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SNELLVILLE – The Mayor and Council have issued a stay at home order as a means to protect the health, safety and welfare of city residents. This move is being made in a coordinated fashion with Gwinnett County and all of its 16 cities in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to preserve the community's capacity to provide essential governmental and healthcare services.

"As the mayor of Snellville, I implore you to take these directives seriously," Mayor Barbara Bender said. "The City of Snellville would like to thank the public for their cooperation so far, but this is a serious measure we all must respect and adhere to. Those who have not heeded pervious warnings about the dire nature of COVID-19 must do so now."

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash said emergency circumstances that exist as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic require extraordinary and immediate corrective actions to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Gwinnett County.

"We are all navigating uncharted waters as we respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and I am grateful to each of the cities for their decisive actions," said Nash. "The district commissioners and I would like to express our deep appreciation to all of our residents and businesses for making temporary sacrifices for the good of our communities as our hospitals, healthcare workers, and first responders prepare for a rapidly growing caseload."

Gwinnett Municipal Association President Kelly Kelkenberg said Gwinnett's 16 cities recognize the value of consistent directives for all residents in Gwinnett County during this critical time.

"The cities have worked to align their emergency decisions with the directives of Gov. Kemp, guidance from the public health department, and Gwinnett County's local emergency orders," said Kelkenberg, who also serves as mayor pro-tem for the city of Duluth. "Our residents need to understand the extreme danger and seriousness of the coronavirus, to which no one has immunity. We are acting in unison to stem its spread, to keep from overwhelming our medical facilities, and to save lives."

Residents may leave their homes to conduct activities that are essential to their own health and safety and that of family/household members, partners, significant others, and pets. Essential activities include, but are not limited to, obtaining food, medication and medical supplies, household consumer supplies and healthcare services or caring for a family member or pet in another household. It is also permissible to engage in outdoor activity, like walking, hiking, running or bicycling, as long as individuals comply with social distancing requirements.

The local emergency order also mandates all non-essential businesses that operate in Snellville to cease all activity except for the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business' inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, and related functions. This directive applies to for-profit, nonprofit or private educational entities; it excludes essential businesses. Businesses consisting exclusively of employees or contractors who work from home may continue to operate.

All essential businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open while adhering to social distancing requirements. Such businesses include healthcare, grocery stores; certified farmer's markets; organizations that provide food, shelter and social services to those in need; news agencies; gas stations, auto supply and auto repair shops; banks; and restaurants that offer delivery, takeout or drive-thru service. For a complete list, please refer to the order.

Individuals who work to provide essential services or essential products may leave their places of residence to carry out these activities.

The order also makes exceptions for essential governmental functions and essential infrastructure, meaning public works construction, private construction and related activities, utilities, telecommunications and solid waste services. First responders, emergency management personnel, 911 dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel and others who perform essential services, such as healthcare workers, are exempt from the order.

This local emergency order will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on March 28, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing by the mayor.

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Stay Safe. Stop The Spread. Save Lives.

IF YOU NEED A COVID-19 TEST - call Gwinnett/Rockdale/Newton Public Health Department at 770-513-5631.

Review Gov. Brian Kemp's executive orders here.

Click here for REGULARLY UPDATED CITY INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICES, FACILITY CLOSURES AND EVENT INFORMATION.

Please continue to check cdc.gov for information regarding the virus. For local information visit Gwinnett/Rockdale/Newton Public Health Department for updates at gnrhealth.com/covid-19-info/.

Gwinnett Cares is an excellent resource for people looking to help others during this time. Give Hunger the Boot has a drop off location at Snellville City Hall to donate non-perishable food items for the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. City Hall is closed to visitors, but we make sure the food is delivered.

COVID-19 Internet Access Resources - State of Georgia

In response to social distancing requirements and stay-at-home instructions, broadband providers are temporarily offering various options to get Georgians internet connectivity. These include free internet service, waiving disconnect and late fees, providing free access to WiFi hot spots, reducing limitation on data-usage, and offering other time-limited options. Click here for free internet access.

STATE OF GEORGIA

CITY OF SNELLVILLE

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-08

AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE EXPANDING THE RESTRICTIONS ON INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS TO STAY IN THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE, TO CLOSE ALL NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, TO PROHIBIT PUBLIC GATHERINGS, TO CEASE NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL, AND TO DEFINE THE MEANING OF TERMS NECESSARY TO ENFORCE THESE ESSENTIAL HEALTHCARE RESTRICTIONS IN THE CITY OF SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

WHEREAS, beginning in late 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, emerged causing a novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, which has become a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, the Governor of the State of Georgia declared that a Public Health State of Emergency exists in the State of Georgia due to the public health emergency from the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, pursuant to her authority under the Gwinnett County Emergency Management Ordinance as Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, the Chairman signed a Declaration of Local Emergency activating emergency powers in order to allow the County to quickly and appropriately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned Mayor and Council issued an Emergency Declaration/Ordinance on March 20, 2020 to declare a local emergency in the entirety of the City; and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the President of the United States in conjunction with the CDC issued Coronavirus Guidelines for America – 15 Days to Slow the Spread; and

WHEREAS, these guidelines contain recommendations on how to protect oneself from the COVID-19 pandemic, including recommendations such as avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people for fifteen (15) days; and

WHEREAS, those guidelines also include a recommendation that communities with evidence of community transmission consider closing restaurants, food courts, gyms, and other indoor and outdoor venues where groups of people congregate; and

WHEREAS, social distancing is recommended by the CDC to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 in the community; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 03.23.20.01, which requires the Department of Public Health to order that certain specific higher risk populations to isolate, quarantine, or shelter in place for fourteen (14) days; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 03.23.20.01 further orders that no business, establishment, corporation, non-profit corporation, or organization shall allow more than ten (10) persons to be gathered at a single location if such gathering requires persons to stand or be seated within six (6) feet of any other person; and

WHEREAS, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 update at 12:00 p.m. on March 27, 2020, Georgia now has 2001 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 102 confirmed cases in Gwinnett County; and

WHEREAS, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 update, 64 individuals in Georgia have died and 566 have been hospitalized after contracting COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there is evidence of widespread community transmission in Georgia; and

WHEREAS, the CDC and public health officials expect that additional cases of COVID-19 will be identified in the coming days; and

WHEREAS, if COVID-19 continues to spread in Gwinnett County, it may greatly strain the resources and capabilities of county government, municipal governments, and local public health agencies that provide essential services, including services for containing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Sections 1.12, 1.14 and 2.16 of the City's Charter and pursuant to the March 20, 2020 Declaration of Local Emergency, the Mayor and City Council have the ability to exercise such powers as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population during an emergency; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 38-9 of City's Code of Ordinances, the Mayor and City Council may institute a curfew when it is determined necessary to protect and safeguard the people and the property of the County; and

WHEREAS, one of the purposes of the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981 is to confer upon the Governor and the executive heads of the governing bodies of the political subdivisions of the state emergency powers; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 38-3-28, the City is authorized to make, amend, and rescind orders, rules, and regulations as necessary for emergency purposes and to supplement carrying out the emergency management laws; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 38-3-6, during an emergency, O.C.G.A. Sections 38-3-1 through 38-3-64 are supposed to be liberally construed to effectuate their purposes; and

WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has previously held that "[u]pon the principle of self-defense, of paramount necessity, a community has the right to protect itself against an epidemic of disease which threatens the safety of its members;" and

WHEREAS, the Gwinnett County Chairman has found that emergency circumstances continue to exist as a result of COVID-19 within the geographical boundaries of Gwinnett County requiring extraordinary and immediate corrective actions for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Gwinnett County; and

WHEREAS, because of the number of Cities within the County in close proximity to one another and the mobility of the population across jurisdictional boundaries, it is necessary and beneficial for the City to take similar extraordinary and immediate corrective actions for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City; and

WHEREAS, to prevent or minimize illness and/or injury to people resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, I find that certain actions are required, including but not limited to, the social distancing measures set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, based upon available information from the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and local health partners concerning the spread of COVID-19 and available resources, I believe that it is necessary to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their place of residence to the maximum extent feasible, while enabling essential services to continue, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible; and

WHEREAS, based upon the President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America – 15 Days to Slow the Spread and the Governor's Executive Order No. 03.23.20.01, I find that it is necessary when people need to leave their place of residence, whether to obtain or perform vital services, or to otherwise facilitate authorized activities necessary for continuity of social and commercial life, they should at all times reasonably possible comply with social distancing guidelines; and

WHEREAS, after consultation with local health care providers and our public health department, this Local Emergency Ordinance is necessary to protect the health and well-being of the citizens of the City;

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA, and by the authority thereof:

1. Individuals to Stay at Home. All individuals currently living within the City limits are directed to stay at their place of residence unless otherwise allowed herein. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence. All persons may leave their place of residence only for Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses, all as set forth in Section 5.
2. Businesses to Close All businesses with a facility in the City, except Essential Businesses as defined below in Section 5, are required to cease all activities at facilities located within the City except Minimum Basic Operations, as defined in Section 5. For clarity, businesses may continue operations consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own place of residence (i.e., working from home). All Essential Businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open. To the greatest extent feasible, Essential Businesses shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in Section 5 below and as set forth in the Governor's Executive Order 03.23.20.01, including, but not limited to, when any customers are standing in line. Door to door sales by essential businesses are strongly discouraged.
3. Public Gatherings Prohibited. All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a household or living unit are prohibited, except for the limited purposes as expressly permitted in Section 5. Nothing in this Ordinance prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit.
4. Cease Non-essential Travel. All travel, including, but not limited to, travel on foot, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit, except Essential Travel and Essential Activities as defined below in Section 5, is prohibited. People must use public transit only for purposes of performing Essential Activities or to travel to and from work to operate Essential Businesses or maintain Essential Governmental Functions. People riding on public transit must comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in Section 5 below, to the greatest extent feasible. This Ordinance allows travel into or out of the City to perform Essential Activities, operate Essential Businesses, or maintain Essential Governmental Functions.
5. Definitions and Exemptions.

1. For purposes of this Ordinance, individuals, not under a Department of Public Health Order to isolate, quarantine, or shelter in place, may leave their place of residence to perform any of the following "Essential Activities." Individuals under a Department of Public Health Order to isolate, quarantine, or shelter in place shall follow the directives of any such order. Individuals at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their place of residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.

1. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members or partners or significant others (including, but not limited to, pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home.
2. To obtain necessary services or supplies from Essential Businesses or access Essential Governmental Services for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
3. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or bicycling.
4. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Ordinance, including Minimum Basic Operations.
5. To care for a family member or pet in another household.

1. Healthcare Operations. For purposes of this Ordinance, individuals may leave their place of residence to work for or obtain services at any "Healthcare Operations" including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services. "Healthcare Operations" also includes veterinary care and all healthcare services provided to animals. This exemption shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined. "Healthcare Operations" does not include fitness and exercise gyms, fitness studios, and similar facilities.
2. Essential Infrastructure. For purposes of this Ordinance, individuals may leave their place of residence to provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of "Essential Infrastructure," including, but not limited to, public works construction, private construction and all related activities, airport operations, water, sewer, gas, electrical, roads and highways, public transportation, solid waste collection and removal, internet, and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services, business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services), provided that they carry out those services or that work in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined this Section, to the extent possible.
3. Essential Governmental Functions. For purposes of this Ordinance, all first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, and law enforcement personnel, and others who need to perform essential services are categorically exempt from this Ordinance. Further, nothing in this Ordinance shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing "Essential Governmental Functions," as determined by the governmental entity performing those functions. Each governmental entity shall identify and designate appropriate employees or contractors to continue providing and carrying out any Essential Governmental Functions. All Essential Governmental Functions shall be performed in compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, to the extent possible.
4. Covered Businesses. For the purposes of this Ordinance, covered businesses include any for-profit, nonprofit, or private educational entities, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure.
5. Essential Businesses. For the purposes of this Ordinance, "Essential Businesses" means:
   1. Healthcare Operations and Essential Infrastructure;
   2. Grocery stores, certified farmers' markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products). This includes stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;
   3. Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing;
   4. Businesses and other organizations that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;
   5. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services;
   6. Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities;
   7. Banks and related financial institutions;
   8. Hardware stores;
   9. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses;
   10. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including but not limited to post office boxes;
   11. Educational institutions, except to the extent closed by the Governor—including private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities—for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible;
   12. Laundromats, drycleaners, and laundry service providers;
   13. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and offer food or beverages to customers through delivery, takeout, and/or drive-thru service. Any establishment that is licensed for on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be authorized to sell unopened bottles or new, sealed growlers of beer or unopened bottles of wine curbside or to takeout customers only during the times specified by alcoholic beverage license and pertinent Code sections. The City makes no representations as to the effect of these types of sales on an establishment's state liquor license. Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Ordinance on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site;
   14. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home;
   15. Businesses or manufacturers that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate;
   16. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, or services directly to residences;
   17. Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Ordinance;
   18. Home-based care for seniors, adults, or children;
   19. Residential facilities including hotels, motels, shared rental units and similar facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children;
   20. Professional services, such as legal, accounting services, real estate services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities;
   21. Unless otherwise preempted by state law or executive order of the Governor, childcare facilities providing services that enable employees exempted in this Order to work as permitted provided that such businesses maintain social distancing requirements to the greatest extent feasible.
   22. Businesses providing services, goods, materials or other items to any government.
   23. Any service that is deemed by the City Manager to be essential for the protection of public health, safety and welfare.
6. Minimum Basic Operations. For the purposes of this Ordinance, "Minimum Basic Operations" include the following, provided that employees comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section to the extent possible, while carrying out such operations.
   1. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business's inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions.
   2. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their place of residence.
7. Essential Travel. For the purposes of this Ordinance, "Essential Travel" includes travel for any of the following purposes. Individuals engaged in any Essential Travel must comply with all Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section below.
   1. Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses, or Minimum Basic Operations.
   2. Travel to care for the elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
   3. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services.
   4. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction.
   5. Travel required by law enforcement or court order.
   6. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the City. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their transportation out of the City remains available and functional prior to commencing such travel.
8. For purposes of this Ordinance, residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units and similar facilities.
9. Social Distancing Requirements. For purposes of this Ordinance, "Social Distancing Requirements" includes maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or, if soap and water is not available using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.

1. In recognition that the City does not have the personnel or resources to monitor and police distancing or gathering limitations or stay at place of residence requirements for all individuals currently living within the City limits, the City of Snellville Code Enforcement Officers and other departments of the City as deemed necessary by the City Manager under this Ordinance are authorized to support compliance with this Ordinance through information delivery and education of individuals regarding the imminent threat to public health posed by COVID-19.
2. For the duration of the March 20, 2020 Declaration of Emergency, the City Manager shall be vested with the following discretion and authority:
   1. To categorize City services as either "required" or "discretionary," and to periodically review and modify such categories;
   2. To assign specific employees to required or discretionary services, and to periodically review and modify such assignments;
   3. To temporarily suspend the provision of discretionary services and to direct employees who provide discretionary services not to report to work until such time as the service suspension is lifted or until such time as the City Manager redirects the employee to other services;
   4. To maintain, to the best of the ability of the resources of the City, the provision of essential services, which shall include, but not be limited to, public safety, public works, building permits, and inspections; and
   5. To close City buildings and facilities.
3. This Ordinance shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 28, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Mayor and Council. Section 7 of this Ordinance shall be effective immediately and continue in effect until April 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended.
4. If any provision of this Ordinance to the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
5. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are, to the extent of such conflict, are hereby temporarily suspended.
6. To the extent that any provisions of this Ordinance conflict with the March 20, 2020 Declaration of Emergency or any Local Emergency Order issued thereunder, the more restrictive provisions shall control.

[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

SNELLVILLE - Under a local emergency order signed today by Mayor Barbara Bender, gyms, fitness centers, fitness studios, theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades and other similar establishments within City Limits are mandated to close temporarily.

The order, which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 26, also requires that restaurants, food courts, brewpubs, breweries and other eating establishments within the city cease offering dine-in and outdoor/patio service. These establishments may continue to offer food to customers through delivery, takeout and/or drive-thru service.

Exceptions include cafeterias or on-site dining services in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other similar facilities within the City of Snellville following state and federal public health guidelines.

In addition, employers and businesses that remain open for use by the public must take the necessary steps to restrict in person contact and maintain a distance of 6 feet between individuals.

Bender said this latest move is necessary as confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gwinnett County and in the state of Georgia continue to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates there is evidence of widespread community transmission in Georgia.

"The City of Snellville is joining with Gwinnett County and its 15 other cities, to take emergency steps to further keep our residents safe," said Mayor Barbara Bender. "We are constantly working as a city and now, as a group of cities aligned with Gwinnett County, to protect the health of our residents during this pandemic. Please adhere to these guidelines which we hope will keep you safe and help stop the spread of this virus," Bender said. "To the general public, I urge you to stay at home other than for absolutely essential purposes. We will monitor voluntary compliance with this request as we consider additional restrictions."

Kelly Kelkenberg, president of the Gwinnett Municipal Association, said that Gwinnett's 16 cities are acting together with Gwinnett County to coordinate emergency declarations. Kelkenberg, who began his term as GwMA president in January, has 25 years of experience with FEMA and U.S. Air Force disaster relief missions.

"The cities are working to mesh the directives of Gov. Kemp, guidance from the Georgia Public Health Department and Gwinnett County's decisions for COVID-19 emergency planning," said Kelkenberg, who also serves as mayor pro-tem for the city of Duluth. "Every city is unique, however, we are united in the effort to assure Gwinnett residents of consistency in how we are approaching social distancing, businesses, law enforcement, emergency services and continued delivery of essential services during this critical time."

Gwinnett County Chairwoman Charlotte Nash added, "The district commissioners and I are grateful for the level of cooperation among the cities and with the county. We all recognize that working together is more important than ever as we deal with the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19. The consistency achieved through our united action is significant for the good of all Gwinnett."

The local order, which comes in response to Gov. Kemp's directive to help slow the spread of COVID-19, contains mandates found in an executive order issued by the governor Monday. Among other provisions, the local order also requires the isolation, quarantine or shelter in place for certain populations, including all persons ordered by the public health department to do so; persons who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility residents; persons who have chronic lung disease; and persons who are currently undergoing cancer treatment. Further, all bars are ordered to cease operation, and no business, establishment, corporation, nonprofit, corporation or organization may allow more than 10 persons to be gathered at a single location if such gathering requires persons to stand or to be seated within 6 feet of any other person.

This order falls under a declaration of local emergency that activates certain emergency powers in order to allow Snellville government to quickly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency declaration provides the ability to exercise powers deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of residents during an emergency.

This order expires at 12 p.m. April 6 and authorizes the use of personnel and resources to assist in enforcement.

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SNELLVILLE — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has declared a local State of Emergency.

"The health and well-being of our citizens is paramount during this uncertain time," Mayor Barbara Bender said. "This declaration allows us to utilize all the available powers of the Mayor and Council to ensure our citizens and local businesses are getting the help they need to get through this pandemic. Please stay safe by staying home as much as possible and practice social distancing. And if you can, do your best to support our local businesses as many are struggling."

The declaration loosens restrictions usually placed on Snellville government. The ordinance will allow the Mayor and Council to take votes via teleconference and give the City Manager, in consultation with the Mayor, the right to order the closing of any restaurant or other place of business that is deemed by the Planning Director as a potential source for citizen contacts that might spread COVID-19.

The ordinance also allows a restaurant licensed to sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption to sell unopened bottles or new, sealed "growlers" of beer or unopened bottles of wine for take-out consumption off-premises when accompanied by an order for food.

Under the ordinance, the City Manager can authorize others to make emergency purchases of supplies, services, or construction items while there is threat to public safety.

The ordinance also encourages citizens to shelter in place and maintain social distancing guidelines.

"All citizens are encouraged to shelter at their place of residence and to monitor and adhere to changes to guidelines and/or mandates set forth from the Federal, State or local government and the (Centers for Disease Control)," the ordinance states. "To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they should, at all times as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside of their residence. All persons are encouraged to only leave their residences for essential activities, essential governmental functions, or to operate essential businesses."

The city has already taken multiple steps to reduce the risk of community transmission, including closing certain facilities, cancelling meetings of the Municipal Court, Planning Commission, Board of Appeals and City Council as well as cancelling certain public gatherings.

Monitor Snellville.org for updates and information.

STATE OF GEORGIA

CITY OF SNELLVILLE

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-07

AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA DURING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

WHEREAS, the President of the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency on Friday March 13, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Georgia declared a Public Health State of Emergency in Georgia on March 14, 2020 and the Georgia General Assembly concurred with the Governor's declaration on March 16, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 a world health emergency and a pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the governing authority of the City of Snellville, Georgia is the Mayor and Council thereof; and

WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Snellville, in Sections 1.12, 1.14 and 2.16 grants to the City all the powers possible for a City to have which includes the power to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public; and

WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Snellville, in Section 2.24(a) grants to the City the power to adopt an emergency ordinance to declare an emergency and "to make and carry out all reasonable provisions deemed necessary to deal with or meet such an emergency for the protection, safety, health, or well-being of the citizens of the city"; and

WHEREAS, the City of Snellville has taken multiple measures to reduce the risk of community transmission, including closing certain facilities, cancelling meetings of the Municipal Court, Planning Commission, Board of Appeals and City Council as well as cancelling certain public gatherings; and

WHEREAS, additional measures will likely be required in the coming days and weeks to address the fluid situation and such measures will likely need to be executed quickly and free of the usual formalities and procedures required for City action.

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SNELLVILLE, GEORGIA, and by the authority thereof:

Section 1: The Mayor and City Council adopts and makes the findings discussed in the recitals above the factual findings of the Mayor and Council and hereby declare a Public Health State of Emergency in the City of Snellville due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the United States and the State of Georgia.

Section 2: The following provisions shall govern during the Public Health State of Emergency declared herein:

a. The City Council and all other boards, commissions or agencies of the City, shall have authority to conduct meetings and take votes by teleconference in accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 50-14-1(g).;

b. The City Manager in consultation with the Mayor shall have the right to order the closing of any restaurant or other place of business that is deemed by the Planning Director as a potential source for citizen contacts that might spread COVID-19.

c. During the effective dates of this Resolution only, a restaurant licensed to sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption, shall be authorized to sell unopened bottles or new, sealed "growlers" of beer or unopened bottles of wine for take-out consumption off-premises when accompanied by an order for food;

c. The City Council authorizes the City Manager to utilize the emergency procurement section of the City of Snellville Code of Ordinances (Sec. 2-445) allowing the city manager to make or authorize others to make emergency procurements of supplies, services, or construction items while there exists a threat to public health, welfare, or safety; provided that such emergency procurements shall be made with such competition as is practicable under the circumstances. A written determination of the basis for the emergency and for the selection of the particular contractor shall be included in the contract file. This provision shall not abrogate the city's requirements as specified in the Official Code of Georgia. During the effective dates of this Resolution, the City Manager's purchasing approval authority above normal spending levels shall be provided to the Mayor for approval.

d. The City Council desires to make certain that the chain of authority within city management is clear. If the City Manager is unable to perform his duties, the Deputy City Manager/Chief of Police shall assume the duties of the City Manager. If the City Manager and Deputy City Manager/Chief of Police are unable to perform the duties, the City Clerk shall assume the duties of the City Manager.

e. All citizens are encouraged to shelter at their place of residence and to monitor and adhere to changes to guidelines and/or mandates set forth from the Federal, State or local government and the CDC. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they should, at all times as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside of their residence. All persons are encouraged to only leave their residences for essential activities, essential governmental functions, or to operate essential businesses.

Section 3: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Resolution are hereby suspended during the effective dates of this Ordinance and the terms and provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.

Section 4: This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage by the City Council and shall expire by its own terms automatically at 11:59 p.m. on June 17, 2020, unless terminated sooner by further action of the Mayor and City Council.

Section 5. (a) It is hereby declared to be the intention of the Mayor and Council that all sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Ordinance are or were, upon their enactment, believed by the Mayor and Council to be fully valid, enforceable and constitutional.

(b) It is hereby declared to be the intention of the Mayor and Council that, to the greatest extent allowed by law, each and every section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is severable from every other section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance. It is hereby further declared to be the intention of the Mayor and Council that, to the greatest extent allowed by law, no section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is mutually dependent upon any other section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance.

(c) In the event that any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Ordinance shall, for any reason whatsoever, be declared invalid, unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, it is the express intent of the Mayor and Council that such invalidity, unconstitutionality or unenforceability shall, to the greatest extent allowed by law, not render invalid, unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of the Ordinance and that, to the greatest extent allowed by law, all remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of the Ordinance shall remain valid, constitutional, enforceable, and of full force and effect.

Section 6. This Ordinance was adopted on March 20, 2020. The effective date of this Ordinance shall be the date of adoption unless otherwise stated herein.

ORDAINED this 20th day of March, 2020

UPDATE: 10:50 a.m., May 11, 2020

The Pool Party scheduled at T.W. Briscoe Park on June 19 has been canceled.

UPDATE: 11:59 a.m., May 7, 2020

Notary services are temporarily suspended at City Hall.
"Special Yard Waste" and "Special Garbage" bags are also not available at City Hall at this time.
The bags are still available at Public Works, 2491 Marigold Road, and at the information desks at Publix, 1905 Scenic Highway, and Kroger, 1670 Scenic Highway.

UPDATE: 10:36 a.m., April 29, 2020

Two events at T.W. Briscoe Park have been canceled - the Pool Party of May 16 and the Atlanta United Watch Party on June 13.

UPDATE: 1:42 p.m., April 21, 2020

May 5 - Commerce Club meeting canceled.

May 23 - Memorial Day Celebration canceled.

May 23 - Live on the Lawn Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute will be rescheduled with date TBA.

UPDATE: 5:04 p.m., April 8, 2020

Public Safety Night scheduled for June 1 has been canceled.

UPDATE: 1:54 p.m., April 2, 2020

The Mayor and Council meeting of April 13 has been canceled. The Board of Appeals meeting of April 14 has been canceled. The DAS-URA meeting of April 16 has been canceled. The Snellville Youth Commission meeting of April 18 has been cancelled.

UPDATE: 2:58 p.m., April 2, 2020

The first Food Truck Friday and the Beach Blast have been canceled. Press release here.

UPDATE: 2 p.m., April 1, 2020

The May 2 and 3 Snellville Days Festival has been canceled. Press release here.

UPDATE: 1:01 p.m., March 26, 2020

RECYCLE CENTER AND CURBSIDE BULK ITEM PICKUP UPDATE: We want to keep everyone informed of the current services provided by Public Works. There are no changes in the basic sanitation and recycling services for residential and commercial customers. All routes are running as usual.

The special pick up of bulk items normally scheduled through our Public Works Department has been suspended until further notice. The reopening day depends on the status of the COVID-19 Virus containment.

The same holds true for the reopening of the Snellville Recycling Center. Please call our office at 770-985-3527 or check the City website www.snellville.org for any changes and updates.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m., March 25, 2020

All areas and facilities are closed at T.W. Briscoe Park EXCEPT FOR THE WALKING TRAILS until further notice.

UPDATE: 10:02 a.m., March 25, 2020

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: The Gwinnett Office of the UGA Small Business Development Center is a valuable resource for businesses who are struggling and may need help during this time.
678-985-6820
gwinnett@georgiasbdc.org
/www.georgiasbdc.org/gwinnett-office/

UPDATE 11:37 a.m. March 23, 2020

The City of Snellville Parks & Recreation Department in accordance with state and federal guidelines has postponed all programming. We are also implementing a stop of all "Group Activities" within the parks. Briscoe Park Office, fields, basketball courts and other facilities in which "Groups" participate are now CLOSED TO PUBLIC.

ALL PLAYGROUNDS within City Of Snellville will be CLOSED for public use until further notice.

UPDATE 4 p.m., March 19, 2020

Effective immediately the residential curbside bulk pick up (i.e. large items which require a scheduled pick up) will be temporarily suspended. Those with questions can call Public Works at 770-985-3527.

UPDATE 11 a.m., March 18, 2020

The City Council meeting scheduled for March 23, the Snellville Farmers' Market of April 4 and the Snellville Tourism and Trade Commerce Club lunch for April 7 has been canceled.

The Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for April 3 at City Hall has been canceled. There is a critical need for blood. Please visit redcrossblood.org for locations to donate.

The Snellville Police Department will not be offering background fingerprinting or car seat installations.

SNELLVILLE — With a goal of being proactive to reduce resident and employee exposure to the Corona Virus, the following actions have taken place and will be in effect through April 2.

All departments will remain staffed and operational, but city business will be conducted by phone and electronically. Public access to city buildings will be restricted to appointments only and to absolutely necessary in-person meetings. Contact information will be posted at all locations.

"Developing and implementing changes such as these is a tough balancing act," said Mayor Barbara Bender. "We are a public entity owing our existence to our citizens and restricting access for them is a difficult step. However, city leaders have a responsibility to guarantee a safe workplace for our employees and a greater responsibility to our state and nation as a whole to do all we can to arrest the spread of this virus across our country. Hopefully these will be short term changes, but we will be reassessing every day and keeping in touch with you as we try to continue to do the right thing for all concerned."

City facilities covered by this action include: Snellville City Hall, Snellville Senior Center, Snellville Police Department, Snellville Public Works Office/Recycling Center and Snellville Parks and Recreation Offices at Briscoe Park.

No public events or meetings will be held or scheduled during this time period within our facilities.

Those who need to do business with the Planning and Development Department can call 770-985-3514 to make an appointment or email planning@snellville.org. The occupation tax due date will be extended to April 30, to delay the need for physical access to our Planning Department within City Hall.

Municipal Court has been canceled. To speak to a Municipal Court Clerk call 770-985-3500. If you have a case scheduled you will get a notice in the mail with your new court date. As always, tickets can be paid online by visiting snellville.org.

For all other City Hall business inquiries, call 770-985-3500 or email info@snellville.org.

The Snellville Police Department is open but is not fingerprinting.

The Recycling Center and Public Works offices are closed. Appointments to speak with Public Works officials can be made by calling 770-985-3527.

Snellville Parks and Recreation offices in Briscoe Park and all facilities are closed. All city-run events at the park are canceled until further notice however, both Briscoe Park and Oak Road Park are open except for the basketball courts at Briscoe Park. Call 770-985-3535 to make an appointment.

The Snellville Senior Center is closed. All activities, classes, scheduled trips and events including AARP tax preparation services and driver's courses are canceled. Call 770-985-3580 for Senior Center information. Call AARP at 1-888-277-7669 in regard to any of its services.

The Snellville Historical Society office located in City Hall is closed.

Two important citizen contact points are always available: For Quality of Life/Code Enforcement issues – qualityoflife@snellville.org and for general, city-wide questions or comments email info@snellville.org.

SNELLVILLE – In an effort to prevent exposing residents and employees to the Corona Virus, the city has canceled several activities.

Municipal Court will be closed Wednesday, March 18 and 25 and Trial Court will be canceled Thursday, March 19. Letters of notification for future court dates will be sent via mail.

All activities at the Snellville Senior Center have been suspended pending further notification.

City Parks and Recreation events are canceled, however, organizations that lease park facilities are left to decide if they want to cancel. Please check with your respective leagues and organizations for more information.

Please continue to check cdc.gov for information regarding the virus. For local information visit Gwinnett/Rockdale/Newton Public Health Department for updates at gnrhealth.com/covid-19-info/.

SNELLVILLE – The Mayor and Council showed their support for a Georgia senate bill, but voiced opposition to another state measure last night.

The Mayor and Council support SB 309, a bill which would authorize the creation of two authorities to issue tax-exempt bonds for pooled financing of local governments to acquire goods, materials, real and personal property, structures and supplies eligible for revenue bond financing pursuant to an intergovernmental contract. The intent is to lower costs to taxpayers by providing a less expensive alternative to finance the same types of projects and equipment currently authorized for multiyear lease, purchase or lease purchase contracts.

Without the measure, smaller cities are at a funding disadvantage and projects like the 2005 construction of Snellville City Hall would have been hindered, city officials said.

The Mayor and Council said they will not support HB 302-SB 172, a bill which would prohibit local governments from regulating "Building design elements" in single- or double-family dwellings.

Building standards proposed to be preempted are as follows:

(A) Exterior building color;
(B) Type or style of exterior cladding material;
(C) Style or materials of roof structures or porches;
(D) Exterior nonstructural architectural ornamentation;
(E) Location or architectural styling of windows and doors, including garage doors;
(F) The number and types of rooms;
(G) The interior layout of rooms; and
(H) Types of foundation structures approved under state minimum standard codes.

The removal of building standards, city officials say, would allow sub-par materials to be used on future dwellings in the city, lessening quality of life for residents.

City officials urged residents to contact their state legislators to give their opinions on the measures.

Those representing Snellville are:

State Sen. Gloria Butler

D-55

Email: gloria.butler@senate.ga.gov

Phone: 404-656-0075

State Sen. P. K. Martin IV

R-9

Email: p.k.martin@senate.ga.gov

Phone: 404-463-6598

State Rep. Brett Harrell

R-106

Email: brett.harrell@house.ga.gov

Phone: 404-656-5103

SNELLVILLE — The city recently received a grant check in the amount of $7,760 to be used toward the purchase of equipment to reduce exposures related to liability and property damage from the Georgia Municipal Association.

The city received another grant check in the amount of $7,536 to be used to purchase equipment and/or training to reduce the likelihood of injury to city employees. To be eligible for the grants, the city had to meet specific requirements associated with safety and loss control efforts.

"The City of Snellville greatly appreciates this grant and the continued support from the Georgia Municipal Association," said Personnel Officer Gabriela Downs. "We hope to put the funds to good use in the ongoing effort to keep our workplace safe for our employees and our facilities safe for our community."

The grant has been used for the following:

• Replacement mulch for Oak Road Park and replacement mulch for the playground at T.W. Briscoe Park
• Two new AED defibrillator devices added to the city's Recycling Center and Public Works office. Now all city facilities are equipped with AEDs
• Flammable cabinets for city Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff to use
• And smaller items including a first aid kit for City Hall, anti-fatigue mat for the park, new wet floor signs and new PVC cones

The GMA Safety and Liability Management Grant program was introduced in 2000 to provide financial support to aid members in improving employee safety and liability loss control endeavors. The funds can be used for the purchase of training services or equipment that reduce the probability of claims. Since inception of the program, hundreds of cities have collectively received several million dollars to help fund the purchase of items such as bulletproof vests, training videos, confined space entry equipment, reflective safety vests, fire department turnout gear and camera systems for police departments.

The Safety and Liability Management Grant Program is made available to members of GMA's property and liability insurance program, the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency and GMA's workers' compensation insurance program, the GMA Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance Fund.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, education, insurance and employee benefits, financing and consulting services to more than 500 member cities.

NOTICE OF BID (PW200212)
CONTRACT FOR REPAIR OF STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Wednesday February 12th, 2020

The City of Snellville (City) is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified contractors to provide all
labor and materials required for the Repair of Storm Water Drainage Systems and related infrastructure,
including pipe of various sizes and materials, catch basins, headwalls, curb and road restoration, erosion
controls, seeding/sodding, rip rap, etc, with related tie-ins and appurtenances at five (5) locations within
the city limits of Snellville, Georgia 30078.

For more information please visit our bid page.