic Development Department better reach the retailers you want the most. We also have a youth-only survey to better understand what our younger generation wants to see. The Shop, Eat & Play Youth Survey is for youth, under the age of 18, who live in Surprise.

On Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m., Sun Health Wellness is hosting Resiliency: The Mind-Body Connection at the Vista Center for the Arts. This community event is presented at no cost and will be in-person and online. It is designed to leave attendees feeling refreshed and ready to conquer life’s challenges. It is important to take care of our mental health for our well-being. Registration is required by either calling 623.471.9355 or going to SunHealthWellness.org/resiliency. Masks are required for in-person attendees.

Upcoming Events Happening in Surprise

  • April is National Safe Digging Month
    It’s a great time to put safety first before starting any digging project. Call811.com
  • April 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
    D1 AZ Traditions Chat at The Retreat, 18250 W. Weatherby Dr.
  • April 16, 7:30-11 a.m.
    Spring Eggstravaganza at Surprise Recreation Campus, 15850 N. Bullard Ave.
  • April 19, 6-8 p.m.
    City Council Meeting at City Hall in the Council Chambers

I’ll sign off for now, so be good to yourself and be good to each other.