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SNELLVILLE — The Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution stating racism is not welcome in the city and the city's police department is committed to build on the "culture of trust" it has continued to exhibit to bolster race relations.

The resolution was approved Monday and declares city officials "stand steadfast with all citizens of Snellville against racism and bigotry and reaffirm its commitment to fighting for justice and human and civil rights for all."

"Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. People who once lived, worked, played, worshipped, and loved in communities not unlike our own," Councilwoman Cristy Lenski said. "I am shocked, sickened, and saddened by the shameful ways in which their lives were ended. The challenge for us now is to respond compassionately and effectively, to acknowledge the blind spots we may have, and to engage in meaningful conversations with our diverse community, where we truly listen to one another and build bridges of understanding."

Also on Monday, the Mayor and Council took the first steps to create a Citizens' Advisory Council which will be charged with addressing topics such as race relations when called upon.

RES 2020-10

RESOLUTION CONDEMNING RACISM

WHEREAS, The City of Snellville, its Mayor, City Council, Chief of Police, entire Snellville Police Department and employees city-wide, are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have recently occurred across the country; and

WHEREAS, racism, hate and bigotry have no place in our city and we are committed to working actively against all forms of racism. We are committed to safeguarding our community against the damages that racism and bigotry cause and to ensuring that the Constitutional rights of every person who lives, works, and visits our great city are protected; and

WHEREAS, your Snellville Police Department has had long-standing policies of honesty, openness and transparency, and is committed to continuing these policies with internal and external stakeholders in a continuing effort to build on the culture of trust with whom they serve; and

WHEREAS, your Snellville Police Department is State Certified, and each year, your officers receive more training, exceeding the requirements by the State of Georgia.

WHEREAS, the City of Snellville truly appreciates the overwhelming support we receive daily from this great community, and it is our promise to each of you that we will continue to work diligently every day to exceed your expectations in all aspects of city-wide operations including those of the Snellville Police Department; and

THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Snellville, Georgia, Where Everybody's PROUD to be Somebody, stand steadfast with all citizens of Snellville against racism and bigotry and reaffirm its commitment to fighting for justice and human and civil rights for all.

So Resolved this _8th__ day of __June__, 2020.

Municipal Court Update – Due to COVID-19, the City of Snellville is trying to reduce the need for people to come to court.

The following options have been instituted until further notice:

If you have a "Hands Free" citation, and it is the first one you have been issued, you can see the Court Clerks at City Hall prior to your Court date and provide a proof of purchase (receipt) for a hands-free device dated after the date of the citation and your ticket will be dismissed. Please remember this is only for your first violation.

If you have an "Expired Tag" citation, and have since renewed your tag, you may bring your tag receipt to the clerk's office prior to court and your fine will be reduced.

Municipal Court is back in session June 3.

Please see the attached order regarding court procedures by clicking here.

Thank you.

The pool at T.W. Briscoe Park will open May 29 with new procedures in place to ensure the safety of patrons during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Open swim hours will be held in two-hour sessions with limited occupancy. Sessions will begin at 12, 2:15, 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. Social distancing will be enforced and it is recommended masks be worn on the pool deck.

Please bring your own chairs, towels and googles. Chairs or tables will not be provided at this time. We ask that personal floatation devices, noodles or toys are not used.

The indoor showers will remain closed, but outdoor rinse-off showers are available.

There will be packaged concessions available for purchase.

To protect our patrons, employees will wear masks during work hours, gloves will be worn by those working the concessions and frequently touched surfaces and bathrooms will be disinfected throughout the day.

Pool hours:

Opening week (May 29 – June 7)

12 to 8:45 p.m.

June 7 – Sept. 7

Monday-Thursday and Sunday

12 to 6:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays

12 to 8:45 p.m.

COVID-19 Guidance for Public Swimming Pools

Please do not enter the pool area if you exhibit signs of illness that include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or loss of taste of smell/taste.

Social distancing must be observed. Taped lines will designate social distancing areas.

If patrons are exhibiting symptoms or do not adhere to the social distancing or prohibited items guidelines they will be asked to leave.

For more information call the park office at 770-985-3535. For more detailed pool use information visit snellville.org/parks-recreation.

SNELLVILLE — The city unveiled its Fiscal Year 2021 Budget, one that reflects the economic hardships predicted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first reading of the balanced $13,058,103 budget shows it is actually higher than last year's due to additional revenue streams and offsetting, mandated expenditures. FY 2021 net spending is up by 3.2 percent or $414,431.

While there is a salary freeze for city employees, a "once-in-a-decade" 27th bi-weekly paycheck will result in a $221,392 budget increase. Two other revenue increases are due to 385,000 in Community Development Block Grant revenue for the city's proposed Greenway and a projected $300,000 from School Zone Traffic Cameras. Without these expenditures, FY21 would actually be down by $491,961 or 4 percent.

Capital Needs are being met with $721,000 for street resurfacing and $800,000 in stormwater projects.

Negative pandemic impacts can be seen across all revenue items including a projected decrease of 40 percent in hotel/motel room tax, a drop of almost 20 percent in the Title Ad Valorem Tax and a 25 percent reduction in intangible taxes. and the sanitation subsidy has increased to $773,192.

The next reading and adoption vote is set for June 8.

A copy of the proposed budget is available on the city's website - https://www.snellville.org/Data/Sites/1/media/administration/budget/proposed-fy-2021-budget.pdf

CITY OF SNELLVILLE
PUBLIC HEARING
FY-2021 BUDGET

On Monday, May 11, 2020 the Mayor and City Council will hold a Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. to give its citizens the opportunity to provide written and oral comments on the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. All citizens are urged to attend this Public Hearing on May 11th at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Snellville City Hall,
located at 2342 Oak Road, Snellville Georgia.

The proposed budget is available for inspection at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or on the City website at www.snellville.org.

The Mayor and City Council will consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget on Monday, June 8, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville, Georgia.

Melisa Arnold, City Clerk
City of Snellville

BID SOLICITATION
COS200508
The City of Snellville, GA is seeking sealed RFQ proposals for Construction Manager-at-Risk services
for a Towne Center Parking Deck Construction

Please visit our bid page for details.

An area business donated 300 surgical masks to the members and staff of the Snellville Senior Center for use when the facility reopens.

The donation from CPL Architecture – Engineering – Planning, of Suwanee, came after a request for masks went out on the Senior Center Facebook page. CPL has also help donate masks to John's Creek, Brookhaven and Suwanee.

"In these unprecedented times, Snellville Parks and Recreation is honored to have the support of local businesses willing to donate such a valuable item in order for our members and staff to remain safe as we attempt to get back to serving our community," said Lisa A Platt, CPRP, director of Parks and Recreation. "We cannot thank them enough."

The following is a wrap-up of the meeting of Snellville Mayor and Council of April 27, 2020.

Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the meeting was conducted via Zoom.

The program is administered by RedSpeed Georgia LLC which provides the equipment, sends the citation and collects the fine. The city will receive 65 percent of revenue from the program which will be used toward public safety.

Offenders will not be given points on their license and the offense is not reported to state.

"Where automated enforcement is in use, violations go down and that's good," said Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead.

For the Trees. April 24 was proclaimed Arbor Day in Snellville.

"I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect out trees and woodlands," Mayor Barbara Bender said in the proclamation from Monday's meeting. "I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations."

Down the Drain. The Dickerson Group, Inc. was awarded $263,434 for five stormwater drainage projects, which will improve the handling of stormwater and reduce the city's overall inventory of poor infrastructure.

The projects, located at 1525 Winding Creek Circle, 1670 Winding Creek Circle, 1715 Winding Creek Circle, 1340 Summit Chase Drive and 3096 Brooks Drive, will will begin immediately and hopefully be completed by June.

"The financial impact is one of great importance when taking into consideration our volume of drainage projects that have been identified as being in poor condition," said Public Works Director Gaye Johnson. "The use of our Stormwater Utility Fee will be put to work."

Clerk Kudos. On Monday, Mayor Barbara Bender read a proclamation stating: "It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk." The proclamation declared next week the 51st Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week.

In Snellville, we're lucky to have Melisa Arnold at that post.

On behalf of the city, the Mayor and Council want to "extend appreciation to our Professional Municipal Clerk, Melisa Arnold and to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent," the proclamation reads.

Tid Bits:

•Next week is also National Travel and Tourism Week in the city Snellville Tourism and Trade was recognized for "the critical role this industry places in our community," according to another proclamations from Monday. For information on city events, visit STAT's website at SnellvilleEvents.com.

•The Snellville Farmers' Market will have a drive-through market Saturday from 9 – 12 p.m. behind City Hall. Because of COVID-19, patrons are required to stay in their cars and drive up to vendors. A plan is in the works to make the regular season of the Snellville Farmers' Market better align with social distancing guidelines when it opens in June for the summer season.

•Elizabeth Reisner was officially appointed to prosecuting attorney for the Municipal Court of the City of Snellville.

The Snellville Recycling Center will re-open Wednesday.

The Recycling Center, located at 2531 Marigold Road, will resume its regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The American Kidney Foundation Donation Truck will also be open.

Access will be limited due to ongoing social distancing practices.

Please be prepared to show your license as access to some recycling services are limited to Snellville residents.

For guidelines on what the Recycling Center accepts, please visit: https://www.snellville.org/recycling

SNELLVILLE — The City of Snellville, along with co-developers CASTO and MidCity, are excited to announce that the street names have been approved for the City's highly anticipated city center development – The Grove at Towne Center.

It has been important to all involved with the planning process that the project include street names that honored Snellville's rich history. The Grove's $85 million first phase will commence construction in 2020 and begin to deliver in 2021.

"We're honored to consult with the Snellville Historical Society on this decision," said Mayor Barbara Bender. "Honoring Snellville's history and bridging the gap between our City's past and future is important to us. We want everyone to feel welcome and know that they have played a part in this exciting growth!"

Extending through the heart of the development, Grove Walk will connect Phase I of the project to City Hall. The name was given in honor of the historical meeting place that the entire center was named after and holds great meaning, especially to those with a close connection to the City's history.

The second and third streets, Thomas Snell Way and James Sawyer Way, are a nod to Snellville's co-founders. As young adults, these two men traveled from England to America and, eventually, established Snellville as a city in the late 1800s. Thomas Snell and James Sawyer are still remembered today for their hard work and dedication that put Snellville on the map. The City is pleased to honor its founders with the exciting growth that they laid the foundation for.

"It was important to us to work closely with the Snellville Historical Society and City Council to develop names that were meaningful to the City's history, but also fit the new development and would resonate with newcomers," said Shannon Dixon, EVP of Southeast Development for CASTO.

For more information and updates on the Grove at Towne Center project visit www.snellville.org/the-towne-center-snellville.