Gwinnett Daily Post

DACULA -- City leaders Thursday passed a resolution that makes it more difficult to install privately owned community or group sewage treatment systems in the city.

According to City Planner Joey Murphy, a shared septic treatment system recently failed temporarily, and that incident led to "adverse impacts on both the environment and existing businesses within the city."

Council members also voted to amend the city zoning code regarding such systems. While the ordinance amendment does not strictly prohibit shared systems, the change requires a variance granted by the city council for such a system to be installed in Dacula.

Shared septic systems are permitted solely by the Georgia EPD and monitored by private owners, giving the city of Dacula no jurisdiction over these systems.

City alcohol ordinance amended

Council members voted to change the city's alcohol ordinance Thursday, including drug stores in the list of businesses selling alcohol that can hire underage employees. Before this change was made, grocery stores and convenience stores were the only two retail categories selling alcohol with express permission to hire underage persons.

"Now we can treat drug stores equally with convenience and grocery stores,: said city administrator Jim Osborn.

Freeman Mill Road funding approved

Council members Thursday gave Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks the go-ahead to execute documents to receive $95,000 in CDBG funds for improvements to Freeman Mill Road. The money will be used for widening and drainage on that road and will be combined with an additional $150,000 to widen a different section of the same road.