Notes and Quotes-4/24/2020

• Economic Recovery Task Force

- At the request of Mayor and City Manager an Economic Recovery Task Force has been formed via executive order issued Friday, April 24^th. This group will work to convene community representatives to provide insight on effective local economic recovery efforts, business support, and community development and outreach following the coronavirus pandemic with the potential to serve as a long-term advisory committee on economic development strategy in Sugar Hill.

-Plan to have preliminary recommendations to share at the May 11^th council meeting

• E Center Business Roundtable

-An E Center Business Roundtable was hosted earlier this week to touch base on business operations and recovery as our economy re-opens

• Governor Kemp’s Executive Order

- All medical practices, dental practices, orthodontics practices, optometry practices, physical therapists, ambulatory surgical centers, physicians performing elective surgeries, healthcare-related practices and services that have elected to cease operations because of the spread of COVID-19 should begin treating patients as soon as practicable. All such healthcare-related practices and services shall not be subject to Minimum Basic Operations restrictions.

-Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools, and massage therapists can begin engaging in Minimum Basic Operations on Friday, April 24, 2020. This means these businesses can open to the public on a limited basis, subject to restrictions.

-The current shelter-in-place order will expire at 11:59 P.M. on April 30, 2020. After that date, new rules will be promulgated by the Governor through Executive Order to continue to limit social interaction while providing flexibility for  business owners to maintain the value of their business.

-Restaurants and dining rooms of private social clubs will be allowed to reopen on a limited basis on Monday, April 27, 2020, subject to new restrictions to be promulgated by the Governor on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

-Movie theaters will also be permitted to engage in Minimum Basic Operations beginning Monday, April 27, 2020, subject to new restrictions to be promulgated by the Governor on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

-Bars, nightclubs, amusement park ride operators, and live performance venues will remain closed through at least May 13, 2020 when the Public Health State of Emergency is set to expire.

-Minimum Basic Operations include the following categories: The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of a business, establishment, corporation, non-profit corporation, or organization; provide services; manage inventory; ensure security; process payroll and employee benefits; or for related functions, and such minimum necessary activities include remaining open to the public subject to the restrictions of this Order

-The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees or volunteers being able to work remotely from their residences or members or patrons being able to participate remotely from their residences

-The full order can be found on our website at https://cityofsugarhill.com/covid-19/

-For clarification you can contact Constituent Services at Governor Kemp’s Office at 404-656-1776

• Sugar Hill Facilities and Operations

-It is our plan to keep The E Center gymnasium, The Eagle Theatre, The Bowl, City Hall and Gary Pirkle Park closed through the extent of our local State of Emergency ending at midnight on May 13^th. We are working on a plan to phase in the reopening of City Hall and other facilities. Lawn clippings, leaf and limb collection service will resume in May.  Please look out for details on a REVISED collection schedule and details.

• Virtual Events & Future Events

-Our Trivia Tuesdays will continue through the month of May and today will be our final “Tales from the Story Box with Mrs. Renee” Facebook Live event. TikTok challenges will continue next week with a “we can’t wait to see you again” challenge featuring The Bowl.

-Tour de Chalk will begin today, April 24^th with a social media push and continue until next Saturday, May 2^nd when several polls will be held and a winner announced.

- We are working in collaboration with other elected officials and city managers in Gwinnett County to establish a uniform countywide policy to guide scheduling, rescheduling, and timing of in person events.

-The Bowl Concert schedule is being re-evaluated in light of the dynamic pandemic guidance and regulations.  The outdoor venue relies heavily on a short weather window in which to host these concerts.