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Real-life ‘Law & Order’

When the next Suwanee Citizens Police Academy class graduates in April, the number of alumni of this eight-week “glimpse behind the badge” will total more than 300. The Suwanee Police Department has offered its Citizens Police Academy roughly twice a year since 2000 as a means to help citizens gain a better understanding of the risks and responsibilities of officers and to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between citizens and the police department.

The next academy begins February 16. Classes will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings through April 6.

The deadline for notarized applications is Friday, February 5. Participants must be at least 19 years old; preference is given to Suwanee residents or to those who work in the City of Suwanee. For more information, contact Ofc. Elias Casanas at elias@suwanee.com or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.

Class topics include crime scene processing, traffic stops, building searches, crime prevention, and narcotics identification.

Census count matters

Census questionnaires are scheduled to arrive in mailboxes in mid-March, and accurate data is critical to local communities, like Suwanee and others across the country, in apportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and in determining how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects like new hospitals, schools, roads, and services such as job training and senior centers.

Select data about Suwanee from the 2000 Census
Median age	34.2
Moved into current home 1995-98	41.7%
Heat using electricity	29.8%
Non-white population	15.5%
Population (25 or older) with at least a bachelor’s degree	45.6% (another 21.7% had some college)

“Obtaining a precise Census count is critical for local governments,” notes City Manager Marty Allen. “This data will determine funding eligibility and inform planning efforts for the next 10 years. It really helps us to have good and complete information, so we encourage residents to be cooperative with the Census Bureau and provide accurate information.”

The 10 questions on the 2010 Census form relate to name, sex, age, race, date of birth, and household relationship of every individual in the residence as well as whether the home is owned or rented. The Census Bureau will not ask about legal status, for social security numbers, nor information related to bank accounts or credit cards. The Better Business Bureau offers additional tips related to the 2010 Census.

Suwanee court goes paperless

Judges in Suwanee’s Municipal Court may still need to wield a gavel every now and then, but one thing they won’t require anymore is paper.  Suwanee’s court has implemented a new paperless system developed by Alabama-based Syscon, becoming the first court in Gwinnett County to go essentially paperless and only the second in the state.

The new system – which includes a software platform, three courtroom computer screens, electronic signature pad, biometric fingerprint signature scanner, and document scanner – is expected to save about 860 sheets of paper per court session – that’s 51,600 pieces of paper a year.

“In addition to being good for the environment,” says Court Services Administrator Mariza Abdeljawad, “this system will enhance the efficiency, productivity, and quality of the court. It takes us to a completely new level of service.”

After the initial court session using the Syscon system on December 16, Chief Judge Mark Lewis says that his first impression was “wow.”  Even after the first experience, Lewis says, the improved efficiency is obvious because “we aren’t shuffling paper from the clerk to the solicitor to the judge to the court clerk to the cashier anymore. We all are on the same system and have instantaneous access to the workflow.” See full press release.

Don’t forget ‘Chipper’ this post-holiday season

When the needles on your live Christmas tree start shedding at an alarming rate, the lights are unplugged one final time, and the ornaments are placed in storage, there’s just one thing left to do with the tree: Bring One (or more) for the Chipper.

The City of Suwanee will accept unadorned former Christmas trees for recycling from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily December 26-January 16 at Sims Lake Park, 4600 Suwanee Dam Road. The designated tree drop-off area is in the right-hand parking lot.

Last year, the City recycled 923 trees, which provided nicely scented mulch for parks throughout Suwanee.

Suwanee will provide seedlings to area residents who drop off their trees from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, January 9.

Bring One for the Chipper is a Keep Georgia Beautiful program.  For more information about Suwanee’s program, contact Tammy Hiler at thiler@suwanee.com or 770/945-8996.

Do you know this man?

The Suwanee Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the man in this sketch. He’s wanted for questioning in relation to an incident that took place at Suwanee Creek Park in January 2009. If you believe you can identify this man, please contact the Suwanee Police Department  at 770/945-8995. See full press release.

Marvelous makeovers

The City of Suwanee recognized three marvelous makeovers when it presented its annual Swan-ee Awards December 5 to two businesses, one of which is located in the Suwanee Gateway revitalization area, and a historic residence in Old Town. The three winning renovation projects were recognized for their individual improvements as well as the aesthetic enhancement they provide to the overall community.

Barret Meyer was recognized for renovation and restoration of the historic home at 4015 Stonecypher Road. Restoration of the 1910 home included replacement of broken windows, several new coats of paint, removal of kudzu and dead trees, and installation of plants and flowers that are true to the property’s historical nature.

Richard Tucker received a Swan-ee Award for repainting The Beverage Superstore at 2820 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. The new shades of taupe with accents of black and white offer an updated, sophisticated look. General Manager Mitch Teet, accepted the award for Beverage Superstore.

Vernon D. West was recognized for making exterior improvements to Specialty Engraving Co. at 3655 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, including new smooth-coat stucco and the addition of columns and stonework that resulted in a fresh, clean look.

Town Center celebrated as Development of Excellence

Over a period of seven years, Suwanee’s built-from-scratch Town Center has emerged as a regional event venue, vibrant live-work-play role model, shopping and eating destination, the heart of the Suwanee community, and, most recently, as an Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Development of Excellence.

Suwanee Town Center was recognized during the 11th annual Developments of Excellence Awards presentation, part of the State of the Region Breakfast, at the Georgia World Congress Center on November 20. Suwanee is the first municipal government to twice be named a co-winner of the prestigious Development of Excellence Award. Richport Properties and the City of Suwanee received the Development of Excellence Award in 2001 for the Old Suwanee neighborhood.

Recognized along with the City of Suwanee this year were the developers who helped create Town Center, including the Shadowbrook neighborhood: Bowen Family Homes, Madison Retail, and Main Street Corners. The Development of Excellence Award recognizes innovative and successful developments that demonstrate how great design can create a positive framework for the future.

See comments about Town Center.

Photo contest is a snap

Have you snapped a photograph of the Suwanee community that’s worth about a thousand words? If so, your picture could be a winner in the 2010 Snap Suwanee photo competition.

Snap Suwanee is an ongoing contest with photos accepted year-round, but to be considered for the 2010 exhibit to be on display at City Hall around March 1, entries must be received by December 31.

Pictures submitted to the Snap Suwanee Photo Contest should be taken within the City of Suwanee limits, preferably within the last two years. Ideally, photos will be taken at identifiable Suwanee locations and convey a sense of the community. Click here for more information and an application.

Approximately a dozen winning photos will be selected and exhibited at City Hall throughout most of 2010. More than 130 photos from 49 photographers were submitted through the 2009 competition. The 14 winning photos will remain on display at City Hall until the 2010 exhibit is ready.

Suwanee soars with HAWK, budget presentation

The first of its kind to be used in Georgia, Suwanee’s HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) pedestrian signal has garnered a Golden Shoe Award from the PEDS pedestrian advocacy organization. At the 10th annual Golden Shoe Awards celebration in Atlanta November 10, the City of Suwanee received one of eight awards presented for outstanding pedestrian-friendly initiatives.

The HAWK signal was activated at Buford Highway and Town Center Avenue in August, as part of the larger railroad underpass project, to help provide safer and easier pedestrian access between Town Center and historic Old Town.

In addition, the City of Suwanee has received recognition once again from the Government Finance Officers Association, this time for its 2009-10 budget presentation.

Suwanee’s budget was awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fourth consecutive year. The award acknowledges the budget’s proficiency as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device.

Brooks, Foster, McOmber, and Goodman elected to City Council

In November 3 municipal elections, City of Suwanee residents re-elected three City Councilmembers and, in a special election to fill an unexpired term, voted to add Dick Goodman to City Council.

Incumbents Jace Brooks and Kevin McOmber received approximately 150 votes more than each of their opponents, Brad Alexander and Don Trawick. Dick Goodman defeated Winship E. Rees for the Post 2 position.

Incumbent Dan Foster, who ran unopposed, also was re-elected and will serve another four-year term.

Unofficial election results for each Council post follow:

Post 2:	Dick Goodman Winship E. Rees	775 597
Post 3:	Kevin McOmber Don Trawick	783 595
Post 4:	Brad Alexander Jace Brooks	618 753
Post 5:	Dan Foster	1,103

Tax deferral program for seniors; application deadline is March 1

The City of Suwanee offers a homestead tax deferral program for Suwanee homeowners 62 or older who live on a limited income of $20,000 or less annually.

“This program is designed specifically for older residents who may be on a fixed income,” notes Amie Sakmar, financial services director. “It’s a way of putting off tax payment until such time as the property is sold or transferred. It’s important to note that this deferral program applies only to City of Suwanee property taxes and does not impact any Gwinnett County taxes.”

City Council adopted the program in 2007. For those who qualify, the City defers the property taxes and a lien is placed on the property. The City’s deferral is considered a loan, with an interest rate applying to the amount to be paid back when the property is sold or transferred.

An application must be completed each year a deferral is sought. The application deadline is March 1.

Suwanee’s bond rating affirmed

In a regular re-evaluation, Fitch Ratings has affirmed the City of Suwanee’s general obligation bond rating at AA- and defined the City’s rating outlook as “stable.” Fitch Ratings’ most recent review, which is conducted every two-three years, looked at Suwanee’s outstanding general obligation bonds, obtained in 2002 to finance the community’s award-winning open space initiative and 2006 to partially fund construction of the new City Hall.

“The AA- rating reflects the City’s very conservative management practices resulting in high general fund balances and ample financial flexibility,” Fitch states in a September 23 press release. “The City continues to generate positive net income within the general fund, improving upon an already strong balance sheet….”

“Considering the state of the current economy, we’re very satisfied with Fitch’s findings,” notes Suwnaee’s Financial Services Director Amie Sakmar. “Many local governments are concerned that their rating may be downgraded. We’re pleased that one of the top rating agencies in the world has found Suwanee’s debt management and conservative fiscal practices to be sound and appropriate. For a community of Suwanee’s size, the AA- rating is outstanding.”

Fitch Ratings noted that the City of Suwanee “historically budgets very conservatively” and that its current fund balance equals 73 percent of spending and is “very strong.”

Suwanee adopts new policing tools

The Suwanee Police Department has adopted new tools to enhance safety on Suwanee roadways, along the Suwanee Creek Greenway, and in its parks.

A permanent DUI task force has been implemented in order to get impaired drivers off the road. A specially trained officer has been assigned to the task force; another officer may be assigned at a later date.

Such specialized task forces are common in communities the size to which Suwanee has grown, says Chief Mike Jones. “The laws related to and prosecution of DUI have become so complex,” he says, “that there’s a need for officers who are specially trained in the field.”

In a separate, pilot effort, designed to enhance police presence at Suwanee’s trail and parks, the police department is testing a Segway personal transporter. Five officers have been trained to use the Segway, which is on loan for 30 days from Suwanee Segway, a local company that offers Segway tours.

The Segway, which maxes out at 12 mph, allows more officers to patrol Suwanee’s parks and requires less training than bike patrols, says Sgt. Nick Jacobs. The Segway is being used at the Suwanee Creek Greenway, Suwanee Creek Park, and Town Center Park.