Economic Recovery Task Force: Preliminary Recommendations
Presented to City Council, August 10, 2020

The Sugar Hill Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) was created at the request of Mayor Steve Edwards and City Manager Paul Radford in response to the health and economic crisis related to the Coronavirus pandemic.

With the issuance of an Executive Order (2020-03) on April 24^th, 2020, the Sugar Hill Economic Recovery taskforce was formed with a focus on convening community representatives to provide insight and problem solving related to:

• effective local economic recovery efforts
• business support,
• community health, and
• community development and outreach

The group has met regularly over the last several months and presented a report outlining preliminary recommendations which were adopted by City Council at their August 10th, 2020 meeting.

Preliminary Recommendations:

• Searchable Database of Businesses
• Webinar Series
• Internships and Business Partnerships
• Virtual Open Houses
• Community Building Experiences and Business Flexibility
• Long Term Role of Economic Recovery Task Force

View the full Economic Recovery Task Force report here.

Monday, June 22nd, 2020 8:09 am

The City of Sugar Hill Staged Re-Opening Operations Plan is detailed below dating back to Friday, March 13th and covering facilities and events through August, 2020. ERTF Preliminary Recommendations Report 81020-2 (1)

August 24-28, 2020: Advanced Disposal Spring Cleaning Event Rescheduled
The annual Citywide Spring-Cleaning event originally scheduled for the week of May 4th has been moved to the week of August 24th. Details can be found here. 

Sunday, June 21st, 2020

A note to City of Sugar Hill Natural Gas customers: As noted on the Coronavirus webpage, the convenience fee for online and phone bill payments has been waived since March 14th. We recognize the financial strain our customers are feeling and wish to extend the relief and flexible payment options offered until Monday, June 22nd. Payments received prior to Sunday, June 21st at 8:00 pm will have convenience fees credited back to accounts. The convenience fee will be reinstated on payments received beginning on Monday, June 22nd.

Monday, June 15th, 2020

The E Center Gym will be returning to normal hours of operation. As a reminder, those hours are 7:00 am to 9:00 pm on Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sundays.

Saturday, June 13th, 2020
The Splash Pad is expected to reopen to the public for individual access (no groups permitted) beginning at 10:00 am.

June 12th, 2020 

Municipal Court will resume on June 12th, following procedures to protect public health such as increased cleaning processes, wearing of masks, and social distancing. 
Sugar Hill entertainment and event venues The Bowl and The Eagle Theatre will remain closed to the public through June 12th in accordance with statewide executive orders.  

Monday, May 25th, 2020
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held via Facebook Live at 11 am. Details for the annual event will be posted online and on the City of Sugar Hill Facebook page. 
 

Monday, May 18th, 2020 

Beginning next week, City Hall will re-open to the public and staff will begin reassembling in offices utilizing a staged approach. 

• Customer Service will reopen for full hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 
• Other departments available on a by-appointment basis. Please reach appropriate city staff directly. 
• Gas utility payments may still be made online and via phone. The standard convenience fee for remote payments will continue to be credited to accounts through June 5th.  
• Passport services by appointment resume. Please note that at this time The Department of Homeland Security is not processing passport applications. However, forms can still be submitted.  
• Postal Services will resume with amended hours of Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  

• Visitors to City Hall are urged to wear appropriate face coverings and asked to practice social distancing. 

The E Center Gym will open on May 18th with amended hours on Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 
 

• Visitors to the gym that are included in the high-risk category of individuals required to shelter in place until June 13th will be asked to exercise at home.  
• Any individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, had symptoms of COVID-19 have been in contact with a person that has or is suspected to have COVID-19 will be asked to wait until they are cleared to participate in fitness activities.  
• Guests may contact the Recreation Department at (770) 831-7413 prior to visiting to gauge space availability on the walking track or fitness equipment. 

Monday, May 11th, 2020
Advanced Disposal resumed normal levels of service. Bulk item collection is available and limits on bag service collection have been lifted. 

Leaf and bagged yard debris collection services also resumed on a limited and adjusted schedule. Pick up will occur the day before your regular garbage collection day. 

Friday, May 8th, 2020
Gary Pirkle Park was reopened for passive use. Restrooms are available during normal hours of operation with enhanced cleaning protocols. Group sporting activities and gatherings are prohibited, and the pavilions and playgrounds remain closed. The Sugar Hill Community Garden was reopened for limited, individual access for members. All parking gates will be opened from 7:00 am to dusk.

Monday, May 4th, 2020 

Limb and branch chipping resumed and will continue on a limited, monthly basis. 

Please keep limbs to the required limits for size and volume (4ft x 4ft area and no taller than 6ft). As a reminder, we ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ pick up limbs cut by tree or landscape services.

Due to social distancing guidelines and several contractors that limited operations due to the public health crisis, city staff have adapted to pick up usually outsourced work. This service schedule will be in effect until we are fully staffed and/or able to safely outsource support services.

Friday, April 27-30th, 2020 

Governor’s Executive Order 04.30.20.01 (PDF)

Renewing the Public Health State of Emergency issued on March 14 and renewed on April 8 to assist with the state’s response to COVID-19

Governor’s Executive Order 04.27.20.01 (PDF)

Providing additional guidance for food service establishments, bowling alleys, and theaters in response to COVID-19

Friday, April 24th, 2020 4:38 pm

Executive Orders:

Governor’s Executive Order 04.23.20.02 (PDF)

Providing guidance for reviving a healthy Georgia in response to COVID-19

Governor’s Executive Order 04.20.20.01 (PDF)

Providing flexibility for healthcare practices, moving certain businesses to minimum operations, and providing for emergency response

Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 5:15 pm

The Governor’s executed 4/2/20 Shelter in Place Order, which became effective at 6:00 pm, April 3^rd has now been extended until 11:59 pm on April 30^th. That executive order preempted all local city and county emergency orders related to COVID-19.  It makes the State of Georgia and county sheriff offices responsible for all aspects of implementation and enforcement.

The State Order also supersedes and suspends all previous county and city Orders.  As such, the City of Sugar Hill is not authorized to enforce any of our previous Orders nor provide interpretation or guidance on the Governor’s Order.

For further information and guidance, please contact:
The Office of the Governor
gov.georgia.gov
covidcomments@georgia.org
404-656-1776   

The Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4000
(Questions regarding Critical Infrastructure designation)

Friday, April 3rd, 2020 4:45 pm

The Governor’s executed 4/2/20 Shelter in Place Order, which becomes effective at 6:00 pm today, April 3^rd, preempts all local city and county emergency orders related to COVID-19.  It makes the State of Georgia responsible for all aspects of implementation and enforcement.

The State Order also supersedes and suspends all previous county and city Orders.  As such, the City of Sugar Hill is not authorized to enforce any of our previous Orders nor provide you with interpretation or guidance on the Governor’s Order. For further information and guidance, please contact:

The Office of the Governor
gov.georgia.gov
covidcomments@georgia.org
404-656-1776

The Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4000
(Questions regarding Critical Infrastructure designation)

View the guidance and FAQs for the executive order at the link below:

Statewide Shelter In Place Handout (PDF)

Executive Orders:

Governor’s Executive Order 04.03.20.01 (PDF)

Authorizing sheriffs to enforce the provisions of Executive Order 04.02.20.01 involving businesses, establishments, for-profit corporations, non-profit corporations, and organizations

Governor’s Executive Order 04.02.20.01 (PDF)

Issuing a statewide shelter in place to stop the spread of COVID-19

SUPERSEDED BY GOVERNOR’S 4-2-2020 ORDER

Friday, March 27th, 2020 5:52 pm

Earlier today, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash and the mayors of the cities in Gwinnett, including Sugar Hill, have issued stay at home orders for their respective jurisdictions as a means to protect the health, safety and welfare of Gwinnett County residents. This move is being made in a coordinated fashion in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to preserve the community’s capacity to provide much needed healthcare services. 

Residents may leave their homes to conduct activities that are essential to their own health and safety and that of family/household members, partners, significant others, and pets. Essential activities include, but are not limited to, obtaining food, medication and medical supplies, household consumer supplies and healthcare services or caring for a family member or pet in another household. It is also permissible to engage in outdoor activity, like walking, hiking, running or bicycling, as long as individuals comply with social distancing requirements. 

The local emergency order also mandates all businesses in Sugar Hill cease all activity except for the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, and related functions. This directive applies to for-profit, nonprofit or private educational entities; it excludes essential businesses. Businesses consisting exclusively of employees or contractors who work from home may continue to operate.  

All essential businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open while adhering to social distancing requirements. Such businesses include healthcare, grocery stores; certified farmer’s markets; organizations that provide food, shelter and social services to those in need; news agencies; gas stations, auto supply and auto repair shops; banks; and restaurants that offer delivery, takeout or drive-thru service. For a complete list, please refer to the order at www.cityofsugarhill.com. 

Individuals who work to provide essential services or essential products may leave their places of residence to carry out these activities. 

The order also makes exceptions for essential governmental functions and essential infrastructure, meaning public works construction, private construction and related activities, utilities, telecommunications and solid waste services. First responders, emergency management personnel, 911 dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel and others who perform essential services, such as healthcare workers, are exempt from the order. 

This local emergency order will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on March 28, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended by the Mayor and Council of the City of Sugar Hill. 

SUPERSEDED BY GOVERNOR’S 4-2-2020 ORDER

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 3:22 pm

Today Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash issued an Executive Order limiting the operations of specific industries in Unincorporated Gwinnett County. Sugar Hill leadership, along with other cities in our county, also issued a similar Executive Order governing the businesses located within Sugar Hill city limits.

Monday, March 23rd, 2020 4:43 pm
Temporary Suspension of Yard Waste Collection Services

As the COVID-19 outbreak evolves, we continue to assess how to best keep our staff, customers, and families healthy and safe. In order to reduce risks with handling potential viral contaminants, we will be temporarily suspending leaf and limb pick up effective at 5 pm today, March 23rd.

This will enable our staff to be deployed to more urgent services and support other crews affected by the public health crisis.

If you have not already placed items for pick-up, we ask that you please wait for normal service to resume before placing items at the curb. Items already at the curb will be picked up.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change in service creates. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy, including our public works staff. For specific questions or assistance related to leaf and limb pick up please contact the Street Department at (770) 271-2137.

Monday, March 23rd, 2020 11:42 am

Update from Advanced Disposal effective immediately:

As the situation continues to evolve with the COVID-19 outbreak, we are assessing how to best keep our staff, customers, and families healthy and safe. In order to reduce risks with handling potential viral contaminants, we will be limiting the number of green logo bags to 3 bags of household trash only effective Monday, March 23, 2020. This 3-bag limit only applies to those customers using bagged service only. All bulk (over sized items) waste collection is suspended until further notice. **For those customers using cart service, collection will be limited to what fits into the cart with lid closed. Advanced Disposal appreciates this special accommodation during this unprecedented time. Any questions about service may continue to be routed to our customer service office at 678-495-0058

Friday, March 20th, 2020 8:00 am

The Sugar Hill City Council held an emergency special called meeting at 8:00 am today, March 20th in Council Chambers at City Hall. This meeting was held for City Council to consider declaration of a State of Emergency for the city. At this meeting the decision was made and the City of Sugar Hill declared a State of Emergency.

Declaring State of Emergency, while very intimidating, is a decision that City Council reached to ensure that the City of Sugar Hill would receive the proper assistance, if necessary, during this world-wide health crisis. State law allows cities under a declared State of Emergency additional flexibility and functionality in a time of crisis, including teleconference meetings for groups such as the City Council, as well as enabling the City to apply for or receive reimbursement for state and Federal funds if it becomes necessary in dealing with the COVID-19. It also allows City personnel to take other measures, if necessary, to protect life during this emergency.

We are hopeful that the disruption we experience from distancing now will save lives and allow us to return to more normal circumstances sooner. It is our hope that our residents will meet this challenge with discipline, courage, and care for each other.

Thursday, March 19th, 2020 4:28 pm

Suspension of In-Person Services at City Hall
Effective Friday, March 20^{th following a special called meeting of the City Council at 8 am}, Sugar Hill City Hall will be closed to the general public. Staff will continue to report to City Hall or connect remotely, carrying out the daily functions of the city.

This decision was not made lightly. City Hall and the dedicated staff of the City of Sugar Hill play a critical role in serving the public. However, the active City Hall sees a significant amount of foot traffic on a daily basis and out of an abundance of caution, we have made this difficult but necessary decision. The city has chosen to model the importance of social distancing during this public health event.

Beginning Friday March 20^th, Business License applications, Planning and Zoning Permit applications, Alcohol License applications, and New Utility Service applications will be taken on an appointment-only basis. Appointments can be made by calling 770-945-6716.

Gas utility payments can be made by calling 1-855-748-1345 or by visiting https://ipn.paymentus.com/cp/shga for online payments. To encourage gas customers to limit public interactions, the standard convenience fee of $2.25 associated with phone and online payments will be credited to gas service accounts. Payments can also be made IN PERSON at The Eagle Theatre box office, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Customers also have the option of paying with a check by dropping payment slip, payment, and envelope at the drop box located next to City Hall. As a reminder, please do not send cash by mail or in the drop box.

For assistance with gas service, contact Sugar Hill Customer Service at 770-945-6716. General questions about City of Sugar Hill operations can be sent to communications@cityofsugarhill.com. Communications regarding operations of the City of Sugar Hill will be posted at www.cityofsugarhill.com as well as on social media accounts.

Monday, March 16th, 2020 5:05 pm

In response to recent guidelines issued by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the following updates to operations of city-owned and managed properties, events and meetings are now in effect:

• The Player’s Guild’s presentation of the “Blithe Spirit” production originally scheduled to open this Friday at The Eagle Theatre has been postponed. All other events, including private rentals, at The Eagle Theatre are postponed until further notice. Tickets for events will be honored at rescheduled dates. Ticketholders unable to attend rescheduled performances will be refunded.

General questions about City of Sugar Hill operations can be sent to communications@cityofsugarhill.com. 

Please continue to follow guidelines posted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about reducing the risk of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19) through strategies including limiting gatherings of more than ten individuals. More information and recommendations for continued community health can be found at www.cdc.gov.

Monday, March 16th, 2020 11:57 pm

In response to the declaration of a National Emergency and classification of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic the following closures have been enacted:

Effective at 12 pm on Monday, March 16^th, 2020 Gary Pirkle Park is closed to the public until further notice.

Effective Monday, March 16^th, the Sugar Hill Post Office is closed until further notice. You may (as of 3-16-2020) still access postal services at the Buford Post Office (2030 Buford Hwy, 770-614-1256).

Please continue to refer to www.cdc.gov and www.cityofsugarhill.com for the most current information regarding recommendations to address the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and use your best judgement in interacting in public spaces, especially if you belong to groups at high-risk for contracting the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) or if you have exhibited symptoms of the virus including fever or cough.

Friday, March 13th, 2020

We have been monitoring developments of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) very closely. We recognize the uncertainty, concern and anxiety our community is feeling during this public health event. We would also like to remind everyone that at times like these when fear of the unknown are high to not forget to be a neighbor and friend as well as supporting each other as a community. 

In response to recent communications issued by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization regarding designation of the virus as a pandemic and President Trump’s Declaration of a National Emergency we have made the difficult decision to close some facilities and adapt operations appropriately.  

At this time, City Hall will remain open and operational.

City-owned properties, events and meetings closed or cancelled to the public and effective closure dates are as follows:  

• Effective Sunday, March 15th: The Sugar Hill E Center Gymnasium will be closed. This includes private rentals, community groups, group fitness activities, and use of gym equipment. 
• Effective Monday, March 16th: The Eagle Theatre’s $2 Tuesdays and Spring Break Bash movie event are canceled. An announcement about scheduling of Blithe Spirit will be made early next week. All other events, including private rentals are canceled, and The Eagle is closed until further notice.  
• Effective Monday, March 16th: All non-essential meetings in the E Center and City Hall are canceled. This includes The Sugar Hill Planning Commission, Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society, Sugar Hill Arts Commission, Toastmasters, Sugar Hill Youth Council, and other community groups.  
• Effective Tuesday, March 17th: Passport Services within City Hall are suspended.  

Out of an abundance of caution, these City of Sugar Hill facilities will adapt their operations, and events canceled until further notice in order to reduce the potential risk of transmission or infection and adhere to the CDC’s recommendations for social distancing. 

Due to the advised practice of social distancing we are encouraging our gas patrons to make utility payments by calling 1-855-748-1345 or by visiting https://ipn.paymentus.com/cp/shga for online payments. Customers also have the option of paying with a check by dropping payment slip, payment, and envelope at the drop box located next to City Hall. As a reminder, please do not send cash by mail or in the drop box. To motivate gas customers to pay by phone or online, the standard convenience fee of $2.25 will be credited to gas service accounts for all payments made through April 20th. For assistance with gas service, contact Sugar Hill Customer Service at 770-945-6716. 

General questions about City of Sugar Hill operations can be sent to communications@cityofsugarhill.com. 

We value the importance of taking active measures to contain the spread of the virus in our community and mitigate the risk to vulnerable populations. Please continue to follow recommended community health guidelines such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes, and observing social distancing practices. Additional information can be found at cdc.gov and communications regarding operations of the City of Sugar Hill will be posted at www.cityofsugarhill.com as well as on social media accounts.