City commission reviews trespass policy tonight

The Sarasota City Commission will review proposed changes to a city code that establishes a process for the issuance of trespass warnings on public property at tonight’s regular meeting at City Hall.

The town’s current code, according to city attorney Robert Fournier, doesn’t comply with a recent federal appeals court ruling in a case that challenged the constitutionality of the city of St. Petersburg’s trespass warning ordinance.

The city’s revised code now allows the person receiving a warning to contest the trespass warning if he or she doesn’t believe they actually committed a violation.

Also at the commission meeting, which starts at 2:30 p.m. and reconvenes at 6 p.m., commissioners will:

Consider approving:
• A myriad of projects for downtown Sarasota that include a Main Street streetscape project.
• A sale agreement between the city and the owners of property at 1958 and 1864 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Make appointments:
• To the city’s Board of Adjustment and Civil Service/General Personnel Board.

Discuss:
• Utilizing two existing construction contracts for the replacement of existing sewer force mains at Gulfstream Avenue and the corner of Hudson Avenue and Alderman Street.
• Whether or nor not to compensate Ball and Shoe Sports Center for a uniform order placed by the Sarasota Gators football organization.

For more information about today’s meeting, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Sarasota Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].