City Government

City Council Passes Resolution Strongly Urging Everyone to Wear Face Masks

Published

5 years ago

July 27, 2020

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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

Peachtree Corners Hosts Discussion About the Future of Local Policing

Published

22 hours ago

May 12, 2025

Arlinda Smith Broady

A group of people in the audience of a city meeting. They are sitting on red chairs, listening to a middle-aged white man at the front discussing the pros and cons of starting a police department in the city.

Although crime isn’t on the rise, and the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) is fulfilling its role in fighting crime, the City of Peachtree Corners is asking residents, business owners and city stakeholders if they believe the city should form its own police department.

With close to 200 people in attendance, City Manager Brian Johnson led the discussion about the future of policing in Peachtree Corners. He presented the findings from a survey conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM), a nationally-recognized law enforcement consulting and training firm, as well as information about patrol officer staffing, response times, costs to tax payers and a potential timeline.

Ensuring public safety

Johnson kicked off his presentation by explaining that it is the duty of the mayor and city council to ensure public safety, including reviewing law enforcement.

“Maybe it needs to grow, maybe it needs to change its focus. But city council is the one that has the decision-making responsibility,” he said.

He was also adamant that this isn’t a done deal.

Peachtree Corners City Manager Brian Johnson speaking at a public meeting on May 8 — City Manager Brian Johnson at the May 8 public meeting; photo credit: Rico Figliolini

“I hit this point already, but I want to hit it again. This is the start of a conversation, a community conversation and feedback to council. There hasn’t been a decision,” he said. “Council has not received this presentation from me. They’re here to watch and learn from your feedback of this.”

Mayor Mike Mason was present at the meeting, along with all of the city council members except Eric Christ who was out of town and watching remotely.

Issues and obstacles

Johnson explained that the grounds for the inquiry were based on issues about communication, access to information and enforcement of city-specific ordinances. He cited an example where a city rule that private residences can’t be rented on a short-term basis like Vrbo or Airbnb wasn’t enforced by GCPD. An owner tried to circumvent the ordinance by only renting the outside of the house. A loud pool party ensued, and frustrated neighbors dialed 911.

“Officers showed up and they said, ‘We can’t enforce the city’s noise ordinance,’” Johnson said.

The first stage to fix this problem was creating the marshal program to bridge the gap between code enforcement and GCPD.

Audience and speaker, along with a few empty red chairs, at a city meeting discussing starting a police department — photo credit: Rico Figliolini

“[We thought] they would be able to enforce both local ordinance and state law, since they are a function of the city, and they could maybe be a force multiplier for Gwinnett since [marshals] don’t have to respond to 911 calls,” said Johnson.

But other issues arose shortly after the department was formed.

“We were still working towards getting that good balance, but we have been faced recently with a couple of things that make it harder for us,” said Johnson.

Seeking shared access

Instead of GCPD giving PTC marshals read-only, quick access to incident reports, dispatch calls and other information, the marshals department was required to file open records requests through the same process as any civilian.

“They were denied, as well as the city of Sugar Hill, [when] asked for the ability to see, not change, but see the computer-aided dispatch information, so that they would know where Gwinnett County police officers were; so that they could avoid stepping on their toes or maybe looking to support their efforts, and they haven’t been granted that,” said Johnson.

Brian Johnson speaking to the audience at a public city meeting on May 8, 2025 — City Manager Brian Johnson; photo credit: Rico Figliolini

He added that the GCPD has video cameras on certain roadways that are used for various reasons, and law enforcement can use them when there’s crime in the area. Peachtree Corners marshals were denied access to those cameras.

“Conversely, we have a couple hundred cameras in the city, and we definitely want them to have access to them,” said Johnson. “So the frustration out of not being able to get that symbiosis between the marshals and police made us start thinking, all right, you know, is there another option?”

Community feedback

CPSM utilized data from GCPD to discern if Peachtree Corners could feasibly stand its own force. It also took into consideration crime trends, costs and many other factors. It recommended a 55-officer department, costing $12.1 million annually, with a $2.2 million upfront cost.

Comparing the two options to “renting vs. owning” the primary law enforcement agency in the city, Johnson presented pros and cons for each. Once the question-and-answer portion began, there was no obvious choice. Men and women, young and more advanced in age, had both similar and differing opinions.

A chart comparing the pros and cons of the city of Peachtree Corners starting their own police department — From Brian Johnson’s PowerPoint presentation

One young man, who identified himself as a local small business owner named Alexander, argued that with artificial intelligence increasing the efficiency of administrative tasks, perhaps the city wouldn’t need a full 68-man department of civilians and sworn officers.

Some accused the city of devising a solution in need of a problem. Others were concerned that paying approximately $100,00 for a study was throwing good money after bad.

But at the end of it all, the city is continuing to seek feedback and is encouraging everyone to make informed decisions. The meeting was taped and is available on the city website along with Johnson’s PowerPoint presentation, a copy of the study done by CPSM and a survey.

As far as a timeline goes, city officials would like folks to take the summer to mull it over and come back in the fall to take another look at the proposal.

City Government

City of Peachtree Corners Awarded Certificate of Achievement From GFOA for Seventh Straight Year

Published

4 days ago

May 9, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Certificate of Achievement Top Excellence in Financial Reporting award

The City of Peachtree Corners’ finance department has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2024 financial year-end comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

It is the city’s seventh year of receiving the award and represents a significant accomplishment by the city’s finance department and its leadership.

According to a GFOA release, “The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure’ to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.”

“We are pleased to again receive this honor,” said City Manager Brian Johnson. “Our finance department, and Finance Director Cory Salley, are to be commended for this achievement, as it is the highest form of recognition GOFA presents.”

A comprehensive annual report

The city’s finance department produces the CAFR each year and works with independent auditors to verify the city’s financial situation and standing.

“This prestigious award affirms Peachtree Corners’ dedication to exceeding basic requirements by producing comprehensive annual financial reports that reflect a strong commitment to transparency and full disclosure,” said Assistant City Manager Brandon Branham.

About the GFOA

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada.

The association’s more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions. GFOA’s mission is to advance excellence in public finance.

To learn more about the GFOA, visit gfoa.org.

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

City Government

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting

Published

4 weeks ago

April 14, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Flyer for a community meeting regarding law enforcement in Peachtree Corners.

The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.

This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.

The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.

Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.

In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.

After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.