On July 31, metro Atlanta residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum that will fund $8.5 billion in transportation improvements through a regional one percent sales tax. The Atlanta Regional Commission will host a series of 12 Wireside Chats over six evenings in June to help residents understand what projects are on the list and how the penny tax would impact their community. Local officials will be on the phone to answer questions during each chat.

How to register
In order to participate, simply register your name and phone number at www.wiresidechats.com and be available at the designated time on the phone number you provide. With more than 150 projects on the list, you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn the facts and make an educated decision on July 31

The Gwinnett Wireside Chat with Gwinnett County Board Chairman Charlotte Nash and Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson will be June 7 at 6:15pm.

Please note that all offices, with the exception of those operations required for the comfort and safety of the citizens of Gwinnett County, will be closed Monday, May 28, 2012, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. All offices will resume regular working hours on Tuesday, May 29.

Haulers will follow normal trash schedule on Memorial Day. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recycling Call Center will be closed that day, but hauler call centers will be open. Visit www.sustainablegwinnett.com to find your hauler's contact information.

On Saturday, May 19 from 9:00am to 2:00pm, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will launch "Operation Good Neighbor" with a Community Volunteer Day in three locations across Gwinnett:

Burns Road - Lilburn
Cruse Road - Lawrenceville
Meadow Church Road - Duluth

Projects include graffiti paint-out on fences, litter pickup, illegal dump site cleanup, and right-of-way beautification. Operation Good Neighbor empowers and engages Gwinnettians to improve our neighborhoods and enhance our quality of life. For more information about this event, visit the Good Neighbor Community Days registration page.

Lawrenceville, Ga., May 15, 2012) – Gwinnett commissioners Tuesday accepted ownership of the historic Chesser-Williams House and a donation of $25,000 to help move and preserve it. The house and money came from the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation. SPLOST sales tax funds will cover the rest of a $319,130 house-moving contract with low bidder Peachtree Construction Services, Inc.

The Chesser-Williams House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Gwinnett County, built in the mid-1800s. Folk art paintings inside and out are likely the work of an itinerant German artist who painted in exchange for room and board as he traveled from North Carolina to Texas in the late 1800s. The Chesser-Williams House is one of seven surviving buildings where his rare paintings are intact.

Jerald and Sue Williams donated the house to the Foundation, which agreed to relocate it to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center campus for education and historic interpretation purposes. “My family feels it’s very important that this house be preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn about Gwinnett’s rich heritage,” said Jerald Williams. The Foundation has paid more than $76,000 for research, historic documentation and preparations for the move.

Contractors will move the house in three sections from its current location on Highway 124/Braselton Highway in northeastern Gwinnett. They will reassemble it on the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center campus near the Mall of Georgia as part of an educational exhibit on early farm life in Gwinnett County. The work will take about nine months.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettehc.org or call the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center at (770) 904-3500.

Note: Photos are available on Flickr by clicking on the links below.
www.flickr.com/photos/gwinnettcounty/7205141542/in/photostream
www.flickr.com/photos/gwinnettcounty/7205141680/in/photostream
www.flickr.com/photos/gwinnettcounty/7205141214/in/photostream

(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 16, 2012) – Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation is pleased to host Armed Forces Day Remembrance on Sat., May 19 to pay tribute to men and women who have served or presently are a part of the United States’ armed forces.  The event will be held on the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse grounds in downtown Lawrenceville from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  Displays will feature mock military campsites, uniform clad military reenactors, and military vehicles.  There will be food concessions, music, and entertainment in the gazebo for all to enjoy.  This free family event is made possible by the generous sponsorships of Tom Wages Funeral Service and Conder Flags of Atlanta.

A Breakfast with the Veterans will be held at 8:30 a.m. that same day for those pre-registered. The cost for the breakfast is $9 per person and will allow participants the opportunity to meet with veterans, hear presentations by active duty and retired U.S. military, and take a guided tour of the Gwinnett Veterans Memorial Museum. Registration for the breakfast must be made in advance by calling the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse at 770-822-5450.

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will host a public input meeting to give residents an opportunity to provide their ideas on how to improve the trail system at Yellow River Park on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

WHAT:The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services will host a graduation commencement ceremony for the department’s 2012 Paramedic class.  

WHEN:Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 5 p.m.

WHO: Speakers include County Administrator Glenn Stephens, Commissioner Mike Beaudreau and Fire Chief Bill Myers.

WHERE:Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center in the Auditorium on the first floor, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

WHY: In 2011 the department responded to over 64,450 incidents last year - 73% of them were calls for emergency medical incidents. The department is committed to providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Gwinnett. Providing firefighters with additional training of becoming a Paramedic accomplishes two goals. First, having well trained paramedics to assist the department in meeting the citizen’s needs on any advanced medical emergency, regardless of what fire apparatus the paramedic may arrive on. Secondly, is these paramedic firefighters will assist the department in providing advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care while working on one of the many fire engines that may respond to emergency medical calls within all sixteen cities and unincorporated Gwinnett County.

The public is invited to Gwinnett County's Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28 at 1:00pm at the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville. This event is held each year to celebrate and honor our county's military heroes and public service personnel.

 This ceremony will mark the ninth anniversary of the dedication of the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Gwinnett County, and members of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and honor guard units from the Gwinnett County Corrections, Fire and Emergency Services, Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and the Lawrenceville Police Department will take part in this event.

 The Fallen Heroes Memorial is located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. 

For more information about the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, visit www.gwinnettfallenheroes.com.

(Friday, May 11, 2012 @ approximately 11:30PM) Uniform Patrol Officers from the Gwinnett County Police Department were dispatched to a person shot call at 6069 South Norcross Tucker Rd near building 300, in an unincorporated area of Gwinnett County that is associated with Norcross. This address is located in the Highland Walk Apartments. First arriving officers quickly assessed the incident scene and determined there had been two males that had suffered gun shot wounds. The two male victims found did not survive their injuries and died at the scene.

First arriving officers made contact with a male and a female near the incident location, and both were detained. Detectives from the Gwinnett County Police Homicide Unit were dispatched and responded to the incident location. The male that had been detained was identified as Vandara Nao, 21, of Stone Mountain. Nao was subsequently arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. The female was not charged.

Details surrounding the events leading up to the incident are still under investigation at this time, however the investigation did indicate the incident appears to be drug related.

The identities of the victims are being withheld at this time pending verification that next of kin have been notified.

(May 11, 2012 at approximately 12:45 pm) Gwinnett County Police uniform officers responded to a residence on  Cast Bend Way in Buford , in reference to a missing person. This is located in an unincorporated area of Gwinnett County.Through investigation it was learned that Christine Joyce Park had left her home without notifying her parents. Christine is a 21 years old, however Christine’s parents said that she has the mental capacity of an 8 to 10 year old child.

She is described as an Asian female with shoulder length hair, approximately 5ft 2in tall, and weighs approximately 112 lbs. She was last seen wearing navy blue pants and a red shirt. Christine’s parents believe she may have changed into her favorite clothes which they describe as a white knee length skirt with navy blue dots or a zigzag pattern, and black socks with blue stripes. She was also carrying a blue Timberland backpack. A photo of Christine is attached to this press release.

A Mattie’s Call has been issued for Christine. Christine is listed as a missing person with a disability. Christine does not need medication for her day-to-day activities.

At this time it is not believed that there was foul play involved in Christine's disappearance.

If anyone comes into contact with Christine they are urged to contact the Gwinnett County Police Department, or they can call 911.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Friday, May 11, 2012) - Gwinnett Fire Investigators have filed charges and are actively searching for a person who attempted to set fire to a Norcross apartment building.  The incident occurred Saturday, April 28, 2012 around 1:49 a.m. at the 1800 block of Graves Road in Norcross. 

According to investigators, Julius Mackland (A.K.A. Macklin) a black male, age 21, intentionally tried to set fire to combustible materials with the intent to start a fire in the structure which he had previously resided.  The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ personnel responded to The Arbor Mills apartments on a report of an apartment fire. When crews arrived to mitigate the incident, firefighters found smoke damage to the kitchen area. Fortunately, the actions failed to produce a fire prior to injuring anyone or causing significant damage to the apartment unit. None of the other building occupants were affected during the incident. Firefighters notified investigators of the situation while they checked for extension in the rest of the apartment unit. The fire caused minor damage to the surrounding cabinets and walls within the apartment unit. 

"We are fortunate that the fire did not get out of control and that no one was injured or killed. The timing of the incident was a big concern for firefighters in this instance, there were so many other families that live within that building that were sleeping, we are just so very lucky we got there when we did,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Eric Eberly.

Gwinnett Fire Investigators have been in contact with Mr. Mackland’s probation officers in an attempt to detain him, but have been unsuccessful thus far. On Wednesday May 9, 2012, Gwinnett Fire Investigators filed charges of first-degree arson, which is a felony that carries a penalty of one to twenty years behind bars.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 14, 2012) – Gwinnett County announced two LEED® Gold certifications for its Gwinnett Senior Services Center and the new Operations Center at the Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility.

LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council establishes criteria and the Green Building Certification Institute verifies them.

Water Resources’ Ron Peters said, “Our Yellow River Operations Center won all possible points for water efficiency and design innovation. It reduces indoor water use by more than 62 percent compared to a typical building. We recycled more than 92 percent of our construction waste – 990 tons of concrete, metal, wood and gypsum.”

The Senior Services Center, at 567 Swanson Drive in Lawrenceville, opened in December 2010. It’s a one-story facility on 6.4 acres with convenient parking where seniors’ needs are matched with available resources such as information and assistance, counseling and care management. The $1.6 million building used funds from the federal stimulus program and Community Development Block Grants.

Board Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “We’re extremely proud to get this recognition. We actually designed both projects to meet silver certification requirements, but are very pleased to achieve Gold status. By using less water and energy with minimal environmental effects, we’re saving money for Gwinnett families and businesses and contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.”

About the U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient, energy-saving green buildings. With 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 167,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC includes builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the U.S. are responsible for 39 percent of CO2 emissions, 40 percent of energy consumption, 13 percent of water consumption and 15 percent of Gross Domestic Product annually, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85 percent of future U.S. demand for energy, and green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

About LEED
The USGBC's LEED certification system covers design, construction and operation of green buildings. More than 100,000 projects, totaling more than eight billion square feet, are currently participating in LEED rating systems in all 50 states and 114 countries. USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

A feline found on April 26, 2012 at 3960 Lake Carlton Road, Loganville tested positive for rabies at the state laboratory.

If you or your child has been bit or scratched by any stray animals or if you know of anyone handling this animal please call the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770.339.3200 ext. 5576.

WHO: Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, Cobb County Fire, City of Marietta Fire, Walker County Fire and City of Johns Creek Fire will all be present at the drill.

WHAT:The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services will host a swiftwater river rescue training drill on Six Flags Over Georgia Atlanta’s Thunder River.

WHEN: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday May 7, 8 & 9, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Six Flags Atlanta Georgia

WHY: Swiftwater emergencies are among the most hazardous types of rescue situations that firefighters are faced with. The often unforgiving and turbulent waters can be deadly to people who are unsuspecting. Each year firefighters respond to calls for people distressed on area rivers and streams. For this reason, firefighters from various jurisdictions train together to prepare for busy spring and summer and to share this safety message. This drill will include several agencies mitigating a simulated river rescue emergency with two or more victims. The demonstration is open to any media wishing to attend. The event will be highly visual for both still photography as well as video. Many of the different agencies involved will be available to interview.

To attend this training session, please contact Captain Eric Eberly at 678-300-7220 or e-mail at eric.eberly@gwinnettcounty.com

WHAT
Public input meeting to express ideas for improving the trail system at Yellow River Park.

WHEN
Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE
Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain 30087.

WHY
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation has contracted with Foresite Group and Trail Dynamics to create the Yellow River Park Trail Sustainability Assessment and Redevelopment Plan. The assessment aims to formulate a plan to re-design the trail system, to reduce user confusion, and to improve visitor enjoyment. The goal is for the renovated trail system to benefit all park user types while protecting the natural resources of the park. Citizens can visit www.gwinnettparks.com for more information.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 3, 2012) – In celebration of the 38th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources will host a Clean Water Festival on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shoal Creek Water Production Facility.

This free event will include kids’ activities, arts and crafts, a plant sale and complimentary lunch. In addition, residents will be invited to take a tour of the Shoal Creek facility to see first-hand how their drinking water is processed. The family-friendly festival will take place at 1755 Buford Dam Road in Buford.

For more information about this event, please contact Dana Garland at (770) 904-3200.

WHO: Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services along with teachers, counselors and elementary school students from numerous Gwinnett County Public Schools will all be present at the camp.

WHAT: The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services will host a fun and educational day for campers who have participated in the FLAME program throughout the school year.

WHEN: Friday, May 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Fire Training Academy

WHY: The camp serves as a celebration event at the end of the school year for students who participated in the FLAME Program. The camp also provides an opportunity for the children to see where firefighters attend school as part of their job duties.

Some of the events that will make great picture and video opportunities are:
· Repelling out of a building
· Firefighters Rapid Dress
· Firefighters Bucket/Cup Brigade
· Tour of Fire Academy burn building
· Swift Water Rope Throw Drill
· Fire hose squirt the cone Drill
· Various Department Apparatus will be on display

To attend this media opportunity, please contact Captain Eric Eberly at 678-300-7220 or e-mail at eric.eberly@gwinnettcounty.com

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services will recognize a total Burn Ban on all outdoor burning from May 1st - September 30th, 2012.  This means that all types of outdoor/open burning are prohibited during the time period designated.  The Burn Ban is issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and includes 54-counties within the state of Georgia.

LAWRENCEVILLE - (Thursday, May 3, 2012) The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind citizens that a total ban on all outdoor burning is in place from May 1st thru September 30th, 2012.  The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) imposes an annual ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels.  The EPD has identified outdoor/open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone.  Consequently, open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties is restricted during the warm weather season.  The safe use of residential BBQ grills for outdoor cooking is still allowed and does not require a permit.  As always, people should exercise extreme caution when using residential BBQ grills.  The use of BBQ grills on the balcony of apartment buildings is prohibited under the Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance.

The following types of outdoor/open burning are banned:

•You may not burn trees, limbs, or any other yard waste. This includes a ban on the use of air curtain destructors for land clearing.

The following types of outdoor/open burning are still allowed, provided the proper permits are obtained:

•Fires for agricultural practices zoned RA-200/residential agricultural or a forestry service prescribed burn.
•Fires for the purpose of training of firefighting personnel.
•All Bonfires for activities sponsored by: educational, civic, religious or other groups for the purpose of celebration are required to be permitted. (Contact Fire Plan Review for Permits at 678-518-6000 or Go to www.gwinnettcounty.com –Departments - Planning and Development - Plan Review Sections - Fire Plan Review)

For additional information concerning the Burn Ban, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4980 or go to the website at www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 1, 2012) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to a partial settlement of a class action lawsuit brought by a group of cities and counties in Georgia against several online travel companies. The federal lawsuit, filed in 2005, seeks to recover hotel/motel excise taxes on the incremental difference between how much an online travel company pays for a room and what that company charges a customer for the same room. In the past, some companies have not paid hotel/motel excise taxes on this incremental difference.

The partial settlement of this case involves an agreement with the online travel companies to pay hotel/motel taxes on the incremental difference in room rates for the period beginning May 16, 2011, through the final resolution of the lawsuit. The online travel companies will make periodic payments into the registry of the court. Disbursements will be based upon calculations of the number of rooms at issue and the hotel motel tax rate during the period in question.

Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “The County thought it was important to be part of this lawsuit as a matter of fairness. The hotel/motel tax is an important source of revenue for promoting tourism in Gwinnett, which in turn attracts more visitors to spend money in our community’s restaurants, shopping centers, and attractions.”

The partial settlement of this class action lawsuit is subject to approval by the federal district judge presiding in this matter.