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COVID 19 Update - Amber Schmidtke, Ph.D. - Georgia Municipal Association - Jan. 4, 2021

As COVID-19 cases spike locally, nationally and globally, Snellville's Mayor and Council are urging residents to use every means possible to follow the advice of medical experts – wear masks, maintain social distance, wash their hands, avoid large gatherings and avoid being in crowded, poorly ventilated, closed settings.

Our main goal is, and has always been, to protect our citizens and keep our medical facilities from being overwhelmed.

The Mayor and Council implore residents and businesses to comply with the Governor's executive order.

Public health officials across the state and country have consistently and repeatedly informed us of the importance of wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID. The Governor's Executive Orders, for months, have allowed local governments whose case rates were in the red zone (100 or more new cases per 100,000 population), meaning cases were spiraling out of control in those local jurisdictions, to impose mask mandates if the local governing authority chose to do so. As a result, Georgia Municipal Association developed a model mask ordinance, which complies with the Governor's Executive Orders and leaves the decision to impose a mask requirement to the local governing authority.

Please take a moment to read the following:

• The COVID-19 crisis in Georgia is worsening and fast approaching a catastrophic level. Cases and hospitalizations are increasing beyond available resources, and with the positive tests continuing to climb, many hospitals across the state have little to no ICU bed capacity.

• Primarily as a result of large group and small home gatherings during the holiday season, caseloads are predicted to increase significantly in the coming days. Hospitals will be overflowing and in many regions a shortage of nurses and other medical personnel is projected.

• Vaccines against COVID-19 are starting to be available and although their availability at this point is limited, over the next few months they should become more readily available. The Mayor and Council support and encourage vaccination as a way to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

• The vaccine is here, and it is being administered to more Georgians every day. Regardless of your spot in line, if you take precautions now, you may avoid contracting COVID, and you won't have to worry about the many known long-term impacts on your health.

•The very same people you want to gather with are likely the people you most want to protect. Avoiding indoor gatherings now means you can keep each other safe, healthy and alive for gatherings in the future once you are vaccinated, community spread has significantly declined, and herd immunity has been achieved.

•Many medical professionals expected Georgia's case rates to climb substantially following the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and New Years' holidays as they similarly climbed after Thanksgiving. Recent data shows that our current case rate per 100,000 residents in Georgia is the highest it has been since the start of the pandemic and at least 60 percent higher than our summer surge.

•Bars/Restaurants: Georgia has allowed struggling bars and restaurants to remain open so that more small local businesses are not lost. Failing to follow the governor's guidelines puts your favorite small businesses at risk and may make it even harder for them to keep their doors open. Utilize takeout (including new takeout alcohol options in cities that have made it available) and delivery (including new alcohol delivery options where available).

LEGAL REMINDERS: Gov. Brian Kemp's Executive Order:

• It is a violation of the Governor's Executive Order and a misdemeanor crime for people to gather in groups of more than 50 persons if they are required to stand or be seated within six feet of any other person. Unfortunately, there has been little to no enforcement of this provision, which has been one major factor in the increased spread of the virus in Georgia.

• It is a violation of the Governor's Executive Order and a misdemeanor crime for bars to allow more than 50 persons on the premises or to exceed 35 percent of the fire capacity, whichever is greater, but there has also been little to no enforcement of this measure as well.

• It is a violation of the Governor's Executive Order and a misdemeanor crime for restaurants to have seating arrangements that do not ensure at least 6 feet of separation from seating to seating or utilize physical barriers to separate groups sitting within 6 feet of one another.

A piece of Snellville history is being removed today and tomorrow as the centuries-old Red Oak which has stood on Highway 78 since before the signing of the Constitution is coming down.

The tree, located near the Autobell Car Wash, has rotted and become hollow and has been deemed a hazard to passing motorists and pedestrians by the Georgia Department of Transportation and must come down.

A plaque which sat by the tree since 1987 reads, "The National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture jointly recognize this significant tree in this bicentennial year as having lived here at the time of the signing of our Constitution."

It is hoped both the city's Public Works Department and the Snellville Historical Society will preserve pieces of the tree and its legacy. Oak trees, acorns and leaves have been used on city logos for decades.

"Anyone who has travelled east on Main Street in Snellville is aware of, and probably has driven under, the massive oak tree that overhangs Highway 78," Snellville historian Jim Cofer wrote in "Elegy to an Oak Tree." "Referred to by generations of old timers as 'Mr. Troy's Big Oak,' this wooden behemoth existed more than 150 years ahead of that dedicated educator, school principal, and bovine entrepreneur, Troy Thomason."

In recent years GDOT and the city have made attempts to save the oak by minimizing disturbances to the soil around the roots and routing utilities on the other side of Main Street. However, in recent months, state arborists determined the tree is becoming hollow and poses a threat to pedestrians and drivers passing under its large heavy limbs.

Cofer said the tree still looks as it did in his school years in the 1950s and 60s.

"It would have likely been a sapling when members of the Lower Creek Native American tribe roamed the Snellville area," Cofer wrote. "Later, the Jesse Bryan family would farm the land around it in the early to mid-1800s. Jesse volunteered to fight in two different wars - the Mexican-American War and the Civil War - and ran a one-room schoolhouse between those conflicts."

In 1920, the land came into the hands of the Brand family (as in Brand Bank- now Renasant Bank), according to Cofer. Troy and Blanche Thomason bought the 70 acres containing the oak in 1944 and farmed it part-time while teaching school until W.H. and Harold Britt bought 28 acres in 1972, and the remainder was sold for commercial development in 1990.

You can go to the drive-in to watch a movie and now, thanks to Snellville Parks and Recreation, Senior Center members can go to the drive-in to play Bingo.

From 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26, there will be a Bingo event at the softball field parking lot at T.W. Briscoe Park for Senior Center members. There players can pull up their vehicles and play Bingo from the confines of their car. Large cards will be held up with letters and numbers and when the player gets Bingo, they will honk their car horn to announce they have won. The event is limited to 15-20 cars. Cards will be distributed when player drive up and check-in. Call the park office at 770-985-3535 starting Jan. 4 to reserve a spot

It's just the latest event SPR officials have come up with to keep Senior Center members entertained, yet safe in these days of Covid-19.

Socially distanced card making and painting classes are also ongoing.

The Modern Fluid Art Class will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 10 at Briscoe Park in the Betty McMichael Room. Cost is $15 – snacks and supplies are included. Those taking part in the modern art class can take home their own 8-by-10-inch paintings.

The card making class will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at Briscoe Park in the Betty McMichael Room.

Call the Senior Center at 770-985-3580 to register for both of these classes.

And as the weather turns colder, indoor tennis lessons will be given to all age groups in the basement of the park office. Visit aetennis.com or Contact Coach Anthony Evans at 470-417-4547 to schedule a session.

Parks and Recreation is also hosting a ESports Tournament Jan. 30. Gamers of all ages can play each other on Playstation or Xbox from their homes and battle online in the latest Madden football video game. The winner will receive a GameStop gift card. There is a $12 entry fee. To register visit www.quickscores.com/snellville.

For more information on how to become a Senior Center member visit www.snellville.org/senior-center.

SNELLVILLE – Due to logistical complications brought on by COVID-19, Snellville Parks and Recreation has announced that the 2021 Snellville Days Festival has been canceled.

"The COVID pandemic has affected all of our lives in one way or another in 2020, and now it seems clear it will flow over into 2021," said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A. Platt, CPRP. "There is no way for us to be able to create a quality event for our citizens and visitors under the current COVID pandemic situation. Even though the event is still five months away, the planning and support needed from sponsors, vendors and the uncertainty of large groups being able to assemble, it just makes this event not possible for 2021."

The event, which usually takes place the first weekend in May, was canceled this year as well, as the event was slated to take place as the virus was on the rise.

However, city officials say the cancellation could be the first step to "re-imagining" the festival and when it does come back, transforming it into a better, more successful event.

"Just as The Grove at Towne Center is transforming Snellville's downtown, perhaps the Snellville Days Festival can do the same for our local events. Some changes and adjustments could create a new and exciting event that reflects a new attitude and emphasizes the diversity of Snellville's citizens and visitors," Platt said.

Mayor Barbara Bender added, "We will work toward a new version of the festival that creates excitement and better entertainment options for those who have always participated in the festival and for new patrons to come and enjoy."

The Snellville Days Festival is the city's largest annual festival drawing thousands over two days to T.W. Briscoe Park. For more than four decades, the festival has brought friends and neighbors together to enjoy two days of food, games, entertainment and arts and crafts vendors.

SNELLVILLE — The city officially said goodbye to Snellville Police Department Officer K-9 Jax Monday, sending him into retirement with a proclamation thanking him for his years of service.

After being trained by handler Lt. David Matson with the help of Sgt. Will Collins, Jax joined the police department in October of 2014. The German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix became an integral part of the Snellville Police Department providing service and protection to the citizens of the City of Snellville and its visitors. Jax conducted more than 208 narcotics searches leading to more than 35 drug arrests, made eight criminal apprehensions, responded to 54 callouts by SPD and 21 callouts by neighboring agencies and conducted 67 public relations and demonstration events.

"Officers and citizens alike recognized the value of our K-9 program and especially, the expertise of Lt. Matson and the performance of K-9 Jax," said Mayor Barbara Bender, reading from the proclamation. "The team distinguished themselves for the job done for our city and the recognition by other local, state and federal entities needing their valued assistance."

A highlight of Jax's career was when he responded to assist patrol officers with a traffic stop following a pursuit during which the driver ran. Officers knew the identity of the driver and discovered she had an outstanding warrant for felony probation violation, according to SPD officials. Matson deployed Jax to search for the suspect, but he immediately went to the vehicle and conducted a "free air sniff" giving an alert to the presence of a trained control substance. The team then identified

a track and pursued the suspect into the woods with Jax stopping and assuming a rigid posture looking at the ground. Matson saw strands of the suspects hair as well as her nose exposed even though she had covered herself with pine straw. He took the woman into custody without incident. The search of vehicle revealed methamphetamine, heroin, glass pipes and needles containing drug residue.

Jax completed his tour of duty and service on Oct. 1, earning his richly deserved retirement.

"This team has gone above and beyond the call of duty by providing assistance and

support on their own time," the proclamation reads, adding the city wants to "recognize the loyalty, dedication, professionalism and service provided and exhibited by Lt. Matson and congratulate him and K-9 Jax, on his storied career in protecting the lives and property of the people of Snellville."

SNELLVILLE — The city has agreed to partner with developer Mid Cast LLC to design, build and lease the prized City Market building planned for The Grove at Towne Center.

"This is another major step in bringing a world-class development to the City of Snellville," Mayor Barbara Bender said. "The City Market will be a centerpiece of The Grove and will draw visitors from across the region who want to enjoy a unique dining and shopping experience in the heart of Snellville."

The Grove as a whole will be a commerce center reflecting the early days of Snellville's entrepreneurial roots dating back to the city's origins and the old Sawyer Store. The two-floor, 24,000-square-foot Market building will include numerous and unique eateries, a coffee shop, a small market, spacious, flexible event space and craft beverage options. Potential plans call for it to be managed by an independent operator brought to the table by Mid Cast and approved by Mayor and Council.

The Snellville Downtown Development Authority will own the building.

Under the agreement, the city will partner with Mid Cast on the selection of an architect to design the building with the Mayor and Council approving final design and budget numbers.

The city's anticipated bond offering will pay for the construction of the building which is estimated to be in the $6-7 million range. The future or perspective tenant will be responsible for internal design and build out.

The City Market will prominently feature outdoor seating, patios, pick-up and drop-off vehicle lanes for ride sharing and take-out order availability.

City officials hope to select an architect before the end of the year and expects the building to be opened in summer of 2022. Design concept renderings will be released sometime in early 2021.

"This market building is a key to deliver the experience the city wants to offer residents and visitors," said Economic Development Director Eric Van Otteren. "Rest assured the City Market will be a destination for residents and visitors alike for decades to come."

The Grove at Towne Center will be a large scale, mixed-use town center property, comprising 18 acres between Oak Road, Wisteria Drive, North Road, and Clower Street, in downtown Snellville. The Grove at Towne Center's first phase will include over 50,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, office, and entertainment space, and approximately 250 multi-family luxury apartments. In addition, the new Elizabeth Williams Library will be constructed and include a 2nd-floor business development/accelerator space.

SNELLVILLE — For the sixth time in her career as the city's controller, Jan Burke has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the comprehensive annual financial report she wrote for the city.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

"We strive to make sure our finances are reported accurately and responsibly for the residents of Snellville," Burke said. "It is important for our residents to know they can have faith in the financial numbers we compile and report.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel of GFOA officials to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Government Finance Officers Association advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 members and the communities they serve.

Due to Covid-19, the Christmas Tree Lighting and Lighted Parade will be done a little differently this year.

There will be a Snellville Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 and will be shown on Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook LIVE.

Also, Santa will be coming to a neighborhood near you. Every home on Santa's route will be receiving a special postcard in the mail that looks just like the one above showing the route that Santa and Friends of Santa will be taking with the dates and times. Please try to have vehicles off the street in Santa's route between 6-9 p.m. the dates of the parade. - Nov. 28 and Dec. 12. - otherwise Santa will not be able to get through the streets to see you.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Mayor and Council will be revising the following budget information at the Nov. 23 council meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact City Manager Butch Sanders at bsanders@snellville.org.

Budget Amendment FY 2020

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety held it 21st annual Georgia Governor's Challenge Banquet in Macon on Friday, Nov. 6. The Georgia Governor's Challenge highlights outstanding achievement in highway safety enforcement and education; open to every law enforcement agency in the State. Agencies participating in the Challenge are evaluated on the effectiveness and overall approach of their highway safety programs. The entries are judged by Public Safety professionals and administrators from South Carolina and Tennessee.

The Snellville Police Department achieved 1st Place in Category 4: Agencies of 46-75 Officers and named the overall winner of the Challenge with 192 points. First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp presented the Governor's Cup to Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead. SPD also won the award for its efforts in the Speed Awareness category.

The Snellville Police Department won the Governor's Cup in 2019 marking the first time an agency won this coveted award in two consecutive years.

"I could not be more proud of the efforts of the men and women of the Snellville Police Department who strive every day to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities in order to keep our roadways safe," said Whitehead.