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T.W. Briscoe Park will be the site of a major lacrosse tournament – the largest event since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down normal operations in early spring.

The Georgia Southern Shootout Lacrosse Tournament is expected to draw 1,000 players and family members.

"We are very happy that Briscoe Park will be the host site for the Georgia Shootout Lacrosse Tournament put on by Monkey Up LLC this coming weekend," said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A. Platt, CPRP. "The Snellville Parks and Recreation Department is here to serve our citizens and visitors and with the COVID-19 pandemic, that has been very hard to do with the standard programming we have done in the past. All of us, no matter the age are struggling to remain both physically active and mentally positive with all that is happening in the world today. Sports has always been a great way for the youth to grow and learn about themselves and those around them."

The event will bring visitors to the city, many of whom are staying at Hampton Inn and Suites off of Highway 124.

The two-day tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway.

Safety will be a priority at the event, Platt said.

"Whether it is a Snellville Parks & Recreation program or in this case, another group using our facilities, we are implementing strict regulations to adhere to current Centers for Disease Control, state and federal guidelines relating to pandemic precautions."

An example of the precautions? To name a few - Teams will not be allowed to bring tents to gather between games; one team cannot get onto field until previous team leaves area; and games have been scheduled to allow no overlap with more time between.

"We want people to use our great facilities, and in my opinion organized youth sports are a great equalizer and teacher for our youth to learn how to interact with others, to see and feel diversity, to learn to loose gracefully and the adrenalin rush or reward of being a part of the winning team," Platt said. "We will continue to serve our community as best we can while trying to ensure all are as safe as possible during these unprecedented times. This tournament is just one example of how we can serve our community and with over 50 teams involved it is obvious there is both a need and a desire for organized sports and programs. We welcome all of the players, families and spectators to our great park this weekend and hope they will return again after the tournament to enjoy the facilities."

Snellville started strong in the fight against COVID-19, but as cases continue to rise, your part in slowing the spread of the virus is still needed.

On June 24, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp urged residents to "remain vigilant" in the fight against COVID-19 following a recent spike in confirmed positive cases and said that while Georgia continues to "make solid progress" in stopping the spread of the virus, the battle is far from over.

"While I'm proud of our swift response and measured steps forward, we cannot grow complacent. This virus is deadly and remains a threat to our great state," Kemp said.

Snellville residents must answer his call.

Gwinnett County is now No. 1 in the state for infections.

Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed there were close to 8,000 new cases reported over a seven day stretch from June 15-22. The state broke a record on June 20 with 1,800 new confirmed cases, the largest number of positive cases reported in a single day.

Why? The Georgia Department of Public Health said widespread testing across the state leads to more cases, but so does people getting lax regarding wearing a mask and social distancing. To help stop the spread, county health officials are urging people to wear masks indoors in places like stores and to stay six feet apart whenever possible.

In his message, Kemp urged each Georgian to wear a mask and continue to practice social distancing guidelines provided by public health officials.

"Let's stay vigilant in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and continue to follow guidance from public health officials. If you have a chronic medical condition, don't skip your doctor's visit," Kemp said. "Reschedule any procedures you put on hold, get a test if you want one. If the Department of Public Health reaches out, we hope you will answer the call. Contact tracing is key as we work to defeat this virus."

We can help stop the spread if we work together.

Thank you.

- City of Snellville

Though the Snellville Senior Center is still closed due to COVID-19, the Parks and Recreation Department is finding ways to keep its members healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Parks and Recreation has unveiled new senior programming which keeps seniors safe while they get a chance to interact with friends from the Senior Center and get fresh air and exercise.

An exercise class, led by Jane Moore and Staci Dye, takes place Monday and Thursday mornings, while a walking group meets Wednesday and Fridays. Both activities start at 8:30 a.m. at T.W. Briscoe Park in the parking lot behind the Park Office.

Social distancing guidelines are practiced.

"With the COVID pandemic, one of the hardest hit groups was our Senior Center members as far as interacting with others and being social," said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A Platt, CPRP. "Socializing is very important, since many of our members live alone, for them to have the social stimulation. Our programs at the Center - and part of the SPRD philosophy - has always been based on mind, body, spirit. Our goal is to help our members keep all of those parts of their lives healthy. With the Center being closed, with no known opening date at this time, the Parks and Recreation staff knew there had to be some program we could provide and still maintain the CDC/State guidelines."

Senior Program Supervisor Kathi Gargiulo said staff called the more than 400 members of the Senior Center to inform them about the programs. The response has been overwhelming, she said. "

"We've definitely seen an increase from those who weren't involved in our exercise class before, now wanting to participate in these new outdoor classes," Gargiulo said. "We've even had several people at the park that were just passing by, see our group in action and then asked to join in. Our Center was where our community would come and meet new people and make friends. Everyone has missed coming and seeing their friends on a regular basis. So we are thrilled that this has turned out to be such a successful program. Our staff is continually told by our senior members just how very thankful they are to be getting out again."

Providing "outside of the box" programming has also brought Senior Center members to Briscoe Park – a place many of them have never been before.

"We have had many make comments like, 'This has been here for years and I never knew it was right around the corner.' Many did not even know that the Center was part of the Snellville Parks and Recreation Department because the Center is over by City Hall," Platt said. "Now many of the members are being exposed to all the great facilities and opportunities that are offered through SPRD at Briscoe Park."

The new venture has pleased Senior Center members and Parks and Recreation Department staffers alike.

"We are so very pleased to serve our Center members and citizens and to continue to grow and expand the way we think and move forward in executing recreation programming to everyone as we move forward thru these unprecedented times of the pandemic," Platt said. "We will continue to challenge ourselves to service our community and to stimulate everyone to have a healthy mind, body and spirit.

For more information on the programs and to learn more about the Snellville Senior Center, call 770-985-3580.

Mayor and Council approved the city's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget June 8, one that tries to predict the economic hardships coming in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents will not see a millage increase for the sixth straight year.

The balanced budget of $13,063,295 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.

For a breakdown of the 2021 budget - click here

SNELLVILLE — More than 500 engaged protestors marched from First Baptist Church Snellville to the Towne Green Wednesday calling for racial equality following the death of George Floyd.

The event was organized by South Gwinnett High School students and recent graduates, led by Carrick Henry, who worked with city officials including Councilmembers Cristy Lenski and Solange Destang and the Snellville Police Department to keep the event safe, organized and peaceful.

"We are very proud of these young people and their commitment to raising awareness about critical issues affecting our society," City Manager Butch Sanders said. "Snellville celebrates its diverse community and we are going to work to keep our neighbors together and continue to support minority-owned businesses."

The event featured speeches from students and others including Gwinnett County School Board Member Everton Blair and SGHS Principal Dorothy Jarrett and was capped off when Mayor Barbara Bender and City Council presented the event organizers with a resolution condemning racism.

Mayor and Council unanimously approved the resolution Monday night.

Bender encouraged those at the rally to stay involved in the community and come to the City with any concerns or issues.

"I would really encourage you all to be involved," Bender said. "My door is always open. If you'd like to come in and talk, I'd love to have a conversation with you."

A link to the photos taken at the event can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qefqw93xa20425c/AABClyL5MSyL67BLnvkZIROka?dl=0

SNELLVILLE – The July 4 fireworks show and the city's Star Spangled Snellville celebration were postponed due to COVID-19 but don't worry – they'll be back Labor Day weekend.

The rescheduled Star Spangled Snellville celebration, complete with fireworks, food, entertainment and live music, will take place 3 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 on the Towne Green.

"The safety of our citizens and visitors comes first and we knew July 4 was too soon to have a large gathering of people," said Executive Director Kelly McAloon. "Please mark your calendar for Sept. 5 for a Star Spangled Labor Day event on the Snellville Towne Green. This fun filled family day will bring back great bands, festival food and a kids' zone for hours of fun and of course one of the best fireworks shows in the Southeast."

While the entertainment is not set as of yet, you can continue to check the Snellville Tourism and Trade website at www.SnellvilleEvents.com for any event updates.

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