A
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
2005
STATE OF THE COUNTY
OCTOBER
20, 2005
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners held the 2005
State of the County Address on Thursday, October 20, 2005, at 7:30 a.m., at
Lake Receptions, Mount Dora, Florida. Commissioners present were: Jennifer
Hill, Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell; and
Robert A. Pool. Commissioner Debbie Stivender was absent. Others present were: Sanford
A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Cynthia W. “Cindy” Hall, County Manager; Wendy
Taylor, Executive Office Manager, Board of County Commissioners’ Office; James
C. Watkins, Clerk of Courts; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County
Finance; and Judy Whaley, Deputy Clerk.
OFFICIATING
The Honorable Jennifer S. Hill, Chairman, Lake County Board
of County Commissioners, welcomed everyone to the 2005 State of the County
Address.
INVOCATION
The
Honorable Mark J. Hill, Circuit Court Judge, gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
The
Honorable Bob McKee, Lake County Tax Collector, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTRODUCTIONS
Commissioner
Hill introduced other members of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.
She recognized Constitutional Officers Mr. Bob McKee, Lake County Tax
Collector; Mr. Ed Havill, Lake County Property Appraiser; and Mr. James Watkins,
Lake County Clerk of Courts; and city and town officials who were present.
2005
WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME
The
Honorable Ed Havill, Property Appraiser, announced that the Lake County Women’s
Hall of Fame inductee for 2005 is The Honorable Emogene W. Stegall, Lake County
Supervisor of Elections. He gave a brief narrative of the accomplishments of
Ms. Stegall, noting that she was first elected in 1972 and has been with the
Supervisor of Elections’ Office a total of 47 years. Mr. Havill explained that
Ms. Stegall is in Mississippi celebrating the 100th birthday of her mother, typically
putting others first. Mr. Jerry Foster, Assistant Supervisor of Elections, accepted
a plaque and lapel pin on Ms. Stegall’s behalf.
PRESENTATION
OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS
Commissioner
Hill gave brief historical remarks and presented plaques of appreciation to the
following Chambers of Commerce: Astor Area, East Lake County, Lady Lake Area,
Lake Eustis Area, Leesburg Area, Mount Dora Area, Northeast Lake, South Lake,
Tavares and Umatilla.
STATE
OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS
Commissioner
Hill expressed pride in the accomplishments made by Lake County this year. She
applauded the cooperative efforts of citizens, businesses and County staff. She
noted that the State of Florida continues to be a popular place to call home
and that Lake County experienced its fair share of growing pains. The Board of
County Commissioners is committed to meeting the increased demand for
governmental services. Planning for new fire stations, aggressive
transportation improvements and expansion of government facilities are
underway. Commissioner Hill remarked that County government is working
hand-in-hand with citizens, businesses, civic groups, planning organizations
and municipal leaders to strengthen and protect our communities. A new
Comprehensive Plan will be the foundation for an effective “blueprint” for
preservation and development of land for the future of Lake County. She
stressed that protection of our natural lands will be paramount as Lake County
continues to grow. This year, the County began an initiative to purchase public
lands for preservation and to promote its pristine “blueways.”
Commissioner
Hill introduced a video montage, “Strength in Community,” with excerpts from the
2005 Annual Report, and which highlighted the wonderful accomplishments of Lake
County Government during this past fiscal year.
CLOSING
REMARKS
In
closing, Commissioner Hill recognized Lake County Attorney Sandy Minkoff and
County Manager Cindy Hall. She expressed her gratitude to the employees who made
today’s presentation possible and to all those employees who work everyday in
dedication and service to Lake County. She concluded by thanking the sponsors
of today’s event: Colonial Bank; Florida Hospital Waterman; Lake Receptions; Leesburg
Regional Medical Center; Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, PA; Progress Energy;
Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc.; United Chambers of Lake County; and United
Southern Bank.
ADJOURNMENT
The
2005 State of the County Address ended at 8:30 a.m.
__________________________
JENNIFER HILL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES
C. WATKINS, CLERK