A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

2002 STATE OF THE COUNTY

OCTOBER 17, 2002

            The Lake County Board of County Commissioners held the 2002 State of the County on Thursday, October 17, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., in the rotunda area of the Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present were: Robert A. Pool, Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson; Jennifer Hill; and Debbie Stivender. Others present were: William A. Neron, County Manager; Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager; Sanford A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Neil Kelly, Senior Chief Deputy Clerk, Clerk’s Office; George B. Knupp, Jr., Sheriff; Bob McKee, Lake County Tax Collector; City Officials; Dignitaries; Department Directors; and Judy Whaley, Deputy Clerk.

            There were approximately 150 people in attendance.

            INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

            Commissioner Welton G. Cadwell gave the Invocation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presented the colors, and Sheriff George E. Knupp, Jr., led the Pledge of Allegiance.

            INTRODUCTIONS

            Commissioner Robert A. Pool, Chairman, presented opening comments and welcomed those present to the 2002 State of the County, at which time he introduced the other members of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, as well as Mr. Bob McKee, Tax Collector, Sheriff George E. Knupp, Jr., and Mr. Neil Kelly, Senior Chief Deputy Clerk, Clerk’s Office.

            STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS

            Commr. Pool stated that this year’s annual address is a special occasion and different from past presentations. He introduced a narrated, picture-filled presentation with the theme, “Nurture the Land, Promote Consensus and Enhance the Quality of Life.” The presentation highlighted the County’s proactive approach to the environment and focused on natural resources such as parks, water recreation areas and historical sites. The presentation mentioned accomplishments such as programs at Discovery Gardens, adopting a “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” resolution, cleanup of illegal dump sites, removing damaging pollutants that flow into waterways, new libraries in Astor and Paisley, passing the one-cent sales tax, the formation of a Countywide Anti-Terrorism Task Force, on-line building permitting, road resurfacing, and enhanced Community Services. The program announced the launch of an interactive Geographic Information Systems database and tax parcel mapping website. The video lauded the enhanced levels of service from county departments such as Budget and Administrative Services, Community Services, Economic Development and Tourism, Growth Management, Human Resources, Public Safety, Public Works and Solid Waste Management.

            Commr. Pool thanked Ms. Patti Michel, Public Information Officer, and her staff for the excellent video presentation. He praised Lake County’s dedicated employees and expressed gratitude for their concern and caring ways. He thanked his fellow commissioners for their hard work and compassion, adding that Lake County has seen many changes. He commented that people come to Lake County from all areas because it is a warm and caring county.

            2002 WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

            Commr. Pool announced that the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame inductees for 2002 were Ms. Carman Cullen and Ms.Bennye Motine Jones-Kinsler.

            Commr. Hill provided a brief narrative on the accomplishments of Ms. Carman Cullen and presented her with a plaque and lapel pin commemorating her induction into the 2002 Women’s Hall of Fame. Commr. Stivender provided a brief narrative on the accomplishments of Ms. Bennye Motine Jones-Kinsler, who was posthumously inducted into the 2002 Women’s Hall of Fame, and presented a plaque and lapel pin to Ms. Jackie Kinsler, who accepted on behalf of her mother.

            Concluding the State of the County, Commr. Pool thanked the sponsors, First National Bank of Mount Dora, First Federal Savings Bank, First Union Bank, Florida Power Corporation, and Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc., and thanked Oak Park Middle School for providing entertainment. He expressed special appreciation to Mr. Bill Neron, in his first year as County Manager, and thanked Mr. Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager, and Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, for their hard work. He invited everyone to enjoy refreshments and music.

            There being no further business, the 2002 State of the County was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

__________________________________

ROBERT A. POOL, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

______________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

jaw/boardmin/10-17-02/10-18-02