City Council Selects Trash Hauler, Rezones Former Roberts Property

At Tuesday night's meeting Peachtree Corners city leaders were able check off several big-ticket items from their to-do list.

Topping the list: 1. Finalizing the third and final of the three city services, solid waste management, 2. Getting the former Roberts property rezoned, and 3. Putting the final stamp of approval on the city's 2013-14 budget.

First came the announcement that the City Council had selected Waste Pro to provide solid waste pickup services.

"We looked over the three RFPs that were submitted and Waste Pro stood out," said Council member Jeanne Aulbach, who was a member of the four-person committee charged with making a recommendation on which provider to use.

"Pricing," she said, was important. But Waste Pro also stood out in its customer service, recycle program and recycle rewards program she added. "We felt they were a very good fit for us," said Aulbach.

"The savings are significant," said Jackson in referring to the price homeowners can expect to pay. "The contract will clarify the cost of the service." 

Council member Lorri Christopher, City Manager Julian Jackson and Mayor Mike Mason also served on the selection committee.
 
Second on that list was taking the final step to rezone the 20.6-acre tract of land across from The Forum. City Council voted 7-0 in favor of rezoning the property from apartment zoning to Multi Use Development (MUD). 

"We're getting close, guys," said Mason referring to the long hours the City Council put in to ensure the land was not developed into garden apartments but rather would incorporate residential, retail and open space for community use.

And lastly, the city's new budget for 2013-14 that reduces the millage rate to zero was unanimously approved. "It's cheaper to live in Peachtree Corners than in unincorporated Gwinnett," Council member Alex Wright pointed out.

Mason, who championed for a three-city service as the most cost effective way to run a city was delighted to be able to approve the budget that completely eliminates the millage rate.

"It's validation of the concept," he said. "We're on the right track."

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In other news, the mayor revealed the city's official seal, which has been mounted in the council chambers.

The council approved the Shell station owner's request for a special use permit to add check cashing, money orders and similar services to his business which is located on the corner of Jimmy Carter and Peachtree Industrial boulevards.

And council also approved developer Ben Cowart's request to rezone a portion of property on Peachtree Corners Circle to allow for a 87,000 square foot, three-story climate controlled storage building to be construction. The business is located next to Creme de la Creme School.

The city manager said he expects to have a contract for solid waste services to present to the City Council at the July 16 meeting which will spell out the cost of that service.