News Briefs

+ City Manager Barwin’s contract approved
The Sarasota City Commission officially approved a contract for new City Manager Tom Barwin, Aug. 2, at a special meeting.

A hang-up over a clause suggested by Barwin that would guarantee him a job at City Hall for a period of three years if the city changed its city manager form of government to a strong mayor form of government, delayed the contract’s approval until last week.

Commissioners approved the provision by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Shannon Snyder and Paul Caragiulo dissenting.

The total contract calls for a $175,000 annual salary, a $600 per month car allowance and a one-time $15,000 moving expense. Barwin’s contract goes into effect Sept. 1.

+ Van Wezel ranked No. 1 in North America
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been ranked as the No. 1 performing arts hall in North America in the 2,000 seat category of “top spots” by Venues Today, the industry bible of performance venues.

“We are thrilled to be ranked the No. 1 performing arts hall in North America for 2,000 seat venues, as well as being ranked No. 4 in Florida’s venues in the 5,000 seat category,” said Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel, in a news release.

The top five Florida venues include the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, the Straz Center in Tampa, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, the Van Wezel and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando.

“All of the other top five theaters in the 5,000 seat category have more seats and are in larger markets than the Van Wezel, so we are very proud to be ranked with them,” Bensel said.

Meetings & Agendas
• St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors Meeting — 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, City Hall, Room 109, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Historic Preservation Board — 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Development Review Committee Meeting — 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, City Hall, Room 112, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• City Commission Regular Meeting — 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, City Hall, Commission Chamber, 1565 First St., Sarasota.
• Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Meeting — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, Concordia Lutheran Church, 21185 Wood St., Sarasota.