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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.

"Recently, three Snellville businesses were targeted with anonymous letters containing racial slurs. Sentiments like those expressed in these letters have no place in our community. The City of Snellville strongly condemns these actions. The City and the Snellville Police Department take these actions seriously. Snellville is, and will continue to be, a welcoming place for all those who live and do business here. We stand in support and appreciation of all of our business owners and all those who work to make Snellville a better community."

The art of award-winning artist and Atlanta native Derrick Spivey is now on display in one of the display cases at City Hall.

Spivey has been creating functional art in a fanciful environment for over 12 years. What began as a challenge, metal sculpturing quickly turned into a career that's both enjoyed by Spivey himself, spectators, critics, and of course customers.

Featured in local and regional art shows, galleries, and festivals as well as an international customer base, Spivey's invigorating pieces have won over many crowds as well as accolades. His work has appeared on VH1, celebrity homes, restaurants, hotels and museums as well as a feature in "Hip Hop Weekly."

In 2010, Spivey became the Head Creative Designer of SC 1775 located in Decatur, where he later became owner. SC 1775 served as both an art gallery and event venue that continuously impressed over 300,000 of the people that unexpectedly walked through a seemingly futuristic artful ballroom full of life size sculptures.

After five years of successfully running the event venue in January 2015 Spivey decided to turn his focus completely to Creating More Art and Fabrication for personal use and businesses. Spivey is enthused to grow Spivey's Creations to being notarized both nationally and internationally recognized as the number one fabrication firm specializing in metal and design for both homes and public use, video and movie set design.

The art will be on display for three months and can be viewed when City Hall is open, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SNELLVILLE - The city's largest festival, Snellville Days, is looking for food vendors for the May 2 and 3 event at T.W. Briscoe Park.

One of the draws to the festival is the wonderful food served by vendors. This year, event organizers want to show off the best eateries in the city at the event.

If you are interested in participating, click here to download a vendor information sheet you can fax or email back to JRM Management (fax number and email on sheet).

Please note, sending in the form does not mean vendors are accepted into the festival. The form is just the first step in the process. If vendors are accepted they will receive follow-up communication.

SNELLVILLE — A former Snellville police officer and an art instructor are currently showing their art in Snellville City Hall.

Watercolor artist and instructor John R. Duke and former Snellville police officer Linda Nixon will have a reception to show their art from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. The Snellville City Hall Art Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall.

By the time she was 12, Nixon said she was painting with oils on canvas and during her senior year of high school, she enrolled in commercial art and advertising at a local technical college. She said she knew she "wanted a future in art, but also knew I had to pay the bills."

After graduation, she took a job in the art department of a printing company and later worked for several advertising agencies.

In 1993, she started her 23-year law enforcement career.

"Throughout my working years I had to put most of my artwork on hold," said Nixon. "During this time I took a lot of photos of everything I wanted to draw or paint one day. After a few lessons I was painting with ink-based watercolors and I'm still exploring their brilliant color and contrast. You will see in my paintings that I have a love for nature and southern relics."

Nixon is a Member of the Southern Heartland Art Guild and a Master Gardener extension volunteer at the University of Georgia.

In 2005, after being on dialysis and having a kidney transplant, Duke, a 1981 graduate of the Atlanta College of Art, said he now has a new perspective on life and his art.

"I hope it shows in the way I paint and teach others to see the world's natural beauty portraying it through bright transparent flowing colors," he said.

Through the years of creating artwork in many different mediums, he now works primarily in watercolors, but he also does commission works in oil, acrylic and graphite. With watercolors he likes to start with light pale colors, building up layers to achieve more depth, brightness giving the artwork a realistic look, but yet in a painterly fashion, he said.

Duke teaches watercolor on Tuesday through Thursday at Cobble Creek Studios Art Academy in Snellville, founded by Deborah Kepes, and on Saturday mornings at Expressions Fine Art Gallery & Studios in Lawrenceville.

Duke has won numerous awards in art shows and festivals and is a member of the Southern Heartland Art Guild, the North Georgia Arts Guild and the North Gwinnett Arts Association.