Gwinnett Front Page

Living Honorarium Unveiling to Take Place on 9.11

2011-08-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

The City of Duluth will host a ceremony to unveil the Living Honorarium, a monument dedicated to everyday heroes in the military, fire, and police forces who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving the American public. The event is free to the public and will include special music, keynote speakers and presentation of a commemorative coin as well as the official unveiling.

In 2005, Gwinnett County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter was serving as the mayor of Duluth when she envisioned the creation of a monument to living heroes. She secured private support from friends, churches and businesses and held a competition to select an artist and a concept for the tribute. Now the dream has become a reality and the artwork will be unveiled on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at 5:30 p.m.

Duluth Mayor Pro Tem Greg Whitlock and Councilmembers, Commissioner Lasseter and donors to the project will be joined by active and veteran military personnel, chiefs of police and fire, police officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, Duluth High School chorus and band members, Duluth High School ROTC, Primrose School preschoolers and teachers, the Inspiration Dancers and many other citizens. The public is invited to attend this event. All police, fire and military are invited as honored guests.

Duluth Town Green
3142 Hill Street
Duluth, Ga. 30096

For more information about this event or the Living Honorarium, contact Shirley Lasseter at (770) 318-4111, (770) 822-7001 or shirley.lasseter@gwinnettcounty.com.

ITS Director Receives National Certification

2011-08-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

John Matelski, Gwinnett County’s Chief Information Officer and Information Technology Services Director, graduated from the 2010 – 2011 National Certified Government Chief Information Officers Program earlier this year. The program is offered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Government and GMIS International.

The Certified Government Chief Information Officers Program began in 2005 and is the first local government specific program for Chief Information Officers in the U.S. The 240-hour course is designed to cover a wide range of topics, including strategic technology planning, leadership, communication, security, legal issues and financial trends.

County Administrator Glenn Stephens said, “I am thankful that Gwinnett County has leaders who are willing to improve their skills and knowledge on their own time in order to add value to county government.”

Matelski is one of 13 public sector employees to receive the certification this year. “I am thankful for the opportunity to further my education and knowledge in this rapidly changing field and look forward to using this certification to better serve Gwinnett County,” said Matelski

Info on Community Council of Gwinnette County

2011-03-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

GFP note: We thought we'd share a bit of information regarding a community group with our reader. Sounds interesting!

The first step in the right direction to improving community involvement.

The Community Council of Gwinnett County (CCGC) is a non-profit organization that serves as a network for other non-profit organizations in Gwinnett County. Our mission is to bring people together to improve the community through networking, resource collaboration, and education.

Organizations that join CCGC have access to individuals that can increase exposure.

Our desire to make Gwinnett County a better and stronger place to live and that needs to be shared and brought to realization through the people who live here.

CCGC is proud of and will do all that we can to continue to keep it a great place to live.

CCGC meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from August - May at:

The Salvation Army
3455 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30044

Meet and Greet begins at 9:45 am and meetings begin at 10:00 am.

The CCGC meetings are filled with information your organization can use. Guest speakers are invited to share experiences and offer suggestions. The meetings are a great networking opportunity for all organizations.

For more information visit our website www.commcouncilgc.org

Libertarian Will Costa Enters Race for Gwinnett County Commission Chairman

2010-12-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

Will Costa, a long time political activist and small business owner, filed today to be a candidate in the March 15 special election to replace Charles Bannister as Chairman of the Gwinnett County Commission. Having decades of political experience, Costa has earned the trust and respect not only of the Libertarian Party of GA, who endorsed his candidacy on Monday night, but also the thousands in Gwinnett who have stood by him and with him in the past, and come out ahead.

Costa is well-versed in the political process, with a good understanding of what it will take to lead Gwinnett through tough economic times.

“There are two things I know and know very well, economics and civic leadership," said Costa, the Libertarian candidate for Labor Commissioner in the November general election. "Gwinnett is projected to see a reduction in revenue and an increase in operating expenses both are a direct result of many elected officials inability or unwillingness to understand the most basic principals of public servitude.”

Costa is well known by many in Gwinnett, as well as much of Metro Atlanta, for his family-owned fresh pasta company that was started in 1983. Costa at a very young age has helped to manage and develop the company. Costa is a graduate of Georgia State University and lives with his family in the Lilburn area.

“I have seen my share of tough economic times, and I have always managed to turn things around. I have made getting the most out of limited resources more of an art form, including leading others on how to do the same," explained Costa, who qualified for the race this morning. "Many times county officials think that leadership is telling people what to do and or just doing it for them.”

Costa asserted that many times County Officials are unwilling to let the cities execute their responsibilities. Costa has identified overlapping services as major sources waste as well as areas where the public is underserved.

“My approach to tackling the budget woes will include working with the cities to streamline services to the people” said Costa. He also added that “the old style of efficient management of duplicate services is not enough we must review the County City relationship!”

Some of Costa’s top priorities, in addition to the budget, will be to reduce gang activity associated with illegal drugs, welfare abuse, illegal immigration and zoning abuse. Costa sees opportunities to improve Gwinnet’s economy by utilizing our logistics infrastructure to attract more commerce.

To learn more about Will Costa's campaign for Chairman of the Gwinnett County Commission, please visit WillCosta.org.
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Public Invited to SPLOST Review

2010-10-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett residents are invited to attend a semi-annual SPLOST Citizen Review Committee meeting to be held Friday, Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. at the new Lawrenceville Police Headquarters located at 300 Jackson Street. Police Chief Randy Johnson will lead a tour of the SPLOST-funded facility following the meeting.

The Joint Citizen Review Committee was formed in 2005. Government officials discuss the progress of current SPLOST-funded projects and provide an independent auditor’s report showing how much money came in and how it was spent.

By state law, local governments must use revenue from the voter-approved sales tax to build specific capital improvements. The funds cannot pay for staff or operating expenses. Gwinnett has had a series of successful SPLOST programs since 1985.

The current SPLOST program runs from April 2009 to March 2014. Officials predict it will raise about $730 million for transportation, parks and recreation, city projects, public safety, courthouse facilities and libraries.

Review committee member Kathryn Willis said, “Our role is to be an oversight committee rather than a decision-making body. We hear about sales tax collections and the status of projects at these meetings and return to our communities to share that information. We recognize that more people are tuned into how their local governments are spending money these days, so we’re inviting anyone who’s interested to attend.”

Gwinnett Treasury Director Rhonda Etheridge said the county’s latest SPLOST-funded projects include the Sugarloaf Parkway extension, Alexander and Rhodes Jordan Parks, the Police Headquarters Annex/E-911 Center and the Hamilton Mill Library.
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Historic Bus Tour of Gwinnett Set for November 6th

2010-10-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

What Gwinnett municipality was originally named Trip? What local city has an entire district listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Come and discover the answers to these questions and other historic tidbits about Gwinnett.

The Gwinnett History Museum, part of the new History & Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, is sponsoring its annual historic bus tour. You are invited to participate in this event on Saturday, November 6, 2010. The bus pulls out at 8:30 am from the Lawrenceville Female Seminary and will travel to the cities and towns of Norcross, Centerville, Grayson and more. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!

Participants will enjoy the comfort of a motor coach bus and be led by knowledgeable tour guides as they ride through the county. Take a step back in time and learn about important events and notable people.

GEHC History & Culture Program Manager Catherine Long states, “This is a great adventure for history buffs who desire to learn more about Gwinnett County’s unique past.”

This full day program costs $15 a person. The tour will end at approximately 4:00 PM. Participants are asked to bring extra money for lunch at a local restaurant during a stop in Norcross. Seats are still available – call 770.822.5178 to make your reservation today.

For more information about this event and the History and Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.

George Pierce Park Gets Greenway Link

2010-10-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Construction will begin soon on another piece of the Ivy Creek Greenway trail. Currently one section of the Greenway is already complete and extends from the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center to the Mall of Georgia.

Commissioners on Tuesday approved trail construction within George Pierce Park that will connect the city’s Suwanee Creek Greenway to the existing multi-use trails in the county park. There will be a trailhead near the adult softball parking lot with benches and signage, almost a mile of paved, multi-purpose trail with retaining walls, and 1,850 feet of boardwalk with scenic overlooks. New concrete steps near the lower parking area for the soccer fields will connect to an existing gravel trail.

District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “I’m excited that we are able to move forward with another phase of this long-planned recreation project with funding from the 2005 SPLOST program. This trail is an excellent example of coordination between the city and the County to connect greenways that our citizens will enjoy using.”

JD James, Inc., submitted the low bid for the trail project at $1.02 million.
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Gwinnett 2011 Budget Process is Underway

2010-10-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Six Gwinnett residents will serve on the Chairman’s budget review committee to help set priorities and seek ways to prioritize spending in county government operations and capital improvement plans. Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister announced the six members on Tuesday, saying he increased the number from two in previous years in response to rising public interest.

The committee members are: Sam Brownlee, retired Fulton County Administrator; attorney Dan King of King and Spalding; attorney Michael Levengood of McKenna Long and Aldridge; Laurie McClain, a CPA with McClain & Company, PC; Southern Company’s Herman Pennamon; and Wayne Sikes, Gwinnett Hospital System board member. Both Brownlee and Sikes are veterans of the budget review committee while the four newest members all served on the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee for the future of Gwinnett.

Each County department and agency will present its business plan including needed financial resources to Bannister, his review committee and designated County staff on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The County will videotape those presentations and make them available to the public on its government access cable TV channel and on demand anytime through the website, www.gwinnettcounty.com.

“We intend to present a preliminary budget to the Board on Nov. 16, and I will publish my proposed 2011 budget by Dec.1,” Bannister said. The Board traditionally adopts the final budget in early January.

Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos noted that the 2011 process will continue to provide a great opportunity to align resources with prioritized services. Decreases in revenues for the County continue to be anticipated in fiscal year 2011. The County’s 2010 budget totals $1.56 billion after revisions that were due to a $31 million revenue shortfall.

“As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we'll mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations,” said Bannister. “We must maintain existing assets before we can expand services.”
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GEHC Selected to Participate in Whole Foods Market 5% Day

2010-09-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Shoppers at John’s Creek/Duluth Store Will Support GEHC on September 14th

Did you know that you can make a difference at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) when you purchase your cereal, produce and other groceries at Whole Foods Market in John’s Creek/Duluth?

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been selected to participate in Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day Giving Program.

By shopping at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, five percent of the store’s total pre-tax sales for the day will go to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.

“All of us at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center are so excited to partner with Whole Foods Market. This very generous donation will assist the Center in promoting environmental education and sharing knowledge of sustainability,” said Jason West, Director of Development for the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.

Through its education programs, the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center reaches more than 40,000 students in its efforts to inspire and engage them in solving tomorrow’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices and new technologies.

“Whole Foods Market 5% Day is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations in the local community. Our focus is to support innovative groups that strive to make the world a better place,” said Kubeshni Moodley, Marketing Team Leader at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market.

“Our friends at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center share our vision of a better world and work to educate the public about ways they can make a difference in the environment, “added Moodley.

West encourages all GEHC supporters and friends to shop at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on September 14th. Program specialists from GEHC will be at the store with activities for families.

“I want the GEHC to be well represented that day, so invite all of your neighbors and friends to shop. The more shoppers, the more of a donation to environmental awareness,” said West.

For directions to the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market, visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/StoreLocations.php?storeabbr=DUL

The store is located at 5495 State Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097. Store hours are 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

For more information about the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettehc.org.

About the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (Center) is a unique partnership among Gwinnett County, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the University of Georgia, and the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation. The Center provides an opportunity for more than 40,000 students and 25,000 community members annually to participate in interpretive, hands-on field studies and community based educational programming. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Center and to assist in raising needed funding for its various educational programs and exhibits.

County Establishes Commute Resource Program

2010-08-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett officials held a press conference for Department of Transportation’s GC Smart Commute program on Aug. 24. The program provides a resource for Gwinnett residents to view live traffic feeds of heavily-traveled intersections and corridors to plan their daily commute. Speakers included Commission Chairman Charles Bannister and Gwinnett County Department of Transportation Director Brian Allen.

Live feeds show real-time traffic looped for 12 heavily-used intersections and corridors in Gwinnett County during peak hours of commuter traffic; 16 intersections are shown during off-peak hours. GC Smart Commute is currently available for citizens 24/7 at www.gcsmartcommute.com and on TVgwinnett through Gwinnett government access cable channels, weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Chairman Bannister said, “This program is a great resource for Gwinnett commuters and is a step in the right direction toward reducing traffic jams and congestion in the county.”

Cameras were installed to monitor arterial and corridor traffic flow for real-time adjustments from the Gwinnett Traffic Control Center. Approximately 100 cameras are currently operating with a total of 145 expected to be operating within the next year.

The Advanced Transportation Management System/Intelligent Transportation System (ATMS/ITS) and Traffic Control Center enhancements were funded through the 2001 and 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. Gwinnett County installs, maintains and operates all cameras.

Residents can share ideas about GC Smart Commute by calling 770.822.7400 or e-mailing dotcommunityrelations@gwinnettcounty.com.
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Charity Golf Tournament at TPC Sugarloaf to benefit FRIENDS

2010-08-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Savor the Swing! The inaugural FRIENDS Charity Golf Classic at TPC Sugarloaf is scheduled for Monday, August 30, 2010.

Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (FRIENDS) is a volunteer-governed non-profit organization that privately supplements core programming needs ranging from home-delivered meals to case management services for Gwinnett Senior Services.

The generosity of presenting sponsor Humana, and major support from Delta Air Lines, Crossroads Hospice, Ernest Communications, Laurel Grove Retirement Community, Primerica, Prudential, and Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa combine to produce a memorable experience for a wonderful cause.

Aside from playing on the course that formerly hosted the PGA Tour’s BellSouth Classic for many years, players will have an opportunity to win prizes from competitions ranging from long-drives to closest-to-the-pin. In addition, they will have live drawing chances to win stay-and-play experiences for four at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa in Jupiter, FL. Where else can you vie to win first-class round trip domestic Delta Air Lines tickets or a round of golf for four at TPC Sawgrass?

Proceeds from this extraordinary event will help to sponsor senior meals, assist with emergency situations, and provide materials for critical home repairs or maintenance issues. FRIENDS has raised funds to be able to donate six fully-equipped Meals on Wheels vehicles to Gwinnett County government, thus meeting the service demands for the second-largest senior population in Georgia.

Step to the tee at TPC Sugarloaf to savor the swing and support FRIENDS by contacting Gary Galloway at 770.822.8837 or by e-mail at gary.galloway@gwinnettcounty.com.
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Gwinnett Commissioners Accept Mid-Year Budget

2010-08-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

A revised fiscal year 2010 budget was approved by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. This customary process adjusts the current year’s spending plan to address changes that have taken place since the Board adopted the 2010 budget in January. This year’s reconciliation budget includes declining property values that produced a $31 million shortfall.

“I’m pleased to announce that this budget gets us through 2010 without additional service cuts,” said Chairman Charles Bannister. “It doesn’t balance projected budgets for future years, but County staff is working on additional measures to ensure Gwinnett’s long-term financial strength. As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we’ll focus on core services and mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations.”

The revised budget totals $1.56 billion. CFO Aaron Bovos noted that most of the changes within the County’s financial plan relate to the capital project funds as a result of carrying unspent project balances forward from 2009. The capital plan also includes a $49.4 million reduction as a result of sales tax (SPLOST) revenues being below projections.

The revised operating budget totals $1.01 billion, which takes into account the impacts of declining property values and the subsequent decrease in property tax revenue. Ambulance service fees were also down along with alcohol-related taxes and fire permits.

Property tax revenue from a millage rate increase late last year will provide $18 million to help reduce this year’s deficit as recommended by Engage Gwinnett and allows $21.2 million to be applied to reduce accrued liabilities. An additional $10 million is planned to be used to pay outstanding debt and $5 million will complete a commitment to the Gwinnett Hospital Authority. This one-time property tax revenue came from a March 2010 billing that made up the difference between a temporary millage rate billed in August 2009 and the final tax rate set in December 2009.

“Using a portion of the one-time tax revenue to balance the 2010 budget frees County leaders to focus on future budget challenges,” said Engage Gwinnett Co-Chairman Mike Levengood. “There are certain to be some tough choices ahead, but many of the Engage Gwinnett recommendations will serve as a roadmap to meet those challenges.”
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FAA Aproves Briscoe Field Airport Pre-App

2010-05-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has accepted a preliminary application from Gwinnett County that reserves the fourth of five slots for Briscoe Field under the Airport Privatization Pilot Program. This gives Gwinnett the green light to move forward with the process of selecting a private manager and operator, County officials intend to continue to analyze whether privatization and the potential addition of scheduled passenger air service is in the best interest of Gwinnett residents. There will be substantial opportunities for public participation throughout the process.

Should the County decide to move forward with privatizing the airport after analyzing the potential impacts, two steps would remain. First, the County would negotiate a final operating agreement with a private operator that has demonstrated the financial resources and management capability to improve and operate the airport. And second, the County would submit the final application to the FAA. There is no timeline for the FAA to complete the review of the final application.

The FAA’s final approval is based on a number of conditions, including the private operator’s ability to ensure continued access to the airport on reasonable terms, ensure continued safe operations, ensure continued maintenance and improvements, ensure security, mitigate noise and environmental impacts, and provide for the continued operation of the airport in case of the private operator’s bankruptcy or other defaults.

“The Board of Commissioners and staff are looking forward to launching the lengthy process of studying potential airport operations and management opportunities,” said Board Chairman Charles Bannister. “Like most communities today, Gwinnett is looking to identify significant new revenue sources through efficiencies, user fees and privatization or sale of valuable assets. Any

financial benefit for taxpayers must be balanced with safety and other impacts to our community. In addition to exploring the environmental and economic impacts, we will conduct an extensive community outreach and involvement program. I expect County staff to meet with citizens and other interested parties and stakeholders throughout the process.”

“Today it’s more important than ever for local government to think outside the box about new ways to provide services while saving tax dollars,” said District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter. “The potential privatization of Briscoe Field falls right into that category.”

District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti added, “Privatization holds significant revenue potential for the County, and the prospect of airport improvements could boost our economic development efforts in the short-term and for years to come. I believe that community input is important and look forward to the process being inclusive for all concerned.”

“This is the very first part of a long, thorough process of seeking public opinion and reviewing the costs and benefits to the community,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau.

“With the airport located inside my district, I will make sure that community input plays an important role in the decision-making process,” said District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly. “Briscoe Field needs to continue to be an asset to the County as well as a good neighbor to my constituents.”

Congress authorized the pilot program in 1996 “to explore privatization as a means of generating access to sources of private capital for airport improvement and development.” Chosen airports would be exempt from repaying federal loans invested in their facilities.

Briscoe Field has a 6,021-foot runway on 500 acres northeast of Lawrenceville. It is capable of handling most corporate jets.

Toilet Rebates Save 54 Million Gallons

2010-03-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett residents are now saving 54 million gallons of water every year thanks to a rebate program that started two years ago. The rebates pay homeowners either $50 or $100 for replacing old, inefficient toilets. About 5,000 have been replaced so far.

Water Resources Deputy Director Peter Frank said the more efficient toilets save the average customer about 15 percent on the water bill and help reduce demand for water from Lake Lanier. He said the County has spent about $400,000 on the program since it began and the savings are well worth the investment. The department is budgeting $300,000 each year to pay rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Board Chairman Charles Bannister praised county residents for conserving water and urged everyone with a pre-1992 home to take advantage of this effective program. Details and an application are online at www.northgeorgiawater.com or by calling 404.463.8645 or e-mail at toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.org.

Water Resources also promoted “Fix a Leak Week,” which was March 15 – 21, as an annual reminder to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. “A single home with dripping faucets and toilets that don’t shut off can waste as much as 10,000 gallons a year,” Frank said. Gwinnett’s annual water use of 26 billion gallons was 18 percent lower last year than in 2007.

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Precinct, Poll Location Changes will Affect Almost 42,000 Voters

2010-03-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Gwinnett County will reduce the number of voting precincts from 163 to 155 to save money and operate more efficiently. In about 15 precincts, poll locations will change for various reasons. “These changes will affect about ten percent of Gwinnett voters,” said Elections Director Lynn Ledford, “so we want to notify people that they’ll get an official postcard in the mail if they are affected.”

Early and absentee voting now makes it possible to consolidate some locations without creating long delays on Election Day, Ledford said. Absentee/Early voting ballots are available for 45 days before an election through the Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville. Applications for mail-out ballots are available now for primary election absentee ballots. Details are online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Early voting for next summer’s primary election will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 12 –16 and for the general election on Oct. 25 – 29. During these weeks, there will be four locations, in addition to the Elections Office, for early voting: Centerville Community Center, Dacula Activity Building, George Pierce Community Center and Lucky Shoals Community Center.

Signs and maps will be posted on Election Day at all old and new polling locations where changes have been made. Poll locations sometimes change based on the availability or cost of using a facility. Most precincts are small enough that new locations will still be relatively close to most voters in that precinct.

Citizens who aren’t registered to vote can get a voter registration form online but must return it by mail or in person. The deadline for registration is June 21 to vote in the primary and Oct. 4 for the general election. Information on how to become a paid poll worker is available at pollofficials@gwinnettcounty.com.

“We understand these changes could cause confusion so we want voters to be aware of the situation. These improvements will help control costs and make us more efficient,” Ledford said.

Flood-Damaged Bridges Repair Costs Approved

2010-01-21T08:48:00.001-08:00

Emergency repairs to three roadway bridges damaged in the floods last September were officially ratified by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

The work began immediately under emergency contracts issued to minimize road closings following the flood. Two were completed and opened to traffic within 30 days and the third, while remaining open to traffic, is now nearing completion. E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. was the low responsive bidder on all three contracts for a total of $1.15 million.

The three bridges are located on Garner Road over Garner Creek, Martin Nash Road over Turkey Creek and Club Drive over Sweetwater Creek.

Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen said the work was initially paid for with 2009 SPLOST funds although the County expects to receive reimbursement from federal disaster-recovery funds. “We greatly appreciate the ability of our contractors to get started immediately on emergency repairs so we can keep our roads open and safe for Gwinnett motorists,” Allen said.
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Manholes Being Used for Illegal Dumping

2010-01-20T17:31:00.001-08:00

Gwinnett County is asking for help from the public to catch people who are prying up sewer system manhole covers to dump various kinds of waste.

“People have been dumping everything from grease and chemicals to septic tank pumping,” said Acting Director of Water Resources Lynn Smarr. “It’s not only illegal but it’s also dangerous for the perpetrators and our employees. We’re asking anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it immediately.”

Residents can call Gwinnett Police at 770.513.5100 or Water Resources at 678.376.7000. Both lines are staffed 24 hours a day. County vehicles are clearly marked and Water Resources employees wear uniforms.

“Tough economic times lead people to do things they wouldn’t normally do,” said Deputy Director Tyler Richards. “We all need to be vigilant to protect public health and safety.”

“As environmental regulations get tighter, we’ve got to be strict about enforcing illegal dumping laws,” added Smarr.
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Briscoe Field: Preliminary Application to Privatize

2010-01-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

Gwinnett County is beginning the process to study the idea of privatizing its airport in Lawrenceville. On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution that will direct staff to submit a preliminary application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pursuant to the FAA’s Airport Privatization Pilot Program.

Congress authorized the pilot program in 1997 “to explore privatization as a means of generating access to… private capital for airport improvement and development.” Only five airports can qualify under the FAA’s Airport Privatization Pilot Program. Chosen airports would be exempt from repaying federal loans invested in their facilities.

On Thursday, officials issued a Request for Qualifications for a consultant to help prepare a preliminary application to the FAA. If the resolution is approved on Tuesday, the County will select a consultant next month and will submit a preliminary application to the FAA to express interest in the program. The preliminary application will identify the project objectives, describe the proposed process and timetables, and supply current financial and operations statements, but would not commit the County to proceed with a final application. The study process will help the board decide if privatization and eventual commercialization of Briscoe Field is in the best interest of Gwinnett County. The FAA must accept the preliminary application before the County can proceed with the process.

Board Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We are just beginning a lengthy procedure that will include a thorough public involvement process in addition to environmental and economic studies as we move forward. The final application would not be submitted for at least a year.”

District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “No matter the outcome of the vote on Tuesday, I am proud of my fellow board members for thinking outside the box and looking for new ways of providing needed services without negatively impacting taxpayers.”

“I will give careful consideration to the resolution on next week’s agenda because of the economic potential associated with privatization,” added District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti.

“While I think privatization of Briscoe Field could be the right choice for Gwinnett taxpayers and residents who travel, it is also clear there is a lot of due diligence to take before a final decision can be made,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. “I am hopeful that commercialization of the airport would encourage more economic growth in our community.”

“The airport lies in my district, so it is important to me that the privatization study will include plenty of opportunities for public input,” said District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly. “Briscoe Field must continue to be a good neighbor to my constituents.”

Briscoe Field has a 6,021-foot runway on 500 acres northeast of Lawrenceville. Improved in 1991, it can handle most corporate jets. Last summer, a private investment group approached the county with a privatization proposal that envisions as many as 10 commercial flights a day.
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Engage Gwinnett to Meet Thursday

2009-12-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

The volunteers who serve on Engage Gwinnett, the citizens committee on the future of Gwinnett County, will meet again on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The initiative aims to involve and engage the community in county budget decision-making.

The 40-member citizens committee created last September has formed smaller work groups to study specific service areas. The full committee meets every two weeks to hear from elected officials, County staff and local residents during a six-month process. All meetings are open to the public.

In April 2010, the group will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on desired services, service levels and revenues for the next five years. The initiative is a partnership between county government and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer leaders Mike Levengood of McKenna Long & Aldridge and Bill McCargo, formerly with CISCO Systems, co-chair the committee. Engage Gwinnett seeks common ground, workable solutions and compromises as necessary for the greater good of the community to help guide the County government through the recession and its aftermath.

The process will include at least 12 full committee meetings and three public forums. Video coverage, meeting materials and more information are available online at www.engagegwinnett.com and at www.gwinnettcounty.com and on TVgwinnett, cable channel 23. Engage Gwinnett also has Facebook and Twitter links.

Meeting agenda follows below:

Engage Gwinnett Agenda
December 3, 2009
Welcome and introductions Bill McCargo and Mike Levengood, Co-Chairs
Millage rate update Aaron Bovos
Report from the Work Groups Work Group Spokespersons
Overview of today’s work Jon Abercrombie, facilitator
Work Groups breakout sessions Work Groups
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County Continues to Trim Workforce

2009-10-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett County continued to trim its workforce today with the implementation of a reduction in force in the Planning and Development Department. The elimination of 19 staff positions comes as the result of a business realignment necessitated by a significant decrease in workload and revenues related to the ever-shrinking volume of development.

Earlier this year, departments modified their business plans in order to focus on core services and to bring the 2009 budget and five-year financial plan into balance. Staff reductions played a key role in most of these new plans. Even though there is a proposed millage rate increase on the table, the county is still moving forward with its new business model, which requires a reduction in force.

In addition to today’s action, more than 200 employees retired under an incentive offer last month and several other departments have implemented reductions in force this year. In total, the County plans to eliminate more than 250 jobs.

“Unfortunately this is not the first, nor will it be the last, reduction in force,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens. “The tough economic environment has forced us to make some very difficult decisions about service and staffing levels across all departments, but I am confident that Gwinnett County government will emerge from this budgetary crisis a stronger and more efficient organization.”
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Officials Outline Proposal to Restore Key Services

2009-10-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Friday Gwinnett County officials outlined a proposal that would restore some of the spending reductions made earlier this year to the county’s public safety, parks and recreation and social services programs. The new proposal would be funded by a 2.28-mill increase in county property taxes.

The proposal was developed by county staff in response to a request from District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly and was unveiled at a press briefing by Board Chairman Charles Bannister, Commissioner Kenerly, County Administrator Glenn Stephens and Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos. The details of the proposal were also posted to the county’s Web site.

Stephens said the county would hold three public hearings on the proposed property tax increase on Monday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and then on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. He said he expected the county commission would formally consider the proposal at a special called meeting following the 7 p.m. hearing on Dec. 1.

“Based on discussions with commission members, they will consider the proposal at the Dec. 1 meeting, and we have been asked to take the necessary steps to make Gwinnett County’s citizens and taxpayers aware of the proposal well ahead of that decision,” said Stephens.

The proposal outlined by the officials would add $31.3 million in service-related additions to the 2009 budget and provide, among other items, funding for the district attorney, courts and constitutional officers, the addition of 58 new police officers, the opening and staffing of three new fire stations and the continued operation of all county libraries – including the new Hamilton Mill branch opening next year – at equal service levels. It would also add $4.8 million to the recreation fund to, among other things, set youth athletic association fees at a more affordable level for families, restore grounds maintenance personnel and restore seven-day operations at all aquatic centers. The proposal also will address a deficit in 2010 and compensate for a reduction in the commercial and residential property tax digest.

Funding the proposed $59.2 million increase would require a 2.28-mill increase in the county’s property tax rate. For 63 percent of county homeowners, whose homes are assessed at $200,000 or less, the resulting tax increase would be less than $13.36 a month; for the additional 30 percent of Gwinnett homeowners whose homes are assessed at between $200,001 and $350,000, the monthly tax increase would be between $13.36 and $24.76. Combining the two groups, 93 percent of homeowners would see a tax increase of less than $25 per month.

“I appreciate the county staff’s response to my request,” said Commissioner Kenerly, “and I look forward to hearing from my constituents and to studying this proposal with my colleagues on the Board. Especially in retrospect, I have been troubled by the drastic service cuts that were necessitated by our earlier budget decisions – and I am not convinced that they reflected the will of a majority of citizens and taxpayers. I am growing concerned that many of the cuts we already made or are planning to make will severely diminish our community long term.

“I think it is important to revisit this issue with an eye toward focusing on truly critical services and on giving our citizens, voters and taxpayers an opportunity to understand the current and future stakes for our county,” Kenerly added. “I’m hopeful that when we call this question it will be with the benefit of a great deal of thought and an understanding of the views and desires of all our citizens.”

Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said he supported revisiting the millage rate question. “I backed the millage rate that was originally proposed and have been concerned that our failure to fund needed public service improvements would do real damage to our county now and in the years ahead,” he said. “I look forward to studying this proposal and hearing from the public between now and December.”

Bannister stressed this move does not lessen the value of the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee. “Their work is still very important to us, but this millage adjustment will temporarily allow us to stop dismantling great improvements made in the community since 2005, including investments in public safety, while we await their service level and funding recommendations,” said Bannister.

The proposed restoration of services does not include many of the cuts made within the County’s internal support functions and also does not fund the Unified Plan, which was designed to better manage growth, public safety, quality of life and economic development over the next several decades. The Engage Gwinnett Committee will continue to study service levels and funding options in order to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners in the first quarter of 2010.

If the proposed increase were to be approved, a second set of 2009 tax bills would be mailed to property owners on March 15, 2010. This billing will reconcile the final millage rate with the temporary rate used in billing taxes earlier this year. Tax bills were issued to property owners last August under a temporary collection order, which allowed the Board of Commissioners to set a temporary millage rate while the County continued negotiations with cities over matters of service delivery. Once commissioners set a final millage rate, the State Department of Revenue will certify Gwinnett’s tax digest resulting in a new round of property tax bills.

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Flood Recovery Center to Open

2009-09-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

A disaster recovery center will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. to assist residents and business owners who were victims of recent flooding. Gwinnett County residents and business owners who sustained losses can visit the center, which is located at the Mountain Park Depot, 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week to apply for federal emergency assistance. County government worked closely with FEMA and GEMA to establish the center, according to Gwinnett Emergency Management’s Greg Swanson. The center will remain open until further notice.

Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We are grateful to FEMA, GEMA and Gwinnett Emergency Management for their hard work to make sure Gwinnett County was included in the federal disaster declaration. Last week’s flooding took a severe toll on many of our residents and their property. While recovery will take some time, I’m hopeful federal disaster aid will help those families and businesses in our community that need it to become whole again.”

The federal declaration covers individual assistance and can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. In addition, Gwinnett County government will also be eligible to receive federal funds for damage as a result of the recent floods.

In addition to visiting the Disaster Recovery Center, it is also possible to apply for aid online or by telephone. Applications can be submitted online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

County Administrator Glenn Stephens said, “I’m very proud of what County workers did under sudden and often-changing conditions during the emergency phase last week. Now that we have moved beyond the life-safety crisis, our staff will continue to take any and all actions necessary and feasible to assist residents as they begin the recovery process.”
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Helpful Guide for Gwinnett Citizens from Tax Commissioner

2009-09-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

Now that Gwinnett citizens have received their 2009 temporary tax bills, the Tax Commissioner is receiving a large number of calls and emails from citizens with questions about their bills, property assessments, school tax, millage rates and more.

“I want to make sure citizens get prompt and accurate information when they have questions. There are many County offices involved in property tax issues, and it can be confusing,” explained Katherine Meyer, Gwinnett Tax Commissioner.

Below is information to help guide citizens to the right offices for answers.

Gwinnett Tax Commissioner
· Bills and collects Gwinnett property taxes
· Administers homestead exemptions
· Note: The 2009 tax bill that property owners just received is a temporary bill until a final millage rate is approved by the Board of Commissioners. A final notice of taxes may be sent if additional taxes or a refund is due.
· 770-822-8800, email tax@gwinnettcounty.com, website www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com

Gwinnett Tax Assessor’s Office
· Assesses property values
· Reviews property assessment appeals
· 770-822-7220 or email assessor@gwinnettcounty.com.
· Note: The Tax Commissioner has no authority for the assessment of property and is not involved in that process.

Gwinnett Board of Commissioners
Sets County property tax millage rate
770-822-7000 or www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Gwinnett Board of Education
Adopts school system property tax millage rate
678-301-6200 or www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Gwinnett Stormwater Utility
Administers stormwater service
678-376-7193 or www.gwinnettstormwater.com.

Gwinnett Traffic Engineering and Planning
Responsible for street lights and speed tables
770-822-7462

Important to remember: Gwinnett property owners may see an increase in their tax bills due to state government budget cuts that included the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Additionally, the fair market value of property may have changed resulting in an increase in the amount owed. Learn more at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com.
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Two Million Dollars in Asset/Forfeiture Money from Drug Cartels Presented to Gwinnett Law Enforcement

2009-09-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, on behalf of the David G. Wilhelm Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force, is pleased to provide the following information:

The David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force is well into its third year, having been established on March 29, 2007. The concept of the Strike Force was initiated by the various special agents in charge of the federal law enforcement agencies here in Atlanta, along with the United States Attorney, who participate in the (OCDETF). It was recognized that a special collaborative effort was necessary to better combat the drug distribution and collection of drug proceeds throughout the metro Atlanta area as it was further recognized that the Atlanta area had established itself as a hub for this activity.

The Wilhelm Strike Force brings together the assets and strengths of the various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies into a co-located task force. This serves as a force multiplier in investigating and prosecuting high level members of the international drug cartels that have operations in metro Atlanta and throughout the United States. As part of its effort to dismantle these criminal organizations, forfeiture of profits and seizure of assets from these organizations is paramount.

Today we reaffirm our partnership with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department and the Lawrenceville Police Department in the joint endeavors of the Wilhelm Strike Force and their commitment in making the community a safer place for all.

The Strike Force is pleased to present to our partners with checks totaling $1,102,556.42. In addition to these monies, an additional $1,005,000 will be going to these same partners within the next month. These monies are derived from assets forfeited and/or seized in Operation Grand Finale, an 18-month-long investigation wherein the many varied law enforcement agencies worked together to disrupt a major cell of a Mexican cartel, a notoriously violent drug trafficking organization, and took a major step towards eradicating a significant threat to our economic and national security. During this investigation, agents and officers have seized approximately 581 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 219 pounds of methamphetamines, and approximately $3.5 million in currency. To date, federal charges have been filed against 16 defendants in several states. This investigation determined that the targeted organization regularly transported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Mexico to Atlanta, and then transported currency accumulated from the sale of the illegal drugs back from Atlanta to McAllen, Texas, and then on to the organization’s leaders in Mexico.

Today’s presentations are not only an example of what can be accomplished by a metro Atlanta law enforcement community working together, but also an opportunity to recognize that partnership that is so needed and appreciated.

Administrative Matter:
Lawrenceville PD: $321,133.02
$251,067.50
Subtotal: $572,200.52
$603,000.00
Total: $1,175,200.50

Gwinnett County S/O: $321,133.02
$209,222.92
Subtotal: $530,355.94
$402,000.00
Total: $932,255.94

Grand Total: $2,107,456.40

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Judge Grants Order on State Sanction in City-County SDS Dispute

2009-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Gwinnett County received an order to hold state sanctions in abeyance while the County and city governments continue to litigate their service delivery dispute. The order, requested by the County, was granted by the judge presiding over the litigation. The current 10-year strategy, as set forth in state legislation that became effective in 1999, expired Feb. 28. Missing the deadline for a new 10-year strategy with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs placed Gwinnett and each of its cities in an “unqualified status.” The sanctions resulting from the unqualified status could have resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in state-administered financial assistance, grants, loans or permits to Gwinnett County and Gwinnett’s cities.

Superior Court Judge David E. Barrett’s order comes after Gwinnett’s cities had asked the judge to have sanctions reimposed 30 days after the judge rules on a County motion for partial summary judgment on the use of unincorporated revenues.

Prior to that, a March 3 order holding sanctions in abeyance during the mediation process was opposed by attorneys representing Gwinnett’s cities because it was not signed by the out-of-circuit judge assigned to the case and that order was vacated. However, Judge Barrett ruled in April that the sanctions would be held in abeyance throughout the mediation process.

“Sanctions ultimately just hurt the citizens, and I am pleased the judge agreed with the County’s position. The judge’s action is in line with our goal to work towards a service delivery solution for every resident in Gwinnett County without losing the necessary funding that benefits Gwinnett County and its cities,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens.

Location Change for Beaudreau Monthly Meeting

2009-09-08T12:56:00.001-07:00

Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau’s next monthly meeting will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Lakeview Clubhouse conference room at 1669 Hamilton Mill Parkway in Dacula instead of Harbins Park Pavilion. The commissioner will meet with constituents from 10 a.m. to noon.

Gwinnett County’s Commission District 3 covers the eastern part of the county from the Highway 78 corridor north to I-85, and includes the cities of Snellville, Loganville, Grayson, Dacula and Auburn.

Engage Gwinnett Seeks Citizen Input

2009-09-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Engage Gwinnett, the Citizens Committee for the Future of Gwinnett County, is looking for 10 residents willing to spend time over the next six months listening to lots of information about county government and demographic and economic trends, sharing ideas and helping guide the Board of Commissioners actions’ as they make decisions about service levels and funding sources.

An initial meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9, will explain the Engage Gwinnett committee process, gain public input and provide for the public self-selection of 10 committee representatives. The meeting is 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

Chairman Charles Bannister and the Board of Commissioners have partnered with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce to launch an initiative to involve citizens in the County budget decision-making process. They are asking for 30 stakeholder groups to each appoint a citizen representative in addition to these 10 self-selected citizen leaders. Like most local governments around our region and our nation, Gwinnett must balance declining revenues with desired service levels,” said Bannister. “We need informed recommendations from people throughout our community.”

“We plan to strategically involve the community in the process of making informed recommendations about future service levels, funding needs and revenue resources,” said co-chair Bill McCargo, Director of Community Relations for Cisco Systems. “Together, we’ll identify what services the county should provide and at what level. We’ll also look at growth projections and infrastructure plans to help determine funding needs and potential revenue sources.”

The other co-chair is Mike Levengood, a partner in the McKenna, Long and Aldridge LLP law firm. “Every citizen in the county has a stake in the direction and the environment we’re creating for future generations,” said Levengood. “We’ll be holding several public forums during this citizen-led initiative to share and gain ideas from the community at large. This is an opportunity for many people to get involved before the decisions are made. It is a worthy community project and Gwinnett citizens deserve our best efforts.”

More information is available on the County website, www.gwinnettcounty.com
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County Makes More Budget Adjustments

2009-09-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett’s separately elected officials and Constitutional officers have agreed to $1.9 million in budget cuts to help commissioners balance the books for 2009. The Board accepted their recommendations on Tuesday and cautioned that another $11 million in cuts will be needed for next year. These cuts are consistent with reductions in budgets throughout the County.

While the Board of Commissioners appropriates funds for departments run by elected officials, they do not directly manage those departments. The officials include the Clerk of Court, Clerk of Recorder’s Court, District Attorney, Judiciary, Juvenile Court, Probate Court, Recorder’s Court, Sheriff, Solicitor and Tax Commissioner.

The County’s Department of Human Resources has offered to work with all these departments to arrange staff reductions through a retirement incentive program in those areas where personnel costs must be reduced. In related action, commissioners approved a retirement incentive program for Probate Court, similar to the one offered to many eligible County employees last month. It is expected to save $59,295 in 2010.
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2009 Temporary Property Tax Bills Have Been Mailed

2009-08-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Katherine Meyer announced that property tax bills for 2009 have been mailed. Payment installment dates are October 15 and November 15.

These are temporary bills. The temporary tax bills were required because a final millage rate had not been set by the County Board of Commissioners. Property owners must pay their temporary tax bills in full by November 15 to avoid interest and penalty charges. Once the final millage rate has been set, a re-billing may occur. Any difference in the temporary and the final millage rate may result in additional charges or refunds to property owners.

Homeowners across Georgia may see in an increase in their 2009 tax bills unrelated to the County millage rate. Since 1999, the Georgia General Assembly and the Governor have provided a credit on property tax bills called the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). In recent years, that credit resulted in an $84 - $272 reduction to your property tax bill. Due to financial strains on the state budget, the Georgia General Assembly and the Governor did not fund this credit for 2009 property tax bills. While the HTRG credit may some day be reinstated by the General Assembly, it is not expected to be considered again until state revenues increase significantly. As a result, your tax bill may increase accordingly.

You can determine the exact amount you saved in 2008 by locating the 'Tax Relief Credit' amount displayed on your 2008 tax bill. If your taxes are paid from an escrow account through your mortgage lender, you may want to notify them so the escrow payment amount can be adjusted.
In some cases, the fair market value of your property may have changed which impacted your assessment and the amount you owe.

“At a time when everyone is carefully watching their spending, an increase in property taxes is not good news,” said Katherine Meyer, Gwinnett Tax Commissioner. “Since much of that increase is coming from an action that was taken at the state level, not the county, we want people to have the facts.”

For more information on the 2009 temporary tax bills and the HTRG credit, visit the Tax Commissioner’s website at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com. Follow the link to the Property Tax page.
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Gwinnett Checking Businesses for Immigration Status

2009-08-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

More than 26,000 Gwinnett-based businesses soon will get a letter from the County’s license and revenue office asking for compliance with a new state immigration law. The County is required to check the immigration status of all applicants for a business/occupation tax certificate, commonly called a business license.

Board Chairman Charles Bannister said the law requires all applicants to be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, qualified alien or a nonimmigrant as defined in the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Bannister explained, “We are making sure that Gwinnett County is in compliance with the law.”

All businesses, corporations, LLCs and partnerships registered in Gwinnett will receive the letter over the next few weeks. Applicants are required to return a signed, notarized affidavit before they can renew online or receive a 2010 business/occupation tax certificate. Those who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents must also submit a copy of certain paperwork to establish their status, which the County will verify through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program operated by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Since 2007, Gwinnett has been verifying the immigration status of applicants for jobs at the County and its primary contractors and subcontractors. The verification program also applies to other public benefits such as housing assistance, certain work permits and adult education.
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Stimulus, Other Grants Impact Gwinnett

2009-08-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Just over $4.5 million in federal stimulus and state funds is headed to Gwinnett after commissioners voted to accept five different grants on Tuesday.

Almost $3.3 million is designated for energy audits, weatherization and appliance repairs to make an estimated 461 homes of elderly, low income and handicapped residents more efficient and affordable. The stimulus funds will come from the U.S. Department of Energy through the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and the work will be done by the non-profit organization Partnership for Community Action.

Another $1.1 million will help build a new Senior Services Center at 567 Swanson Drive in Lawrenceville. A year of construction will begin this month on the new “green building” that will centralize various programs that serve Gwinnett seniors. Deputy Secretary Ron Sims of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development came to Gwinnett on July 22 to announce the Community Development Block Grant award. Neither of these grants requires matching funds.

Commissioners also accepted a $69,411 grant to provide home-delivered and congregate meals to frail and homebound seniors provided through the Atlanta Regional Commission. The grant requires a 15 percent local match that the County is unable to provide, but the non-profit Friends of Gwinnett County Seniors group has offered to supply the needed $12,248. Friends President Pam Tokarz said, “We don’t want to lose any opportunity to feed needy seniors in our community, so we’re happy to provide these matching funds.” Gwinnett provides more than 135,000 such meals annually but still has a wait list of more than 200 eligible seniors.

Fire and Emergency Services will receive two state grants through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. A grant of $61,430 will pay for new hazardous materials suits and reference books for the Lawrenceville-based HazMat team that handles incidents like natural gas line breaks, significant gasoline spills, victim retrieval, site decontamination and contaminated victim transport.

Another $25,000 state grant will pay to replace equipment on the department’s Buford-based Search and Rescue truck. Fire personnel use the equipment to extricate victims from traffic collisions, caved-in trenches, confined spaces, machinery entanglements, or collapsed structures using precision cutting, spreading, disassembly, rigging or heavy lifting techniques.

Board Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We’re grateful for all these stimulus funds and state grants, especially at a time when we’re cutting our expenses to the bone. This money will allow us to continue meeting the needs of seniors and families in our community as well as helping keep our fire department well-equipped for emergencies.”

Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) earlier this year to jump start the national economy after the recession hit last fall.
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A few happenings in Gwinnett...

2009-08-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

Age Well, Take Control - Managing Weight & Diabetes Risks

George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center; 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee; Wednesday, September 9; 9:30am - 2:00pm; Health fair focusing on seniors - but open to the public! This is a free event. Learn valuable information about programs and resources for aging well and increasing your overall health. Come join us to discover important ways to enhance your diet, manage diabetes, and feel better every day! Fitness demonstrations will be held all day, skit performance by Kaiser Educational Theater Program at 10:00am, presentation of Carbohydrates and Fiber - Friend or Foe? at 11:00am, and much more. This event is a partnership of Gwinnett Coalition Senior Issues Action Team and Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation. For more information, please call Pat Milhous or Cindi Iacono at 770.822.5180.

Outback at Work Charity Lunch

Wednesday, September 23; Help local seniors by ordering a delicious mixed-grill meal from Outback Steakhouse in Suwanee and have it delivered to your work! Cost is $15. All proceeds will benefit Gwinnett County Senior Services via Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (a nonprofit organization) and provide funding for programs such as Meals on Wheels and emergency assistance. Call Celia Moore at 770.822.8775 or e-mail her at celia.moore@gwinnettcounty.com to place a minimum order of ten lunches in your area. Meals are limited!

C.P.R. for R.A.P.

Connecting Parenting Resources for Relatives As Parents; The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center; 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford; Wednesday, September 30; 8:30am - 2:00pm; Over 5,000 grandparents are raising their grandchildren in Gwinnett County. You may be one of the hundreds who have put plans aside to help your family in a time of crisis. This forum will help Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Gwinnett find answers to questions, connect with resources, and gain support from other grandfamilies. Cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple. Sponsored by Gwinnett Coalition Senior Issues Action Team. To register for the event, please call Shawn Valadez at 770.822.8846.

See Gwinnett Gladiators with Friends

The Arena at Gwinnett Center; Saturday, October 17; 7:05pm; Be a spectator and cheer on the Gwinnett Gladiators. Get tickets for the game on Saturday, October 17 at a reduced price of $15 each and $5 (less taxes) from each ticket sold goes to Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services. Funds collected will be used to help support selected Gwinnett County Senior Services programs. Order online at www.gwinnettgladiators.com, click on Special Ticket Offers and enter the code FOGS1017 to get your discounted ticket. All orders must be placed by Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Tickets will be available for pick up on game night at the Gladiators Will Call window in the Box Office at the Arena. You may also order tickets by fax. For questions, call Keith Davis at 770.497.5112 or e-mail kdavis@gwinnettgladiators.com.
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Crawfish Charity Boil – Steaming Results to Feed Seniors

2009-08-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Recently, The Hail Mary Sports Pub in Grayson raised more than $2,500 to benefit Gwinnett County Senior Services’ non-profit partner, Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (Friends).

Even though they have supported other local worthwhile causes in the past, this was their first fundraising effort to help the older population. The Crawfish Boil for Charity was a great success and monies will help support meals service for Gwinnett seniors.

Hail Mary General Manager Blake Hawkins proudly stated, “We are in the restaurant business, so we wanted to do something to help homebound seniors who might not be able to come in and dine. We could not have made this happen without Master Chef Ray Sessions and some of our vendors. We are honored to help our ‘greatest generation’.”

This year, Friends contributed more than $33,000 to supplement senior meals costs. Friends President Pam Tokarz said, “We do not want to lose any opportunity to feed our needy or frail seniors.”

For more information on Friends’ fundraising efforts or to make a donation to help feed a senior, please make a tax deductible donation to Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, P.O. Box 390025, Snellville, GA 30039 or contact Celia Moore at 770.822.8775 or celia.moore@gwinnettcounty.com.
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County Seeks to Bill Taxes

2009-08-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett County’s 2009 millage rate and tax billing have been tangled in the ongoing Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) dispute with Gwinnett cities and as a result, Gwinnett County filed a petition for a Temporary Collection Order (TCO) last month. The TCO hearing will be held on Aug. 11 at 1:30 p.m. in Gwinnett Superior Court. The TCO is a remedy of law for local governments that allows the billing of property taxes to occur without an approved tax digest from the State Revenue Commissioner. The State Revenue Commissioner has not certified Gwinnett’s tax digest, due primarily to the fact that the government has not set a formal millage rate. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners denied a proposed millage rate in June after holding three public hearings on a proposed tax increase.

“The delay in tax billing negatively impacts the County, the school system and the cities – primarily from the lack of available resources to pay the expense of operations,” said Commission Chairman Charles Bannister. “We (the Board of Commissioners) were prepared to move forward in July with a millage rate adoption that would have been revenue neutral to the County.” This contemplated rate would have produced the same amount of tax revenue as the County received in 2008. In addition, the rate structure also would have been compliant with state law in regard to the Georgia insurance premium tax statute. However, the cities stated they would file an injunction if the Board proceeded to adopt the millage rate. Therefore, the County felt the best alternative was to seek a TCO in order to move forward temporarily with 2009 tax collections.

The TCO only allows the billing of 2009 taxes based on a temporary millage rate. Ultimately, the Board of Commissioners must adopt the final millage rate publicly, and the tax digest must be approved by the State Revenue Commissioner. The millage rate contemplated in the TCO maintains the revenue neutral status previously contemplated by the Board of Commissioners, meaning taxes collected in 2009 will yield the same revenue as the County received in 2008. Once a final millage rate is set by the Board, the 2009 property taxes will be reconciled and taxpayers will receive an adjustment.

The 2009 temporary millage rate proposed in the TCO is 10.94 for taxpayers in unincorporated Gwinnett County and 12.00 for taxpayers in incorporated Gwinnett. By comparison, the 2008 adopted county rate was 10.97. In accordance with state law, the unincorporated taxpayers are due a rollback for insurance premium taxes, which equates to 1.06 mills. More than 80 percent of county citizens live in unincorporated Gwinnett.

Puttin’ on the Ritz for Gwinnett Seniors

2009-08-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

On July 30, 2009, Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (Friends) raised over $33,000 at their seventh annual silent auction in Lawrenceville to benefit Gwinnett seniors.

The event was hosted by Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett, a skilled nursing center and retirement facility where it was transformed into the 1920’s era complete with food and refreshments. Friends Past-President and Delmar Executive Director Jennifer Thilo commented, “Every year this charity event gets even better. This could be our best ever and with all the economic uncertainty, we are so appreciative of such great community support. Every penny goes directly to helping seniors.”

Friends is a private volunteer governed nonprofit organization. The organization’s fundraising efforts have resulted in emergency assistance, home repair, food baskets, dental, medical health and wellness screenings to benefit the senior citizens of Gwinnett.

Currently, there are over 200 seniors on the monthly meals waiting list and more than 100 on the monthly transportation waiting list. Friends has made a significant impact on the senior community as they have met budget shortfalls by supporting 133,825 meals and nutritional dietary supplement drinks for the older population.

To contribute in allowing Gwinnett seniors to remain independent in their homes, please visit the Friends website at http://www.fogcss.com/ or send a check to P.O. Box 390025, Snellville, GA 30039. You may also contact Celia Moore at 770.822.8775 or celia.moore@gwinnettcounty.com

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Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation Calendar of Events

2009-08-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Going on now through August 31 - Two Free Art Exhibits in Suwanee!
Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation’s George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center is sponsoring an exhibit of paintings and photography featuring artist Builquis Samadi and photographer Frank Sharp.Both exhibits are currently on display through Aug. 31. Exhibit hours are Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm, Fri. 9am-6pm, and Sat. 10am-6pm. Admission is free. George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center is located at 55 Buford Hwy. in Suwanee. For more information call 770.831.4173.

August 5 thru October 27 - Art Exhibits
Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is sponsoring a free exhibit of two-dimensional work of the Johns Creek Fine Art group titled “TAPROOTS” and three-dimensional work of David Gentry titled “Gone To Pot.” An opening reception will be held Thurs., Aug. 6 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Both exhibits will be on display Aug. 5 through Oct. 27. Exhibit hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross. For more information call 770.417.2200.

August 3, 6:30-8:30pm - Family Game Night
Games, puzzles, and food with your friends and family! Call your friends and bring them along! All ages; $3/person, pre-register by 7/30, call 770.723.9516. Code: LSCC14235 Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Rd, Norcross.

August 6, 1:00pm – Senior Billiards Tournament
Bring your ‘A’ game to score the best at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center’s first Billiards Tournament! Show off your talent and meet new friends that share billiards as their hobby. $10/person; pre-registration required, call 770.831.4173. Code: GPCC14251 Ages 50-up. George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center.

August 7, 11:00am-1:00pm - Brown Bag Concert Series
Free! Bugaboos will rock the lawn with a fun and colorful collection of songs! Grab a blanket, lunch, and the kids and enjoy the music, crafts, and face painting! Kids will fill the sky with a rainbow of color in the craft area—come find out what that’s all about! For details on sponsor booths call 770.822.5450. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

August 8, 10:00am-3:00pm - Cheerleading Clinic
Ready-OK! Learn 3 chants, 2 cheers, and a short dance routine plus lunch and cheer-related crafts and games. Age 6-12; $20/person; pre-registration required, call 770.723.9516. Code: LSCC02066 Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Rd, Norcross.

August 8, 5:00-8:00pm - Family Fiesta
It’s a fiesta! Fun Mexican music, food, games and crafts! All ages, $10/person; 3-under free; must pre-register by 8/1, call 770.831.4173. Code: GPCC14210 George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Hwy, Suwanee.

August 13, 2:00pm – Senior Cinema
Free! Do you remember your favorite movie from the 50’s? Enjoy a relaxing movie, bring a friend or make new ones! Movie selections are based on popular movies from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Ages 50-up. No pre-registration required; call 770.831.4173 for more information.

August 15, 1:00-3:00pm - Teddy Bear Picnic
Free! Bring your teddy bear buddy, lunch, and blanket for a special picnic and dessert! Great for tots and teddy bear lovers. Age 3-5; space is limited; pre-registration required, call 770.822.5414. Code: RJCC14205 Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Old Auburn Ave, Dacula.

August 17, 12:30pm – Senior Day Trip to Gwinnett Braves
Watch a Gwinnett Braves baseball game at the new Gwinnett Stadium. $20/person plus money for lunch; call 770.831.4173 for reservations. Code: GPCC14207 Ages 50-up. Pick up at Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park 12:30pm; George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center 1:00pm

August 20, 1:00pm – Senior Team Trivia Tournament
Come test your knowledge of history, current events, pop culture and more! Sign up as individuals or as teams (no more than 4/team). $2/person; pre-registration required. Ages 50-up. Call 770.564.4680 for more information. Code: GCSC04267 Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Rd, Lawrenceville.

August 21, 6:00pm-8:00am - Scout Camp Out
Flashlight tag, outdoor cooking, star gazing, tent pitching and more! Eagle Scouts and REI staff will assist Cub, Brownie and Weblo Scouts in setting up a campsite and getting back to nature for the night. Supply list will be provided prior to camp out. $24/1 adult & 1child; $10/additional person; pre-registration required by 8/15, call 770.822.8873. Code: RJGY143220 Tribble Mill Park, 2125 Tribble Mill Pkwy, Lawrenceville.

August 22, 6:00pm-midnight - Line Dance-a-thon
Two-Step your way into an evening of nothing but Line Dancing! Bring a snack to share, drinks are provided. Age 13-up; $5/person for early registration; $8/person the week prior to the event. To register, call 770.814.4914. Code: RJGY143220 Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth.

August 28, 6:00-9:30pm – Back-to-School Bash
Back to school doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Join us for swimming, Karaoke, dinner and a movie! Age 10-14; $10/person; pre-registration required, call 770.614.2060. Code: BPCC14205 Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Rd, Buford.

August 28, 8:00-10:00pm - Moonlight & Music Concert
Free! An evening of live music with Sons of Sailors, a tribute to Jimmy Buffet. This alcohol free event is in partnership with Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation and the Lawrenceville Tourism & Trade Association. Advanced reservations $60/table of 6; Lawn seating is free; call 770.822.5450 for table reservations. Code: GHCH14204 Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

August 29, 10:00am-3:00pm - Pinckneyville EXPO
Free! Meet instructors and see class demos including ballet, pottery, karate, painting and more! Kids ages 4-18 can enter the Awesome Artist Contest in three-dimensional art or drawing/painting! One entry per person; entry deadline is 8/26; call 770.417.2200. Code: PPCC04213 Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross.

August 29, noon-5:00pm - Museum Mania
Discover a behind-the-scenes look at the Gwinnett History Museum, with living history demonstrations, family activities, and information sessions. Fun for all ages; $6/person; pre-registration required, call 770.822.5178. Code: FSHM10296 Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry St, Lawrenceville.

Calendar of Events-September 2009
September 10, 6:30-9:00pm - Murder Mystery Theater
Are you ready to roll the dice and join us in uncovering the mystery? You’re invited to a VIP night at the Lady Luck Casino, where high rollers don’t just gamble for big money…but for their lives. Casino doors will swing open promptly at 6:30pm and you don’t want to miss any action. Ages 18-up; $30/person including a buffet dinner in the high rollers lounge. Pre-registration required by 9/7, call 770.822.5450. Code: GHCH14300. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

September 11, 6:30-9:00pm - Murder Mystery Theater
Are you ready to roll the dice and join us in uncovering the mystery? You’re invited to a VIP night at the Lady Luck Casino, where high rollers don’t just gamble for big money…but for their lives. Casino doors will swing open promptly at 6:30pm and you don’t want to miss any action. Ages 18-up; $30/person including a buffet dinner in the high rollers lounge. Pre-registration required by 9/7, call 770.822.5450. Code: GHCH14301. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

September 12, 10:00am-2:00pm - Yard Sale
Free admission! Come to our first yard sale and recycle your kids’ school clothes, find bargains and have fun too! Reservation required for sellers, call 770.831.4173; $20/space; must provide your own table. Event held outdoors, rain or shine. Concessions for sale. GCPR reserves the right to disallow items deemed inappropriate during this event. Code: GPCC14322 George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee.

September 17, 6:30-9:00pm - Murder Mystery Theater
Are you ready to roll the dice and join us in uncovering the mystery? You’re invited to a VIP night at the Lady Luck Casino, where high rollers don’t just gamble for big money…but for their lives. Casino doors will swing open promptly at 6:30pm and you don’t want to miss any action. Ages 18-up; $30/person including a buffet dinner in the high rollers lounge. Pre-registration required by 9/7, call 770.822.5450. Code: GHCH14302. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

September 18, 10:00am-2:00pm - Fun Day Picnic
Enjoy a low country boil with fun, fellowship and lots of activities and games! Come ready to have fun and meet our fabulous recreation club members! Age 50-up. $2/person; purchase tickets at the Gwinnett Senior Center or at your club meetings. Code: GCSC16365. Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville.

September 18, 5:30-9:00pm - Kids’ Night Out
Splash the night away! Bring a swimsuit and towel! Ages 6-10; $10/person; pre-registration required, call 770-614-2060. Code: BPCC14397. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford.

September 18, 6:30-9:00pm - Murder Mystery Theater
Are you ready to roll the dice and join us in uncovering the mystery? You’re invited to a VIP night at the Lady Luck Casino, where high rollers don’t just gamble for big money…but for their lives. Casino doors will swing open promptly at 6:30pm and you don’t want to miss any action. Ages 18-up; $30/person including a buffet dinner in the high rollers lounge. Pre-registration required by 9/7, call 770.822.5450. Code: GHCH14303. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

September 19, 9:00am-4:00pm - Yard Sale
Free admission! Bargains galore! Reservation required for sellers, call 770.814.4914; $20/space must provide your own table. Event held outdoors, rain or shine. Concessions for sale. GCPR reserves the right to disallow items deemed inappropriate during this event. Code: SHAB14300. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth.

September 26, 9:00am-1:00pm - Fish Off
Bring the whole family for Georgia’s last day in 2009 of fishing with no fishing license required! Fishing competitions, games and scout badge tables. Hosted by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, Publix, Bass Pro Shops and more. All ages; $6/person or $10/adult with one child under 12; pre-registration required, call 770.614.2060. Code: BPCC14322. Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Fence Rd., Auburn.

September 26, 10:00am-1:00pm - Dog Park Safety
Free! Off leash areas for your favorite pooch and his pals! Park Police, Animal Control and Volunteer Resource Staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide valuable tips on how to “stay and play safe” in our dog parks. Call 770.822.8873 for more information. Ronald Reagan Park, 2777 Five Forks Trickum Rd.,Lawrenceville.

Calendar of Events-October 2009
Weekends in October, Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm and Sundays noon-4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch!
Free admission! Grab your camera and get some great fall shots of your family on the farm picking a pumpkin! Tour the farm and enjoy 3 miles of walking trails through the beautiful fall leaves. McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Rd, Duluth, call 770-814-4920 for more information.

October 2 & 3, 7:00pm-9:00am - Family Camp In
Come join us for an old fashioned cookout, ghost stories, games and crafts! Bring your sleeping bag, pillow and flashlight and spend the night with us! Ages 5-up; $7/person; pre-register required by 9/25, call 770.723.9516. Code: LSCC14341. Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Rd, Norcross.

October 3, 10:00am-1:00pm - Dog Park Safety
Free! It’s a pooch party in our off leash areas for your favorite dog! Park Police, Animal Control and Volunteer Resource Staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide valuable tips on how to “stay and play safe” in our dog parks.
Call 770.822.8873 for more information. Graves Park 1540 Graves Rd, Norcross.

October 3, 6:00pm-midnight - Line Dance-a-thon
Can you boot-scoot your boogie? Join us for nothing but line dancing! Bring a snack to share, drinks will be provided. Ages 13-up; $5/person early registration; $8/person the week prior to the event. To pre-register, call 770.814.4914.
Code: SHAB14301. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth.

October 9, 8:00am-6:00pm - Kids Day Out
Schools out for a teacher work day so drop you kids off at the park and we’ll entertain them! Games, crafts, swimming and fun! Bring a sack lunch, drink and snacks. Age 6-12; $30/child; pre-registration required, call 770.814.4914.
Code: SHAB14303. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth.

October 10, 9:00am-2:00pm - 2nd Annual Yard Sale
It's time to clean out your closets and garages and bring your unwanted items! Reservations for sellers required by 9/30, call 770.564.4680; Age 50-up. $15/inside space-Code: GCSC16301; $10/outside space-Code: GCSC16302. Spaces are on a first come first serve basis; limit 2 spaces per family; event is rain or shine. Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville.

October 16, 7:00-9:00pm - Mother/Son Halloween Dance
Superheros, princesses, pirates and other cute critters are all invited to dress up and enjoy this spooktacular event! (Costumes optional) Age 4-12; $5/person including light refreshments; pre-registration required, call 770.831.4173.
Code: GPCC14300. George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.

October 16, 7:00-10:00pm - Haunted Night at the Museum
Gwinnett County’s ghosts come alive at the Gwinnett History Museum! Enjoy fun kid’s crafts, face painting, storytelling, and more! All ages ; $5/person; space is limited, pre-registration recommended, call 770.822.5178. Code: FSHM10310. Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry St, Lawrenceville.

October 16, 7:30-9:00pm - Murder Mystery Theater
When tempers flare at the opening of a new art exhibit, the remaining guests are left to uncover the truth behind “The ART of Murder”. Age 18-up $20/person including hors d'oeuvres and dessert/coffee bar; pre-registration required by 10/9; Call 770.417.2200. Code: PPCC14316. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross.

October 17, 9:00am-noon - Parknership Volunteer Day
Free! Join the Gwinnett Parks Foundation in the “people in parks” event! There’s no better way to give back to your community than volunteering for a park beautification project! Bring garden gloves and hand tools and join your friends, family and neighbors in projects throughout the park. Bring a picnic and enjoy the rest of the day in the park. All ages welcome. Call 770.822.8873 for more information. Harbins Park, 2995 Luke Edwards Rd, Dacula. Holcomb Bridge Park, 4300 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Norcross. McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Rd, Duluth.

October 17, 10:00am-5:00pm - Croptoberfest
Have fun scrapbooking, networking and getting your photos in order! Learn new and fun ways to display your family memories. Age 50-up. $35/person including lunch; Pre-registration required, call 770.831.4173. Code: GPCC15375. George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee.

October 17, 6:00pm - Murder Mystery Dinner
Enjoy an evening out with an entertaining tale and figure out who done it! Buffet dinner, drinks and dessert served. Age 10-up; $15/person; pre-register early, call 770.723.9516. Code: MPAB14361. Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Rd, Stone Mountain.

October 17, 7:00-10:00pm - Haunted Night at the Museum
Gwinnett County’s ghosts come alive at the Gwinnett History Museum! Enjoy fun kid’s crafts, face painting, storytelling, and more! All ages ; $5/person; space is limited, pre-registration recommended, call 770.822.5178. Code FSHM10311. Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 South Perry St, Lawrenceville.

October 17, 7:30-9:00pm - Murder Mystery Theater
When tempers flare at the opening of a new art exhibit, the remaining guests are left to uncover the truth behind “The ART of Murder”. Age 18-up $20/person including hors d'oeuvres and dessert/coffee bar; pre-registration required by 10/9; Call 770.417.2200. Code: PPCC14317. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross.

October 21, 5:00am - Meteor Madness
See the Orionids meteor shower before you start your day. Continental breakfast will be served. All ages; $5/person; pre-registration required, call 770-614-2060. Code:BPCC14320. Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Fence Rd, Auburn.

October 23, 5:30-9:00pm - Kids’ Night Out
Splash the night away! Bring a swimsuit and towel! Ages 6-10; $10/person; pre-registration required, call 770-614-2060. Code: BPCC14398. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Rd, Buford.

October 23, 7:00-9:00pm - Halloween Costume Party
Fun Halloween party with games, candy, and costume contest--prizes for the best family costume, the funniest, the scariest and more! All ages; $3/person (2-under free); pre-registration required by 10/16; call 770.417.2200. Code: PPCC14308. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross.

October 23, 7:00-9:00pm - Halloween Dance
Moms...grab your sons and a costume and join us for this 4th annual spooky dance! Dancing, games, prizes, snacks, and a commemorative keepsake photo are all a part of this fun event! Costumes are required to enter the dance! Age 3-up; pre-registration required by 10/9, call 770.822.5414 for more information. Fee is $10 per person. Code RJCC14307. Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Old Auburn Ave, Dacula.

October 24, 10:00am-2:00pm – Pumpkin Patch Family Fun Day
Enjoy this special celebration of our Pumpkin Patch with hayrides, petting zoo, games and more! Admission is free, small fee for some activities. McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Rd, Duluth, call 770-814-4920 for more information.

October 30, 9:00am-noon - Senior Health Fair
Health screenings, demonstrations, fun activities, educational information, door prizes, goodie bags, and refreshments. Vendor spaces are $25/each, call 770.564.4680. Age 50-up. Code: GCSC16355. Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville.
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Gwinnett GOP to Host Congressman Nathan Deal and D.A. Danny Porter at Saturday Breakfast

2009-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Rep. Nathan Deal, U.S. Congressman and 2010 candidate for Georgia governor, and Gwinnett DA Danny Porter will be the featured speakers at the Gwinnett GOP breakfast this Saturday. “There has never been a better time to get involved in the Gwinnett Republican Party,” said party chairman Chuck Efstration. “The Gwinnett GOP is devoted to informing concerned citizens about the best way to make a difference in the community.”

Congressman Deal made news this week by criticizing President Obama’s attempt to quickly implement an overhaul of the American health care system before the August congressional recess. “Most of us believe that the decision as to major reform of how Americans get their health care in this country deserves at least as much time and deliberation as it would take to select a puppy to live in the White House,” Deal said on CNN. “It took the president six months to decide how long and which puppy he was going to have. ... To expect Congress to do something on major health care reform in six days is totally irresponsible.”

Danny Porter, Gwinnett County’s District Attorney, will also speak at the breakfast. Porter has served as district attorney since 1992 and made news this week by personally prosecuting Michael Douglas Fox for the 2007 murder of Jerry Ann Elliot in Duluth. Fox was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder and armed robbery and sentenced to life in prison.

The breakfast is this Saturday, August 1, at 8:30 a.m. at the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant located at 3505 Mall Blvd. in Duluth across from Gwinnett Place Mall. Breakfast service begins at 8 a.m.

For more information on this Saturday’s meeting or other upcoming Gwinnett Republican Party events, please visit our web site at http://www.gwinnettgop.org/ or send an email to gwinnettrepublicanparty@gmail.com.
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Friends Offers U.S. Open Tickets to Public

2009-07-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (Friends) will be offering U.S. Open tickets to the public on Thursday, July 30 at their seventh annual Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit the Gwinnett County seniors.

This spectacular event will be held at Delmar Gardens, 3100 Club Drive in Lawrenceville from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The theme for this year’s auction is the “Roaring 20’s” and will feature other items such as AirTran roundtrip airline tickets, featured attractions, entertainment packages, stay at King & Prince Golf & Tennis Resort on St. Simons Island, and fabulous Ritz-Carlton Lodge on Lake Oconee.

Friends is a private volunteer governed nonprofit organization. The organization’s fundraising efforts have resulted in emergency assistance, home repair, food baskets, dental, medical health and wellness screenings to benefit the senior citizens of Gwinnett. Friends has also met budget shortfalls by supporting 133,825 meals and nutritional dietary supplement drinks for the older population.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Ticket price includes admittance to the event, entertainment, food and beverages, a door prize ticket and participation in the silent and live auction.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, please contact Celia Moore at 770.822.8775 or celia.moore@gwinnettcounty.com

County Receives Stimulus Funds for Senior Services Center Construction

2009-07-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett County Senior Services received $1.1 million in federal stimulus funds through the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 from HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims today to construct Phase I of a new $1.4 million Senior Services Center in Lawrenceville. The remaining funds will be provided by the Community Development Block Grant Program.

“Currently, the staff is spread out over at four different locations. This new building will bring staff together and serve as a one-stop center for seniors and their caregivers”, Linda Bailey, senior services manager, said.

Staff at the Senior Services Center will be able to match seniors with available resources such as home meal delivery, counseling and respite care. There will also be two community rooms that will be used for educational programs and meetings for senior-related issues. “With baby boomers now reaching retirement age, our senior population will grow dramatically over the next decades. We will not only provide services to more than 2,000 seniors annually, but also their family members and caregivers”, Bailey said.

The new facility is designed as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver building to maximize energy savings when compared to conventional construction. The facility will be built using recycled material from the building that currently sits on the 6.4 acre site. It will also feature energy-efficient windows, a reflective roof and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

“We are grateful for HUD’s support to help us get this center constructed in order to meet the needs of our growing senior population,” Chairman Charles Bannister said. “This project is a great example of one that was ready to go, one that will serve our community, and one that uses sustainable techniques in its deign and construction.

Fed Stimulus Money Helps Traffic Flow

2009-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Fiber optic traffic signal controls will be added to sections of Buford Highway and Sugarloaf Parkway using the federal stimulus funds Gwinnett Commissioners appropriated on Tuesday. The equipment to be installed over the next 18 months will add 12 more miles of remote-control capabilities to the current system.

The Board awarded a $2.58-million contract to Infrasource Underground Construction Services, LLC. The funds will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed earlier this year.

The controls on Buford Highway will be installed between Global Forum Boulevard and Sugarloaf Parkway. The Sugarloaf Parkway project will run from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to State Route 20/Grayson Highway.

The new equipment will allow Gwinnett’s Traffic Control Center to monitor traffic using live video cameras and make adjustments to traffic signal timing by remote control. The Georgia DOT will also use the cameras as part of their Georgia Navigator system.

“This equipment really helps us move traffic, spot congestion or malfunctioning signals, and monitor detours,” said Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen. “We are grateful for these federal funds to help us expand our traffic monitoring system.”
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Road Upgrades Get Green Light

2009-07-21T15:14:00.001-07:00

Gwinnett Commissioners on Tuesday awarded three contracts for roadway safety and sidewalk improvements to be funded from 2005 SPLOST revenues.

Hope Hollow Road will get safety improvements including wider shoulders from Plantation Run Drive to Hope Hollow Lane and an intersection upgrade at Hope Hollow Lane. Gary’s Grading and Pipeline, Inc. was the lowest of 11 bidders at $1.02 million for the nine-month project.

The Dickerson Group, Inc., was the lowest responsive bidder out of 13 bids received for two other safety projects. One will improve the intersection of Pate Road and Old Loganville Road by adding turn lanes at the i 072109_DOT_SPLOSTprojects.docntersection and at the entrances to nearby neighborhoods. The bid was just under $818,000 for the nine-month project.

Dickerson will also extend sidewalks on Bethany Church Road from SR-124 to the Centerville Library. The four-month, $310,000 project will provide a continuous pedestrian connection from Shiloh High School to State Route 124.
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Tanks for the Memories

2009-07-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

The iconic water tanks that proudly proclaim “Success Lives Here” and “Gwinnett Is Great” to hundreds of thousands of motorists on I-85 have become victims of the success for which Gwinnett County has been known for many years. The tanks, roughly 35 years old, are on a list of facilities and equipment made obsolete by recent water system improvements. They will be removed and possibly sold following action by the Board of Commissioners today.

The two famous tanks, a pumping station and a radio tower share a landlocked site off Goshen Springs Road near Jimmy Carter Boulevard adjacent to Interstate 85. Together the tanks once held two million gallons of water and helped pressurize water mains in the area as well as provide water for times of high consumption. But upgrades to the Norcross Pump Station and the installation of a new 24-inch main connecting the water distribution system on both sides of the railroad through the city of Norcross negated the useful function of these tanks.

“It was costing us about $40,000 a year to operate the Goshen Springs facilities, plus painting and maintaining the tanks costs about $250,000 every seven years,” said Lynn Smarr, acting director of Gwinnett’s Water Resources department. She said the tanks and equipment would be put out for bid as surplus.

Another large tank on Medlock Bridge Road near Spalding Drive, which used to say “Water for Peachtree Corners,” and a fourth tall but narrow surge tank near Duluth are also on the list for demolition along with two additional pump stations on Old Peachtree Road at Sunny Hill Road and on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Price Road. The capacity of all four tanks is equal to about 90 minutes of usage at today’s pumping rates. “These facilities have served their life expectancy and it is time for them to be retired,” said Smarr. “We have continued to improve the water distribution system over the years, and these facilities no longer add to its functionality.”

“Decommissioning all these tanks and pump stations will save about $100,000 in annual operating costs and about the same in annual capital costs,” according to County Administrator Jock Connell. “So the dismantling cost of about $350,000 would be paid back in cost savings in less than two years.”

“Success Lives Here” has become a well-known slogan used extensively by local governments and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce over the years. A recent online search returned 29 million uses of the phrase. “On one hand, I hate to see those towers go but on the other hand, removing them will certainly help beautify these areas by eliminating the industrial feel of the big tanks,” said Smarr. “And, of course, success will continue to live in Gwinnett County.”
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County Gets Fuel Savings

2009-07-21T15:12:00.001-07:00

The advantages of a new fuel purchasing co-op became apparent Tuesday when the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners approved a one-year, $14-million contract for gasoline and diesel fuel that is expected to save Gwinnett County about $65,000 per year. The County announced in April that it was forming the co-op with 15 other local government agencies to use their combined purchasing power to get reduced rates.

The primary supplier, based on competitive bids, is Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville. Secondary and tertiary suppliers are D-Jay Petroleum, Inc., and Indigo Energy Partners, respectively. The fuel will be used by cars, trucks, school buses and other government vehicles.

Last year, Gwinnett County bought two million gallons of gasoline and four million gallons of diesel fuel at a cost of $18 million, according to Fleet Management Director Michael Lindsay. The added benefit of improved communication among the 16 agencies is likely to lead to additional cooperation and cost savings, Lindsay said.

Gwinnett Purchasing Director Scott Callan said the agencies combined will save around $450,000 annually. Participants include seven counties, five cities and four of the largest county school systems in the metro Atlanta area.
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Gwinnett Commission Announces Community Engagement Initiative

2009-07-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charles Baniniser and Board of Commissioners Call for County, Chamber Partners to Form Committee to Examine Five-Year Needs, Propose Funding Strategies

Gwinnett County Chairman Charles Bannister and the Board of Commissioners today announced the establishment of a community engagement initiative in partnership with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and other business and civic leaders. Members of this initiative will spend the next six months examining Gwinnett’s five-year needs for critical services and proposing future funding strategies.

“Gwinnett is experiencing an unprecedented challenge to balance declining revenues with desired service levels. Although we are not unique to other counties around the nation in the challenges we face, we will successfully emerge from the current economic situation if we pull together uniquely as a community. We are asking concerned citizens, the Constitutional Officers, Gwinnett Municipal Association, State Legislative Delegation and others to join the County government and chamber in an initiative designed to intentionally and strategically involve Gwinnett stakeholders in making informed recommendations to the BOC about future service levels, funding needs and revenue resources in advance of adoption of the 2010 budget,” Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said.

Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO Jim Maran said the economic health of Gwinnett County should be a major consideration in the County’s long-range planning, which is why the Gwinnett Chamber has agreed to support the initiative.

“The business community has much at stake in ensuring Gwinnett County’s continued success, so it makes sense that we would step up to being a part of this planning process,” Maran said.

Both business and citizen input are critical in the success of the initiative.

“Gwinnett County has been very successful historically and continues to attract new businesses and residents because we’ve always planned well for our future needs and made this a great place to live,” Maran said. “But the current economic crisis has hit our local governments hard just as it has our families and businesses. Continued investment in our infrastructure and services like public safety are essential to maintaining a world-class quality of life in Gwinnett County, and we are seeking advice from our community leaders about the best way to accomplish this. Now is the time to pull together as a community and find common sense solutions.”

“Every citizen in this county has a stake in the quality of life we experience today, and the environment we’re creating for our future generations,” Chairman Bannister said. “The Board understands that citizens value their opportunity of living in a safe, productive, enjoyable community, and we are looking forward to developing a true countywide¾and community-wide ¾plan to responsibly meet the demands of the future.”

General objectives to be accomplished by the initiative include citizen education and involvement in:

• Determining funding needs and gaps
• Preparing a draft report of recommended solutions to meet those gaps (including exploring funding strategies used or available to meet growth requirements in other fast-growing regions)
• Conducting a community forum to share the draft report and receive feedback
• Preparing a final report to be delivered to the Board of Commissioners
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Commissioners Make First Round of Cuts

2009-06-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

In response to the public’s desire to cut services rather than raise taxes, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners today approved the first in a series of reductions to the 2009 budget and the five-year financial plan. Taking a phased approach to cuts, the County eliminated spending to the tune of $81 million in round one and in doing so balanced the 2009 budget. The cuts affect services in nearly every area of county government operations.

Last March the Board of Commissioners adopted a budget that was built upon a substantial millage rate increase, with the additional revenue from the increase intended to fund the 2009 budget and improvements to services across the organization as part of the county’s five-year plan. The Board of Commissioners reconsidered their position on the property tax increase and voted against it on June 2. After today’s decision, the County is looking at a budget deficit of $60 million in FY 2010, $45 million in FY 2011, and $44 million in FY 2012.

“Immediately following the vote on June 2, I directed County staff to find ways to close the gap–looking at the current fiscal year first, followed by future years’ budgets,” said Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister. “The only way to narrow the deficit is to make severe cuts that equate to substantial changes in service levels. Our goal is to preserve the core services we provide to residents, however, every department in the organization will experience a budget reduction that will impact the level of services we can deliver.”

The first round of cuts includes the elimination of all 2009 Board of Commissioners initiatives, more than 100 vacant positions and several program modifications. Today’s reductions* will be incorporated in the County’s budget reconciliation process that will take place in July. Another set of recommendations will be brought before the Board of Commissioners for consideration at the July 21 meeting.
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Commission Chairman Charles Bannister re: Property Tax Increase

2009-05-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome, as most of you already know, I’m Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charles Bannister. I have held elected office in this county for 34 years and every year I’ve served, I‘ve done so as a conservative Republican. During all of those years, I’ve voted only once for a tax increase- and that was for a tobacco tax. From the day I took office as commission chairman, I have stressed efficiency with my fellow commissioners and county staff.

I say all of this because the financial situation facing Gwinnett County at this time is the most difficult I have ever seen. When I proposed a property tax increase for Gwinnett County, I did so only because I did not believe the other options were in the best interest of Gwinnett’s citizens.

However, we have heard the message sent to us by the citizens and property owners of Gwinnett County and I plan to postpone the vote to set the millage rate. We will conduct our advertised millage public hearing next Tuesday at 10:30am, but it is my intention to table the millage vote scheduled to take place at 2:00pm on June 2.

Much of the concern we’ve heard from the public about the proposed millage increase was generated by misinformation spread about alleged county plans to take over city police departments and the alleged disproportionate taxation of city businesses and residents. None of this information is true. However, we also heard from our citizens about the genuine hardship this increase may cause for some of the citizens of Gwinnett County.

What we will do now is take another look at our current budget and future budgets to see where we can make additional cuts. These cuts will be as aggressive as possible and could impact some of our more protected interests, including financial policies that support our AAA bond rating.

I want to emphasize – our board has already been through this exercise. We have made significant cuts and we have also implemented significant increases to other revenues – all to the tune of $40 million or about 7.8% of our already lean general fund.

To find the additional money, we will have to take another hard look at our biggest operating expenses – courts, parks, libraries and personnel costs. Any additional cuts we make will have significant visible and tangible impacts on county services. Because of the serious consequences further cuts will bear, I am calling on all of our county leadership – civic and elected – to come together to help solve this crisis. Now is the time to put this community ahead of personality, politics, turf, and personal ambition.

I have no firm details at this time to share about additional cuts or how or when we’ll get all county leadership to the table. We are going back to work on our budget immediately and I will be in contact with the other leaders in the coming hours and days.
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Free, Fun Activities at Third Annual Trail Mix Celebration

2009-05-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Head outside and explore the trails as Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation celebrates National Trails Day! A huge success for the past two years, this year’s Trail Mix Celebration will be held Sat., June 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville.

The day will begin with a fishing derby at 8 a.m., followed by a fun equestrian scavenger hunt for those with their own horses at 8:30 a.m. The Gwinnett Parks Foundation’s two-mile Trail Mix Fun Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. with an entry fee of $10 per person or $25 for a family of up to five people, and includes a commemorative t-shirt. Registration for the Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

A 5-mile strenuous nature hike that winds through the park begins at 10 a.m., plus lots of fun activities including hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, make-and-take crafts, a rock climbing wall, environmental, animal, outdoor, fishing, and educational programs, plus programs presented by master Gardeners. See how fast you can go through Tribble’s mountain biking trails as timed trials for those with their own bicycles will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Food concessions will also be available for sale.

Tribble Mill Park is located at 2125 Tribble Mill Pkwy. (off of New Hope Rd.) in Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770.822.8840 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.
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RE/MAX Around Atlanta Wraps Up Collection for Gwinnett families

2009-05-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Drop off items in Duluth before May 31st

RE/MAX Around Atlanta encourages volunteers to drop of donations of food, infant clothing and funds for the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry and Joseph’s Storehouse Clothes Closet before the collection ends on May 31, 2009.

The collection is part of an effort by Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR) members in six Gwinnett County real estate offices.

Volunteers may drop food, infant clothing or monetary donations at: • RE/MAX Around Atlanta, 2280 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth;
• Coldwell Banker, 1970 Main Street E #D, Snellville;
• Keller Williams – 2170 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth;
• Metro Brokers – 3330 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth; or
• Prudential – 1551 Janmar Road, Snellville.

“We understand that the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry served more than 1,100 families in January alone, which is more than twice the number they served in January of 2007,” says Sharon Dover, co-broker/owner of RE/MAX Around Atlanta.

“They distribute more than 40,000 cans of food each month, and they provide limited financial assistance for utilities, prescriptions and emergency housing.”

The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc. is an ecumenical organization sponsored and operated by an alliance of area churches, combining the resources of church members to meet the emergency needs of people in the community.

For more information on the Ministry, visit www.LawrencevilleCo-op.org or call 770-339-7887.

Joseph’s Storehouse Clothes Closet is a Christian Outreach Ministry of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, which was created by Minister Joyce Dennison in 1999 to provide clothing and encouragement at no cost to all in need. For more information, call Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lawrenceville at 770-962-1910.
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Gwinnett Will Lease Stone Mountain Tennis

2009-05-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett commissioners agreed Tuesday to lease Stone Mountain tennis facilities that were built for the 1996 Olympics. The Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) owns the facilities, which are located in Gwinnett County. The 50-year, $1 per year lease agreement covers a 24.5-acre site at 5525 Bermuda Road and includes 15 outdoor tennis courts and support facilities. The existing tennis stadium on the site is not included in the agreement.

More than 300 citizens signed a petition asking the County to lease the property for a public park after it was closed recently. “This is a great opportunity to use existing facilities and open them back up for public use,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau, who credited the strong citizen support for the move. “This is a vital gateway to our County. Much of the credit goes to Brett Harrell and the Evermore CID for working behind the scenes with the SMMA to make this day a reality.”

The County plans to make improvements and renovations beginning next year with completion by mid-summer 2010.
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Commission to Hold Public Hearings on Proposed Tax Increase

2009-05-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

The Gwinnett County Commission today announced plans to conduct a series of public hearings on a proposed increase in the county’s property taxes.

The public hearings will be held at 4:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. on May 26 and at 10:30 a.m. on June 2 in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center (GJAC) at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Citizens are also encouraged to attend public information forums that will be conducted one hour before each hearing. The commission is expected to act on the proposal following the final public hearing on June 2.

The commission’s consideration of the tax increase follows its adoption earlier this year of a $1.7 billion 2009 budget that reflected needed increased staffing in the county’s police, fire and emergency services departments, efficiency in government service and long-term financial stability. Over the past 12 years, the Board of Commissioners has rolled back property taxes by a total of 3.98 mills. The rollback was possible in part because the county’s rapid growth generated sufficient tax revenues to cover the cost of expanding service needs. In recent years, however, the county’s growth rate has begun to slow.

“We are undergoing a natural and unavoidable transition from high growth to maturity, and that change holds implications both for the services we provide and the way we pay for them,” said County Administrator Jock Connell. “We have been projecting for several years that 2009 would be the year when service demands would exceed revenues produced by natural growth in our tax digest. I should add that the current economic situation compounds our challenges, but it is not a primary cause.”

The County’s situation is complicated by the fact that the Service Delivery Strategy negotiations with Gwinnett County’s 15 municipalities will require the county to dramatically alter its millage rate and accounting structures. The new rate structure will add four new service districts in order to segregate funding for municipal and unincorporated EMS, fire and police services. The 2009 tax structure will decrease the general fund levy, but an increase in the recreation levy, coupled with the new funds, will result in a 2.87 – 3.31 mill increase depending on where in the county a property is located.

“We recognize that the increase is significant and that it comes at a difficult time economically,” said Connell. “But we would also point out that even with this proposed increase, the owner of an average $200,000 home in Gwinnett County would be paying about $2.50 a day for the full array of county government services, including police, fire and EMS protection; transportation; parks and recreation; libraries; the sheriff’s department and county courts; and health and human services.”

The millage increase to be decided on June 2 applies only to the county government’s portion of the property tax bill, which is slightly less than one-third of the total bill. The remaining two-thirds of the bill that funds Gwinnett County Public Schools will be unaffected by the proposed increase.

At each of the public hearings, Gwinnett County citizens will be given an opportunity to express their views about the proposed tax increase.
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May Happenings

2009-05-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

May 9, 9:00am-4:00pm - Family Fun and Yard Sale
Free admission! Start the summer with family fun and find some bargains on clothes, jewelry, books and more at this great old fashioned yard sale! Free games and crafts for the little ones. Concessions for sale. Reservation required for sellers; $20/space and a table; $10/space only, call 770.723.9516. GCPR reserves the right to disallow items deemed inappropriate during this event. Event held outdoors, rain or shine. Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Rd, Norcross. Code: LSCC14210

May 9, 10:00am-4:00pm - Old McDaniel Day
Free admission! Enjoy a day filled with farm life of yesterday. Lots of arts, crafts and food vendors. Craft vendor’s fee is $50, Food vendor’s fee is $100; call 770.814.4920 for more details and vendor information. McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Rd, Duluth. Code: MDFP10196

May 11, 7:00-9:00pm - Gwinnett ‘Staycation’
Free! Vacation is just around the corner--really just around the corner! See what Gwinnett has to offer, take a virtual tour of the #1 park system in the nation with the Park Police and Recreation Staff. Learn about park safety and how to vacation for free at your county parks! All ages, pre-registration encouraged, call 770.822.8873. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St, Lawrenceville. Code: VRHPC14100

May 15, 8:30am – Senior Day Trip to Booth Western Art Museum and Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
This 80,000 square foot Cartersville Georgia Museum features contemporary Western American and Civil War art, Presidential portraits and letters, Western movie posters, and Western illustration. Etowah Indian State Park Mounds was home to several thousand Native Americans 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., the 54 acre site contains six mounds, a plaza, village area, a museum and more. $25.00/person (lunch is included); call 770.564.4680 for reservations. Ages 50-up. Pick up at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center 8:30am; Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park 9:00am. Code: GCSC14202

May 16, 10:00am-2:00pm - Rock Springs Park Opening Celebration
Free admission! Bring the family and enjoy kid’s activities and fun at the opening of Gwinnett County’s newest park, call 770.822.8840 for more information. Rock Springs Park, 550 Rock Springs Rd, Lawrenceville.

May 21, 1:00pm – Senior Wii Bowling Tournament
Come and test your bowling skills on our Nintendo Wii! All skill levels welcome. Prizes will be awarded for high score, best single game, low score and much more. Only $1/person; pre-registration required, call 770.564.4680. Ages 50-up. Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Rd, Lawrenceville. Code GCSC14264

May 21, 2:00pm – Senior Cinema
Free! Do you remember your favorite movie from the 50’s? Enjoy a relaxing movie, bring a friend or make new ones! Movie selections are based on popular movies from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. Ages 50-up. No pre-registration required; call 770.831.4173 for more information.

May 22, 8:00-10:00pm - Moonlight & Music Concert
Free! An evening of live music with Squat Jazz Band. This alcohol free event is in partnership with Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation and the Lawrenceville Tourism & Trade Association. Advanced reservations $60/table of 6; Lawn seating is free; call 770.822.5450 for table reservations. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St, Lawrenceville. Code: GHCH14200

May 28, 8:00am – Senior Day Trip to The Museum of Aviation
Travel to Warner Robins and visit the crown jewel of middle Georgia, The Museum of Aviation, now the second largest museum in the United States Air Force! Lunch at the Victory Café. $25/person plus money for lunch and gift shop; call 404.831.4173 for reservations. Ages 50-up. Pick up at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center 8:00am; Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park 8:30am. Code: GPCC14205

May 30, 10:00am-3:00pm - Kids Connect Carnival
Carnival games, face painting, live entertainment and fun art activities! $3/person in advance; $5/person at the door; age 2-under free; pre-registration encouraged; call 770.417.2200. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross. Code: PCC04211
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Gwinnett Launces Healthy Lifestyle Program

2009-04-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett County’s Health and Human Services Division is producing a new television program that engages, informs and entertains its viewers, Growing in Gwinnett. The show includes interactive segments that incorporate exercise, cooking and an interview, and is the first program of its kind on TVgwinnett, the County’s government access cable television station.

Producer Melanie Miller says, “Growing in Gwinnett is unique because it truly represents diversity in Gwinnett County as the show’s talent is made up of people from Hispanic, Caucasian, African-American and Asian descent.”

The show is hosted by Adrienne Noble, who also serves as information and referral specialist in Health and Human Services. Noble conducts interviews with experts on a particular topic related to the show’s theme.

The program also features Virginia Watson, a nationally-certified personal trainer and deputy fire marshal. Watson leads the exercise segment of the show, which provides helpful fitness techniques to viewers. The cooking segment is conducted by Inés Beltrán, family and consumer sciences agent with the County’s Extension Service, who serves up healthy meals and offers information about good nutrition.

The show’s tag line—Celebrating, Educating and Inspiring—is the goal for everyone involved in presenting timely topics that concern both younger and older generations of people through Growing in Gwinnett. A new episode focusing on various topics such as volunteerism, finances and education will air each month on TVgwinnett.

Gwinnett cable customers can access TVgwinnett on cable channel 23 or 25, depending on the cable provider. TVgwinnett programming is also available streaming and on demand at www.tvgwinnett.com, where viewers will also find a program guide.
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Gwinnett Commissioners to Accept Stimulus Funds

2009-04-23T10:23:00.001-07:00

Work will begin soon on several “shovel-ready” transportation projects in Gwinnett after commissioners on Tuesday took actions required to receive about $38 million in federal stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

One project will extend McGinnis Ferry Road from its current end at Satellite Boulevard over I-85 and across Old Peachtree Road to a new junction with Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. The bridge over I-85 has been designed to be long enough and wide enough to accommodate potential future ramps accessing the interstate. The project will also extend North Brook Parkway to Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, completing a four-lane road parallel to I-85 that begins as Shackleford Road at Beaver Ruin Road.

Another project will build a new, four-lane bridge on Gravel Springs Road (State Route 324) over I-85 near Mall of Georgia. The County recently completed road widening there from SR 20 to SR124. The project will also relocate Camp Branch Road and Morgan Road away from I-85 to improve access to and from SR 324 at both roads. Similar to the McGinnis Ferry Road project, the SR 324 design includes a bridge over I-85 that will accommodate potential future ramps to allow interstate access.

The Board’s actions on the McGinnis Ferry Road project included approval of condemnation proceedings for 25 parcels of land. Along with approximately 50 other parcels the County is currently purchasing, this action allows the County to certify to the Georgia DOT that all of the land needed to build the project has been obtained. Additionally, an agreement with Jackson Electric Membership Cooperative will allow them to proceed with moving their facilities as needed.

Commissioners approved a separate agreement with the state transportation department to allow the County to complete right-of-way acquisition for the SR 324 project and agreed to condemnation proceedings for 10 parcels and a purchase and sale agreement for another parcel. These actions, together with the acquisition of 18 other parcels of land, will allow the County to certify that all of the land needed to construct the project has been obtained.

The Board also approved work resulting from a value engineering study of the SR 324 project from its designer, Gresham Smith Associates. The $55,000 in design changes is expected to reduce construction costs by about $550,000.
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New County Bank will Exchange Environmental Mitigation Credit

2009-04-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

When construction projects encroach on protected waterways or wetlands, federal laws require mitigation by either making environmental improvements nearby or buying credits from other projects that have already done so. Gwinnett County will soon be exchanging those credits through its own mitigation bank, recently approved by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The County’s stormwater management division routinely restores eroded streambanks to protect water quality as required by state regulations. Now Gwinnett County will be able to use its own credits from those projects to offset the environmental damage of new road building or other construction projects. “Instead of buying these credits on the commercial market as we’ve had to do in the past, we will now be able to buy them from ourselves, keep the money in Gwinnett and use it for more stormwater projects,” explained Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister.

The Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a formal policy for mitigation bank operations and delegated its management to County Administrator Jock Connell. Excess credits can also be sold to developers and others for non-County projects at the prevailing commercial rate.
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Gwinett to Undertake Solid Waste Study

2009-04-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

What to do about solid waste collection and disposal was back on the Gwinnett County commission’s agenda again on Tuesday.

Commissioners officially extended the current system by renewing the residential and commercial solid-waste collection agreements with all 22 current haulers from May 1 through Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, there will be a new, six-month study of the issues that have tied up in court a proposed new system that was to have taken effect in January. The highest-scoring of three responders to the County’s request for proposals, R.W. Beck, Inc., whose Atlanta office is located at Colony Square, was awarded a contract in the amount of $131,467. They will study the history and current status of solid waste collection in Gwinnett, benchmark the County against its peers and analyze the business issues and possible options before seeking public input to help develop a new plan.

R.W. Beck, Inc. is an engineering-based management consulting company founded in Nebraska in 1942. It is now headquartered in Seattle with 24 regional offices. The firm has dealt with solid-waste management since the 1970s.
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Companies Rally Again to Accept This Year's "Challenge"

2009-04-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

A big draw for those looking to have fun and compete in both mentally and physically challenging activities, the Gwinnett Parks Foundation Corporate Challenge has attracted some of the top companies in Gwinnett over the past 10 years, raising more than $160,000 toward recreation scholarships. Returning teams so far this year include Agco, Auto Owners Insurance, Brand Mortgage Group, Cisco, Gwinnett County Government employees, Gwinnett County Police, Gwinnett Daily Post and WIKA, with commitments from many more teams.

This year the Challenge has been changed up a little to allow smaller companies and organizations to enter. “Some companies were unable to compete in all 12 activities and really wanted to be involved, so we created other levels that just include 3-4 activities with a lower entry fee,” said John Register, the Team Liaison for the Challenge. Now offered are the Corporate Cup (which allows team entry into all activities), the Leisure Cup, Team Cup, and Grand Slam Cup. A Gwinnett Corporate Challenge 5K Run will be held Sept. 19 and is open to all ages.

The Challenge runs from June through September and includes competitions in basketball, billiards, bowling, disc golf, golf, kickball, laser tag, sand volleyball, table tennis, tennis, trivia game night and a 5K Run.

“Teams really love to go for the gold each year,” said Peggy Levengood, President of the Gwinnett Parks Foundation. “They have a lot of fun competing against one another, while at the same time knowing they are helping to raise money for a great cause. We always welcome new companies and we have a few companies that combine together to form one team and companies where the employees pool their money together to pay the team entry fee. Once they get started they catch ‘going for the gold’ fever too!” Monies raised from the Gwinnett Parks Foundation Corporate Challenge allow children and senior citizens an opportunity to participate in summer camps, swim lessons and other recreation classes who may not have been financially able to do so.

Those wanting to find out how they too can become involved in the Challenge are invited to attend an informational Jump-Start Kickoff Meeting on Tues., April 28 at 6 p.m. at Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 E. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville. An early-bird special for the Corporate Cup level runs through April 30, giving companies $100 off the entry fee. The final sign-up date for all cup levels is May 20. For more information visit www.gwinnettparks.com or call John Register at 770-822-5454.
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RE/MAX Around Atlanta Collects Supplies for Gwinnett Families

2009-04-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Items accepted in Duluth office through May 31st

RE/MAX Around Atlanta joins Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors (NAMAR) members in five Gwinnett County real estate offices to collect food, infant clothing and funds for the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry and Joseph’s Storehouse Clothes Closet.

Part of NAMAR’s “Come Forward to Give Back” initiative, the collection is ongoing through May 31, 2009. Volunteers may drop food, infant clothing or monetary donations at:
• RE/MAX Around Atlanta, 2280 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth;
• Coldwell Banker, 1970 Main Street E #D, Snellville;
• Keller Williams – 2170 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth;
• Metro Brokers – 3330 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth; or
• Prudential – 1551 Janmar Road, Snellville.

“We understand that the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry served more than 1,100 families in January alone, which is more than twice the number they served in January of 2007,” says Sharon Dover, co-broker/owner of RE/MAX Around Atlanta. “They distribute more than 40,000 cans of food each month, and they provide limited financial assistance for utilities, prescriptions and emergency housing.”

The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc. is an ecumenical organization sponsored and operated by an alliance of area churches, combining the resources of church members to meet the emergency needs of people in the community. For more information on the Ministry, visit www.LawrencevilleCo-op.org or call 770-339-7887.

Joseph’s Storehouse Clothes Closet is a Christian Outreach Ministry of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, which was created by Minister Joyce Dennison in 1999 to provide clothing and encouragement at no cost to all in need. For more information, call Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lawrenceville at 770-962-1910.

About RE/MAX Around Atlanta:
The benefits of being with RE/MAX Around Atlanta are endless. The RE/MAX Around Atlanta School of Real Estate, accredited by the Georgia Real Estate Commission, offers RE/MAX Around Atlanta agents free three hour accredited courses each month to meet ongoing continuing education requirements. Additionally, the RE/MAX Around Atlanta New Agent Success Program is certified for 25 hour post-licensing continuing education requirements.

RE/MAX Around Atlanta, the 7th largest real estate company in Atlanta, helps people meet their goals, whether they are buying their first home, investing in commercial property, selling a home or launching a real estate career. RE/MAX Around Atlanta is successful because of its team of highly trained agents dedicated to maintaining high standards with a commitment to attaining the very best for their customers. For more information, visit www.AroundAtlantaPartners.com or call 770-495-3500.
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State Sanctions Lifted During City/County Service Negotiations

2009-04-12T17:29:00.001-07:00

Late Thursday afternoon, Gwinnett County received an order from the judge presiding over the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process between Gwinnett County and Gwinnett’s cities over the Service Delivery Strategy. The order lifted state sanctions against these local governments while in mediation. The current 10-year strategy, as set forth in state legislation that became effective in 1999, expired Feb. 28. Missing the deadline for a new 10-year strategy with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs placed Gwinnett and each of its cities in an “unqualified status.” The sanctions resulting from the unqualified status could have resulted in the loss of state administered financial assistance, grants, loans or permits to Gwinnett County and Gwinnett’s cities.

Superior Court Judge David E. Barrett, chief judge of the Enotah Judicial Circuit signed the order holding sanctions in abeyance during the mediation process. “The judge’s action allows us to work towards a long-term and equitable service delivery solution for every resident in Gwinnett County without the cities or county losing much needed immediate funding and state permitting” said Jock Connell.

A March 3 order holding sanctions in abeyance during the mediation process was opposed by attorneys representing Gwinnett’s cities because it was not signed by the out-of-circuit judge assigned to the case and it was vacated. “Because this new order was signed by the out-of-circuit judge presiding over the ADR process, we expect this order to remain in place through mediation,” said Commission Chairman Charles Bannister. “Holding the sanctions in abeyance is allowed under Georgia law and the judge’s ruling is a win for all sides during these challenging economic times.”

The process will now move forward without the specter of unqualified status clouding the service delivery issues. The mediation process will begin at 10am on April 22 in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium with a meeting between the governing bodies of each Gwinnett city and the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.
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Peachtree Corners Tag Office Relocation Complete and Open for Business

2009-04-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

With the relocation of the Peachtree Corners tag office complete, the Gwinnett County Department of Motor Vehicles opened the new office for business on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Ms. Kathy Brooks, who has been a Peachtree Corners customer for 19 years, was the first customer for the new location. She was presented with a special certificate of appreciation and a gift basket.

The new office includes eight frontline customer service work stations, a handicapped-accessible work station and a customer service desk all in a spacious 4,000 square foot facility. A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 3:30pm. The office is located in the Market Place Shopping Center on 6135 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 201B in Norcross.
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Gwinnett Appoints New CFO

2009-04-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Aaron J. Bovos has been appointed financial services director and chief financial officer for Gwinnett County Government. Bovos served as the county's budget director in 2007.

“I’m pleased with the depth of experience Aaron brings to the table,” said County Administrator Jock Connell. “His background in all aspects of municipal government management – specifically his emphasis on delivering efficient and effective services relating to finance – makes him a good match for the organization.”

Bovos earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Frederick Taylor University in Moraga, Ca., and is a certified treasury professional and certified government finance manager. He is leaving his current post as deputy city manager of the City of Roswell to take this position. Bovos was born and raised in the state of Washington and relocated to Georgia in 1999 to take a job as finance director with the City of Alpharetta. He currently resides in Atlanta.

Bovos will report directly to Deputy County Administrator/Chief Operating Officer Mike Comer and will guide all areas of financial services including accounting, budget, treasury, risk management, purchasing, tax assessor and economic analysis. His start date will be April 27.
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Renowned Child Protection Advocates Ed Smart and Erin Runnion Invite Parents to Child Protection Forum

2009-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT: Ed Smart, father of abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart and a nationally-recognized child protection advocate, along with Erin Runnion, surviving parent of abducted and murdered child Samantha Runnion, will conduct a free open forum for parents Wednesday, April 1 at the Gwinnett Convention Center.

Sponsored by Keep Georgia Safe, a non-profit organization that provides safety and crime prevention training and operates the only wireless network that sends all three Georgia emergency alerts for missing or dangerous persons, Smart and Runnion will be in Atlanta debuting It Takes a Community, a revolutionary children’s safety partnership comprised of national leading children’s safety initiatives unified to protect our children and families, to the east coast for the first time. Steve Daley, founder and executive director of radKIDS©, Inc., and a leading national children’s safety expert, will lead in the instruction. The April 1 open forum is for anyone interested in learning more about safety education and violence prevention for children from three of the nation’s leading experts, free of charge.

The cornerstones of the It Takes a Community initiative include the radKIDS© Personal
Empowerment Safety Education Program, The PRIDE Neighborhood Child Protection Program and The National Child ID Kit. radKIDS©, a revolutionary hands-on educational program that provides techniques and skills for children on how to recognize, avoid, resist and escape dangerous situations, abduction and harm, is recognized as the national leader in safety education and violence prevention for children.

Ed Smart, father of abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart, is the national spokesperson for radKIDS©. Ed has been instrumental in bringing world-wide attention to the power of this hands-on educational model for children on national news and television programs such as the Oprah Winfrey Show. Erin Runnion, surviving parent of abducted and murdered child Samantha Runnion, is founder and director of The Joyful Child Foundation that trains instructors in its PRIDE program – a neighborhood child protection course for communities.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 1
7 P.M.

WHERE: Gwinnett Convention Center
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, Georgia 30097

WHO: Meet Ed Smart, Erin Runnion, Steve Daley, Keep Georgia Safe founder and chairman Gary Martin Hays and executive director Mary Ellen Fulkus.

WHY: Nearly 800,000 children are reported missing each year, and in 40 percent of stereotypical kidnapping cases, the child was killed. More than 800,000 children are determined to be victims of child abuse and neglect. That is one child every 35 seconds.

Keep Georgia Safe has a two-pronged approach to crime prevention: 1) Proactive: Safety education and, 2) Reactive: Alert System Network. As the only organization that sends out all three of Georgia's emergency alerts, the Keep Georgia Safe Wireless Network uses a text platform to notify opt-in wireless subscribers at no charge when the GBI issues any of its three emergency alerts: Levi’s Call: Georgia’s AMBER Alert for an abducted or missing child, Mattie’s Call: elderly or disabled missing person alert and Kimberly’s Call: dangerous fugitive alert.

How: For more information, go to http://www.keepgeorgiasafe.org/ or call 770-934-8000.
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Woof-A-Palooza at Little Mulberry Park March 28

2009-03-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Calling all dogs! Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation is proud to bring Woof-A-Palooza to Little Mulberry Park in Auburn on Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. With demonstrators, vendors, contests, face painting, dog games, and the famous “pooch parade”, Woof-A-Palooza is sure to have some tails wagging.

Atlanta Dog Agility is providing entertainment and guidance with their intricate obstacle course for dogs, showing the fundamentals of their training and obedience to multiple dogs. In addition, Frisbee demonstrations will be provided by K-9 Einstein.

The pooch parade is a 1-mile walk around the lake at Little Mulberry Park. Feel free to dress your pet up in your favorite costume. Following the parade, there will be demonstrations, contests and dog games! Throughout the morning, patrons can sign up their dogs for several contests such as “Loudest Bark, “Pet/Owner Look Alike”, and “Longest Tongue”. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each contest.

Sponsors and demonstrators include Publix, Gwinnett Humane Society, CitruSolution, Delia’s Doghouse, Apalachee River Animal Hospital, Cindy’s K-9 and many others!

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Ashworth College Partners with Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! To Offer $2 million in Full-Ride Scholarships to Working Parents

2009-02-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, today announced that it has partnered with "Project Working Mom...and Dads Too!" to award more than $2 million in full-ride online college scholarships to working moms and dads. "Project Working Mom...and Dads Too!" is a national scholarship initiative to help remove the barriers of money, time and confidence, which often keep people from returning to school.

Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! is the third in a line of campaigns to help working parents return to school to better their lives and the lives of their families. The two previous Project Working Mom campaigns in 2008 received more than 120,000 applications, awarded more than $4 million in scholarships, and sent nearly 100 working moms back to school. This year, the campaign has added dads to the mix as a result of considerable interest from fathers in the scholarship offers during the first two campaigns.

"Partnering with Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! is an opportunity for Ashworth College to help make a difference. Through education, we can help deserving, hard-working parents improve their lives," said F. Milton Miller, Ed.D. and Ashworth Vice President, Education.

"A college degree can set an employee or business owner apart as a professional and demonstrate business knowledge to peers, potential customers and employers," Miller added. "Education can take skills - and income - to the next level."

Ashworth College is one of five accredited universities participating in Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! The other schools involved in the campaign are Ashford University, Capella University, Everest University, and Virginia College Online. Combined, the schools will be awarding more than $2 million in full-ride online college scholarships, bringing the total of Project Working Mom scholarships awarded to more than $6 million.

"Project Working Mom started as a single campaign to help working moms go back to school, but the response was so large that we decided to launch another campaign. This time however, in response to the voices of many dads, we have added a father-focused element," said Helen MacDermott, content director for Project Working Mom.

eLearners.com, an online education resource that connects learners with online education and created the Project Working Mom campaigns, also created a complementary, interactive, and in-depth web site to help learners tackle their questions and fears about returning to school. The site is designed to empower working parents and offers advice on going back to school, self-assessment quizzes on numerous subjects including how to determine what subjects to study, an online support community, numerous articles and a database with $15 billion in financial aid opportunities.

"This campaign is a much needed resource for many moms and dads who would love to pursue a new career path, but don't have the money to get the degree they need," said Carey Casey, CEO of the Kansas City-based National Center for Fathering and fathers.com. "Many dads I've talked with would love to go back to school, but they don't know where to begin and for many the biggest barrier is definitely cost. It's great to see action underway to help remove these barriers."

The full-ride online college scholarships through Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! are for online programs from the associate's to Ph.D. level. To apply for a scholarship, working moms and dads can submit a short application at www.projectworkingmom.com. They will also need to complete an essay with their life, education and/or career goals and explain how an online education will allow them to achieve those goals. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is April 30, 2009.

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Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Offers Valentine’s Dinner and Dance event

2009-02-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Give your loved one a Valentine’s date of historic proportion at Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation’s sixth annual Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Saturday, Feb. 14 from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville.

The evening will consist of hors d'oeuvres and complimentary event photos on the main floor starting at 6:30 p.m. A buffet-style dinner from Big Sha Bang will begin around 7 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom and will serve delicious Italian dishes. Live entertainment provided by Crosstown Jazz Sally featuring wide selection of music from Big Band and swing to Latin and a little rock and roll. Door prizes including a History of Gwinnett gift basket, romantic getaways for two at area hotels, sweet gift baskets, couple’s spa treatments, jewelry, theater tickets, restaurant gift cards and more will be awarded throughout the night.

The cost is $75 per couple. Advanced registration is required for this event.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St., in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-822-5450.
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“Through My Eyes” Art Show at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

2009-01-30T15:48:00.001-08:00

Paintings by local artist, Denise Hall, are featured in the Winter Art Show at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse through April 23. The oil and acrylic painting exhibit is entitled “Through My Eyes.”

“Art is a way to express the way I view the world around me. I paint subjects that are around me and move me to creative expression. Art has always been a part of my life regardless of whether a brush was in my hand or not“, said Hall.

Hall’s work has evolved throughout her life depicting subject matter from still life to portraiture. While her art expresses itself in realism and impressionism, it often takes on a whimsical quality of vibrant color, spontaneity and brush work, inviting the viewer to enter into the setting. Denise has and unbridled love of art and an eye for detail and can render the hair of a child or the suggestion of wind in the trees.

Denise has been interested in painting since early childhood and took every opportunity to participate in various art projects through high school, nursing school, and between children and a career. Since retirement in 1994, she has studied art at Kennesaw State University and under various art instructors, including Libby Dalan at KSU, Philomena O’Quinn Edwards, international artist, and portrait painters, Beverly Harding and Tommy Akins.

She is a member of the Atlanta Artists Center in Atlanta, and has exhibited paintings in juried Shows at the Grandview Gallery in Buckhead and the Cobb Museum of Art in Marietta.
The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St., in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-822-5450. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is free.
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Commissioner Beaudreau Holds First Trash Meeting

2009-01-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will hold the first meeting of his “blue ribbon” committee on sanitation on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. Fifteen residents of Gwinnett County have been selected to serve on the committee.

One of the committee’s goals is to collect, discuss and recommend ideas for a new solid waste plan that complies with state and federal requirements. They will also make recommendations to resolve the County’s problems with the current trash and recycling program.

Although the committee is made up of residents who live in all parts of Gwinnett County, Beaudreau represents Gwinnett County’s Commission District 3. This district covers the eastern part of the county from the Highway 78 corridor north to I-85, and includes the cities of Snellville, Loganville, Grayson, Dacula and Auburn.

State of County Airs on TV, Web

2009-01-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charles Bannister presented his annual State of the County speech to a gathering of community and business leaders on Thursday at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The County has now put a video recording of the speech on both the County’s website and on its cable TV channel.

At www.gwinnettcounty.com, computer users can view the entire speech on demand at any time. It will also be shown frequently on television over the County’s government-access channel, TVgwinnett, which is channel 23 on all cable systems in Gwinnett.

“All over the world, this has been one of the toughest economic years most of us have ever lived through. But as I stand here today and say with the utmost confidence that¾considering the times¾the state of Gwinnett County is not only strong¾it’s remarkably strong,” he said.

He acknowledged that Gwinnett is feeling the effects of the current economic downturn. The interim budget adopted by commissioners earlier this month cut $26 million in spending, eliminated more than 100 full-time positions, postponed adding 88 new court and public safety positions and extended a hiring freeze. “While these decisions give us some real breathing room on our fund balance, more difficult decisions lie ahead,” said Bannister.

Not all was gloom and doom, however. Bannister also pointed out many of the County’s accomplishments from the past year, such as a reduction in violent and property crimes. Additionally, the National Association of Counties awarded Gwinnett County the National Gold Medal Award for the park system and two large corporations moved to Gwinnett creating several hundred new jobs.
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County Extends Agreement with Trash Haulers

2008-12-27T20:59:00.000-08:00

In response to the injunction against the County’s new solid waste plan that would have taken effect the first of the year, Gwinnett officials have today agreed to extend service agreements with current trash service providers to ensure that citizens will continue to receive garbage service.

“The County’s first order of business is to make sure that a group of approved private waste haulers is in place and working in January,” said County Administrator Jock Connell. “Gwinnett is back to a multi-provider approach with residents choosing their trash haulers based on their ability to provide service as authorized by County government.”

Residents have the opportunity to extend trash service with their current haulers or choose one of the nine haulers who have agreed to provide services in the County:
Advanced Disposal Service Atlanta, LLC – (770) 381-6420
Allied Waste Industries – (770) 339-9393
Robertson Sanitation – (770) 921-7337
Red Oak Sanitation, Inc. – (770) 455-7819
Sanitation Solutions, Inc. – (770) 886-7323
Southern Sanitation – (770) 455-8186
Waste Industries – (678) 328-1650
Waste Management of Atlanta – (404) 799-2717
Waste Pro of Georgia, Inc. – (770) 777-1447

Trash haulers will continue to pick up the following recyclables once a week with residents’ curbside garbage service: newspapers and inserts, plastic drink and detergent bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles and jars.

Residents who paid to activate service with Advanced Disposal in 2009 will receive a refund and notifications of when they will expect to have the trash carts removed. Residents with Waste Pro carts will need to contact Waste Pro to discuss cart retrieval and refund information. Contact Advanced Disposal at (678) 684-1493 or Waste Pro at (770) 295-0800 or (770) 451-9395 for more information.

“Residents need to understand that the underlying court case is ongoing and will take several months to resolve, at a minimum. The County will revisit the solid waste ordinance in 2009 to determine the best plan to ensure that we reduce waste and increase recycling opportunities while providing the best possible plan for our residents,” Connell said. “We appreciate our residents’ and the current waste haulers’ patience as we navigate through this process.”

Gwinnett officials advise residents to contact their prospective trash hauler with questions about setting up or continuing their service. A call center has been set up at County offices to assist with general questions about the solid waste plan. If you have questions, please call (770) 822-7141 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or visit the County Web site at www.gwinnettcounty.com. Please note that: Gwinnett County offices will be closed Dec. 24 – 25 and Jan. 1. The call center will be operable as this process continues.

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FAQs
Trash Haulers
December 23, 2008

Q: Will I still have curbside trash pickup in 2009?
A: Yes. You can opt to receive service from your current hauler or you can contact one of the other approved haulers in Gwinnett:

Advanced Disposal Service Atlanta, LLC – (770) 381-6420
Allied Waste Industries – (770) 339-9393
Robertson Sanitation – (770) 921-7337
Red Oak Sanitation, Inc. – (770) 455-7819
Sanitation Solutions, Inc. – (770) 886-7323
Southern Sanitation – (770) 455-8186
Waste Industries – (678) 328-1650
Waste Management of Atlanta – (404) 799-2717
Waste Pro of Georgia, Inc. – (770) 777-1447

Q: Can I change from the hauler the County selected for me?
A: Yes, you can choose to keep your current company or select any approved hauler.

Q: What about the recycling program?
A: The current seven-item program remains in effect.

Q: Will I be fined for not recycling?
A: There are no fines for not recycling.

Q: Should I pay the deactivation fee or will I be given a refund?
A: The new 2008 solid waste plan has been enjoined by the court. All of the waste haulers can remain in business if they wish. No company has been shut down and the County doesn't believe service has been stopped.

Q: Where is Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful in all this?
A: The court has enjoined Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful from providing services for the County while the order remains in effect.

Q: I would like to recycle more items. What about the new plan?
A: The County has listened to concerns of citizens and will certainly take those into account when considering how to rework the solid waste plan.

Q: When will the County revisit the solid waste plan?
A: Please remember the court has issued a temporary order and the lawsuit has not been concluded. A schedule for reviewing or updating the plan won't be addressed until later. Hopefully this could occur in 2009.

Q: For those people who've had cans delivered by who was supposed to be their new service provider, what should people do with those cans? Will someone come back to pick them up? How can people find out what to do with them?
A: Advanced Disposal will be retrieving their carts. They will send notification to the homeowner advising them of when they can expect to have the cart removed.

Homeowners with Waste Pro trash carts will need to contact Waste Pro to remove the cart should the home owner choose a solid waste provider other than Waste Pro.

Q: Who will be paying/is responsible for removing carts that were delivered for the new 2009 solid waste plan?
A: The cans will be removed at no cost to the homeowner.

Q: For people who've received bills from who was supposed to be their new service provider 2009 (Waste Pro or Advanced Disposal), what should people do with those bills?
A: The homeowner has a choice; either pay the Waste Pro bill if they wish to retain them for solid waste collection and disposal service or disregard the bill and choose a hauler from the County's approved hauler list who provides service to their particular area. Please note that some providers have limited service areas. This is a choice the hauler made when making application to the County.

Homeowners should not pay the Advanced Disposal bill. Homeowners who have already paid the bill will receive a full refund.

Q: For people who never canceled trash service with their old provider, do they need to call that provider now to tell them they still want service in 2009? What should they do if their old provider already picked up their can?
A: It is our understanding that service providers are working to get billing statements to their current customers for first quarter 2009. The homeowner may want to make contact with their current provider for any questions concerning cart delivery and rates.

Q: Should people who received a bill for quarterly service in 2009 from their old provider pay it now?
A: Gwinnett County has extended all solid waste service agreements for 120 days. Service agreement renewals for 2009 will begin on the 121st day and carry through December 31, 2009, pending any future court decision.

Q: Will the waste haulers who charged a deactivation fee to their customers refund the fee since they are no longer required to deactivate their services?
A: The deactivation fee charged by the service providers is a private matter between the hauler and the customer. Customers who were charged this fee should contact their hauler to resolve the issue.

Q: I have other questions; who should I call?
A: A call center has been set up at County offices to field questions from residents. That number is (770) 822-7141. Call center hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. The call center will be closed for Christmas Holidays on Dec. 24 – 25 and will also be closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
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Gwinnett Tech is One of Nation's Fastest-Growing Two-Year Colleges

2008-12-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Gwinnett Technical College is among the fastest-growing public two-year colleges in the nation, according to an annual analysis by Community College Week Magazine. GTC ranks 20th in the country with 12.6 percent enrollment growth.

In total, six Technical College System of Georgia colleges have been named in two categories of the top fifty fastest-growing public two-year colleges in the nation. The magazine based its report on the percentage of enrollment change among 1,153 colleges in the two-year period including fall 2006 and fall 2007.

"Gwinnett Tech has recorded double-digit enrollment growth for seven consecutive quarters – almost two years. Although registration for Winter Quarter is still on-going, it appears this strong enrollment trend will continue into 2009," says Sharon Bartels, Gwinnett Tech president. "Most importantly, these trends tell us that we're meeting our goal of providing relevant knowledge and real world workforce education to ensure that our students are successful."

Five other Georgia technical colleges making the top 50 list, with enrollments of between 2,500 and 4,999 students, include Griffin Technical College (4th), West Central Technical College (8th), Middle Georgia Technical College (28th), and Columbus Technical College (47th). East Central Technical College was the 29th among two-year colleges with enrollments of 2,500 or less.

The full report is available online at www.ccweek.com

"The kind of phenomenal growth that these six colleges are experiencing is a reflection of what's happening in enrollment throughout the Technical College System of Georgia," said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. "More and more students are turning to Georgia's technical colleges to get the kind of 21st Century education and training that's vital to their success in today's highly competitive workforce.

Gwinnett Tech offers more than 45 degree, diploma and certificate program options. For more information, call 770-962-7580 or visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.
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Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club to Provide Christmas Cheer to Children in Need

2008-12-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club will be hosting its annual Christmas party for children in the community who otherwise would not get to experience the traditional joys of the season. The party will include lunch, a visit and photo with Santa Claus, arts/crafts with local high school Key Club members, and gifts. Each child will go home with gifts from his or her wish list to open on Christmas Day, courtesy of corporate and individual sponsors and donors.

Corporate and individual sponsors have signed on to sponsor more than 300 children. Companies and organizations like Gwinnett Technical College, which hosts the party, participate in the event by donating popular toys and video games, as well as winter clothing and jackets, school supplies and other common items that top the list of children's wishes – and needs. This year, faculty, staff and students from Gwinnett Tech will provide gifts to 57 children. The event is held in cooperation with the Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children's Services.

When: Children and their families, sponsors and supporters of the Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club's Christmas program will attend the party on Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: The party will take place on the campus of Gwinnett Technical College in the Busbee Center, Building 700, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, 30043

Who: A special appearance by Santa Claus will take place during the party, where an anticipated 300 children, ranging in age from newborn to teens, will be the honored guests.
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Gwinnett Annouces Organizational Changes; Eliminates 93 Positions

2008-11-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Gwinnett County is announcing organizational changes in two areas of government. A total of 93 positions will be eliminated from two departments: 79 in Planning and Development, which has been heavily affected by slowing development, and another 14 in Water Resources, which has been investing in new, more automated plants and equipment in order to close older, less efficient facilities. The total projected savings is $4.5 million in 2009 and $5.9 million the following year.

Over the last couple of years, development activity has slowed both locally and across the nation. As a result of both the dramatic slowdown and efficiencies the department gained through implementing recommendations from a comprehensive study, current staffing levels in Planning and Development’s plan review, development review, building inspections and development inspections sections are no longer justified given the workload both today and forecast into the future.

Staff reductions in Water Resources are part of the department’s long-range plan that includes decommissioning several older water reclamation facilities upon the completion of newer facilities and computerized maintenance and control systems upgrades. The Beaver Ruin Water Reclamation Facility is slated to close by the end of the year.

The organizational changes will be undertaken in three phases with the intent to impact as few employees as possible in the end. First, a retirement incentive will be offered to employees in the targeted areas who are currently eligible or will be eligible to retire by the end of 2009. That will be followed by an effort to match up employees in positions where staffing changes are needed to other job opportunities. Finally, the last phase will consist of layoffs.

“This is one of the most difficult and painful decisions I have ever had to make,” said County Administrator Jock Connell. “It affects real people and their livelihood, and it’s hard. We are hoping that voluntary retirements and transfers will help lessen the impact on individuals, although I can’t guarantee that outcome in all cases.”

This organizational change is the first action taken as the result of a comprehensive services and cost management review prompted by slowing growth, rising expenses and flattening revenues. Dozens of employees on 10 evaluation teams have been working since August towards a goal to find ways to improve efficiency and cut ongoing expenses by $35 million. Areas under examination include: non-core services, administrative functions, rates and fees, productivity, facility operations and maintenance, equipment, inventories, supplies, and personnel costs including overtime and benefits. Although the overall review is still underway, and most recommendations are due in late November, this reduction was quickly identified as necessary and requiring immediate action.

Gwinnett County, which has held the line or reduced its county tax rate every year since 1992 for a total reduction of 27 percent, has also maintained the highest possible credit ratings. But since 2000, forecasts have projected slower revenue growth and increasing costs. This year’s budget allocated $32 million in reserve funds to help cover operating costs, a necessary move but one that is not sustainable over the long term.
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TerraSol Partners with Gwin Oaks Elementary to Expand Environmental Educational Opportunities by Beginning Construction on Outdoor Classroom

2008-10-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

On November 15, 2008, parents of students at Gwin Oaks Elementary will be bringing their tools, rolling up their sleeves and continuing the work that Vesmont, LC, developer of the new, eco-friendly lifestyle community TerraSol in Gwinnett County, and Highlight Homes, one of the builders for that subdivision, began on the Gwin Oaks outdoor classroom. Establishing roots in the community by entering into a professional learning partnership with Gwin Oaks Elementary School, Vesmont and Highlight Homes pledged funds and labor to restore the Gwin Oaks Nature Preserve and outdoor classroom.

“We plan to do all of the clearing, grading, paving and other heavy lifting in advance and help to coordinate the efforts of the parents that are going to volunteer to bring this project to fruition,” said Lawrence Kasmen, a principal of Vesmont, LC and Highlight Homes, LLC. “This partnership was a natural fit for our companies, and we are committed to being a vital part of the community here in Gwinnett County. Through our eco-friendly development, TerraSol, we want to promote the value of our environment through education just as Gwin Oaks Elementary’s outdoor classroom will do.”

Gwin Oaks Elementary is one of the schools in the Brookwood Cluster that was approached by Vesmont as a voluntary effort to help enrich the schools in the local area. The scope of this project is to clear away debris from the existing nature trail and then to expand the trail to begin at the new outdoor play area and make it handicap accessible. In addition, the plan calls for a 100 seat outdoor classroom, a 30 seat gathering area, an extension and widening of the existing trail and a picnic area. Parents that volunteer to help will contribute to this effort by planting shrubs and ground cover, building the benches in the outdoor auditorium, clearing away debris such as leaves and sticks, marking the trail by laying down gravel and installing posts connected by ropes, and adding signs to denote the various points of interest along the trail.

“With Vesmont’s and Highlight Homes’ help, we will add a new 100 student outdoor auditorium for outdoor presentations. We look forward to sharing the new and improved Nature Trail with the community,” said parent and volunteer Anna Fallen. “This project will expand the outdoor learning space for our students. We also hope that it will encourage parent and student involvement.”

Vesmont, LC regularly visits the local schools in areas in which they are constructing new subdivisions to see what they can do to improve the learning environment at the schools. The focus of the new Terra Sol subdivision is on sustainable construction and preserving the natural environment so it is fitting that they will be renovating the Gwin Oaks Nature Preserve, which has fallen into disrepair, so that the students can enjoy an enriched outdoor education next to the Yellow River.

TerraSol, a distinctive eco-friendly community developed by Vesmont, LC, is located in Gwinnett County along the scenic Yellow River. The name TerraSol, derived from the Latin terms for “earth” and "sun,” suits this pristine community perfectly as more than 40 percent of the land at TerraSol remains in an untouched, natural state. Residents are given the opportunity to discover natural wonders on a nearly two mile long, all-natural mulch walking trail winding throughout the property and to explore history in a three acre archaeological site, also located within the community. TerraSol will offer 128 single-family homes on generously sized lots priced from the $500,000s.

Consistent with its mission to be an environmentally friendly development company, Vesmont will incorporate sustainable design principles, recycled materials and EarthCraft building methods into the construction of the amenity area and community activity center. Children attend Gwin Oaks Elementary, Five Forks Middle and the highly acclaimed Brookwood High School.

To visit TerraSol, take I-85 North to Indian Trail/Lilburn Exit 101. Turn right onto Indian Trail/Lilburn Road (which becomes Killian Hill Road) and travel approximately 6.6 miles. Turn left onto Five Forks Trickum Road. The entrance to the community will be one mile ahead on the right. For more information on TerraSol, call 678 344-4878 or log on to the Web site at www.terrasolga.com.

Vesmont. Vested in the future. Today. For more information, visit www.vesmont.com
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Gwinnett Tech Opens International Education Center at Gwinnett Place

2008-10-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett Technical College has opened the International Education Center at Gwinnett Place Mall, created to prepare residents and businesses alike to prosper and thrive in an increasingly international environment.

The center will host a number of Gwinnett Tech's continuing education classes, including language offerings and workforce training courses that support area businesses and meet the needs of Gwinnett's multilingual population.

Leaders from higher education, business and the international community joined Gwinnett Tech President Sharon Bartels and Carl Swearingen, board chairman of the Technical College System of Georgia, for the center's opening yesterday.

"We live in an increasingly global environment, providing new opportunities and challenges for businesses and residents alike. Our International Education Center was created to provide the progressive education and training that students of all ages will need to be successful in an international world and workplace," Bartels explains.

The International Education Center occupies just over 32,600 square feet on two levels, with 23 classrooms. The center includes testing facilities to support language classes and a Recruitment and Information Center for Gwinnett Tech.

"The International Education Center brings Gwinnett Tech's specialized courses into the heart of the community where they are needed most. Technical colleges play a vital role in the economic development of our community, and we're pleased to contribute positively to the economic growth and vibrancy of the Gwinnett Place area," Bartels says.

A full slate of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will begin at the center on Oct. 6, with several computer, construction and business training courses also scheduled to start early this fall. A full course schedule for all Gwinnett Tech continuing education classes is available online at www.GwinnettTech.edu/ce.

Also participating in the opening of the International Education Center were Georgia State Senator David Shafer; Louise Radloff, GCPS Board Member; Joe Allen, executive director, Gwinnett Place CID; James Song, vice chairman, Georgian Korean Chamber of Commerce; Demming Bass and Nick Masino, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; Marty Solomon, Simon Properties; Michael Sullivan, board member, Technical College System of Georgia; Marian Lucia, board chair, Gwinnett Technical College; Charlene Fang, board member, Gwinnett Tech Foundation; and Maria Hall, board member, Gwinnett Tech Foundation.

For more information on course offerings at the International Education Center, call 770-995-9697 or visit online at www.GwinnettTech.edu/ce. The International Education Center is located at 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA, 30096.
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Gwinnett Tech is Now a Microsoft IT Academy

2008-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett Tech is now a Microsoft IT Academy, a designation that offers a host of benefits to students enrolled in the college's Computer Science programs.

The Microsoft IT Academy provides technology students access to the latest Microsoft products and resources, including free software, e-learning materials, the company's E-Reference Library and Microsoft's developer products.

"We're focused on giving our students the most up-to-date education possible, so our partnership with Microsoft is a major plus for students. Being able to access such a wide variety of Microsoft products, services and educational tools is an amazing resource for a student to have," says Anthony Rojo, division director for Computer Sciences at Gwinnett Tech.

As a member of the Microsoft Developer Academic Alliance, Gwinnett Tech can provide students with free licenses for the latest Microsoft software. Students will also have access to Microsoft's Designer Academic Alliance. This allows students in design-related courses to use the latest Microsoft Express tools.

The college's relationship with Microsoft is also great news for students taking the various Microsoft Certification tests. They will now receive discounted testing fees, and have the Second Shot option, which allows them to re-take a Microsoft Certification test for free if they fail the first attempt.

GTC faculty members will benefit, too, with full access to the E-Reference Library, including 500 full-text technical titles from MS Press.

Gwinnett Tech offers associate of applied science degrees and diplomas in computer programming, computer simulation/game development, networking, information security and Web site design, plus a host of certification options in fields like Cisco CCNA and CCNP, cyber crime and more.

For more information about Gwinnett Tech's Computer Science offerings or other programs, contact 770-962-7580 or visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.
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Gwinnett Welcomes Four New Fire Trucks

2008-10-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Four more new fire trucks will soon join the dozen that Gwinnett County bought during the past two years. Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $1.7 million contract, to be paid with SPLOST funds, from North America Fire Equipment Co. Inc., of Decatur, Ala.

Fire stations 2, 10, 14 and 25 are slated to get the four new triple-combination rescue-style pumper trucks that can pump 1,500 gallons of water per minute to douse a fire. During 2008, the County has received 12 similar fire engines ordered previously from the same company. Three of those were for new stations 28, 29 and 30. The other nine went to stations 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 23.

Fire Chief Steve Rolader said, “These purchases not only equip our newest stations, which are also built with SPLOST funds, but they also upgrade and modernize our ability to fight fires from many of our existing stations as well.”
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Section of Rock Springs Park to Open Saturday

2008-09-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation will open up a section of the new 114-acre Rock Springs Park in Lawrenceville this Saturday. Open will be the new football field with a lighted walking track, a concession building, press box, and two miles of paved multi-purpose trails.

Collins Hill Youth Athletic Association will play their football games at the park this Saturday as well and will run their football and cheerleading programs out of the park. The association sold honorarium/memorial bricks to fund the purchase of a P.A. system for the football program.
The remainder of the park will open by the end of the year and will feature six lighted tennis courts, a playground and a pavilion.
Construction of the park was funded through the 2005 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

“Rock Springs is considered a ‘sister’ park to nearby Collins Hill Park, “ said Sharon Plunkett, Division Director of Operations for Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation. “Both parks complement each other’s offerings and give us a way to serve the citizens and the strong youth athletic association at the park that has been in existence for many years.”

The park was designed by Lose & Associates. Inc. and the contractor for the project is ACE Grading Company, LLC.

Rock Springs Park is located at 550 Rock Springs Rd. in Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-822-8840 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.