News Briefs

+ Auditor and Clerk fraud policy draft raises concern
Sarasota City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini has drafted a proposed anti-fraud policy for City Hall employees that would allow her department to search employee desks, storage areas, computers and employee equipment.

The policy, which she drafted in the wake of an Information Technology computer investigation scandal that led to former City Manager Bob Bartolotta’s resignation, could violate the rights of employees, according to city attorney Bob Fournier. The draft states employee property in city buildings can be seized without the consent of city employees.

The Sarasota City Commission must approve the proposed policy, which Nadalini wants to put on a future commission agenda for discussion.

+ ACLU suing city over trespass warnings
The American Civil Liberties Union announced it planned to file a class-action lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Sarasota and its police department for what it perceives as the violation of more than 6,500 people over the past four years who received trespass warnings for being on city sidewalks.

The ACLU said it has examined four years worth of data that led to the filing of the lawsuit. City attorney Bob Fournier is suspending the city’s trespass-enforcement program for 60 days pending a review of city trespassing practices.

+ Chamber president to receive award
Steve Queior, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will receive the 2012 Communication and Leadership Award from the District 47 Toastmasters Clubs at a luncheon May 5. The luncheon, part of the three-day District 47 International Toastmasters Spring Conference, “Circus, Circus,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The Communication & Leadership Award is given annually by District 47 Toastmasters and Toastmasters International to a non-member who exhibits leadership qualities.

Meetings & Agendas
• Citizen Tax Oversight Committee — 3 p.m. Thursday, April 26, Sarasota County Administration Center, Fourth Floor Office of Financial Planning Conference Room, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
• Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Meeting — 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26, Concordia Lutheran Church, 2185 Wood St., Sarasota.
• Joint Sarasota County Commission and Manatee County Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, Manatee Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace E., Bradenton.
• Sarasota County Commission Budget Workshop — 9 a.m. Monday, May 7, Sarasota County Administration Center, Third Floor Think Tank Room, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
• Sarasota City Commission Special Meeting — 3 p.m. Friday, May 4, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.