City Council Readies to Take Over Services Feb. 1

The Peachtree Corners City Council used Tuesday night's meeting to pass ordinances in preparation of a Feb. 1, 2013 deadline to take over several of the services currently managed by Gwinnett County.

The City Council approved a first read of a resolution to adopt and approve a fee schedule for building permits and also for adopting election fees for city elections.

Diana Wheeler said the building permit fees will be structured differently than how Gwinnett County currently manages and collects the fees.

"The county's process is not as customer friendly," explained Wheeler who said the county charges several fees, an initial fee then several more throughout the permitting process. Wheeler proposed a one-time fee that would be slightly higher but then there would be no further fees required.

"It's more business and customer-friendly," said Wheeler who explained it would be less burdensome to the applicant and the city's fee structure ultimately would cost the applicant less.

The City Council also moved forward in establishing fees for the upcoming city elections in November 2013.

"Posts 2 (currently held by Jay Lowe), Post 4 (currently held by Jeanne Aulbach) and Post 6 (currently held by Weare Gratwick) will be up for re-election in November of this year," said the City Manager, Julian Jackson.

Jackson said the election will be held Nov. 5 and the city will contract with Gwinnett County Elections Office to manage the elections.

Wheeler also presented information to the City Council on the plans for the city's comprehensive plan which is required of each city by the State of Georgia.

The process is to determine community goals and aspirations for community development. The Comprehensive Plan lays the foundation for such things as land use, recreation, housing, etc. and involves input from the citizens.

Wheeler said that a steering committee of approximately 15 people will be formed by the end of the month and the "first kickoff meeting would be scheduled for Feb. 5." She said the goal would be to have a completed plan to present to the City Council by October of this year.

The next City Council meeting has been rescheduled from Jan. 22 to Jan. 29 so that the mayor and council can attend an event by the Gwinnett County Commission to honor Norcross High School's football team for winning its first state championship.

There were no public comments. The City Council adjourned to go into executive session shortly before 8 p.m.

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