Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Correspondent

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Lawrenceville City Council put teeth into its property maintenance code at its regular monthly meeting Monday night.

By a unanimous vote, the Council overrode its 30-day warning period to property owners for maintenance violations, giving code-enforcement officers the power to cite violators without having to warn them.

"They'll cite you right away, and you'll cut your grass," Council Member Marie Beiser said.

In other business, the Council decided to table a business rezoning request from the QuikTrip Corporation at 181 Scenic Highway. The request will be taken up at the November meeting. Plans are to build a new QuikTrip three blocks from the old one, and a new Wendy's at the old caboose site.

The Council also:

... Voted to spend $103,000 to prepare for a possible increase in its peak day gas supply (coldest day of the year).

... Agreed to install automatic read gas meters at a cost of $8.57 each. The total bid award of $128,850 went to Southern Cross.

... Approved the rebuilding of the Tommy Lee Gas Regulator Station for $3,906.

... Voted to pay low bidder Durham Demolition $33,000 to tear down the Jackson Street Apartments.

... Funded the purchase of light bulbs and ballasts for City Hall for $2,761.

... Agreed to use asset forfeiture funds to buy six new police cars at $22,497 each, install blue lights and equipment on them and paint the vehicles.

... Approved the position of accounting clerk for the Administrative Department.

... Waived the fee for the Rock 'N' Rib Fest, scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. This festival, which features music, ribs, and activities for children, is held in cooperation with Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville.

... Agreed to spend $30,000 to fund the Employee Health Fair.

... Funded $8,700 for Christmas decorations for the Courthouse Square and City Hall.