Hello again to all the great folks in District 1 and indeed in the city of Surprise.
I hope everyone is doing OK considering these special trying times. I do want to start off on a positive note in that Costco will be having their grand opening on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 8 a.m. Something we have all been waiting for. Be at 13614 N. Sarival Ave. and welcome Costco to Surprise.
I know this virus is getting old, and it certainly has worn out its welcome a long time ago, but let’s hang in there and keep doing what you have been doing to get through this pandemic together.
I am still waiting for Arizona Traditions to open up its buildings, so I can start my meetings again, but I don’t know when that will be. Keep checking the surpriseaz.gov website.
I am also looking forward to the opening of our doors at the Council Chambers so anyone who wishes to be at our council meetings can be there. I miss all of those happy faces, and engaged residents of Surprise as we used to do.
Beginning Sept. 15, meetings of the Surprise City Council will reopen to limited in-person public participation; while maintaining a call-in option for those wishing to participate remotely.
In-person participants will be limited to 50 and will be required to wear a facial covering when entering or exiting the chambers. If they so choose, they may remove them while seated. Seating will be marked to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet of separation from those in attendance. You can get all the details and information on when other public meetings are reopening at surpriseaz.gov.
Let’s all say a prayer that our scientists find a vaccine.
To my friends in North-West Ranch, this is the month you’ve been waiting for. Construction starts on Greenway, widening from 303 eastbound to Reems Road. Also, on the corner of Greenway and North-West Ranch Parkway will be a fully functioning traffic signal. Which means left- and right-hand turns coming out of North-West Ranch Parkway will be made easier for you.
Thanks to you, the residents, for voting for the G.O. Bond and making this improvement possible.
I recently attend a retirement celebration for Dave Kohlbeck, who has worked for the City of Surprise since 2001. Dave has raised the profile of the city of Surprise around the region and state, through his involvement with Maricopa Association of Governments and Valley Metro, as well as being actively involved in multiple professional organizations including the Government Finance Officers Association of Arizona, Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Public Works Association.
He also served his fellow colleagues for many years on the 457 Deferred Compensation Advisory Group providing strategic investment oversight, as well as chairing the employee project team that helped the city evaluate and move to a self-funded health care program. He has earned multiple recognitions during this time including the City Manager’s Service Award for his outstanding customer service in leading the city’s transit program, communicating and resolving rider issues, and improving the transit services offered in our community. I wish him congratulations on his retirement.
