Commissioner Mike Beaudreau News - 2005

Commissioner Beaudreau Votes Against Stormwater Fees

In late 2005, The County Commission approved a plan to charge poperty owners an annual fee to cover the cost of maintaining and repairing storm drains, retention ponds, and other measures used to control flooding when it rains. The fee is based on the impervious surface -- such as roofs and driveways -- on the property.

Commissioner Beaudreau was the only one to vote against the proposal, which went into effect with the 2006 property tax bills. "While the county does have an obligation to control runoff from storms into lakes and rivers, I think that the fee structure that was approved places an unfair burden on many homeowners who have large lots that are naturally able to absorb excess runoff," the commissioner said. "This proposal was passed without looking at possible alternatives, such as charging by the percentage of the entire property covered by impervious surface, or creating an impact fee for new development that would go towards stormwater control."

The county will prepare a list of measures property owners can take to reduce the effects of stormwater runoff. Property owners that implement these measures will be able to earn credits against the fee. To learn more about stormwater control measures in the county, visit www.gwinnettstormwater.com.

Commission Approves Conservation Subdivision Ordinance Amendments

The County Commission has approved changes to the Conservation Subdivision Overlay Ordinance, giving residents an opportunity to voice their opinion on new subdivisions, and providing for larger homes that better match surrounding neighborhoods. The changes were proposed by Commissioner Beaudreau in May, 2005.

"I believe that the changes to the CSO ordinance were a historic vote for the county", Commissioner Beaudreau said. "By taking this action, the commission responded to concerns expressed by county residents, particularly in District 3. The revised ordinance gives a voice to homeowners who previously had no say in this type of development going on in their neighborhoods."

The county created Conservation Subdivision Overlay Districts in order to promote green space. In exchange for preserving a portion of a new subdivision from development, developers can increase the density of the homes that do get built.

These changes to the ordinance were approved by the Commission:

• A public hearing is required prior to a conservation subdivision being constructed, in the same way that other zoning changes require review.
  
  As the law was originally written, land already zoned for R-100 or R-75 residential zoning could automatically be developed as a conservation subdivision. This could lead to situations where residents of a subdivision discover new homes being constructed across the street that don't fit the present subdivision's character.
• Exterior walls must be finished in brick, stone, fiber cement, or stucco.
  
  These materials are more fire-resistant than alternatives, including wood and vinyl siding. Because homes in conservation subdivisions are placed as close as ten feet apart, fire-resistant side walls reduce the chances of a fire spreading across multiple houses.

County Purchases Land For Park In South Gwinnett

County officials announced the purchase of 68 acres of land along the Yellow River, near US 78 and Ross Road. The property, originally part of a retreat and event facility known as Vecoma, is expected to be developed into a passive use park.

Commissioner Beaudreau commented, "Obtaining the Vecoma land for a new park will make a significant contribution to the quality of life for residents in the southern part of District 3. It should also help in the efforts to revitalize the Highway 78 corridor."

In addition to the newly purchased land, the county also owns 44 acres along the river on the other side of US 78. Commissioner Beaudreau commented that he hopes the county will ultimately be able to tie the two parcels together with a greenway.

Commissioner Beaudreau Reviews His First 6 Months in Office

After serving for six months as District 3 commissioner, Mike recently took some time to reflect on some of his accomplishments in office, including the creation of Operation Fixing Broken Windows, proposed changes to the county's Conservation Subdivision Overlay ordinance, Meetings with Mike, and more. Overall, Mike feels that he has made progress in addressing the issues he felt were important to the Third District while running for office. Read more about Mike Beaudreau's First Six Months in Office.

County Breaks Ground on New Grayson Library

The county held a long-awaited groundbreaking for the new Grayson library on July 28th, 2005. The library, located at the intersection of Grayson Parkway and Rock Springs Road, is expected to open to the public in the fall of 2006.

Speaking to officials and citizens gathered at the event, Commissioner Beaudreau said, "The people of Grayson have waited a long time for a library branch that is convenient to where they live. I'm happy to say that their dream is about to become a reality." He also noted the importance of reading to a quality education and an informed community.

Library board members, city of Grayson officials, and Gwinnett commissioners
helped break ground for the new Grayson library.

Beaudreau to Participate in Leadership Gwinnett

The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Commissioner Beaudreau at 35 other individuals will participate in the 2006 class of Leadership Gwinnett. The nine month program includes seven, daylong symposia covering government, health and human services, power, growth, education, justice and regional relations. In addition, study groups meet monthly, and the entire class participates in two retreats.

"I am looking forward to participating in this year's Leadership Gwinnett," Mike said recently. "The chance to interact with other leaders of Gwinnett's business community and learn more about some of the major issues facing the county in the future will allow me to better serve District 3 residents".

To learn more about Leadership Gwinnett and the Chamber, visit the Leadership Gwinnett Page on the Chamber's website.

Groundbreaking Held on Two District 3 Public Safety Projects

County officials broke ground on two projects to improve public safety in District 3. On June 28th, 2005, Commissioner Beaudreau joined police, fire, and tax commissioner heads to break ground on the new Eastside police precinct on Alcovy Road in Dacula, and on the new Fire Station 12 and Snellville Tag Office on Lenora Church Road, opposite Briscoe Park.

"I'm happy to be able to participate in the groundbreakings for buildings that will allow the county to provide improved police, fire, and auto tag services to residents of District 3", Mike said. He also noted that funds for the new structures are provided through the county's local option sales tax, meaning that the county does not need to issue bonds to pay for them.

Among the officials helping with the groundbreaking of the Eastside Police Precinct are left to right,
County Commission Chairman Charles Bannister, Police Chief Charlie Waters, County Administrator
Jock Connell, District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau, representatives of the design and construction companies for the station, and Dacula Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks.

In Snellville, Fire and Emergency Services Chief Jack McElfish (far left) and Tax Commissioner Katherine Sherrington (center right) helped the commissioners and other officials break ground for the new fire station and the county's first standalone tag office.

Mike Cuts the Ribbon at District 3 Park Grand Opening

District 3's newest park opened on April 12th, 2005 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Commissioner Mike Beaudreau and other county officials. The Vines Gardens Park originally opened in 1980 as Vines Botanical Gardens after the property was donated to the county. After several years of operation, the county leased the facility to a private company. Through the efforts of Commissioner Beaudreau and others, the park is now available again to county residents.

Located on Oak Grove Road between Grayson and Loganville, the 19 acres open to the public features a lake, meadow area, a garden railroad, and several gardens. The county hopes to open the remainder of the almost 80 acre property to the public in the future.

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