City Council Tackles Packed Agenda

The City Council didn't slow down Tuesday night after Monday night's big announcement that the City would enter into an agreement to purchase the 20+ acres across from the Forum.

City leaders spent the evening on matters that ranged from rezoning requests, ad valorem tax agreements with the county to the city's new Comprehensive Plan.

Diana Wheeler updated the Council on the Comprehensive Plan that just kicked off last month. The city's first public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at City Hall.

This is an opportunity for citizens to provide their input on what they'd like to see in Peachtree Corners in the next 20 years. There's more information on the city's website along with a link to an anonymous online survey for residents to complete.

In new business the council considered amending the city's charter to reduce the required two readings to one reading. The purpose would help streamline the process said Bill Riley, the city's attorney. A referendum is not required in this case as "it doesn't change the form of government," explained Riley.

And due to the changes after the Service Delivery Strategy lawsuit was settled with Gwinnett County, cities must now enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the county for police, fire and other services. The county established "special service districts" which are used to collect tax monies to pay for those services. The Peachtree Corners charter has no provision for special service districts which requires the city's charter be amended.

"Our charter never contemplated that there would be a special service district," explained Riley. The council approved a resolution requesting State Rep. Tom Rice to introduce local legislation to allow the city to enter into Intergovernmental Agreements with the county for police and fire services. There will be no additional fees for these county services.

The Council also moved forward on an action item to establish another intergovernmental agreement with the county to collect the proceeds from the new Title Ad Valorem Tax that goes into effect March 1.

The council heard a first read to consider an Ordinance to establish an Economic Development Program which will offer incentives for job growth and new business for the city. The information was presented by Nick Masino, Senior Vice President, Economic Development & Partnership Gwinnett for the Gwinnett Chamber.

The City Council approved the rezoning request for the Peachtree Parkway Project that would add restaurant, retail and office space near the Piedmont Bank located on the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Medlock Bridge Road.

And council also approved a special use permit to allow a truck fleet maintenance facility on a business located on Amwiler road.

During the Public Comment period Mary Jean Harrison introduced herself as the new manager of the Peachtree Corners Gwinnett Library branch and invited everyone to drop by.

And Mim Harris, a Peachtree Corners resident addressed the City Council to express her disappointment over the "lack of transparency" by the city government. "The City-Lite model has been abandoned," she said and expressed her dismay that property had been purchased without a referendum vote.

"I felt like from the beginning information was not being put forth, and I'm truly disappointed," she told the Council. "I'm one very disappointed citizen, I hope you can restore my faith."

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