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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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Charity Golf Tournament at TPC Sugarloaf to benefit FRIENDS
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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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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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Gwinnett Commissioners Accept Mid-Year Budget
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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“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.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
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Twitter: @gafrontpage
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
FAA Aproves Briscoe Field Airport Pre-App
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.
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.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Toilet Rebates Save 54 Million Gallons
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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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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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Precinct, Poll Location Changes will Affect Almost 42,000 Voters
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.
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.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Flood-Damaged Bridges Repair Costs Approved
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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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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