NWG Members Attending
Janis Atherton, Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Harry Dame, Morristown Fire Chief
Sue Dolphin, Wittmann Resident
Mike Jones, Resident
Sherry Lamb, Saguaro Jane’s
Patrick Leaderbrand, Real Estate Broker
Bob Rurka, Resident
Renee Simpson, Simpson Roofing
Nancy Utter, Mobile Gardens

Staff and Consultants Attending
John Godec, Godec, Randall, & Associates
Debbie Perry, City of Surprise
Janice See, City of Surprise

Guests
Mike DeWitt, APS
Paul Herndon, APS

Additional Attendees:
Councilman John Longabaugh
Brenda Biggs
Vicki Rurka
Steve Plath
Julie Plath
Bruce Timberland

Meeting Facilitation: John Godec
Meeting Summary: Debbie Perry

MEETING HANDOUTS:
• Upcoming project lists and maps
• APS provided 2 DVDs regarding the line siting
• Proposed village boundaries map

PLANNING AND ZONING UPDATE:

The group received a project status handout which indicates the name of the project, the case type, and its current status.
1. Maricopa County Case – 195th Ave and Jomax Rd.
2. Cielo Crossing Rezone and Annexation
3. Village Boundaries
4. Commencement of Village Planning

APS LINE SITING

Mike DeWitt from APS presented the APS line siting information.

Background
• Identified the need for high voltage transmission lines to connect from Buckeye to Peoria in 2003
• Outreach meetings held beginning in July 2007
• Hearings began with the Corporation commission in August of 2008
• Power is needed by 2014
• This area currently has only 2 69kv lines – One in Morristown and one at Patton Rd.

Recommendations
• APS provided commission with several options
• The option that will be recommended will run from
o 275th Ave to Lone Mountain Rd.
o From Lone Mountain to 235th Ave.
o 235th Avenue to Joy Ranch Rd.
o Joy ranch Rd to 179th Ave.
o 179th Ave to SR74.

Corporation Commission Options
• Approve
• Deny
• Change
• An open hearing is expected sometime in February.

Paul Herndon from APS introduced a new project in Buckeye that is beginning, Electrical Infrastructure Master Plan. Buckeye has annexed a large area that will need electricity in the future. This plan will define where 69kv lines, 230kv lines and 500kv lines will go. The plan will then go to the Corporation Commission for approval.

GENERAL NWG MEMBER COMMENTS:

Some of the members attended the Village Planning Open House and they were pleased that what was presented at the open house was the same material presented to the group two months ago.

Topics covered by the group
• APS Line Siting
• Transportation
• Flood control
• Village Planning
• Cielo Crossing

Future Discussions
BNSF – to include transportation impacts
Adjacent areas – What is Buckeye planning, Wickenburg?

DECISIONS:

There was discussion among the group about communicating the progress of the group to the residents of the area. Various options were given.
• Email to personal address book
• Web site – resurrecting wittmanncitizens.com
• Flyers
• Newspaper article (Wickenburg paper)

The group discussed and agreed to create a flyer to add to food boxes given out at Saguaro Jane’s, email 10 people in their contacts, and to contact the owner of wittmanncitizens.com to try and provide updates via the website. The group also agreed to meet on January 12th, 2009, without the facilitator, to work on the above outreach.

NEXT MEETING:

February 9, 2009 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center. A light dinner will be available for NWG members at 6:30pm.

NWG Members Attending
Janis Atherton, Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Benner, Wittmann Resident
Harry Dame, Morristown Fire Chief
Sue Dolphin, Wittmann Resident
Sherry Lamb, Saguaro Jane’s
Larry Radish, President Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Bob Rurka, Resident
Renee Simpson, Simpson Roofing
Nancy Utter, Mobile Gardens
Jim Welch, Wittmann Fire Chief
Jacky Young, Saguaro Jane’s

Staff and Consultants Attending
John Godec, Godec, Randall, & Associates
Debbie Perry, City of Surprise
Vineetha Kartha, City of Surprise, Planner
Vamshee Kovuru, City of Surprise, Planner

Guests
Greg Jones, Maricopa County Flood Control District

Additional Attendees:
Councilman John Longabaugh
Brenda Biggs
Vicki Rurka
Phillip Simpson

Meeting Facilitation: John Godec
Meeting Summary: Debbie Perry

MEETING HANDOUTS:
• Upcoming project lists and maps
• Northwest Citizens Group updated member roster

PLANNING AND ZONING UPDATE:

The group received a project status handout which indicates the name of the project, the case type, and its current status.
1. Grand Ave and Happy Valley Road Rezone
2. Austin Ranch Right of Way Annexation
3. Cielo Crossing Rezone and Annexation

WITTMANN AREA DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN

Greg Jones from Maricopa County Flood Control District presented the Wittmann Area Drainage Master Plan. This is a 40-year plan for the area.

Mission
• Identify the hazard
o Alluvial Fan
o Sheet flooding
• Regulation
• Remediation
• Outreach/education

Develop Solutions
• Density transfers
• CIP projects
o Happy Valley Drainage Improvements
o Martin Acres Drainage Improvements
• Environmental corridors to create washes
• Create a buffer around the proposed BNSF rail yard

Next Steps
• Develop final alternative
o Seek stakeholder input
o Continue outreach (MWD, BNSF, CAP)
• Develop Implementation Plan
• Hold final public meeting
• Finalize the Area Drainage Master Plan
o Hope to have finalized in the next 6 months.

VILLAGE BOUNDARIES

Vamshee Kovuru, Surprise Planner, presented the proposed Village Boundaries.

Criteria used to help make decisions were:
• Character of the land
• Service levels
• Outreach meetings
• Landscape of the area
• Schools
• Walkability
• Transit

GENERAL NWG MEMBER COMMENTS:

There was discussion and general approval of the proposed village boundaries. The proposal of villages 6 and 7 sharing a village core was well received. Greg Jones confirmed that the proposed village boundary plan and the Maricopa County Flood Control Plan would work well together.

Future Topics for Consideration
• APS Line Siting
• BNSF
• ADOT

DECISIONS:

The group discussed and agreed to inviting new members to the group including;
1. Nadaburg’s new principal.
2. Morristown teacher.
3. New Wittmann Fire Chief.

There was a consensus of the group that all of these groups should be represented at these meetings.

NEXT MEETING:

December 8, 2008 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center. A light dinner will be available for NWG members at 6:30pm.

NWG Members Attending
Bruce Benner, Wittmann Resident
Sue Dolphin, Wittmann Resident
Sherry Lamb, Saguaro Jane’s
Patrick Leadabrand, Real Estate Broker
Renee Simpson, Simpson Roofing
Nancy Utter, Mobile Gardens
Mike Jones
Bob Rurka

Staff and Consultants Attending
John Godec, Godec, Randall, & Associates
Janice See, City of Surprise, Planner
Lance Ferrell, City of Surprise, Planner
Randal Overmyer, City of Surprise, Planner
Dr. Robert Maki, City of Surprise, City Engineer

Guests
Richard Baxter – City of Surprise Transportation Commission
Sharon Walcott – City of Surprise Transportation Commission
Cliff Elkins – City of Surprise Transportation Commission
Harold Thompson – City of Surprise Transportation Commission

Additional Attendees:
Councilman Richard Alton
Councilman John Longabaugh
Brenda Longabaugh

Meeting Facilitation: John Godec
Meeting Summary: Lance Ferrell

MEETING HANDOUTS:
• Draft Meeting Summary
• New and Active projects for October
• Agenda

PLANNING AND ZONING UPDATE:

The group received a New Projects handout which indicates the name of the project, its current status, the number of acres, and a brief description including:

• Asante West
• City Council for October 23rd
o Sunrise Ranch Annexation
o Waste Water Treatment Annexation
o Cielo Crossing Planned Area Development and Annexation

There was discussion about the planned Waste Water Plant and it was suggested to increase the public notice area from 300’ to extend up to Patton Road. It was also suggested that Rich Williams from the City of Surprise be invited to a NCG future meeting to discuss this facility as well as other water projects.

There was some discussion about Cielo Crossing and its zoning. It was explained that it would be rezoned to PAD.

Regional and State Wide Transportation Issues
Some highlights presented by Randal Overmyer:

• Population of Maricopa County in 1955 470,000 and in 2000 3,100,000.
• The population of Arizona is expected to grow from 6 million in 2005 to 16 million in 2050
• Maps depicted where Arizona is projected to grow.
• Maricopa County is expected to have a majority of the population growth followed by Pinal and Pima Counties.
• There was an explanation and discussion about an I-17 extension.
• A new freeway facility is proposed west of the Hassayampa River connecting I-10 to Grand Avenue as well as SR 74.
• Freight and Passenger rail are proposed along the Hassyampa Freeway.
• An Arizona Parkway design with the incorporation of “Michigan Lefts” is being proposed for Grand Avenue.

GENERAL NWG MEMBER COMMENTS:

There was lengthy discussion was about the location of the proposed White Tank Freeway along Patton Road. Randy explained that it may be five years until the location is determined and perhaps 30 years before construction might begin.

Topics of Primary Interest to the Group:

• Stoppage of permits being issued by the County.
This issue is currently in litigation.

• Flood Control
A representative from the Maricopa County Flood Control District will be invited to attend the November NCG Meeting.

• APS line sighting
Will be considered as a topic for the proposed December meeting

• Village Boundaries
Jan See will have a presentation ready for the November meeting.

• BNSF
John Godec agreed to check on the status of the project and this item will be added to a future meeting agenda.

Other Topics:

• It was suggested that each NCG member might invite one or two citizens in the area to attend a future meeting. It was also suggested that involve additional community members might be better after the Village Plan has been approved.

• It was agreed that the next meeting will be moved to November 17, 2008 because of the conflict with the Veterans Day (November 10) holiday.

NWG Members Attending
Janis Atherton, Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Benner, Wittmann Resident
Harry Dame, Morristown Fire Chief
Sue Dolphin, Wittmann Resident
Sherry Lamb, Saguaro Jane’s
Patrick Leadabrand, Real Estate Broker
Larry Radish, President Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Renee Simpson, Simpson Roofing
Nancy Utter, Mobile Gardens
Jim Welch, Wittmann Fire Chief
Jacky Young, Saguaro Jane’s

Staff and Consultants Attending
John Godec, Godec, Randall, & Associates
Debbie Perry, City of Surprise
Janice See, City of Surprise, Planner
Lance Ferrell, City of Surprise, Planner

Guests
Jeff Blilie, Beus Gilbert PLLC
Charlie Potter, Land Baron
Laura Dever, CMX

Additional Attendees:
Councilman John Longabaugh
Brenda Longabaugh

Meeting Facilitation: John Godec
Meeting Summary: Debbie Perry

MEETING HANDOUTS:
• Development process flowchart
• August 27 press release for Grand Avenue Open House to be held on 9/9/08
• Upcoming project lists and maps
• Northwest Citizens Group updated member roster

PLANNING AND ZONING UPDATE:

The group received a project status handout which indicates the name of the project, its current status, the number of acres, and a brief description. Projects were broken down into the following groups
Gold = Annexation or General Plan Amendment projects. Zoning cases.
Green = Site plans or Platting projects.
Blue = Maricopa County Cases.
Public outreach meeting dates will be added to this handout in the future.

The group also received a copy of the August 27 press release regarding the Grand Avenue Access Management Plan open house which will be held on 9/9/08 at the Hampton Inn in Surprise.

APS Line Siting
APS currently has two substations, one in Buckeye and one in Peoria. They are looking for an area to put the next transition lines. APS wants to place a 500 volt kv and a 230 volt kv transition line through the Surprise planning area. Public hearings are currently taking place with the Corporation Commission.

Development Process
• General Plan Amendment (GPA).
• Annexation – to go into city. Goes before City Council four times.
• Rezoning or Planned Area Development (PAD).
• Platting or subdivision – includes the roads, sewer lines, parks, etc.
• Site Planning.
• Construction.
• County projects go to city for review only.

The beginning phases are more conceptual and as the project moves through the process, it becomes more detailed.

GENERAL NWG MEMBER COMMENTS:

There was discussion regarding Maricopa County’s stop in issuing building permits in the area. This action was taken after the Attorney General filed a lawsuit to force the county to comply with state law. This affects lands near Luke AUX 1 only. No specifics are available at this time. City staff has a meeting with county staff to discuss the issue.

The group also discussed their concerns regarding information from the Wittmann Flood Control Study. Some individuals are being told if they are in a flood plain they should get insurance now because they may not be able to get it later.

CIELO CROSSING PRESENTATION

This project was previously known as Wittmann Ranch. The project is located north of US60, west of the Sunhaven development, and south of the Grand Vista development. The county has purchased land, with a proposed use for a community college just south of the Cielo Crossing project.

The area will be medium to high density with a maximum number of 3,600 residential units at build out. Residential units will consist primarily of condos and apartments. The project is primarily commercial and development is unlikely to begin until after more homes are developed in the area. Best case scenario is three years after housing developments start building.

Public Hearing schedule
- City Council 9/11 Annexation blank petition
- P & Z Commission 9/16 Planned Area Development
- City Council 10/9 Annexation public hearing
- City Council 10/23 First reading
- City Council 11/13 Second reading

Consideration has been given to the surrounding areas; low-level lighting, architecture, and landscape. As the project progresses to the next stage of development, plans will be brought before this group.

The group found the information useful.

DECISIONS:

The group had a consensus the main concerns, in order of importance, are:
1. Maricopa County stopping permits in the Luke AUX 1 area.
2. Wittmann Flood Control.
3. APS Line Siting.

The group decided to invite the Transportation Commission to the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING:

October 13, 2008 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center. A light dinner will be available for NWG members at 6:30pm.

NWG Members Attending
Janis Atherton, Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Benner, Wittmann Resident
Harry Dame, Morristown Fire Chief
Sue Dolphin, Wittmann Resident
Mike Jones, Pastor, local church
Patrick Leadabrand, Real Estate Broker
Larry Radish, President Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Bob Rurka, Pastor, Calvary’s River of Life Church
Renee Simpson, Simpson Roofing
Nancy Utter, Mobile Gardens
Jim Welch, Wittmann Fire Chief
Jacky Young, Saguaro Jane’s

Staff and Consultants Attending
John Godec, Godec, Randall, & Associates
Debbie Perry, City of Surprise
Janice See, City of Surprise

Additional Attendees:
Councilman John Longabaugh
Brenda Longabaugh
Joseph W. Lee, attorney
Vicky Rurka

Meeting Facilitation: John Godec
Meeting Summary: Debbie Perry

MEETING HANDOUTS:

• Binders
• Upcoming project lists and maps
• Northwest Citizens Group updated Member Roster

FOLLOW UP FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:

There was consensus among the members that the Operating Policy is acceptable and the Northwest Citizen Group will operate with these guidelines.

The Wittmann post office has agreed to make space to display the quarterly newsletter published by the city, The Surprise Progress, and the Surprise Republic, which comes out in the Arizona Republic three times a week. We are currently working with the Arizona Republic to see if they will distribute the insert to the area.

GENERAL NWG MEMBER COMMENTS:

There was discussion regarding the Development Status Map and the County Zoning Map that was provided in the binders. Land use is decided first and then the zoning, so on the provided maps the land use is different than the zoning classification. All zoning for this area is decided on by Maricopa County.

GENERAL PLAN PRESENTATION:

The General Plan was adopted almost 10 years ago and is a map for planning for 20, 30, or 50 years from now. It is a requirement by state statute.

The city held a series of meetings to get public feedback on what they would like to see in the city. People said they wanted:
• A city at play, with play grounds, horse trails, and open space.
• A village concept, with each village having its own unique character.
• A focus on public transportation.
• Neighborhoods where residents can live and play.
• To be an environmental leader.
• Transportation to focus on commuter rail.
• A major university in the city.

The General Plan was approved by the City Council in July 2008. The entire General Plan is located online at www.surpriseaz.com for review.

Village Concept

Each village would have its own character, architecture, and feel. The City of Phoenix has a village concept and some examples would be Desert Ridge, Awahutukee, and Maryvale. All are unique and their own village, but all are located in the City of Phoenix.

The facilitator led the group through an exercise to provide input on the design of the villages in the area, village 6, 7, 8, and 9. The members broke into 3 groups.

• There was consistency with the 3 groups that the core part of the village be located along SR 60.
• An idea was presented to re-draw the village boundaries. There would be 3 villages so the current communities would not be separated. Village 6 = Wittmann; Village 7 = Circle City; Village 8 = Morristown.

The city’s proposal of village boundaries is expected by the end of the year and will be brought back to this group before going to the City Council for decision.

ACTION ITEMS

ACTIVITY WHO WHEN
Development Review Process Flow Chart Deb September 8 meeting
Invite members of Transportation Commission to meeting
Jan See
October Meeting

DECISIONS:

• It was agreed by the group that visitors should sign in when attending meetings and fill out a speaker slip if they would like to comment or ask a question.
• A standing agenda item will be an update on Council meeting decisions that affect the area

NEXT MEETING:

September 8, 2008 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center. A light dinner will be available for NWG members at 6:30pm.