Greetings to my District 4 residents. I hope this newsletter finds you all safe and healthy. I hope that you find this newsletter informative, and know that I am always available for any questions or concerns via email at ken.remley@surpriseaz.gov. You can also find me on Facebook for regular updates.
Surprise Requires Face Coverings
Effective, Saturday, June 20, Mayor Skip Hall, with the support of the Surprise City Council issued a declaration of Emergency Proclamation requiring face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions. Every person over the age of two is required to wear a face covering while in all public settings within the City of Surprise where it is difficult to maintain a minimum physical distance of six feet from others who do not live in the same residence. This includes, but is not limited to, grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants and bars (when not seated at a table), recreational facilities, libraries, public transportation, public places where lines or crowds form, and special events.
The proclamation makes exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a health condition or disability, and for those whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing one. Also exempt are those who fall under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for those who should not wear a face covering. Further, face coverings are not required while exercising or engaging in athletic activity if a minimum of six feet physical distancing can be maintained.
This Emergency Proclamation is intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep our citizens safe and healthy. Please remember, that not everyone is able to wear a mask, and we should be considerate of those who are unable to do so. I encourage everyone to practice kindness, while doing their part to help others.
The Hollyhock Library has a new supervisor, Vina Begay. Vina is offering curbside pickup of library materials at the Hollyhock Library Monday-Friday from 8-10 a.m., and also offering free lunches for children under 18 through Kids Café in partnership with St. Mary’s Foodbank. The lunches are “grab and go” where people can just pick them up and take them. If you would like more information on how to pick up books via curbside pickup, or how to pick up meals, please call 602-653-3000.
Recycling Drop Off to begin July 7
Residents can drop off recycling materials to the City’s Public Works North Yard, located at 17274 N. Litchfield Road, beginning July 7. Materials will be accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Materials that will be accepted are:
Plastic bottles #1 & #2 (These may include: milk, soda, condiment, water, shampoo, detergent, etc.). Please either screw lids to the bottles completely or remove the lids, and do not recycle the lids.
Cardboard
Aluminum and tin cans
Please make sure that all materials are clean and dry, and that you bring proof of residency with you. A city staff member will be there to assist in sorting recyclable materials, and to make sure that the materials are not contaminated. For questions, or additional information please visit https://www.surpriseaz.gov/3818/Drop-off-Recycling, or call 623-222-6000.
Solid Waste and Stormwater Utility Rate Increases
Beginning July 1, 2020 Surprise sanitation and stormwater utility customers will see a rate increase. Single-family solid waste (trash) customers will pay a monthly base rate of $23.40, with an increase of $0.10 each fiscal year beginning in 2020. This will bring the rate to $23.70 on July 1, 2023.
The Stormwater Utility Fee will increase $0.75 per month beginning on July 1, 2020. A stormwater hotline has been set up for residents to call with any questions they may have. The hotline number is 623-222-6200.
Traffic Improvements
The Litchfield Road Widening Project, between Peoria Avenue and Waddell Road, is substantially complete. Permanent striping will be installed in July and traffic signals at Sweetwater Avenue and Litchfield Road are scheduled to be installed in August.
District 4 Community Meeting
My monthly Community Meetings are typically held on the 4th 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 face to face meetings, but I look forward to meeting again when we are able. Please check the city website at https://www.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.
