City Government

City Council Passes Resolution Strongly Urging Everyone to Wear Face Masks

Published

4 years ago

July 27, 2020

On Thursday, July 23, during a Special Called Meeting, the Peachtree Corners City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging residents to wear a face mask or face covering when visiting public places, such as retail shops, grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants and other venues where people cannot practice or maintain social distancing.

Additionally, the resolution urges all businesses and organizations located within the city to require employees and customers to wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations and CDC guidelines. Those guidelines include social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing a face mask or face covering.

By encouraging residents to wear masks while inside public places, or where maintaining a 6foot social distance is not possible, the city council hopes that residents will do their part to stop the recent surge in cases, both within the county and statewide. This resolution does not require people to wear a face covering but is designed to encourage people to do so while visiting enclosed public places and where social distancing is not possible.

“The resolution is intended to protect our citizens and those who work in the city,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “Everyone has a right to feel safe and comfortable in public, whether it’s to go to work or to shop. Simply put, wearing face coverings in public will help protect the health of our community by reducing the spread of the coronavirus.”

Gov. Brian Kemp’s Executive Order dated April 2, 2020, while it was written to protect the health, safety and welfare of the state’s residents and visitors, it does not require face masks or face coverings be worn. However, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maintains that one of the best ways to mitigate exposure to and the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a face mask.

On July 15, 2020 the governor issued an executive order that restricts local and county governments from passing an ordinance or law that is more restrictive that the state’s executive order. Thus, the governor’s order effectively preempts a local government from passing laws requiring that face masks be worn within its borders.

The city’s resolution also expresses strong support for the State of Georgia to either join the increasing number of states requiring residents and guests to wear face masks or to recognize the constitutional and statutory authority of local governments to enact and enforce orders, ordinances or regulations that are necessary to protect the public during a declared public health emergency, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution does not apply to those engaged in solitary outdoor activities such as walking, running or bicycling, riding in a personal vehicle and while drinking and eating. Other exceptions to wearing a face covering include children under the age of 8. The resolution also makes an exclusion for situations in which wearing face coverings would create a greater health, safety or security risk.

The resolution is effective July 23, 2020.

See full resolution below.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners (“City”), Georgia, are charged with the protection of public health, safety, and the welfare of the citizens of the City; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic; and

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

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020 Governor Brian Kemp declared a public health state of emergency to address the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, on April 2, 2020 the Governor signed an Executive Order to Ensure a Safe and Healthy Georgia (Executive Order 04.02.20.01) that requires, inter alia, residents and visitors of the State of Georgia to practice social distancing and sanitation in accordance with guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and makes the failure to practice social distancing and sanitation in accordance thereof a misdemeanor offense; and

WHEREAS, on April 3, 2020the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the CDC announced that, in addition to practicing social distancing and sanitation, wearing a cloth face covering in public settings represented one of the best ways to mitigate exposure to and the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, subsequent to Executive Order 04.02.20.01, the Governor has issued a series of Executive Orders which amend and revise the temporary action necessary and appropriate to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Georgia’s residents and visitors; however, to date, there is no requirement for Georgia’s residents and visitors to wear a cloth face covering in public settings in accordance with White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations and CDC guidelines; and

WHEREAS, on July 15, 2020 the Governor issued Executive Order 07.15.20.01, that purports to suspend, with the exception of orders issued pursuant to Georgia Code Section 38-3-60 et seq., any state, county, or municipal law, order, ordinance, rule, or regulation that requires persons to wear face coverings, masks, face shields, or any other Personal Protective Equipment while in places of public accommodation or on public property, to the extent they are more restrictive than the aforementioned Order; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) reports that on March 14, 2020, the date the Governor declared a public health state of emergency, there were 1,729 cumulative COVID-19 cases recorded in Georgia; and

WHEREAS, GDPH reports that as of July 23, 2020 the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Georgia has increased to 156,588, with 14,442 of those cases recorded in Gwinnett County; and

WHEREAS, as of July 23, 2020, orders requiring face covers in total or in part are in place state-wide in at least twenty-eight (28) states and in many local communities in the United States; and

WHEREAS, in increasing numbers, Georgia’s largest retailers, grocery stores, and other commercial establishments, many having locations within the City’s corporate limits, are requiring workers and patrons to, among other COVID-19 mitigation measures, wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations and CDC guidelines; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners have determined a city-wide standard on the wearing of face coverings by the City’s residents and visitors, is a paramount necessity to protect the community from the COVID-19 pandemic which threatens the safety and health of residents and the local economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners express strong support for the State of Georgia to either join the increasing number of states requiring residents and guests to wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations and CDC guidelines, or to recognize the authority of local governments, pursuant to their statutory powers delegated by the legislature, and the inherent power of local governments to enact and enforce orders, ordinances, rules, or regulations necessary for emergency management purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic, to include those requiring persons to wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations and CDC guidelines; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners urge all businesses, establishments, corporations, non-profit corporations, and organizations located within the City to require employees and customers to wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations and CDC guidelines; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners urge all residents and guests to wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the White House Coronavirus Task Force and CDC guidelines in any indoor or outdoor environment in which people cannot practice or maintain social distancing.

Reasonable exceptions to the wearing of cloth face coverings include:

Children under the age of eight (8)
People who cannot wear face coverings due to diagnosed medical conditions
People whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering
While eating or drinking
When complying with the directions of law enforcement or for the purposes of verifying someone’s identity while banking, purchasing alcohol, tobacco, or prescription drugs
With family or household members in a domestic setting
While in a personal motor vehicle
While in a swimming pool
While speaking for a broadcast or an audience

SO RESOLVED AND EFFECTIVE, this the 23rd day of July, 2020

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City Government

City of Peachtree Corners Awarded Health Wellness Grant

Published

1 month ago

November 7, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The City of Peachtree Corners has been awarded one of the 2024 Health Wellness Grants by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The grant supports the city’s commitment to facilitating positive change in workplace culture and going the extra mile for employees’ health and wellness.

GMA is honored to collaborate with the City of Peachtree Corners at every step of their health wellness journey. Awards are made statewide to participating employers enrolled in one or more medical plans through the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit Services (GMEBS) Life and Health Insurance Fund.

The Health Wellness Program at GMA helps members embrace a variety of skills, mindsets and cultures to encourage utmost well-being through workplace health wellness initiatives. These initiatives have demonstrated a track record of improving employee well-being and quality of life while enhancing workplace morale, reducing medical claims and maximizing cost impact.

“As a city, we are committed to fostering an environment where our employees’ health and well-being are a top priority,” said City Manager Brian Johnson. “This grant will enable us to build on our efforts to create a workplace culture that not only promotes wellness but also empowers our staff to make healthier lifestyle choices every day. Our employees are our greatest asset, and investing in their well-being ultimately benefits both the City of Peachtree Corners and the community we serve.”

Workplace health wellness

The City of Peachtree Corners has designated a Health Wellness Champion to coordinate/oversee the program and work in partnership with GMA to facilitate the planning of targeted activities. Jennifer Bonacci, assistant finance director, has expounded on how the City of Peachtree Corners will benefit from implementing workplace health wellness initiatives.

“We are excited to use our grant money to help make a difference in the lives of our employees by creating an atmosphere of health and wellness,” said Bonacci. “Adult fitness opportunities are often put on the back burner due to work schedules, long commutes and family obligations. We hope to enable our employees to make small choices each day to increase their overall health and wellness and build a community of support and encouragement around health and wellness.”

For more about the City of Peachtree Corners, visit peachtreecornersga.gov/1/Home.

To learn more about GMA’s Health Wellness Program, visit them online here.

City Government

Councilmember Sadd to Host Town Hall Meeting on October 29

Published

2 months ago

October 21, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Post 1 Councilmember Phil Sadd is hosting a non-partisan town hall meeting at Winters Chapel United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m.

The meeting will begin with an update on activities in the City of Peachtree Corners and an overview of plans for future projects.

“The upcoming town hall will not only provide our residents with information and an opportunity to ask questions, but will also allow me to hear directly from them about their concerns and desires for the future of our city,” said Sadd.

Topics to be discussed include:

New development/redevelopment
Trails and parks
Transportation improvement projects
November 5 ballot questions
Candidates for state and county local seats

An informative public forum

For the upcoming November 5 election, Peachtree Corners voters will have decisions to make on very important local issues. Topics on the ballot include a county-wide transit SPLOST referendum, amendments to the state constitution and the election of local state and county Officials.

“Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a public forum in Peachtree Corners during this election cycle that covers all these topics,” Sadd stated. “Every voter should have the opportunity to be informed about every item on the ballot, so they fully understand each question they need to answer and each vote they need to make.”

The Town Hall will provide information about these topics, as well as an opportunity to hear from and meet the local state (both senate and house) and county (chairman and commissioner) candidates that are on the ballot.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City Government

Southwest Gwinnett Mayors Share Visions for the Future

Published

5 months ago

July 22, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce hosted mayors from Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Peachtree Corners at a panel discussion on July 12.

(left to right), Bobby Cobb, Mayor Mike Mason, Mayor Lois Salter and Mayor Craig Newton // Photos courtesy of George Hunter

In what has now become tradition, the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce hosted mayors from Berkeley Lake, Norcross and Peachtree Corners at a panel discussion on July 12 at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast.

The conversation centered around strategies for revitalizing and expanding metro Atlanta cities, with a focus on redevelopment, zoning ordinance reform, pedestrian and bicycle safety and investing in local schools and affordable housing initiatives.

Zoning changes

“We are beginning a really big project in our city. We have had ordinances that we’ve been working on ever since the city was incorporated in the 1950s,” said Berkeley Lake Mayor Lois Salter.

“We feel that we need to overhaul the whole zoning ordinance system and hire a consultant to come and elicit understanding and opinions from our citizens. We want them to be a part of that. We have some folks that resist any kind of regulation. They just want us to regulate their neighbors,” she added.

Norcross Mayor Craig Newton agreed that evolving needs are an important reason to change the zoning, and planning for what lies ahead is paramount. He pointed out that all Georgia cities must implement a comprehensive plan to maintain their qualified local government certifications and remain eligible for selected state funding.

Land development

“We intend to focus on improving pedestrian bicycle safety downtown and establish a sidewalk activity improvement,” he said. “We’re also looking at approving parking in our town center and constructing the Norcross Greenway, which will bring a much-welcomed park, green space and a trail,” he added.

The county announced earlier this year that the project involves redeveloping the existing property into a park that will span almost two acres. It will offer various community spaces, including a multi-use trail, playground, covered picnic area, restroom building and a 41-space parking lot.

In addition to its amenities, a 12-foot-wide concrete trail segment will wind through the park and utility corridor, connecting Singleton Road to Dickens Road.

The trail is part of the 2018 Gwinnett Trails Countywide Trails Master Plan‘s Norcross to Lilburn Trail with an internal loop trail connecting to the neighborhood.

Commercial use

Peachtree Corners has had several “community-friendly” projects come online in the past year, but the effects of the pandemic continue to linger.

“When you think about the future, you’re thinking about the landmass and buildings and commerce. Probably the most significant issue facing a lot of us in the near term is modern office space,” said Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason. “There’s a lot of space. The question is, are people going to come back?”

He said that the central retail area has shifted with the revitalization of The Forum and that’s making city leaders rethink city planning.

“We’re having a look at our code and things like that. But from another point of view that will drive the decision about what communities are going to look like,” he said. “For example, there are people coming into the city that say some buildings are technologically obsolete.”

Public safety

Even though Berkeley Lake is the smallest of the three cities and has the highest average home values, all the mayors agreed that public safety is a growing concern.

“Living in Norcross offers residents a dense suburban feel that’s somewhat rural compared to the city of Atlanta,” said Newton. “But some of our public safety initiatives are increasing police presence in high crime areas.”

As the only one of the three cities with a full police department, Norcross is seeking creative ways to implement effective community policing strategies to build trust and communication between law enforcement and the residents.

Newton mentioned programs such as Neighborhood Watch, youth outreach programs and educational initiatives along with enhancing emergency response capabilities with training for the local fire department and EMS services.

“Our response time goal is for an officer to be on-site in an emergency within 30 minutes,” he said. “But that doesn’t happen.”

Extended-stay hotels tend to attract crime, so Newton said the city has worked with owners to improve lighting in the public spaces to deter criminal activity.

“We’ve partnered with nonprofit businesses and local stakeholders to support social services employment opportunities for at-risk individuals,” he said. “By working together with various organizations and entities were able to address the complex challenge of public safety.”

Community accountability

With no police force, Berkeley Lake relies heavily on cameras and old-fashioned “knowing your neighbors,” said Salter.

“Some of our individual HOAs are buying and furnishing and paying for cameras to safeguard their neighborhoods,” she said.

Although there may be pockets of criminal behavior around the city, Salter said a police officer once described Berkeley Lake as a “black hole” of crime because there’s so little crime data.

“One of the reasons for that we feel is that historically we’ve been a very neighborly people,” she said. “There is an amazing system of community cohesiveness.”

Peachtree Corners is taking its own approach.

“We’ve recently added a Marshal Service and as Lois mentioned we’re also leaning on technology,” said Mason.

The marshal department doesn’t take the place of the services provided by Gwinnett County Police, it primarily enforces city code and aids Gwinnett PD when necessary.

“We’re utilizing as much technology as we can,” said Mason.

Gwinnett PD is instructing where to locate cameras and the city keeps adding them. There have been several instances in the last year or so where coordination among agencies and the use of technology have thwarted or caught criminals.

At the end of the day, the three mayors said the cities all rely on each other. Being so close means that economic development, enhanced entertainment and other desirable amenities are boons for them all.