(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 22, 2017) – Commissioners on Tuesday approved an agreement with CH2M Hill Engineers Inc. for the purpose of conducting a Global Cities Team Challenge: Smart Cities Pilot Project. A team of consultants and technology companies invited the Department of Water Resources to participate in the challenge, which looks at groundbreaking applications of internet technology (the “internet of things”) across a number of industrial sectors, including water.

Smart meters – meters connected to the internet – are emerging technology, and the pilot project will allow DWR to evaluate how this technology can be employed to not only provide enhanced service to customers, but also allow DWR to continue being a good steward of the environment and plan for the future.

Smart meter technology tracks water as it moves through the system, allowing utilities to find even small leaks in the system and prevent loss of water. As part of this pilot project, DWR will test different types of smart meters for reliability and accuracy.

During the technology test, the data from the Smart Cities Pilot Project may allow customers in the pilot study the ability to see their water use in real time, helping them manage their use and identify leaks or running toilets at their homes,” said Rick Reagan, Deputy Director of Business Services. “This can help the customer save money as well as conserve water.”

The data will also allow DWR to find even small leaks in the system and prevent loss of water. When compared with some other areas of the country, Gwinnett County has a young water distribution system and water loss from leaks is very small. As the system ages, water leaks could increase.  Smart meter technology is a proactive way to prepare for the future.

There is no capital investment for the County, and no obligation for further implementation at the end of the pilot project. Pilot project partners include AT&T (wireless connectivity), QualComm (communication chips in meters) and CH2M (project management).

DWR is in the process of identifying neighborhoods where the pilot could be conducted.

(Berkeley Lake, Ga., Feb. 22, 2017) – Quince Girl EXPO will be held on Saturday, Mar. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center. Party planning professionals are invited to feature interactive demonstrations, fashion shows and share ideas on planning the perfect Quinceañera celebration! The event is free for attendees and will feature do-it-yourself workshops.

In order for this expo to stand out from the rest, the number of exhibitors in each category will be limited. Interested exhibitors and demonstrators are encouraged to reserve space early by calling 678-277-0920 or visit the website for information on the event www.gwinnettparks.com. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Berkeley Lake.

WHAT: The Gwinnett Department of Transportation is launching the first of a series of public meetings about the Comprehensive Transportation Plan that will direct transportation investment through 2040. The County is updating its Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which will serve as a blueprint for how transportation will develop in Gwinnett.

WHY:   In 2016, the County and its consultants solicited input from public meetings, stakeholder interviews, online surveys and community meetings. With the community’s guidance, they have created goals and identified potential projects and investments. Now, they want community feedback to see if they’re on the right track.

At the meetings, attendees can pick up a “passport” to visit various stations to learn about possible transportation options in their area and countywide, and offer comments.

More information about the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, called Destination2040, can be found at www.Destination2040Gwinnett.com.

WHEN:  The meetings kick off Monday,Feb. 27 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lilburn City Hall Community Room, 340 Main Street, Lilburn. Additional meetings will be held on the following dates: March 16 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dacula Park Community Room, 2735 Old  Auburn Avenue, Dacula; March 18 – 10 a.m. to noon, Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth;  and March 20 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., George Pierce Park Community Room, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.

WHAT: Join the Gwinnett Parks Foundation in beautifying Gwinnett's parks in a rewarding opportunity to serve with other volunteers in this rain or shine event. Families, service organizations, and scout groups welcome. Bring gloves, sturdy shoes and a water bottle. 

WHEN: Saturday, March 4 at 9 a.m.  

WHO: General public.

WHERE:  Graves Park
1540 Graves Road
Norcross, Ga. 30093

WHAT:  An incomplete advisory was sent out Friday about upcoming meetings to solicit public input about the Comprehensive Transportation Plan. A full listing is below.

The Gwinnett Department of Transportation is launching the first of a series of public meetings about the Comprehensive Transportation Plan that will direct transportation investment through 2040. The County is updating its Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which will serve as a blueprint for how transportation will develop in Gwinnett.

WHY:   In 2016, the County and its consultants solicited input from public meetings, stakeholder interviews, online surveys and community meetings. With the community’s guidance, they have created goals and identified potential projects and investments. Now, they want community feedback to see if they’re on the right track.

At the meetings, attendees can pick up a “passport” to visit various stations to learn about possible transportation options in their area and countywide, and offer comments.

More information about the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, called Destination2040, can be found at www.Destination2040Gwinnett.com.

WHEN:  Meetings will be held on the following dates: March 2 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Snellville City Hall Community Room, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville; March 6 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Gwinnett  Justice and Administration Center, Conference Room C, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville; March 16 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dacula Park Community Room, 2735 Old  Auburn Avenue, Dacula; March 18 – 10 a.m. to noon, Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth;  March 20 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., George Pierce Park Community Room, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 3, 2017) — Although there has been recent rainfall, Gwinnett County remains in the Level 2 Drought Response that was declared on Nov. 17, 2016.  Lake Lanier is a large reservoir, fed by smaller streams that have been slow to recover from the drought. As a result, Lake Lanier has been slow to refill and is currently 10 feet below full pool.

This means that even though the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) eased outdoor water use requirements in 86 counties, the Level 2 Drought Response will remain in place for the upper Chattahoochee River Basin.  This basin area contains most metropolitan Atlanta counties, including Gwinnett.

The Drought Response put in place a number of outdoor watering restrictions. Some outdoor water uses that are not allowed include washing streets, sidewalks and driveways; decorative uses, such as fountains and waterfalls; non-commercial pressure washing; fundraising car washes; and non-commercial washing of vehicles.

For planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, or shrubs, watering with an irrigation or sprinkler system is allowed on the following schedule:

• Even numbered addresses (those ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) and sites with no numbered address, may only water on Wednesday and Saturday, before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Odd numbered addresses (those ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may only water on Thursday and Sunday, before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

Additional information on restricted and allowed outdoor water use can be found at www.gwinnettH2O.com.

The Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR) encourages residents to make water conservation a priority.  Individual actions can collectively add up to big water savings. Ways to save water include:

• Check and repair leaks inside and outside the home.
• Shorten showers and turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth.
• Fill dishwashers and washing machines, making sure there is a full load every time.
• Replace older toilets and shower heads with high efficiency models. If your home was built before 1993, you may qualify for a toilet rebate.
• Choose efficient appliances. Look for EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labeled products when shopping for new appliances and fixtures.

DWR provides two kits to help residents conserve water.  Both kits are available upon request at the DWR Customer Care counter at 684 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Leak detection kits. Each kit contains toilet leak detection dye tablets, along with tips on locating and fixing minor leaks.
• Low-flow home retrofit kits. Each kit contains a low-flow showerhead, faucet aerators, and toilet leak detection dye tablets.

For more information, including conservation tips and frequently asked questions regarding watering restrictions, please visit www.gwinnettH2O.com.

The Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources is a publicly-owned utility committed to providing superior water, wastewater, and stormwater services at an excellent value to residents and businesses.   DWR is widely recognized for innovation and service excellence as well as stewardship of the environmental resources in Gwinnett County.   For more information, visit www.gwinnettH2O.com.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 7, 2017) – The Constitutional Officers of Gwinnett County, Sheriff Butch Conway, Clerk of Courts Richard Alexander and Tax Commissioner Richard Steele, in partnership with the Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia, are pleased to announce a scholarship contest for Georgia high school seniors and current college undergraduates.

Each year, the Constitutional Officer’s Association of Georgia offers students a chance to win scholarships. This year, the association will offer three scholarships, one each in the amounts of $1,500, $1,000 and $500. To be eligible for this year’s scholarship, students must be residents of Georgia, graduate from high school by the spring of 2017 or be enrolled in an accredited Georgia college or university. Students must also seek a degree in a field related to government/law enforcement, political science, accounting, finance, business or pre-law.

To apply, applicants must select a constitutional office in Gwinnett County and type a 1,000-word essay that describes the mandated duties of that office and explains why the oath of office is important. Applicants will also need to provide a letter of acceptance or enrollment from an institution of higher education, a copy of a college application or transcript to provide verification of degree field and the COAG scholarship application.

All completed applications, documentation and completed essays should be mailed flat in a 9”x12” envelope to Suzanne Cross, COAG, P.O. Box 1644, Decatur, Ga, 30031, by April 1, 2017.

For more information or to download an application, visit http://www.coag.info/ or contact Suzanne Cross at (404) 377-1364 or coagoffice@bellsouth.net.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 7, 2017) – Gwinnett County Commissioners on Tuesday awarded a $3.2 million resurfacing contract on Ronald Reagan Parkway and accepted grant funds to pay for 80 percent of the cost. These federal funds come from the Atlanta Regional Commission and are being administered by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard said, “The parkway serves an important cross-county travel need. We are very grateful to the GDOT for the funding assistance.”

ER Snell Contractor Inc. had the lowest of five bids at $3,189,370.70. The project stretches from Pleasant Hill Road to 1,600 feet west of State Route 124, a distance of about 7 miles.

GDOT will reimburse Gwinnett County up to $2.65 million for the resurfacing, which is 80 percent of the total project budget of $3,294,104.98.

Gwinnett’s share of the project is funded by the 2009 SPLOST program. This project touches all commission districts.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 7, 2017) – Vocational support and employment training will continue for inmates at the Gwinnett County Comprehensive Correctional Complex. Commissioners on Tuesday approved the department to submit a proposal for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grant of $86,600 from the Atlanta Regional Commission and to accept a contract if funding is awarded.

The Gwinnett facility is the only prison in Georgia that receives these funds for its inmate programs. “Since 1997, the resources available through WIOA have made a positive impact on prison inmates,” said Warden Darrell Johnson. “Over the years, the program has provided funds, personnel and textbooks. I’m extremely pleased with the program’s success and the opportunities it offers to offenders returning to our community.”

In 2016, inmates received more than 6,000 hours of vocational training, job-search skills, and on-the-job training in barbering, carpentry, food service, ServSafe and forklift operations. Inmates receive work-ready certifications after completing their training from partners such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Restaurant Association, and Central Georgia Technical College.

ARC statistics from 2016 showed that 88 percent of participating inmates were gainfully employed during the 12-month period following their release and earned an average of $13.50 per hour, which is above the goal performance measure. WIOA Program Coordinator Shontese Wilson said, “Our goal is to assist offenders by helping transform their mindset and prepare them with marketable skills that will be competitive in today’s world.”

(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 8, 2017) – For 20 years, Gwinnett County has held a AAA bond rating from all three bond-rating agencies – the highest possible for local governments, allowing the County to refinance bonds at favorable interest rates. In addition to refinancing the debt, the County was also able to pay off some debt early. All of these activities combined are saving taxpayers more than $80 million in future interest payments.

Gwinnett County is one of 49 counties in the nation to have a Triple AAA bond rating. The latest rating came in December after the County’s finances went through intense review by analysts from S&P Global, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.

The County in January refinanced bonds used for construction of Coolray Stadium. The strong credit rating coupled with favorable market conditions resulted in lowering the interest rate from 6.25 to 3.27 percent and saving about $14 million over the life of the bonds.

“I think this demonstrates that Gwinnett County is keeping a close eye on taxpayers’ money,” said Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We aren’t going to leave money on the table.”

Financial Services Director Maria Woods said the Triple AAA bond rating means the County can borrow money at most-favorable interest rates at the time the bonds are issued and also refinance the bonds when the market improves and interest rates drop. Woods said that while the credit rating is a reflection on the financial condition of the County, it is also influenced by sound management decisions and institutional practices. Woods credited the Board of Commissioners for fiscal flexibility, smart debt management and financial policies such as multi-year planning, controlling expenditures and a pay-as-you-go capital program.

“This Triple AAA bond rating by independent analysts tells investors that Gwinnett County is well-managed, fiscally strong and a solid investment,” Nash said. “This is a very difficult rating to achieve. A Triple AAA rating puts us in the top 2 percent of the 3,000-plus counties in America.”

The bond-rating agencies scrutinized multiple aspects of the County, including the County’s finances, management, economy, debt, and budgetary performance and flexibility

Fitch Ratings’ report cited the County’s strong revenue and expenditure flexibility, its maintenance of healthy reserves, low long-term liabilities and prudent fiscal management.

Moody’s Investor Services commented that Gwinnett had a strong fiscal position bolstered by formal financial policies and conservative budgeting, low debt and pension burdens, and a large tax base with strong socio-economic factors.

S&P Global reported that Gwinnett had very strong management with strong financial policies and practices, strong budgetary performance, and held a very strong debt and contingent liability position.

Cobb County is the only other county in Georgia to have a similar rating.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 21, 2017) – Gwinnett County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $2.9 million contract to replace the Harbins Road bridge over Jackson Creek in Lilburn.

District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard said, “This project not only addresses flooding concerns, but also fills in the sidewalks along Harbins Road.”

In addition to the bridge replacement, the project will include installation of sidewalk on both sides of Harbins Road from US 29 to Dickens Road. The contractor also will install curb and gutter and drainage improvements.

Georgia Bridge and Concrete LLC, submitted the lowest of five bids at $2,902,486.70. The plans call for the contractor to replace the existing bridge while raising the roadway at its approach to the bridge. While road closures will be required as part of this project, driveway access will be maintained at all times during the construction.

This project is funded by the 2014 SPLOST program.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 21, 2017) – Commissioners on Tuesday approved pedestrian projects that run along roadways and over water. Three separate projects will address pedestrian needs on Richland Parkway, Old Peachtree and Rock Springs roads, and Harbins and Dacula roads.

District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks said, “These projects will help to improve pedestrian safety and serve to fill gaps in the sidewalk network.”

At Richland Parkway, the contractor will build a new pedestrian bridge alongside the existing roadway bridge. Lewallen Construction Co. Inc. was the lowest of five bidders at $709,325.22.

The Richland Parkway project includes installing a pedestrian bridge as well as new sidewalks from Shore Drive to Collins Port Cove. The pedestrian bridge will be about 230 feet long and will serve to complete the sidewalk connection from Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road to Taylor Road.

The Old Peachtree/Rock Springs project will include several sections of new sidewalks along both roadways. Also Old Peachtree Road eastbound will be widened from Ridge Oak Drive to Blakely Drive, extending the right turn lane onto Collins Hill Road. The Ohmshiv Construction LLC, bid of $833,326.75 was the lowest of four received for this project.

Ohmshiv was also the low bidder on the project to install sidewalks along four sections of Harbins Road and Dacula Road.

“This project is a partnership between Gwinnett County and the city of Dacula,” said District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter. “Dacula used their SPLOST funds to help the County build the project.”

The four sections of sidewalk total just under a mile and will connect gaps of sidewalk from Harbin Oaks Drive to Liam Avenue. Ohmshiv’s bid of $438,619.60 was the lowest of the five bids received for this project.

All of these sidewalk projects include curb and gutter and drainage improvements. All County funding comes from the 2014 SPLOST program.