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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Showing posts with label south metro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label south metro. Show all posts
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Flood Recovery Center to Open
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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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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Sunday, August 9, 2009
Crawfish Charity Boil – Steaming Results to Feed Seniors
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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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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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Puttin’ on the Ritz for Gwinnett Seniors
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.
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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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Road Upgrades Get Green Light
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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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
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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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
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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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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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Commissioners Make First Round of Cuts
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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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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Friday, May 29, 2009
Commission Chairman Charles Bannister re: Property Tax Increase
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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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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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Free, Fun Activities at Third Annual Trail Mix Celebration
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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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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Thursday, May 21, 2009
RE/MAX Around Atlanta Wraps Up Collection for Gwinnett families
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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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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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gwinnett Will Lease Stone Mountain Tennis
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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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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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Commission to Hold Public Hearings on Proposed Tax Increase
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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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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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May Happenings
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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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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Friday, April 24, 2009
Gwinnett Launces Healthy Lifestyle Program
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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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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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Gwinnett Commissioners to Accept Stimulus Funds
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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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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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
New County Bank will Exchange Environmental Mitigation Credit
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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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
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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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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Monday, April 13, 2009
Companies Rally Again to Accept This Year's "Challenge"
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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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
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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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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