News Briefs 08.11.11

+ Bartolotta investigates office hours routine
City Manager Bob Bartolotta hasn’t started office hours yet.

At an informal meeting of the Sarasota City Commission last month, commissioners agreed with a concept proposed by Vice Mayor Terry Turner to create weekly office hours for Bartolotta that will be open to the public.

The decision was made after Turner explained that a meeting he held with members of the Gulf Coast Business Exchange left him with the impression that changes need to be made to the city’s building division and its permitting process.

But, first, Bartolotta wants to set up a meeting with the Gulf Coast Business Exchange and the city of St. Petersburg to investigate how the process has worked.

+ City of Sarasota to host free lobbying workshop
The city of Sarasota will host a free training session concerning lobbying for public officials from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, in the commission chambers at City Hall, 1565 First St.

The Florida League of Cities will present the free workshop session.

The course, designed for elected officials, local government administrative personnel and ManaSota League ex-officio and associate members, will focus on how to effectively lobby on behalf of local government and the ManaSota League of Cities.

Three professional lobbyists will provide advice and instruction about successfully communicating legislative issues to Florida lawmakers.

The deadline for registration is Friday, Aug. 26. To download a registration form, visit www.sarasotagov.com.

Contact Sarasota City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini at 954-4160 for information.

Meetings & agendas
• Community Alliance Steering Committee — 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, School Board Brown Awning Building, A/B Conference Room, 1980 Landings Blvd., Sarasota

• City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota.

• Arlington Park Neighborhood Association — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, Waldemere Fire Station, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota