BRIEFS from BARWIN
From the Desk of Sarasota
City Manager Tom Barwin
May 20, 2016
Photo of the Week
On Monday, the City Commission recognized Marina Jack being name the 2015 "National Marina of the Year" in the large category by Marina Dock Age magazine. The award recognized a strong private-public partnership with Marina Jack, which led to Sarasota's first mooring field, and a cleaner, safer bay environment.  Marina Jack has been a destination on the bayfront for 50 years.
  MEETINGS

  • Parking Advisory Committee
    Mon., May 23 - 4:30 p.m.
    City Hall - Room 112
  • Human Relations Board
    Tues., May 24 - 1 p.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • Firefighters' Pension Plan Board
    Wed., May 25 - 9 a.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda     
  • Board of Adjustment
    Wed., May 25 - 1:30 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Police Complaint Committee
    Wed., May 25 - 5:30 p.m.
    City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio
    Agenda
  • Planning Board Special Mtg
    Wed., May 25 - 6 p.m.
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
    Agenda
  • Statutory City Commission Mtg
    Fri., May 27 - Noon
    City Hall - Commission Chambers
City Career Opportunities
Opportunity, Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Copy Room Over The Dramatic Clouds and Sky.  

Arborist II
City Records Manager
Computer Support Specialist II
Electronic Traffic Signal Tech
Facility Maintenance Tech
Golf Course Attendant
Landscape Maintenance Tech I
Lifeguard I
Maintenance Mechanic I
Maintenance Mechanic II
    Police Officer, 2nd Class
Rec Attendant
Spray Tech
Summer Internship
Utilities Capital Projects Manager   

                                        

This Week's Items to Know:
1.
Osprey Ave. Improvement Project - New Website  As we prepare for a significant infrastructure improvement project along Osprey Avenue, a website dedicated to the project has been unveiled.

Although work is not scheduled to begin until January 2017, the website is now available at www.OspreyAveImprovements.com.  Due to the scope of the infrastructure work, we want to ensure residents are aware of the project as soon as possible.

The project will include replacing aging utility lines (both water and
The homepage for the Osprey Ave. infrastructure
improvement project website. 
 
sewer) along Osprey Ave. from Siesta Drive to Main Street.  We understand that is a long stretch of well-used road and we are coordinating the improvements to keep the inconvenience to a minimum.

The project will be split into two phases and within each phase, construction will be done in segments.  Phase I will be from Siesta Dr. to Bahia Vista Rd and is scheduled to start in January.

The water mains and wastewater force mains have been in use for 45+ years and need to be upgraded.  In addition, staff has coordinated the timing of other improvement projects to occur at the same time.  Sidewalks, curbs, and driveway aprons will be enhanced.  And, when all that work is finished, Osprey Ave. will be resurfaced.

Staff and the construction contractor, Halfacre Construction, already have given a detailed presentation to the Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA).  That presentation and much more information can be found on the new website:
www.OspreyAveImprovements.com

We encourage you to visit the site and learn about the improvements in store for Osprey Ave.                           
2.
Farewell Norm Gollub   We wish all the best to Norm Gollub, who left Sarasota today after serving as our Downtown Economic Development Coordinator for the past three years.  Norm is returning to the Pacific northwest where he accepted a position as Executive Director of the Foss Waterway Development Authority in Tacoma,
Norm Gollub served as the Downtown Economic Development Coordinator. 
Washington.

Norm did an exceptional job developing strong collaborative relationships between City Hall, downtown business owners, residents and prospective developers.  He kept the lines of communication open via the creation of a downtown economic development website as well as a helpful monthly development progress report.  His presence as an ambassador for downtown Sarasota will be missed.

The Downtown Economic Development Coordinator position is funded via three sources:  the City of Sarasota, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Improvement District.  We're in the process of conducting a needs assessment for the position.

Good luck, Norm, on your career move!

3.
New Athletic Field  - Construction Update  It's an exciting time at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex as the new artificial turf athletic field starts to take shape. 
This structure will become the new concession
stand with restrooms. 

This week, the curbing on the edge of the field was installed.  Over the next several weeks, the turf itself will begin to take form.

The shell of the building which will hold the concession stand and restrooms is now constructed adjacent to the field, where soccer, lacrosse, football and other sporting events will take place.

The project is on schedule and we expect it will be ready for the Fall 2016 sports season.
The curb around the field was poured this week. 
 
4.
Dr. MLK, Jr. Way Resurfacing  The milling and resurfacing project on Dr. MLK, Jr. Way is on schedule.  Milling of the road, from Central Ave. to U.S. 301, is expected to be finished by the end of the day
A flag person directs traffic while MLK Way is milled. 
(Friday, May 20). 

On Monday, May 23, crews will begin resurfacing the road.  That should take one week to complete, weather permitting.  So, the road is expected to be finished by the end of the month.

The stretch of MLK from Central to U.S. 41 will be resurfaced at a later date in coordination with the construction of the new Ringling College of Art & Design library.

  
5.
HARD:NOC - 2015 Graduating Class   Congratulations to the 2015 HARD:NOC graduating class!   HARD:NOC (Honorable Alliance for Reclaiming Destiny:North Sarasota Original Chapter) is an inspiring teen program offered at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex. Over the course of eight months, students are introduced to new experiences, receive mentoring, academic assistance and life skills training.

Aerion Llyod and Sheniyah Reid giving their presentations about gratitude. 
 
The 2015 program culminated with a graduation celebration in the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  All 13 graduates dressed up for the occasion, with the young men sporting tuxedos provided at gratis from one of our generous local retailers. 

Many family and friends were on hand as each student addressed attendees and explained what gratitude means to them and why.  For many, it was an emotional experience talking about how grateful they are to have caring individuals in their lives.  The keynote address was given by SPD Officer and Sarasota native Dominic Harris who spoke about the importance of choices and the impact a choice can have on one's life.  
The 2015 HARD:NOC graduating class with Mayor Willie Shaw, City Commissioner Susan Chapman, Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown and many supporters. 
 
This is the third HARD:NOC graduating class.  Kudos to program coordinator Brunie Neira for providing positive, motivational experiences for these young men and women.  Congratulations, everyone!
 
6.
Newtown Farmers Market - $10,000 Grant    Good news for North Sarasota and the effort to address the 'food desert' in the community.  The Masala Giving Circle of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded The Newtown Nation a $10,000 grant to ensure the Newtown Farmers Market continues. The grant also will help the market incorporate a food delivery system.

Vice Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Commissioner Susan Chapman
L to R: Roxie Jerde, President & CEO, County Foundation of Sarasota County; Valerie Bouchand, President, The Newtown Nation; Sheila Baynes, Chair, Masala Giving Circle    
were on hand for the check presentation this week.  We're pleased the City is partnering with the Newtown Farmers Market, to provide a good location to sell fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables.

The Masala Circle was formed by a group of professional African-American women in the area several years ago to promote initiatives that benefit African-American communities.

If you haven't been to the Newtown Farmers Market, we encourage
Some of the fresh produce available
at the Newtown Farmers Market. 
 
you to do so.  It's held twice a month -- on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Newtown Redevelopment Office parking lot on Dr. MLK Way.  The next market is scheduled to be open June 3rd.  
  


Upcoming Events 
 
Gem Show 
Fri., May 20 - Sun., May 22
Municipal Auditorium
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Boating Safety Inspection Day 
Sat., May 21
Centennial Park
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Details

Drive, Chip & Putt Boot Camp 
Sat., May 21
Bobby Jones Golf Club
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Details

Feldenkrais Class
Bayfront Community Center
Wed., May 25
9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Folk Dance
Bayfront Community Center
Wed., May 25
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Scottish Dancers
Bayfront Community Center
Thurs., May 26
     7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.    


Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now! 

The following is a current list of shows. For more information visit www.VanWezel.org 
 

Friday Fest:  Koko Ray & The Keepers 
Fri., June 10 - 5 p.m.
Information 
 
MAKS & VAL - Our Way
Thurs., June 16 - 8 p.m.
Jah Movement will play at Friday Fest on July 29.

Tickets

Friday Fest:  Jah Movement
Fri., July 29 - 5 p.m.
Information

Friday Fest:  Rebelheart
Fri., August 26 - 5 p.m.
Information

Brian Wilson
Sun., Sept. 11 - 7 p.m.
Tickets

Friday Fest:  Dr. Dave Band
Fri., September 23 - 5 p.m.
Information
ZZ Top will perform at the Van Wezel on Oct. 31.


Celtic Thunder
Sat., Oct. 15 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Doo Wop Spectacular
Sat., October 22 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

ZZ Top
Mon., October 31 - 8 p.m.
Tickets

Mannheim Steamroller
Fri., November 18 - 8 p.m.
Tickets



To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail. 

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.VanWezel.org.
Thanks for reading this week's edition.  If you'd like to receive Weekly Briefs directly to your inbox click 'Join Our Mailing List' below or send us an email at CityNews@SarasotaGov.com. 

Tom Barwin
City Manager
941-954-4102