March, 2006

A Note from Mike

Hello, Everyone:

With Spring not far away, I wanted to take a moment to fill District 3 residents in on some of the things that have been going on with the County commission and your county government. Over the winter, the commission began to put in place some of the goals we set out during our retreat last fall, and the county opened several new facilities in order to better serve our citizens.

One of our goals for 2006 was to do a better job of encouraging economic and business development in the county in order to add better paying jobs, and increase the tax base. Our 2006 budget included three new positions in a newly created Economic Development department, and in January, Alfie Meek was appointed to lead the county's efforts. Alfie will work with the Chamber of Commerce and Georgia state officials to bring in new businesses, thereby reducing the tax burden on homeowners.

The Commission also established a panel to explore using impact fees to finance some of the costs of new development within the county. The panel, which includes both homeowner and developer representatives, has already had its first meeting, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of their efforts.

Other goals I'm working on include strengthening the county's Tree Ordinance so it better promotes the preservation of trees, rather than their replacement. I'm also trying to increase the standards used in new development by requiring concrete pipe for storm drains. Both these efforts will help the county's effort in limiting the effects of stormwater runoff, and the cost to the county for stormwater management.

The county recently opened its new Juvenile and Recorder's Court building on Stone Mountain Street in Lawrenceville, reducing the overcrowding in the judicial wing of the Justice and Administration Center. In addition, work has begun on the old Wal-Mart store on Highway 20, which is being remodeled to hold the voter registration and health departments.

This week, a new sewage pumping station is opening at the site of the old No Business Creek wastewater treatment facility, which will be taken out of service. The new pumping capacity will bring improved capacity for sewers in to South Gwinnett and District 3. Later this year, we expect to see grand openings for the new libraries in Dacula and Grayson, and the new fire station and tag office in Snellville.

The County Commission recently approved the purchase of some property along the path of the proposed Sugarloaf Parkway extension between its current ending point at Grayson Highway and Route 316. The county transportation department has scheduled a public meeting at 5:00 PM on March 21st at Simonton Elementary School to talk about the project, and I encourage you to attend to express your opinions and learn more.

Progress has also been made in the widening of State Route 20 in Grayson. The State Department of Transportation expects to let a contract in April for the portion of Route 20 between Lawrenceville and Ozora Road. Construction should begin by Memorial Day.

I would like to thank the people that have written or called me over the last few months to express their opinions on issues facing the Commission. You are welcome to visit with me in my office when I hold "Meetings with Mike," (see the schedule below), or contact me by email at mike.beaudreau@gwinnettcounty.com. I hope to hear from you soon.

Mike

Update on the Fair Annexation Act

Last month, Mike sent out an email alerting District 3 residents to House Bill 962, known as the Fair Annexation Act. The bill is designed to allow counties to have a voice in the annexation of county land by cities when the county would continue to provide the bulk of public services, such as public safety and schools. The Gwinnett County Commission passed a resolution in February endorsing the proposal.

Mike recently met with Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson to express his support for the act, and the Speaker indicated that the bill will likely come to a House vote sometime before Crossover Day on March 13th, the last day a bill can be approved in the House and still be considered by the Senate. If the bill passes the House, it is likely to be voted on by the Senate by the end of the legislative session.

Commissioner Beaudreau said, "This bill is very important to Gwinnett residents who are concerned about proper land use. Developers frequently try to get their property annexed into a city when they believe that they can make more money by taking advantage of the relaxed zoning process offered by the city. This practice makes a mockery of the County's land use plan, and prevents the county from being able to properly plan and prepare for the new services that will be required by the development."

Mike continued, "Gwinnett voters decided two years ago to elect new commissioners who would support responsible zoning, and preserve the quality of life we enjoy in our neighborhoods and in the county. Unless this bill passes, our ability to do this will be limited. I urge all Gwinnett residents who support the work we've done so far to call or write their representatives asking them to support the Fair Annexation Act."

Mike Tours Highway 78 Community Improvement District

Commissioner Beaudreau recently met with Highway 78 CID Director Brett Harrell for a tour of the district, which spans Stone Mountain Highway from the Gwinnett County line to Snellville. Mike and Brett stopped to look at several projects in the district, including the new Northern Tool store at the site of the old movie theatre on Walton Court, the fencing and beautification project at Lake Lucerne, and the new Brookwood Village mixed use development under construction near Highpoint Road.

Mike commented, "I'm proud to see the work that the Community Improvement District has accomplished just since I took office last year. The improvements already in place, and those planned in conjunction with the widening of Highway 78 beginning later this year, are bringing in new businesses and economic growth to the older part of District 3. I am happy to help them any way I can."

Learn more about what Brett and his team are doing at the Highway 78 CID website.

Hundreds Turn Out to Run the Reagan

Almost 1,500 runners participated in the revival of the Run the Reagan races on President's Day Saturday. Commissioner Beaudreau was honored to serve as the official starter for the races. Held for almost a dozen years after the opening of the parkway, the event was suspended several years ago. Race organizers worked with Mike to arrange for the closing of the road so the race could be held.

"I was happy to help arrange for the return of the Run the Reagan," Mike said. "An event like this helps bring the community together, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and supports a good cause. I'm looking forward to many more in the future."

Meetings with Mike Spring Schedule

If you have a have a question about or an issue with the county or its government, you are welcome to share it with Mike at one of the popular "Meetings With Mike", held once a month on Saturdays. Over 150 people have stopped by to have a private discussion with the commissioner.

In March, Meetings with Mike will be held on Saturday the 11th from 10 AM until Noon at his office on the second floor of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center on Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Mike will also meet with residents on April 8th and May 13th.

Meetings don't require appointments, and are first-come first served.

Note: Dates for Meetings with Mike may change. Check www.MikeBeaudreau.com for late revisions.

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