Computer investigation discussed today at City Hall

Sarasota city commissioners will hear an update today at City Hall regarding a computer forensics investigation into the city’s Information Technology Department.

Specifically, commissioners will hear an update into an independent analysis of IT project manager Sandra Coleman’s personal computer, which was used last year to access the city’s computer network. The analysis is being performed to see if any city information is located on the hard drive.

The commission approved an additional $15,000 to $20,000 expense to hire a third party company to extract any information from Coleman’s personal computer that pertains to city business.

The Sylint Group was hired by City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini to investigate a complaint from a city resident that former city manager Bob Bartolotta and Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown “scrubbed” their computers clean of data.

Also at its regular meeting today, which begins at 2:30 p.m. and reconvenes at 6 p.m., the commission will:

Consider:
• Amending an ordinance that would provide clarification to the St. Armands Business Improvement District board members in its bid to extend its taxing district an additional ten years.

• Approving a donation of a “Complexus” art sculpture by artist John Henry to the Sarasota Public Art Collection.

Hear:
• A presentation from Florida Power & Light about the company’s quest to modernize its electrical grid.

For more information about the meeting, check www.yourobserver.com for updates and pick up a copy of Thursday’s June 21 Sarasota Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].