GwinnettCounty, GA

House District 107 Special Election: February 7

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Last day for early voting: February 3
Registered voters have until Friday, February 3 to vote early or request an absentee ballot for the House District 107 Special Election.

Voters may their ballots at the Gwinnett County Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Voters can also request an absentee ballot for the special election. A completed application must first be received before an absentee ballot is issued. Please call the Voter Registration and Elections division at 678.226.7210 to request an application or�complete the form online.

Please note that no voting will take place on Monday, February 5. If you do not vote early or absentee, you must cast your ballot on Election Day at your voting precinct. For more information, click here or call 678.226.7210.

The special election results will be available on this website on election night.

Register to vote in March 6 election
The deadline to register to vote and be eligible to cast a ballot in the March 6 Presidential Preference Primary/Nonpartisan Election is Monday, February 6.

To register to vote in Georgia, you must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you wish to vote, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You may not register to vote if you are currently serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony or judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

You can complete the voter registration application online or print and complete an application on the Voter Registration webpage. You can also contact your local public library, public assistance office, recruitment office, schools, and other government offices for a mail-in registration form. Voter Registration is offered when renewing or applying for a driver's license at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office. College students can obtain Georgia voter registration forms from their school registrar's office or from the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

GIS conducts annual system update

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Gwinnett County is currently acquiring aerial photography and survey ground control to update its Geographical Information System (GIS). The County contracted Sanborn Map Company to acquire this data. Sanborn's team for this service will include WK Dickson & Co. Inc., a surveying firm based in Raleigh.

Surveyors will place temporary 10′ to 12′ black and white plastic targets in the shape of a “V,” “X,” or “T” within the public right-of-way and other public access lands in the county. All targets will be removed after completion of the aerial flight and quality control of the images by mid-April.

Please be careful to not disturb these targets. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Barry Puckett, ITS Deputy Director at 770.822.8031 or barry.puckett@gwinnettcounty.com or Sharon Stevenson, GIS Manager, at 770.822.8033, sharon.stevenson@gwinnettcounty.com.

Gwinnett County Accepting FY 2013 CDBG Grant Applications

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Gwinnett County is now receiving applications from organizations requesting FY 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.� Eligible applicant organizations are: (1) participating cities in Gwinnett County; (2) non-profit organizations; (3) Gwinnett County Departments; and, (4) other qualified organizations such as local public housing authorities, and public health and mental health agencies.� The application period is February 1, 2012 – March 30, 2012.� Individuals interested in applying for housing assistance may contact the Gwinnett County Community Development Program for assistance and referrals.� Gwinnett County does not use its CDBG Program, at this time, for awards to for-profit organizations or economic development projects.

Application materials may be downloaded to your computer by selecting "Services" from the menu at the top of this page, and then selecting "HUD Grants 2013" in the left navigation.� The CDBG application manual must be downloaded and saved to your computer or network hard drive before completion.� Do not open the Application Manual until you have saved them to your computer or network hard drive. After saving the application manual to your computer or network hard drive, the application forms may be opened, completed, printed, signed, and submitted, as directed in the application manual.� The application contains instructions and application forms and was created in “fillable” WORD� format for ease of use by applicants.

A CDBG Application Workshop will be held to provide application preparation guidance, as follows:

Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
Conference Center, Room A – Second Floor
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046-6935
Date:�� February 22, 2012
Time:� 2:00 P.M.

CDBG 2013 applications must be physically received by March 30, 2012, 2:00 P.M., at:

Gwinnett County Community Development Program
One Justice Square
446 West Crogan Street, Suite 275
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046-2439

Additional information or printed copies of the CDBG Application Manual [including Application Forms] are available from:

Gwinnett County Community Development Program
One Justice Square
446 West Crogan Street, Suite 275
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046-2439

Telephone 678.518.6008; FAX 678.518.6071; email: gchcd@gwinnettcounty.com

I-85 Transit Study public information meeting

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Gwinnett County, in collaboration with Gwinnett Place and Gwinnett Village Community Improvement Districts and the Federal Transit Administration, are undertaking the I‑85 Corridor Alternatives Analysis Study – I-85 Transit Study – to analyze I-85 corridor traffic in the Gwinnett County region. The study will consider a variety of routes and transit options, such as bus rapid transit, light rail, and commuter rail, to improve regional and local mobility and accessibility.

Public information meetings
The public is invited to provide input and ask questions about the study at information meetings at different stages of the I-85 Alternative Analysis Study.

The first series of informational meetings will take place in February. Both meetings are the same, so feel free to choose the date and location most convenient for you:

February 6 • 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Gwinnett Village CID office
5855 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Suite 122
Norcross, GA� 30071

February 9 • 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Gwinnett Place Marriott
1775 Pleasant Hill Road
Duluth, GA� 30096

Task force to review animal policies

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

A new Animal Task Force began reviewing current animal-related ordinances and services, developing best practices, studying the role of the Animal Advisory Committee, and making recommendations to Gwinnett commissioners at its first meeting on December 27. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 7:00pm at the Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. All meetings are open to the public with some designed to get input and comments.

Gwinnett has reduced the euthanasia rate at the shelter over the past few years, but the number of incoming animals has been rising in the economic downturn. The Board of Commissioners charged the 17-member task force with developing both short and long-term strategies to increase adoptions, improve animal welfare, and protect human safety. The review and recommendation process will take about four months.

Task force members, appointed by commissioners, include members of cat, dog and large animal rescue groups and representatives of agricultural and animal-related businesses. For more information, visit the Animal Task Force webpage.

Gwinnett Transit fares increase

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Effective January 30, Gwinnett County Transit will implement the first transit fare increase since August 2008. The cost to operate, maintain, and fuel buses has risen over the years, according to Gwinnett Transit Director Phil Boyd, and some of that expense must be passed along to transit customers.

The fare increase accomplishes Gwinnett’s goal that riders pay about a third of the entire cost to provide bus service with federal and state subsidies funding the remainder. By increasing fares, Gwinnett County Transit can avoid making cuts to transit service that would burden customers. Gwinnett County Transit will continue to monitor ridership and make minor service adjustments as necessary to maintain cost-effective operations.

The Gwinnett Transit Advisory Board (GTAB) held a public hearing to discuss the new fare and offered a three-week open comment period in September 2011. After reviewing costs, revenue projections and considering public comments, GTAB recommended the new fare policy to the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, which was approved on November�15,�2011.

Visit the Gwinnett Transit webpage to view new rates and the 2012 fare policy.

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Surplus property for sale

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Gwinnett County is offering properties for sale that have been declared surplus and have been approved to be sold by sealed bid to the highest responsible bidder. The properties available for bid are:

3929 Woodward Mill Road, Buford
705 Alcovy Forest Drive, Lawrenceville
3201 Cross Road/3267 Gravel Springs Road, Buford
Vacant land/SR 324 at Hog Mountain Road, Dacula

All sealed bids must be submitted to the Gwinnett County Purchasing Division. For more information about the available properties and how to submit a bid, visit the Real Property Management webpage.

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New State Law Changes Business License Process

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Businesses in Gwinnett County will soon receive occupation tax certificate renewal forms in the mail, but before certificates can be renewed, applicants must comply with new state requirements that went into effect on Jan. 1. During the 2011 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act (House Bill 87), placing new requirements on local governments and businesses to ensure they comply with federal and state immigration laws.

The first requirement calls for any person, corporation or LLC seeking a public benefit-such as an occupation tax certificate (business license), alcohol license or contract-to submit a Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) affidavit and present a secure and verifiable document as approved by the state Attorney General. Examples of the approved documents include a driver's license, passport or legal immigrant documentation.

The second requirement calls for private employers with 500 or more employees seeking an initial or renewal occupation tax certificate to register for and use the E-verify program and sign an E-Verify affidavit. Private employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to sign an affidavit stating that they are not required to register for or use the E-verify program before they can receive an occupation tax certificate.

These new requirements limit the County's ability to receive renewal applications by mail; therefore, renewal applications will be accepted in person at the License and Revenue Office, located at 446 West Crogan Street, in Lawrenceville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or through License and Revenue's new electronic renewal system, which can be accessed at www.gwinnettlicrev.com.

Planning and Development Acting Director Bryan Lackey said, "This new electronic system is an alternative to making an in-person visit to the License and Revenue Office and will hopefully reduce long wait times that are anticipated due to expected heavy walk-in traffic."

Businesses will receive the E-verify affidavit, SAVE affidavit and occupation tax renewal form in the mail along with instructions on how to file these documents. For more information, visit www.gwinnettlicrev.com or call 678.377.4100.

Gwinnett County recycling statistics

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Keep checking to track our quarterly progress!

With the countywide trash program in Gwinnett, unincorporated residents are doing their part to reduce their impact on the environment. Now more items than ever can be recycled at the curb, and residents have recycled over 28,000 tons of waste since the solid waste program’s start in July 2010.

Be a part of the initiative to reduce landfill space by recycling as many items as possible. You can print this flyer and place it on your refrigerator as a reminder of the many curbside recyclables (on recycled paper, of course). And don’t worry; you’ll make up for the paper used to print this flyer by recycling!

Remember: If you are able to recycle so many additional items that you can’t fit everything in the recycling bin provided by your hauler, that's no problem and no extra charge. You can use additional bins, including your old 95-gallon trash cart, for recycling. Just make sure your bins are clearly marked “recyclables.” Please note that your hauler can charge you for trash that exceeds your 95-gallon trash bin, but feel free to recycle as much as possible!

Rabies alerts

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement
884 Winder Highway Lawrenceville Georgia
770.339.3200

This message is to inform residents on January 5, 2012, a cow found�at 2971 Harbins�Road 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

What does a rabid animal look like?

Rabid animals may act tame. They may also display strange or unusual behavior. They may act aggressive, avoid food and water, foam at the mouth, or have trouble moving. Stay away from any unknown animals, especially wildlife. Report any animal acting unusual to Gwinnett County Police Animal Welfare and Enforcement at 770 513 5100.

How can I help protect myself and my family from rabies?

Make sure your pets get their rabies shots regularly
Keep your pets on your property
Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. Food left out may attract wild or stray animals
Stay away from wild, sick, hurt, or dead animals. Do not pick up or move sick or hurt animals. If you find a wild, sick, or hurt animal, call Gwinnett County Police Animal Welfare and Enforcement at 770 513-5100
Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes as pets. It is dangerous and also illegal
Teach your children not to go near, tease, or play with wild animals or strange dogs and cats