Commission reviews Van Wezel tonight

The Sarasota City Commission will discuss a series of exploratory options for the city-operated Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall tonight at its regular meeting tonight at City Hall.

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo requested the commission discuss the topic. City Manager Bob Bartolotta has explained in a recent memo the future operations of the hall will be a main priority of the city to explore in 2012.

The city will make a recommendation for the hall later this year and tell commissioners whether or not they believe the hall should continue to be a city-run department or if a private management company or a non-profit agency should run it moving forward.

Also at its regular meeting, which begins at 2:30 p.m. and reconvenes at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota, the commission will:

Convene:
• Into a special meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency to approve meeting minutes and discuss advisory board appointments.

Consider approving:
• Several agreements and contracts concerning construction and beach contracts as part of the meeting’s consent agenda.

Appoint:
• A board member to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.

Review:
• Potential zoning code text amendments.

Hear:
• An appeal of its Planning Board’s decision to deny a minor conditional use and site plan for a two-story residential duplex at 1910 Laurel Street.
• A presentation from Sarasota Police Chief Mikel Holloway on the department’s operational plan to target violence in North Sarasota.

For more information, check www.yourobserver.com and pick up a copy of Thursday’s Jan. 5 Sarasota Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].