Commission Goal Setting Session - On January 12 the Commissioners held their annual goal setting session.  This is a meeting where the members discuss their objectives for the up coming year and determine priorities.  The main focus of this year's session was on improving communication between the commissioners and staff, as well as between County departments. Questions were directed at improving ways to brief commissioners on agenda items. With the number of complex issues facing the County the Commissioners felt that the normal structure of a regular Board meeting has not allowed for extended discussions and briefing individual commissioners on complex issues became difficult for the staff to accomplish in one-on-one sessions.  As a result, the Board of County Commissioners will begin holding an additional meeting each month to be called Administrator's Overview.  The meetings, to be held the first Tuesday of each month, will give Bruce Loucks, County Administrator, and the County staff, an opportunity to discuss complex issues in greater depth.  The first Administrator's Overview will be held on February 6, 9:00 a.m. at the Murdock Administrative Complex, Room #119.

Water Restrictions Put in Place for Charlotte County -    This year, Southwest Florida is experiencing drier than normal conditions. We are asking all residents of Charlotte County to conserve water in their homes, at work and during leisure activities. Charlotte County Utilities is urging consumers to follow the three R’s: Reduce the amount of water used; Repair household and outdoor leaks and Replace older fixtures with water saving devices. For further information visit the water restriction and water conservation pages on the County website.

Public Hearing to be Held on Speed Zone in Deep Creek- The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 13 to consider an ordinance creating an additional school speed zone near Deep Creek Elementary.  Staff and school officials have indicated that this is necessary for the safety of the children.  The new zone is proposed to be located on Rio de Janeiro Avenue. Agendas for the Board of County Commissioners meetings can be found on-line and meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, Room #119.

Banner Design Competition Part of US 41 Beautification - TEAM Punta Gorda is conducting a banner design competition to beautify the Barron Collier and Gilchrist Route 41 bridges on behalf of the Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor community redevelopment agencies (CRA’s). First and second place prizes are being sponsored by Five Star Realty and Sand Star Custom Homes with the Charlotte County Young Professionals sponsoring the third place prize. First Place: $1,000.00; Second Place: $ 500.00; Third Place: $250.00 - DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: Thursday, February 15, 2007 by 4:00 pm.  Mail or deliver entries to:  The Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda, 33950.  Questions concerning the competition may be directed to Judy Malbuisson, Executive Director, Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County at 941.764.8100, or visit the Team Punta Gorda website at www.teampuntagorda.org

Family Services Center - This new County facility held it's grand opening on January 10.  Attendees received a tour of the campus and an overview of the programs and services offered on site.  The facility was purchased in 2005 for $1.2 million and was previously occupied by a church.  Located on Gibralter Drive in Port Charlotte, current tenants include Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, Guardian Ad Litem, 4-H Program, Police Athletic League After School Program, Public Schools Family Literacy Center and Healthy Families.  An auditorium and conference room are also available for rent to the public.  For more information contact Emily Lewis, Center Manager, 941.235.0159.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Town Hall Meeting - Commissioner D'Aprile will hold a "Town Hall" meeting for District 1 residents on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, in room 119 at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner D'Aprile will discuss issues of concern to the District 1 residents. For more information call the Commission office, 941.743.1300.

MEETINGS

The Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.  Land use issues are addressed on the third Tuesday and Administrator's Overview is held on the first Tuesday of each month. These meetings are held at the Murdock Administrative Complex, Room #119.

To view the agenda for the Board meetings click here: Commission Agenda.  The meetings can also be viewed live on CCTV20, (Comcast Channel 20) or can be viewed via live stream on our website - Streaming Video 

A variety of government meetings are archived for on-demand viewing. Check out our inventory here: On Demand Video

Charlotte County has dozens of official meetings and activities each month.  For an itemized listing click here: Meeting Calendars

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