Forsyth County Roads and Bridges employees are often the first first-responders
News November 23, 2020
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Forsyth County Engineering Departments Roads and Bridges Division workers are rarely considered first responders. But when a weather-related disaster like Hurricane Zeta strikes, they are called on to clear roads of fallen trees and debris so police, fire and emergency vehicles can to do their job.
They are not the county’s highest-paid employees, but they are among the most dedicated, responding even in the dark of night at the height of a storm’s fury. When trees and power lines are falling, these workers are on the job. When snow is piling up high, they are clearing the roads and spreading salt to make driving safer. When roads are washed out, they are placing barricades to prevent accidents.
In October as Zeta devastated the county, the 57 men and women of Roads and Bridges logged 357 overtime hours and responded to 149 work orders, removing trees from roadways working to unclog culverts, and clear storm drains.
Chairwoman Laura Semanson recognized the unselfish devotion of the Roads and Bridges employees at Thursday’s meeting.
“A lot of times we don’t recognize the value of our Roads and Bridges team brings to the county,” she said. “They truly are on the front lines every time we face a situation like that. So, I think it’s important that we take a moment to recognize and applaud their effort. They are a part of the big picture when it comes to being a first responder in times of trouble. I applaud you and thank you for all you do. It is appreciated by this Board and our community.”
BOC approves $153.8 million FY 2020-21 budget
News November 22, 2020
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2020-21 budget Thursday which included a 2 percent cost of living allowance for county employees and a 1 percent hike in the salary range
The General Fund budget is $151,830,782. The biggest expenditure anticipated is, $53,955,674 for public safety which includes ambulance, coroner and medical examiner, Emergency Management Agency, public safety radio system and sheriff’s office.
Commissioners took time during Thursday’s meeting to give thanks to several county departments and individuals and to recognize their accomplishments.
The county’s water and sewer department was recognized as the Water Reclamation Facility of the Year for its James Creek operation. It also won a Gold Award for its water distribution for the fourth year in a row and for its collection system for the third year in a row.
The Friends of Georgia Libraries presented the Fabulous Friends Award to the Forsyth County Public Library Friends and Advocates and the Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Grimes received the Charles F. Welch Award, presented annually to the EMA Director of the Year.
Chairwoman Laura Semanson thanked the Department of Engineering’s Roads and Bridges Division for its hard work during Hurricane Zeta.
“When we have a disaster in our community, a lot of times our minds go to all the first responders and we think of fire and rescue, our sheriff’s deputies and others on the front line of medical care,” she said. “But one of the key parts of our resiliency and our ability to bounce back in those situations is having a Public Works staff that works for the county to keep our systems running, keep our roads clear and our storm drains clear. A lot of times, we don’t recognize the value that our roads and bridges team brings to the county. They are truly on the front lines every time we face a disaster like that.”
Following a public hearing, commissioners unanimously approved a county-initiated request to operate a vehicle sales dealership in an existing building on 2.074 acres at 5695 Ga. Hwy. 400, a sketch pat approval for Rochester & Associates, Inc. and abandonment of public right of way on Southers Plantation Lane. A public hearing on sketch plat approval for Ronald Reagan Corners, LLC was postponed until Dec 17.
Under Old Business, commissioners approved a request for an amendment to Zoning Conditions on ZA 2915 located at 2430 Monet Drive and a request to operate a 100 sq. ft. vehicle sales dealership in an existing building on 2.196 acres located at 915 Branch Drive in Alpharetta.
Under New Business, commissioners approved:
- A conditional use permit to operate an open storage yard on 2.791 acreslocated south of Francis Road near intersection of Clark Drive;
- A conditional use permit to operate an open storage yard with 37 parking spaces on 1.97 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District located 300 ft. west of Ronald Reagan Boulevard approximately 325 ft. north of the intersection with Oak Industrial Lane;
- Conditional Use permit to operate an open storage yard with 37 parking spaces on 1.97 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District located 300 ft. west of Ronald Reagan Boulevard approximately 325 ft. north of the intersection with Oak Industrial Lane;
- A request to rezone from Lake Residential to Agricultural District with a conditional use permit for an open storage yard associated with existing buildings on 1.796 acres located west of Little Mill Road, approximately 435 ft. north of the intersection with Browns Bridge Road;
- County acquisition of 0.86 acres at 5225 Shadburn Road from William Waite Family for a future access road;
- An agreement regarding 3910 Evans Road, Fire Station #4, PIN 031-058, GDOT acquisition of ROW for SR20 (Canton Highway);
- An agreement regarding 1605 Canton Highway PIN 099-055, Greenway Trailhead location, GDOT acquisition for SR20;
- An agreement regarding Canton Highway, PIN 064-036, Greenway Trail access to Canton Highway, GDOT acquisition for SR20.