Suwanee loves its parks…continued from page 1

CrossRoads
Official newsletter of the
August 2006
Suwanee loves its parks
by Christopher Hansard
Based on responses received through
a park system survey, it seems apparent,
Suwanee, that you are proud of your
parks. More than 180 people, including
123 City residents, responded to the survey sent out in the June issue of
CrossRoads and made available online.
Seventy percent of respondents rated
Suwanee’s park system as “excellent;”
another 27 percent said Suwanee’s parks
are “good,” and 2.5 percent rated them “fair.” Ninety-eight percent agreed
that parks make Suwanee a better place to live. One respondent echoed the
opinion of many, saying: “Keep up the great work! Everything you are doing
makes me proud to be a resident of Suwanee.”
Suwanee’s four newest parks, developed through the City’s award-winning Open Space Initiative, each received praise from residents. The citizenbuilt PlayTown Suwanee playground has been visited by almost 70 percent of
Big Splash fountain
a BIG hit
Since its grand opening June 17, Suwanee’s
Big Splash fountain has been the place to be for
those young at heart as well as those sweltering in
the Georgia summer sun.
“My favorite part was the middle because
you floated up in the air,” says 9-year-old
Brittany.
continued on page 2
Share your thoughts
on alternative transportation
The City of Suwanee has contracted with Street Smarts, a Duluth-based
traffic and transportation planning firm, to develop an Alternative
Transportation Master Plan. As part of the study, the City is seeking public
comment via an online survey as well as an open house, which will be held
sometime in October.
For a link to the online survey, please visit www.suwanee.com/survey.
More information about the open house will be available in the September
issue of CrossRoads.
In creating the master plan, Street Smarts will inventory and analyze the
City’s current alternative transportation facilities, such as sidewalks, trails, and
bikeways. The plan will look for opportunities to fill in system gaps, cross
major impediments such as Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and the railroad
track, and connect areas to the Suwanee Creek Greenway.
The plan, expected to be completed by the end of the year, will suggest
ways that the City can most efficiently spend funds to enhance its alternative
transportation facilities, including multipurpose trails, sidewalks, paths, and
bikeways.
“I like to step on the squirting water to
spray the people trying to stay dry,” says
Angelica, a devilish 8-year-old.
continued on page 3
Read about Suwanee’s ‘Big Splash’
for Long Beach, Mississippi,
on pages 4 and 5.
Inside this issue:
2007 budget reflects a ‘busy’ Suwanee . . .p .6
Celebrate Suwanee Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 7
Working on the railroad . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 9
Walk a mile in police shoes . . . . . . . . . .p. 10
Page 2
August 2006
www.suwanee.com
Suwanee loves its parks…continued from page 1
those surveyed. One playground patron thanked the City for parks that “make Suwanee a wonderful place to raise
children!”
Town Center Park lived up to its reputation as “Suwanee’s front yard” as events were its most highly rated feature; 90 percent of respondents enjoy the park’s mix of concerts and festivals.
However, neither Town Center Park nor PlayTown could match Suwanee Creek Park and the Suwanee Creek
Greenway in weekly visits by residents; apparently, respondents who enjoy the greenway and park visit them on a
regular basis. Those visiting the City’s multipurpose greenway said they appreciated the natural environment surrounding Suwanee’s four miles of trails. Gwinnett County’s George Pierce Park
also remains a hot spot for sports and recreational activities.
Park
PlayTown Suwanee
Suwanee Creek Park
Suwanee Creek Greenway
Town Center Park
% Familiar % Visited
75.3
67.6
60.9
57.2
72.4
94.8
72.3
90.8
Top Concern
lack of shade
lack of [awareness of existing]
bathroom facilities
flooding
limited parking
In the survey, citizens also were invited to relay concerns about City parks.
Several concerns identified by citizens already are being addressed.
One concern, limited parking at Town Center Park, will soon cease to be a
significant issue. When Town Center is fully developed, approximately 900
parking spaces will be available for businesses and special events. The parking
will be located behind the retail buildings currently under construction, at the
new City Hall, and along streets inside the Shadowbrook subdivision.
Marty Allen, director of planning and community development, says:
“The 120 parking spaces currently available at Town Center Park represent only
13 percent of the total parking spaces that will be available. There will be a lot of
Did you leave something
parking spaces once construction in and around Town Center is complete. These
behind at the park?
parking spaces have been planned from the beginning, and the City is excited that
The Suwanee Police Department has
they are now becoming available.”
about 10 bicycles that were abandoned
While lack of public restroom facilities was noted as a concern at Suwanee
at City of Suwanee parks. If your child
Creek Park, please be aware that public restroom facilities are available at the
is missing a bicycle, it may be at the
Suwanee Creek Park and George Pierce Park trailheads. In addition, the City of
Suwanee Police Department. To claim
Suwanee has an agreement with the Suwanee Sports Academy that allows those on
one of the bicycles, contact Lt. Dan
the greenway to use the Suwanee Sports Academy’s restrooms free of charge durClark at dclark@suwanee.com or
ing the facility’s operating hours.
770/945-8995.
Respondents also offered suggestions for future parks. A dog park and an
indoor swimming pool
were the two most common requests made by citizens.
A few survey respondents were not so pleased with
Suwanee’s parks. Four of the 181 people (2 percent) surveyed felt that City parks did not make Suwanee a better
place to live. “Too much being taxed,” one person
remarked.
Many more respondents, though, seemed to agree
with the person who wrote: “Suwanee is not perfect, but is
GREAT!”
Christopher Hansard, a 2005 North Gwinnett High School graduate
and sophomore at the University of Georgia, has interned the past three
summers with the City of Suwanee’s department of economic and community development. He becomes increasingly indispensable each summer.
August 2006
Page 3
www.suwanee.com
Big splash fountain…continued from page 1
Bryce, also 8, declared the fountain “awesome.” “I mean, I
want to go there a lot of times.”
“We have truly enjoyed the fountain at Town Center
Park…this summer,” says area resident Brenda Everson.
“What a great addition to an already wonderful park!”
The Big Splash fountain, the largest interactive fountain in
Gwinnett County, has 43 jets and uses up to 1,400 gallons of water per
minute. The water is recycled and reused. The fountain is open from
9 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting.
“We expected that the fountain would bring even more people to
Town Center Park,” says City
Manager Hardin Watkins, “but
its draw has dramtically exceeded
our expectations. It’s been overwhelmingly popular.”
Surelyne Lee of Sweet Temptations ice cream shop at Town Center says that
the fountain’s opening has “greatly” impacted her business. “Our lunch traffic
has increased as more families are coming to enjoy the park and the fountain,”
she says. “We have expanded our lunch menu to
include kids’ meals.
“There have been days,” she adds, “usually
on weekends, when we have scooped over 500
scoops of ice cream.”
With so many people enjoying the fountain,
Watkins says: “It’s really important that everyone
help us ensure that rules are followed in order to
protect everyone’s safety and the integrity of the
fountain. We’d hate to have to close the fountain
for repairs because kids were putting rocks,
trash, or socks down the jets. We need the community to help us enforce the rules.”
When using Big Splash fountain, please keep in mind and follow these rules:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
No food, gum, or beverages may be brought into the fountain area.
No pets are allowed. (Yes, this means dogs.)
No water balloons, water guns, or other toys permitted.
Please keep rocks, stones, and other small objects outside the
fountain area. (The small rocks found in the park can
damage the jets.)
No skates, skateboards, scooters, or bicycles.
Toddlers must wear swim diapers.
Footwear is strongly recommended.
Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult;
never leave children unattended.
No running or rough-housing.
No jumping from walls.
photo by Gregg Logan
Page 4
August 2006
www.suwanee.com
As the Suwanee community celebrated the classic elegance and fun factor of its new interactive fountain at Town Center
Park, it also reached out to assist those who are working to recover from the destructive power of hurricane-driven water.
Suwanee’s June 17 Big Splash event doubled as a fund-raiser for Long Beach, Mississippi, a Gulf-Coast community about 6o
miles east of New Orleans that is struggling to recover from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.
The event raised nearly $25,000 for Long Beach,
Suwanee’s unofficial adopted sister city. In addition,
Richport Properties presented Long Beach Mayor Billy
Skellie with a check for $30,560, the proceeds from the
sale of the Hurricane Relief House that it built in the new
Stonecypher neighborhood.
Richport also underwrote the cost of renting inflatable
rides for the Big Splash event; the sale of wristbands, which
provided access to the rides, accounted for some of the
money raised for Long Beach. Money also was raised
through a silent and live auction, hand-painting two cowmunity cows, and donations.
More than $10,000 was raised through the live auction, during which about 10 items, including Jason
Varitek’s tickets to a home Boston Red Sox game and a
Going once…going twice… Bidder number 42 signals his interest in an item
week-long stay in a Panama City Beach condominium,
at the Big Splash live auction. Suwanee raised nearly $25,000 for Long Beach
were sold to the highest bidders. During the auction, parat the June 17 event.
ticipants spontaneously offered other items for auction,
including four July 4 Braves’ tickets and another week-long stay at a Destin condominium.
Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie, who attended the Big Splash event along with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law, says: “The auction was quite remarkable, and we were astonished at the many items donated and
at the bid amounts…. It is with sincere gratitude that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your
compassion for our city will always be remembered.”
photo by M. Michael Farr
The needs in Long Beach continue to be staggering, he says.
Among the ways that Long Beach may use the City of Suwanee’s
and Richport’s donations are to repair three police cars damaged
in the hurricane, replace air conditioners in the police department
and senior citizens center, purchase office furnishings as staff
members prepare to move back into City Hall, and cover operating expenses for lights, gas, phones, etc.
“I hope you will continue to pray for Long Beach as
we move forward to rebuild and develop,” Skellie adds.
Orchestrating the ‘splash’
A small, but hard-working, committee of citizen volunteers helped make Suwanee’s Big Splash a successful
fund-raising event. Thanks very much to the following
individuals for their compassion, time, and energy:
Chris Aker
Jodi Nevels
Lisa Brannon
Lindsey Page
Sheila Crumrine
Debbie Spivey
Gary & Debra Daniels
Richport Properties builds and helps re-build communities
Richport Properties representatives, City of Suwanee officials,
and Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie (kneeling on the right)
and family members gather in front of the Hurricane Relief
House that Richport built in the Stonecypher neighborhood.
Richport donated $30,560 to Long Beach from proceeds from
the sale of the home.
photo by M. Michael Farr
Suwanee makes a splash…and a difference
August 2006
Page 5
www.suwanee.com
Splash-tacular donors
The silent and live auctions at Suwanee’s Big Splash raised
about $15,000 for Long Beach. Heartfelt thanks to the generous
businesses and individuals who provided wonderful items and
services for the auctions:
Absolute Landscape, Inc.
AirTran Airways
All About Tennis
Ambiance Interiors
Angela Thee Custom Interiors
Antiqua
Aqua Terra Bistro
B&G Florist
Beef O'Bradys
Beverage Artist
Big Dog School of Tennis
Bowen Family Homes
Braswell Music
Bruster's Ice Cream
Carisma
Chick-fil-A
City of Suwanee
Clippers Cut
Courtyard by Marriott--Suwanee
Cracker Barrel
Crescent Resources/River Club
Crossroads Grille
Crystal College
Deb Rapp
Debbie Doval
DMD Design Group
Garland Family
Gwinnett Gladiators
Hairllucinations
Hampton Golf Village
Hardin Watkins & Elizabeth Jackson
Ippolito's
James Avery Craftsman
Jason & Karen Varitek
Jeff Foxworthy
Jersey Mike's
Julie DiMizio-Gelb
Jump Zone
Karen Krotz
Kauffman Tire
Kroger
Kurt Blumthal
Lake Lanier Islands
La-Z-Boy
Log Cabin BBQ
Los Cantaros Mexican Restaurant
M. Michael Farr Photography
Maggie Mayer
Main Street Photography, Inc.
Majestic Thai
Mayor's Jewelers
Michel's
Moe's
Monterrey
Office Creations
Panache Baskets & Gifts
Peachy Nails
PGA Tour Superstore
Phil & Lynne DeWilde
Rep. John Linder
Reynolds Plantation
Scott Higgins
Serious Tennis
SpeedTech Racing School
Steve & Lisa Copeland
Stewart Gallery
Super Suppers
Suwanee Academy of the Arts
Suwanee Dental Care
Suwanee Family Physicians
Sweet Temptations
Taco Mac
Tanners
The Fresh Market
Total Tennis & Fitness
WAGA TV
Wal-Mart
Wes Westmoreland
Wild Wing
Wilkes Meat Market
Windemere Golf Club
Yellowbird Design
Zaxby's
Town Center Park
event to cater
to dog and
music lovers
Star 94 radio is bringing Pet-A-Palooza—and lots
of great music—to Town Center Park on
Saturday, August 19. The 3-10 p.m.
event will cater to dogs and their caretakers so bring Fido and Phoebe, Buddy and
Buster out for some furry fun!
Local bands will play throughout the
event. At the time this newsletter
went to print, the featured performer had
not been confirmed. For updated information, please visit www.suwanee.com.
For the safety of all participants,
dogs must be on a leash. Water and pet
waste disposal bags will be available at
Town Center Park. (Remember, dogs are
not allowed in the Big Splash fountain.)
Off-site parking and free shuttle
transportation to and from Town Center
Park will be available from 4-10:30 p.m.
Off-site parking is at the Shawnee North
Business Center, 305 LawrencevilleSuwanee Road, across from Smithtown
Road, and Quality Technology Services,
120 Satellite Boulevard. Dogs will not be
permitted on the shuttle buses; a designated pet drop-off location will be available at Town Center Park.
Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Bring blankets, chairs,
picnics, dogs,
and other
friends, but
alcohol may not
be brought into
Town Center
Park.
Page 6
August 2006
www.suwanee.com
2007 budget grows to $11.5 million;
tax rate remains the same
The City of Suwanee’s $11.5 million budget for fiscal year 2006-07, which began July 1,
includes $9,992,150 for day-to-day operations. This nearly $10 million general fund budget represents a 14 percent increase over last year, but the millage rate, which is used to calculate property taxes owed, remains the same as last year at 5.77 mills. All City of Suwanee tax rates for 200607 remain unchanged.
Major expenditure areas, intended to maintain and enhance services provided to citizens,
include:
• implementation of key technological initiatives, particularly in public safety areas ($252,000)
Hardin Watkins
• a market-based salary adjustment to ensure adequate and fair compensation for Suwanee staff
members ($118,000)
• capital projects and other City initiatives.
Suwanee’s annual bond payment of $1.21 million for its award-winning Open Space Initiative, through which
four new parks have been created and 235 acres of open space acquired, remains one of the City’s largest expenditures.
The City’s 2006-07 budget allocates $168,000 for landscape installation, improved contract grounds maintenance, a branding campaign, and other
professional services in the Suwanee
General Government
Other Financing Uses
Gateway/ I-85 area. Approximately
18.5%
16.4%
$89,000 has been set aside to promote
Downtown Suwanee and support the City’s
Housing and
Downtown Development Authority, and
Judicial
Development
4.2%
$60,000 has been allocated for future city11.9%
wide planning processes.
“This budget reflects that the City of
Suwanee remains a very busy place,” says
Culture and
Recreation
City Manager Hardin Watkins. “Thanks to
2.3%
substantial revenue growth from a growing
tax digest and significant increase in buildPublic Works
Public Safety
11.4%
35.2%
ing permits as well as the positive financial
impact that the Gwinnett County
SPLOST program provides, Suwanee is
able to continue to implement our bold initiatives and strive for excellence.”
The City of Suwanee anticipates receiving more than $1.7 million in SPLOST funds over the next 12 months.
These funds will support 13 separate City projects, including a pedestrian bridge linking Town Center and the
Suwanee Creek Greenway, enhancements to the older section of the Suwanee Creek Greenway, major police communications improvements, and police department expansion.
Other City of Suwanee capital projects, that do not involve SPLOST funds, include paving streets, public works
yard expansion, new City Hall, and several open space projects. The City’s current capital projects fund balance is
more than $14 million.
Additional 2006-07 initiatives to be supported by the nearly $10 million general fund are:
• two new staff positions: a police lieutenant and part-time building inspector
• equipment and other materials, including new vehicles, banners, and signs, to help keep Suwanee attractive
• a stormwater needs assessment.
“With the resources provided through this budget, the City of Suwanee will not only maintain existing service
levels but also improve service delivery,” says Watkins.
“We’ll also work to improve the aesthetics of our facilities. We’re going to build upon our track record of success
and 19 awards received over the past couple of years.”
August 2006
Page 7
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Celebrate Suwanee Day 2006
Saturday, September 16 • Town Center Park
Fun, food & festivities all day long
I
I
I
I
I
Parade ~ 10 a.m.
Arts & craft exhibitors ~ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Inflatable rides ~ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free entertainment ~ 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Atlanta Rhythm Section ~ 8 p.m.
More information in the September issue
of CrossRoads, a September 10
special section in the Gwinnett Daily Post,
and at www.suwaneeday.com.
2006 festival logo celebrates Town Center Park
For the second consecutive year, the winner of the Suwanee Day design competition is, coincidentally, a woman from
Buford. This year’s winner is Amy Maffei, the mother of two preschoolers and owner/creator of Sugarbug Creations.
Maffei’s design was selected from among 57 entries from 31 artists who submitted designs in this year’s competition, which once again is sponsored by Richport Properties.
The 2006 design, which features three different symbols of Town Center Park and the Suwanee Day Festival in different colored squares, will be used on Suwanee Day promotional materials, including the official festival t-shirt. The
design is to be officially “unveiled” at an August 16 event at Richport’s model home in the Village Grove neighborhood.
The colors used in her design are, Maffei says, representative of summer and fall colors….The warm melon red
color [square on the left] is that of watermelon and also the color of leaves in the fall. The yellow [middle square] represents “sun, summer fun, and leaves you with a bright, happy feeling of family, fellowship, and playing outside,” Maffei
says. “The green is representative of the trees that Suwanee so dearly treasures.
“I wanted to design something that would appeal to people of all ages and all races and something that would
catch the eye of everyone,” the artist adds. To see Maffei’s design in full color, visit www.suwaneeday.com.
Maffei, who has a degree in graphic design and illustration from the Art Institute of Atlanta, will receive $500 for
her winning design.
Through her home-based business, Sugarbug Creations, Maffei offers unique and whimsical products that mark
milestones in children’s lives. Products include invitations, announcements, cards, and room décor.
The 2006 Suwanee Day t-shirts adorned with Maffei’s design will be available at City Hall beginning September 7
and at the Festival Information booth on September 16. In addition, entries submitted through the design competition
will be on display and many of them available for purchase.
Page 8
August 2006
www.suwanee.com
City to take customer service to new level
Is there a street light out in your neighborhood? Have you noted a nearby code violation? Having a problem with cars running stop signs near your home? It soon will be a lot easier to report concerns and to request
services from the City of Suwanee.
In an effort to continue to exceed citizen expectations and enhance quality of life, the City of Suwanee is
adopting a new web-based citizen/customer request management system,
S.E.E. (Suwanee Exceeds Expectations) Online. Suwanee’s new customer
service management system, expected to be available early this fall, will be
operated through RequestPartner, a comprehensive web-enabled software
application and centralized database.
“High-quality customer service is a top priority for the City of
Suwanee,” notes Office Administrator Billie Marshall. “This new system
will allow Suwanee to respond more efficiently and effectively to requests
for service. S.E.E. Online will take customer service in Suwanee to a whole
new level.”
Through the RequestPartner-supported S.E.E. Online, citizens will
be able to submit and track requests for services or information from any location at any time through the
Internet. The system will provide access to a variety of City departments, including police, inspections, public
works, and finance. City staff also will have 24/7 access and data management capabilities.
Business is booming
Almost 80 businesses have opened in the City of Suwanee since
the beginning of the year. As a service to citizens and businesses,
CrossRoads will list new businesses on a regular basis, usually in every
other issue.
The businesses that have opened in Suwanee since January, according to the City finance department’s records, are:
AAP Motorsports, Inc….ACK Investments, LLC…Adanac
Installation Services, Inc….Advance Communications Integration…All
Pro Floors, Inc….Amira's Mediterranean Bistro…Around Atlanta
Realty, Inc….Asif Taufio & Sean Grady, DDS…Astoria…Asys,
Inc….Atlantic Cabinet Corp….C2 Education Center…Chase Staffing Fresh Market opens in Suwanee Fresh Market
Service…Chilitos…CMK Properties…CNN Hair Studio…Coated
Chief Operating Officer Brett Berry, left, and
Film Corp…
Mayor Nick Masino greet one another at the
D Best Car Wash & Lube…Dooly Enterprises of Georgia,
Fresh Market grand opening on June 28.
Inc….Dr. Rick Dietz, Partners in Health…Elixir Corp….EMCO
Communities, LLC…Entec System, Inc….Enterprise Signs…Epoch
Construction, LLC…Factory Glass Direct, LLC…Firenze Coffeehouse… George Management Group, LLC…Global
Floors, Inc….Helping Hands Cleaning & Pool Service…Hi-Tech Liquidators, Inc….Homekey Lending,
Inc….Integrity Transmissions Auto & Body…IP Systems, LLC…
J Amley Consulting, LLC…J. Jun Construction…J. Ross Fine Jewelry…Jang Soo Garden…Jeff Weber, Ed.D.,
P.C….Judy A. Kerley, Ph.D., P.C….Juno Construction…Lade?Lake? Electric Supply, Inc….Lakeside
Renovations…Lowe Supply, Inc….Mary Grace Thomas, Ph.D., P.C….Metro PCS, Inc….Noah Sign…Nor-West
Automotive & Performance…Oakmont at Suwanee Station…On-Site Systems, Inc….Porter Paints…Project Services
Group, LLC…Public Storage
Quality Technology Services, LLC…Renu Finish, Inc….Results Realty Suwanee, LLC…Rhodes Design Group,
Inc….See Jane Build…Shotz Studio of Photography…Special Needs Pediatric Therapy Services…Spooner &
McClung, LLC…SunTrust Bank…Superior Stone Co,…Sweet Temptations…Taylor & Associates…The Fresh
Market…The Happy Cleaners…The Sans Institute…Thomas H. Blackburn, CPA…Top Tops…Wallace Reed
Music…Williams Garage Doors…Yellow Iron Auction, LLC
August 2006
Page 9
www.suwanee.com
New state laws may impact you
As a public service, the City of Suwanee Police Department is offering the following information about some of the new laws that were enacted earlier this year
and went into effect July 1. The new laws, outlined in the Georgia Department of
Public Safety’s 2006 Legislative Summary, deal with a wide variety of issues, from
vicious dogs to funerals, from secret compartments to anti-terrorism training.
Lt. Cass Mooney requests that Suwanee citizens also keep in mind, for the safety
of law enforcement officers, a “move over” law that was enacted a couple of years
ago. That law requires that any vehicle passing an emergency vehicle with lights
flashing on the side of the road must change, if possible, into a lane not adjacent to
the authorized emergency vehicle. If a lane change is impossible because it is prohibited by law or unsafe, the approaching vehicle must slow down to a speed below the
posted speed limit. The mandatory fine for violating this law is $500.
Right to self defense
Senate Bill 396 codifies what has long been “common law” when it comes to self
defense in the U.S. The bill allows that a person can stand his/her ground and use
threats or force, including deadly force, in defense of self or property; there is no
duty to retreat. The new law provides a defense for civil tort actions and an immunity from criminal prosecution, unless the person uses a weapon that they are prohibited from carrying or possessing.
Slick tops
Senate Bill 64 amends previous laws to allow law enforcement agencies to have a
limited number of “slick top” vehicles, those without flashing/revolving colored lights
permanently mounted. The new code allows motorists who are directed to stop by a
marked “slick top” vehicle to drive to a reasonable safe location before stopping;
motorists should indicate their intent to stop by using flashing lights or turn signals
and observing the posted speed limit (not to exceed 50 miles per hour).
Mercedes’ Law
“Mercedes’ Law,” or House Bill 1497, establishes rules regarding the possession
and confiscation of a “vicious” dog. A vicious dog is defined as one the has previously
bitten, attacked, or endangered the safety of a human being or is maintained for the
purpose of fighting (with the exception of law enforcement dogs). The law requires
that owners of vicious dogs keep them in a “proper enclosure” while on the owner’s
property.
No secret compartments in vehicles
House Bill 1193 prohibits ownership or operation of a vehicle with a false or
secret compartment. The bill defines “a false or secret compartment” as one that is
used to conceal persons or contraband from law enforcement officers for an unlawful
purpose.
Mattie’s Call
House Bill 728 establishes a statewide alert system, known as “Mattie’s Call,” for
missing disabled adults. The alert system is similar to the previously established
“Levi’s Call” for abducted children.
‘Highway Watch’ training
House Bill 1253 amends training requirements for individuals with commercial
driver’s licenses to include “Highway Watch” training for new applicants and
renewals. “Highway Watch” is a safety awareness and anti-terrorism training program.
Respectful funerals
Senate Bill 606 makes it illegal to engage in any disorderly or disruptive conduct
with the intent to impede disrupt, disturb, or interfere with any funeral or memorial
service.
We’ll be working
on the railroad
(crossing)…soon
Suwanee, the City has heard you loud
and clear as a train whistle. City residents
and officials alike are anxious to have the
anticipated repairs to the Suwanee Dam
railroad crossing between Buford Highway
and Main Street completed.
While some materials
for the job have been
delivered, NorfolkSouthern Railroad is
waiting on delivery of
the rail itself. NorfolkSouthern officials have
indicated that the rail is on order
and, at press time, was expected to be
delivered by the end of July.
Once all supplies are in, NorfolkSouthern will coordinate its
construction/repair activities with the
Gwinnett County Department of
Transportation, which is handling paving
to tie the road back into the railroad crossing as well as the necessary traffic detour
around the repair site. Gwinnett County
has indicated that it likely will be at least
September before it can get to this project.
The detour will utilize Peachtree Industrial
Boulevard, McGinnis Ferry Road, and
Buford Highway. Main Street will be open
to local traffic only.
“There’s no question that the traffic
detour is going to be a bit painful,” says
James Miller, Suwanee’s public works and
inspections director. “But we hope that
we’ll all endure the short-term pain
patiently for the long-term gain of a
smooth railroad crossing that doesn’t jar
your teeth each time you go over.”
The railroad crossing repair, which
will utilize pre-fabricated reinforced concrete panels rather than asphalt, could
require up to two weeks.
The City of Suwanee championed
and facilitated this project, which requires
that the City parnter with Gwinnett
County and Norfolk-Southern to make
and fund the repairs. As it becomes available, updated information about the repair
schedule and detours will be posted to
www.suwanee.com.
Page 10
August 2006
www.suwanee.com
Suwanee recognized as
‘Main Street’ community again
YIELD
SIGNS
For the third consecutive year, the City of Suwanee has received
accreditation from the National
Trust for Historic Preservation’s
Main Street Program. Suwanee
was one of 74 cities throughout
Georgia to be recognized for its
downtown development program
during the 2006 Georgia
Municipal Association Convention in Savannah in June.
“This recognition as a National Main Street program is important to the
City of Suwanee,” says Jane Keegan, Downtown Suwanee manager. “We’re
committed to creating and re-creating a vibrant Downtown Suwanee, both at
our new Town Center and in historic Old Town.”
In order to be designated a Main Street community, a city must demonDowntown development fan club Georgia
strate a commitment to the physical improvement of buildings and public
Department of Community Affairs Commissioner
spaces, aggressive promotion and image building, and economic developMike Beatty, center, presents 2006 National Main
ment of the downtown area.
Street accreditation to Suwanee representatives,
Economic and Community Development Manager
Service beyond
Denise Brinson, who also is president of the Georgia
Suwanee
Downtown Association, and Councilmember
Jimmy Burnette.
Many City of Suwanee officials and staff members
serve in leadership roles with metro and statewide agencies. Among the most recently elected or selected are:
Jace Brooks
• Councilmember Jace Brooks has been accepted into the 2006-07 Leadership
Gwinnett Class, which kicks off this month. Leadership Gwinnett is a ninemonth program that includes a series of seven one-day sessions and two
retreats. The program is designed to acquaint leaders with major community
issues, examine the complexity of finding good solutions to ongoing concerns,
and expand leadership skills. Brooks, who has served on City Council for four
years, also is president of the Gwinnett Municipal Association.
Det. Sgt. Shane
Edmisten
• Det. Sgt. Shane Edmisten has been elected secretary-treasurer of the Georgia State Intelligence
Network, a statewide group that meets monthly to discuss intelligence-related issues. His election
means that he will be chairman of the group in 2009.
Elvira Rogers
• Administrative Services Director Elvira Rogers has been elected to a one-year term on the board
of the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association.
Suwanee’s police academy welcomes citizens
Maybe you’ve always thought that it would be cool to be a cop. Or maybe you’re hooked on all three versions of
the CSI television programs. Maybe you’d just like to learn more about your community.
Whatever the reason for your interest in law enforcement, Suwanee’s Citizens Police Academy may be the program for you. The seven-week, hands-on course offers a glimpse of what it’s like to serve and protect and is designed
to enhance the bond between City residents and officers. Classes for the next Citizens Police Academy begin
September 18 and will be held once a week at 6:30 p.m. on Monday evenings.
Topics to be covered include crime scene investigation, firearms safety, traffic stops, crime prevention, and motor
vehicle enforcement. Participants have an opportunity to run radar, ride along with a police officer, and search buildings.
Suwanee’s Citizens Police Academy is open to City residents or individuals who work in Suwanee. All applicants
are required to undergo background checks. The deadline for applications is Friday, September 8. Applications are available online at www.suwanee.com or by contacting Sgt. Elias Casañas at elias@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.
August 2006
Page 11
www.suwanee.com
Welcome to City Hall
Suwanee resident Sonya Jones is the City’s new administrative secretary. She previously worked for Gwinnett
County Public Schools as a paraprofessional and in customer service with the City of Monroe, Louisiana. Jones currently is working on her bachelor’s degree at Brenau University.
Susan Roetzer is Suwanee’s newest police officer. A Duluth resident, Roetzer previously worked in law enforcement for four years with Gwinnett County. She has a bachelor’s degree from Agnes Scott College and a juris doctorate
from Georgia State University College of Law.
Movin’ on up
A 21-year law enforcement professional, Janet Moon was promoted July 1 to deputy chief of
the City of Suwanee Police Department. Formerly a captain with the department, since
November 2001, Moon as deputy chief is second-in-command of the 32-member police department and is responsible for the department’s day-to-day operations.
A native of Cedartown, Moon worked for the Rome Police Department from 1989-2001
and before that served four years as a military police officer in the United States Army. She is a
graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College
through Columbus State University.
Moon also has an associate degree in criminal justice from Floyd College, a bachelor’s degree
Janet Moon
in organizational management from Covenant College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University.
In addition, nine-year department veteran Cass Mooney has been promoted to lieutenant
and commander of the Field Operations Bureau. Effective July 18, Mooney is responsible for the
day-to-day operations of Suwanee’s patrol division.
Formerly a sergeant with the department in charge of Suwanee’s selective enforcement (traffic) unit, Mooney originally joined the department in 1997. Before that, he worked for almost
three years with the Hall County Sheriff ’s Department.
Mooney has an associate degree from Gainesville College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal
justice from North Georgia College and State University. He currently is working on a master’s
degree in public administration from Columbus State University.
Mooney, his wife, and two daughters currently live in Lawrenceville.
Cass Mooney
In other areas of City Hall, Aimee Nobs’ position as human resources analyst has been reclassified as human resources manager. She is responsible for managing the City’s recruiting, hiring, benefits assistance,
and employee relations efforts. Susan Carpenter, formerly the City’s part-time code enforcement officer, has moved
into a new position as part-time building inspector. Jane Keegan’s title has been changed to Downtown Suwanee
manager. And, finally, Shane Edmisten in the police department’s criminal investigation division, had his title
changed from detective to detective sergeant.
Ageless art The artwork of Ann Parsons Odum currently is on
display at Suwanee’s Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Highway.
Odum is best known for her pastel paintings of historic locations
in and around Duluth; her work is featured in the 18 oversized
paintings that adorn the Suwanee Kroger. Most recently, Odum
has created impressionistic and multi-media pieces. The exhibit
is located in the Crossroads Center meeting room, which is open
to the public from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
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CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter
Calendar
August
12
15
17
19
22
26
26
Suwanee-Duluth Farmers Market (TCP)
City Council Meeting*
Downtown Development Authority
Star 94 Petapalooza & Concert
Zoning Board of Appeals
Suwanee-Duluth Farmers Market (TCP)
Jam for the Cure (TCP)
8 a.m.-noon
7 p.m.
noon
3-10 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
8 a.m.-noon
1-10 p.m.
September
4
5
7
8
9
13
16
19
21
23
26
30
Labor Day – City Hall Closed
Planning & Zoning Commission
City Council Workshop
Suwanee Day 5K Classic (TCP)
Suwanee-Duluth Farmers Market (TCP)
Suwanee Business Alliance
Suwanee Day (TCP)
City Council Meeting*
Downtown Development Authority
Suwanee-Duluth Farmers Market (TCP)
Zoning Board of Appeals
Amigos for Christ Fiesta (TCP)
*Public hearing begins at 6:30 p.m.
TCP=Town Center Park
All meetings and events are subject to change.
6:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
8 a.m.-noon
6 p.m.
10 a.m.-10 p.m.
7 p.m.
12 p.m.
8 a.m.-noon
6:30 p.m.
12-8 p.m.
Working for better play The North Gwinnett High School football team
and other citizen volunteers got a little pre-season workout at the June 10
PlayTown workday. Each year, to mark the anniversary of the 2004 community build that created PlayTown Suwanee, the City asks volunteers to
spend half a day on annual maintenance of the playground, located at 425
Main Street.
City of Suwanee, Georgia
MAYOR:
COUNCIL:
NICK MASINO . . . . . . .770/945-4607 ext. 555
JACE BROOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/831-0499
JIMMY BURNETTE . . . . . . . . . .770/945-3492
DAN FOSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/614-5750
ALAN LANDERS . . . . . . . . . . . .770/271-4382
JEANNINE RISPIN . . . . . . . . . . .404/375-6095
CITY MANAGER:
POLICE CHIEF:
HARDIN WATKINS . . . . . . . . . .770/945-8996
MIKE JONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/945-8995
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770/945-8996