The Lake County Board of County Commissioners held the State of the County on Thursday, October 22, 1998, at 6:00 p.m., in the lobby of the Lake County Historic Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: G. Richard Swartz, Jr., Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; William "Bill" H. Good; Catherine C. Hanson; and Rhonda H. Gerber. Others present were: Sanford A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Alvin B. Jackson, Jr., Deputy County Manager; Neil Kelly, Senior Chief Deputy Clerk; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, Finance Department; George B. Knupp, Jr., Sheriff; Ed Havill, Property Appraiser; T. Michael Johnson, Circuit Judge; various Department Heads; Dignitaries; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.

There were approximately 150 staff, reporters, and citizens present.

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

. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

Mr. Alvin B. Jackson, Jr. gave the Invocation and Sheriff George B. Knupp led the Pledge of Allegiance.

INTRODUCTIONS

Commr. Swartz introduced the Lake County Board of County Commissioners; Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney; Mr. Neil Kelly, Senior Chief Deputy Clerk; Ms. Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk; Sheriff George Knupp, Mr. Ed Havill, Property Appraiser, dignitaries; and County staff that were present in the audience.

Commr. Swartz expressed a special thanks to Carroll Fulmer & Company, Inc.; First National Bank of Mount Dora; First Federal Savings Bank of Lake County; First Union Bank; Florida Power Corporation; Sprint-Florida, Inc.; Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.; and Silver Springs Citrus Cooperative, Inc. for sponsoring the event this evening.

1998 WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME

Commr. Swartz announced that the Lake County Women's Hall of Fame inductees for 1998 were Susan Pennacchia and Gwendolyn Manning. At this time, Commr. Swartz presented a plaque and lapel pin to Ms. Pennacchia and Ms. Manning and provided a brief narrative of their accomplishments.

Commr. Swartz presented a lapel pin to Lillie Mathews, the 1996 Women's Hall of Fame inductee, and noted that it was the recommendation of Ms. Mathews, after she was inducted in the Women's Hall of Fame, to present lapel pins to the Women's Hall of Fame inductees.

STATE OF THE COUNTY MESSAGES

Commr. Swartz invited the Commissioners to address the audience, at which time, Commr. Rhonda H. Gerber, District 1; William "Bill" H. Good, District 2; Catherine C. Hanson, District 4; and Welton G. Cadwell, District 5, briefly discussed their accomplishments and the accomplishments of various committees for 1998. Commr. Swartz stated that three of the challenges facing the Board of County Commissioners in the coming year were to find a resolution to the financial burden of the incinerator; to complete the Lake County Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR); and to address ambulance service for Lake County currently under contract with Florida Regional Emergency Management Services. He stated that the accomplishments of the Board for 1998 include adoption of the new fire rescue plan and an improved volunteer firefighter organization; a better working relationship between the Board and the Constitutional Officers; and a better working relationship among the Board of County Commissioners.

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

There being no further business, the State of the County was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

__________________________________ G. RICHARD SWARTZ, JR.,CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

_________________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

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