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Hall: Mayor Newsletter — August

Posted

We began our new fiscal year on July 1, with Council on recess and many families on road trips, etc., so it seems fitting to kick-off my August newsletter by saying “welcome back.”

I am honored to represent Surprise, and I want to reiterate my commitment to serving you. I am confident that we have a united and talented team of staff and leadership in place to continue to move this city forward.

Primary Election Results

Earlier this week, Arizona held its primary election. Surprise voted on candidates for Mayor and City Council Districts 2, 3 and 4 with terms ending Dec. 31, 2024. Voters choose a District 5 Councilmember for a 2-year term ending Dec. 31, 2022. The winners will assume office the first meeting in January 2021 after receiving the official oath of office. Below are the preliminary election results as of Aug. 5:

Mayor:

  • Skip Hall, 24,784 Votes (96.92%)
  • Cheryl Packham (Write-in Candidate), 407 Votes (1.59%)

District 2:

  • Alyson “Aly” Cline, 4,772 Votes (63.77%)
  • Wendell Fountain, 2,683 (35.85%)

District 3:

  • Patrick Duffy (Incumbent Councilmember), 2,891 Votes (68.31%)
  • Greg Norberg, 1,316 Votes (31.1%)

District 4:

  • Ken Remley (Incumbent Councilmember), 2,499 Votes (98.62%)

District 5:

  • Jack Hastings, 2,063 Votes (59.15%)
  • David Sanders (Incumbent Councilmember), 1,331 Votes (38.16%)
  • Kawika Henderson (Write-in Candidate), 71 Votes (2.04%)

All results are preliminary until all of the ballots dropped off at City Hall on Election Day and all Provisional Ballots are counted. A final ballot tally is expected by Aug. 24, if not sooner, from the Maricopa County Elections Department.

Amazon Building in Surprise

Amazon recently closed escrow in Surprise. They are locating a brand new 150,000-square-foot “last-mile delivery station” at the Surprise Railplex, just south of the entertainment center near Uptown Alley on Litchfield Road. Initial estimates are that this will bring a minimum of 300 new jobs. The new operation will serve the northwest Greater Phoenix market and will bring tremendous employment, capital investment and revenues to the community. Construction is expected to begin this first week of August.

Virtual Ribbon Cutting Contest Finale

Over the last five weeks, 101 Surprise businesses have been featured for their virtual ribbon cuttings. Each week, the community voted for their favorite virtual ribbon cutting video. The top five businesses are going head to head this week, and the winner will be announced the week of Aug. 8. Please visit the Economic Development webpage to see the winner: surpriseaz.gov/988/Economic-Development

The finalists are

  • 1:12 Nutrition — 13833 W. Bell Road
  • Barro’s Pizza — 15403 W. Greenway Road
  • Joe Streckfuss Plumbing — 11340 W. Bell Road
  • Spencer’s Place — 15431 W. Waddell Road
  • TEAM 4 Kids — 13601 N. Litchfield Road

Surprise Community Outreach Program

Applications are now being accepted for a City Council-led initiative that assists community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit Surprise residents. The Community Outreach Program offers funding assistance to organizations for programs, events, and activities that enhance the overall lifestyle of our community. Council set aside up to $100,000 for FY2020-2021 in an effort to support and grow qualified local programs and events that improve the health and welfare of Surprise residents.

To be considered, applicants must be a 501(c)3 organization or partner with a 501(c)3 verified agency. The maximum award per applicant is $10,000. According to program guidelines, funds are distributed by reimbursement through an invoice process. For more information including the application, complete program details, and eligibility requirements, visit surpriseaz.gov/communityoutreachprogram or please contact Jodi Tas at 623-222-1330. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Aug. 31.

Water Resource Management Director Named

Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier has announced that Lee Lambert will serve as the city’s new Water Resource Management Director.

Lee has served as Acting Director of the Water Resource Management (WRM) Department since February, stepping in from his role as Assistant WRM Director.

Lee has worked for the City of Surprise since 2005, starting in project management roles that included work on multiple Capital Improvement Projects. Lee was named Water Manager in 2013 and was promoted to WRM Assistant Director in January of 2019. Previous to the city of Surprise, Lee held positions with the Maricopa County Planning Department and Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Lee was selected as the permanent WRM Director after a very competitive process that included candidates from around the country.

Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

Are you looking to volunteer for the city? The city is currently accepting applications for the Planning and Zoning Commission. This particular vacancy will serve the remainder of the current term set to expire on June 20, 2023. Applications are available for pick-up at the City Clerk’s office from 8 am through 5 pm, Monday through Friday at City Hall (16000 N. Civic Center Plaza). Applications are also available online at www.surpriseaz.gov/boards. Please submit the applications in person or via email to clerk@surpriseaz.gov.

COVID-19 Update

Given the pandemic, we continue to face challenges in all aspects of our lives, but I am confident that we will overcome these setbacks. We will return economically stronger and with much hope as a closer and tighter community. None of us could have predicted what 2020 was going to bring. COVID-19 demanded swift action at every level of government; action that I know was appreciated by many in our community. I have made it my highest priority to ensure we get through these uncertain times and keep our community safe. I’ve worked in consultation with the Governor’s office, Maricopa County, public health experts, hospital administrators, our City Council, City Manager and City Attorney to make some tough decisions. We have a moral obligation to protect public health and avoid transmissions that would cost residents their health and put extra demands on medical resources.