City of Sarasota discusses grants today

The Sarasota City Commission meets today at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to discuss the possibility of eliminating downtown Community Redevelopment Agency grants altogether at its regular meeting.

The commission held off on eliminating the grants until it hears from the Community Redevelopment Agency. Some of the grant money goes toward funding storefront renovation upkeep along Main Street.

The commission will also discuss a new plan for redistricting of City Commission election districts.

Also at its regular meeting at City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota, the commission will:

Hear:
• A presentation on North Sarasota redevelopment

• A presentation on 2012 Legislature initiatives from state Reps. Darryl Rouson, D-Sarasota, and Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota.

Hold:
• A public hearing regarding changing the compensation formula for average annual earnings in regard to cit y pension plans.

• A public hearing regarding the amendment of a city code that would eliminate the Youth Advisory Board as an advisory board to the commission.

• A public hearing that would involve cancelling a previously scheduled referendum regarding the increase in annual pay for city commissioners.

• A public hearing to discuss rezoning property along DeSoto Way to make way for a development of 280 residential units and a community building.

• A public hearing to discuss rezoning property near the intersection of Siesta Drive and Tamiami Trail from residential to commercial.

Discuss:
• A surveillance camera system for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way corridor.

For more information on Monday’s meeting, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Nov. 24 Longboat Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].