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Waste of money
SURPRISE, AZ (March 20, 2009) The City of Surprise was awarded $2.1 million from the federal government’s National Stabilization Program and will use the money to purchase at least 12 foreclosed properties in the city.
“This is welcome news,” says Community Development Director Jeff Mihelich. “We will be able to purchase the homes, repair or demolish them, and rebuild quality homes for deserving homeowners.
This money in my estimation, could have been better spent on more properties and doing more for the community, then the 12 @ $175,000 each. Which will probably be in the original square mile or in the boon-docks.
Disability Meeting
DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMISSION Meeting
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009 – 6:00 P.M.
SURPRISE CITY HALL
12425 W. BELL RD, D-100
SURPRISE, ARIZONA 85374
Happy Trails
The City of Surprise has said that Maricopa County lost the Pad for Happy Trails. According to the County records at the time of the annexation:
Per your request regarding prior county zoning for the Happy Trails property, according to our historic zoning records the subject property was zoned Rural 43 in Maricopa County at the time of annexation.
The Maricopa County’s reply about a Pad at the time of the annexation:
No, because unlike many of the cities (including Surprise) Maricopa County does not have Pad zoning.
Bond Meeting
The final Surprise General Obligation Bond Committee public input meeting is scheduled for March 24 at the Willow Canyon High School cafeteria, 17901 W. Lundberg Street.
This is your chance to tell the committee what you think the essential needs of the city are, before they recommend to council whether or not to proceed with a bond election. Come and share in the discussion.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. You can also give your comments online at www.surpriseaz.com/bondsite .
Bonds
There is nothing wrong with selling bonds for specific projects, approved by the citizens of Surprise. They were able to sell over $50 million of bonds to increase the capacity of the treatment plant and for that purpose only, without voter approval.
The method without voter approval has restrictions, which this Council apparently does not want.
Good reading, Thu, 26 Feb 09 - Proposed bond draws critics in Surprise ~ Joy Slagowski
Proposed bond draws critics in Surprise
IGA Dispute
The IGA between the City of surprise and the Dysart School District is quite clear and would be, in a black and white world, unfortunately this is not the case.
Apparently the City Attorneys interpretation differs with the School Districts Attorney, this is what attorneys want, let these two go to an arbitrator or court for a decision. Staff will not be able to resolve this on their own.
Heritage Park
We were misinformed when told that we would be able to use the schools restrooms.
DYSART SCHOOL DISTRICT IGA & MARLEY PARK RESTROOMS. The City met with Dysartschool district last week concerning access to the Marley Park Restrooms and potential modifications to the joint use IGA between the City of Surprise and the District. Some progress was made on the bathroom issue when it was clarified that we were seekingthe bathroom be opened during supervised COS recreation programs only, not during all park hours. CRS and the District will be coordinating site supervision hours at this site to maximize the use of the facility and minimize costs to both entities.
We will be meeting again on Monday to achieve resolution on this topic and to continue workingthrough operational issues associated with the IGA and the joint use of facilities.
Next Surprise G.O. Bond Public Input
Here is the list of the remaining meetings:
February 25: Sun City Grand Sonoran Plaza, Sagebrush Ballroom, 19753 N. Remington Drive
March 10: Villanueva Gym, 15660 N. Hollyhock Street
March 24: Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W. Lundberg Street
All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m
Councilman John Longabaugh
They seem to have the money for everything else, they are never short on what staff wants. This email was received on 11/21/08
Bob,
I’d love to build the restrooms ASAP, but there is a small issue — where’s the money?? As far as skateboard and pickleball, I think we are going to wait for the GO Bond funding to build them. Their ultimate location can wait for awhile.
The Park, and all of Marley Park, is a beautiful development. Thanks for your suggestions.
John Longabaugh
Member, City Council
District One
comment
how is it that COS can afford 500k for fancy offices and private balconies for the mayor, coincil and manager but can’t afford a bathroom to stop public urination in marlry park??’
Heritage Park
They had the land and with a $41/2 million budget, wouldn’t you think that we would have restrooms.
Who do we blame? Staff or Members of the Council.
I have to ask a question. Does the grass in this park get cut any different because of the ADA.?
I have seen a young gentleman or two standing on the corner looking for work and I guess they would take good care of the place for maybe $50,000.00 a year.
Why does the city spend $400,000.00 a year to maintain that small piece of property. I think someone is padded the bill for a whole lot of money.
Email received from the City 5/28/08
> According to Mark Coronado, the breakdown for Marley Park and Johnson
> Townhomes park are as follows:
>
> Habitat for Humanity is approximately 1 acre
> Project Budget - $75,000 (city budgeted CIP funds and expended these
> funds)
> Maintenance - responsibility of City of Surprise - approximately $15,000
> per year
>
> Heritage Park - Marley Park -35 acres was donated to the City of Surprise
> and improved by Marley Park (DMB) - 12 north side and 23 south side
> Estimated Project Budget - $4.5 million (Paid by CFD - DMB). At this time
> we have not received any invoices from DMB to document their actual
> expenditures.
> Maintenance - responsibility of the City of Surprise - approximately
> $350,000 - $370,000 per year
Polls
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