A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

1997 STATE OF THE COUNTY

OCTOBER 15, 1997

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners held a State of the County Address on Wednesday, October 15, 1997, at 6:00 p.m., in the rotunda of the Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: William "Bill" H. Good, Chairman; G. Richard Swartz, Jr., Vice Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell; Catherine C. Hanson; and Rhonda H. Gerber. Others present were: Sanford A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Sue B. Whittle, County Manager; Ava Kronz, Director of Continuous Quality Improvement; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, Finance Department; various Department Heads; Dignitaries; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.

There were approximately 185 staff, reporters, and citizens present.

Commr. Good presented opening comments and welcomed those present to the annual State of the County Address.

. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

Pastor William Fraker, Pastor, Tavares United Methodist Church, gave the Invocation and Commr. Richard Swartz, Vice Chairman, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

INTRODUCTIONS

Commr. Good introduced the Lake County Board of County Commissioners; Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager; Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney; dignitaries; committee and advisory board members; and County staff that were present in the audience.

Commr. Good expressed a special thanks to Florida Power Corporation; Carroll Fulmer & Company, Inc.; First National Bank of Mount Dora; First Federal Savings Bank of Lake County; Barnett Bank of Lake County, N.A.; Sprint-Florida, Inc.; Huntington National Bank; and First Union Bank for sponsoring the event this evening.

1997 WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME

Commr. Good announced that the Lake County Women's Hall of Fame inductee for 1997 was Annie "Jo" Tucker. At this time, Commr. Good presented a plaque to Ms. Annie "Jo" Tucker and provided a brief narrative of the accomplishments of Ms. Tucker.

STATE OF THE COUNTY MESSAGE

Commr. Good stated that Lake County began holding the State of the County in 1994 to provide an update to the community on the accomplishments of Lake County and was intended to help the citizens of Lake County understand the direction that the Board of County Commissioners has followed, and the direction that the Board was proposing to following for the 1997/98 fiscal year. He briefly discussed the following four focus areas:

- To build a sustainable environment which will afford quality recreation and tranquility in the lives of current and future generations in Lake County;



- To develop an economic base which will allow our citizens to enjoy optimum employment, varied cultural opportunities and a quality standard of living;



- To nourish our communities enabling all residents the enjoyment of a safe, abundant and healthy lifestyle; and



- To increase citizen confidence in Lake County Government.

He stated that the focus areas have been established by the Board of County Commissioners and would allow the Board to provide services and products and still preserve and protect Lake County for future generations. He further stated that the focus areas have challenged and will continue to challenge County staff to accomplish the Board's goals in the upcoming year.

At the conclusion of the State of County Address, Commr. Good invited those present to join in refreshments and socializing.

There being no further business, the State of the County Address was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.



WILLIAM "BILL" H. GOOD, CHAIRMAN



ATTEST:





____________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



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