Brief's From Barwin

BRIEFS from BARWIN From the Desk of Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin September 18, 2015 PHOTO OF THE WEEK  We're now starting to see the round in the future roundabout at Orange Ave. and Main St.  Last week, Jon F. Swift Construction installed the inner wall where a public art sculpture will be placed.  And, this week, crews began laying brick pavers around the roundabout. A significant portion of the work that's been done over the past several weeks is hidden underground in the form of extensive utility improvements.  As of this writing, the schedule is looking good and providing there aren't any weather issues or unexpected hiccups, the contractor expects to have the intersection partially re-opened by September 30 as originally planned.    MEETINGS NEXT WEEK General Employees' Pension Plan Board of Trustees Mon., September 21 - 8:30 a.m. City Hall - Commission Chambers Agenda  Special City Commission Mon., September 21 - 1 p.m. City Hall - Commission Chambers Agenda  City Commission Mon., September 21 - 2:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. City Hall - Commission Chambers Agenda Downtown Improvement District Tues., September 22 - 9 a.m. City Hall - SRQ Media Studio Agenda Human Relations Board Tues., September 22 - 2 p.m. City Hall - Commission Chambers Agenda Firefighters' Pension Plan Board of Trustees Wed., September 23 - 9 a.m. City Hall - Commission Chambers Agenda Police Complaint Cmte Wed., September 23 - 5:30 p.m. City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio Agenda Bobby Jones Golf Club Study Cmte Thurs., September 24 - 4 p.m. City Hall Annex - SRQ Media Studio Agenda   City Career Opportunities  Lobby Attendant Police Officer, 2nd Class       Windows System Administrator                                            Click here for all job descriptions  This Week's Items to Know: 1. Bobby Jones Golf Club - New Greens   We have some good news  for golfers who prefer playing the British Course at our historic municipal course Bobby Jones Golf Club.  All 18 greens on the British Course, and two practice greens, are being revitalized with new turf.  That means the course is temporarily closed -- but, all golfers can be accommodated on the American Course, the City's other 18-hole course. Not only will the new turf allow for a more accurate roll of the ball, it will be more pleasing to the eye for golfers who enjoy putting on a vibrant green turf all year (without the annual over-seeding maintenance). Grading the #12 green on the British Course.  The revitalization process is rather lengthy and involves ensuring the old turf cannot grow by removing it, tilling and sterilizing the soil, and rolling out new sod.    With the rapid deterioration of the greens resulting in a decline in rounds being played on the British Course, this capital investment was necessary while staff continues to work with the Bobby Jones Golf Club Study Committee on a long range plan for the complex. In the meantime, we expect the new greens will be unveiled next month in time for the Women's Better Ball Open (weather permitting, of course). 2. Bobby Jones - Women's Better Ball Open   Registration is now open for the Women's Better Ball Open which will be held the weekend of October 10th.  This is the second year for this 2-day competitive tournament and up to 60 women are expected to participate.  The first round is scheduled to be played on the American Course and the second and final round will be held on the British Course (providing installation of the new turf is finished). The entry fee is $175 per team and entries must be received by 5 p.m.on Monday, October 5.  For more details, including a registration form,click here.    3. SPD Blue + You = Car Burglar Caught; Safety Reminder   At a news conference this morning, the Sarasota Police Department announced that a suspect believed to be responsible for dozens of recent car burglaries was arrested and over $20,000 worth of property was recovered.  That's some good police work by our SPD!  It also highlights the significant impact just one burglar can have on acommunity. Many -- if not all -- of these car burglaries could have been prevented.  Last week, 37 burglaries were reported throughout the city limits.  And, in all 37 cases, the vehicle was unlocked.  So, SPD is offering this simple safety reminder:  Lock Before You Leave! Typically, car burglaries are crimes of opportunity.  Protect yourself and your belongings by taking valuables with you (or hiding them out of view) and locking your car. It will take just a split second to protect your belongings. An informational flyer was sent to neighborhood groups this week notifying residents about the burglaries. To see the flyer and learn more about how to prevent car burglaries click here.   4. Procurement Award     We're celebrating the Purchasing Division this week after it was honored with the 2015 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® Award.  Bestowed by the National Procurement Institute, this national professional award recognizes professional knowledge and integrity. Comprised of just seven employees, the Purchasing team handles 3,500 purchase orders a year for everything from pens to professional services.  They also facilitate an average of 90 solicitations each year, including bids, requests for proposal and invitations to negotiate, which can be very complex. We're fortunate to have such a dependable and professional purchasing team with the utmost integrity and ethical standards.  Congratulations to Purchasing Manager Mary Tucker and her team who, under the leadership of Finance Director John Lege, are a shining example of hard work and dedication in the civic arena! Check out the YouTube video below to meet our award winning Purchasing team:   YouTube Video:  Meet the award Purchasing Division    Upcoming Events  Friday Fest  FREE Outdoor Concert  Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall  Fri., September 18  5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (If it rains, the concert will be held inside.) Details  On the Move Walk  J.D. Hamel Park & Ringling Bridge Sat., September 19 9 a.m. - Noon DetailsBlue + You = Movie Night  FREE Movie:  "Cars 2" SPD Headquarters - 2099 Adams Lane Sat., September 19 8 p.m. Details  Global Mala Day Celebration  Lido Beach Sun., September 20 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Serenity in Motion  Bayfront Community Center Sun., September 20 10 a.m. - Noon NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Robert L. Taylor Community Complex Mon., September 21 7 p.m. Details Folk Dancers  Bayfront Community Center Wed., September 23 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.  Senior Ballroom Dancing Bayfront Community Center Thurs., September 24 10 a.m. - NoonScottish Dancers  Bayfront Community Center Thurs., September 24 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.                Van Wezel:  Shows on Sale Now!  The following is a list of shows through February 2016.  To view the entire Van Wezel season visit www.VanWezel.org  Friday Fest: Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul Featuring The Hellacious Horns Fri., Sept. 18 - 5 p.m.  Free Outdoor Concert John Cleese and Eric Idle Thurs., October 1 - 7:30 p.m. Fri., October 2 - 7:30 p.m. TicketsShen Yun Orchestra The Shen Yun Orchestra will be at the Van Wezel on Oct. 13. Tues., October 13 - 7:30 p.m.  Tickets Beauty and the Beast Wed., October 14 - 7:30 p.m. Tickets Rick Springfield Thurs., October 15 - 8 p.m. Tickets The Ultimate Doo Wop Show Sat., October 24 - 8 p.m. Tickets So You Think You Can Dance Thurs., October 29 - 8 p.m. Tickets All Hands On Deck Wed., November 4 - 8 p.m. Tickets America's Got Talent Live:  The All-Stars Tour! Thurs., November 5 - 8 p.m. Tickets Lewis Black:  The Rant is Due:  Part Deux Fri., November 13 - 8 p.m. Tickets Cirque Dreams ~ Holidaze Sat., November 14 - 8 p.m. Tickets   Straight No Chaser Creedence Clearwater Revisited will perform on Nov. 21.  Thurs., November 19 - 8 p.m. Tickets Creedence Clearwater Revisited Sat., November 21 - 8 p.m. Tickets Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2015 Fri., November 27 - 8 p.m. Tickets Craig Ferguson:  The New Deal TourTues., December 1 - 8 p.m. TicketsDaryl Hall & John Oates Wed., December 2 - 8 p.m. Tickets Kenny G  Thurs., December 3 - 8 p.m. Tickets Women of Ireland ~ Celtic Angels' Christmas  Thurs., December 10 - 8 p.m. Tickets Carrot Top  Sat., December 12 - 8 p.m. Tickets Bowzer's Rock & Roll Holiday Party  Sun., December 13 - 7 p.m. Tickets A Christmas Carol  Wed., December 23 - 7 p.m. Tickets  Moscow Ballet:  Great Russian Nutcracker Mon., December 28 - 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Tickets The Producers Wed., December 30 - 8 p.m. Tickets The Ten Tenors Thurs., December 31 - 8 p.m. Tickets Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert Sun., January 3, 2016 - 7 p.m. Tickets Masters of Illusion - Believe the Impossible Thurs., February 4, 2016 - 7:30 p.m. Tickets   Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story Tues., January 5, 2016 - 8 p.m. Wed., January 6, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets   'Black Violin' will be at the Van Wezel on Jan. 12. Black Violin Tues., January 12, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Jim Witter - The Piano Men II Wed., January 13, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Catskills on Broadway Thurs., January 14, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Lisa Lampanelli Fri., January 15, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Air Supply Sat., January 16, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Paul Anka Sun., January 17, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets DL Hughley Mon., January 18, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets 42nd Street  Wed., January 20, 2016 - 8 p.m. DL Hughley will be at the Van Wezel on Jan. 18. Thurs., January 21, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Wynonna & The Big Noise: Stories & Song Sun., January 24, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets ABBA Mania Mon., January 25, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Renee Fleming with the Sarasota Orchestra Wed., January 27, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Dancing With The Stars:  LIVE! Fri., January 29, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Joshua Bell Sat., January 30, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Yanni Tues., February 2 - 8 p.m. Tickets Masters of Illusion - Believe the Impossible Thurs., February 4 - 7:30 p.m. Tickets   The Book of Mormon will be at the Van Wezel Feb. 9-14. The Book of Mormon  February 9 - 12, 2016:  8 p.m. Sat., February 13, 2016:  2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Sun., February 14, 2016:  1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. Tickets Neil Berg's 107 Years of Broadway Wed., February 17, 2016 - 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets Michael Feinstein and his 17-Piece Band Thurs., February 18, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Patti LaBelle Tues., February 23, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Moscow Festival Ballet - Cinderella Wed., February 24, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets The Beach Boys Thurs., February 25, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Vince Gill & Lyle Lovett Fri., February 26, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets Kristin Chenoweth  Sat., February 27, 2016 - 8 p.m. Tickets To purchase tickets over the phone call 941-953-3368 or stop by the Box Office at 777 N.Tamiami Trail.  For a complete schedule of events, visit www.VanWezel.org. Thanks for reading this week's edition.  If you'd like to receive Weekly Briefs directly to your inbox click 'Join Our Mailing List' below or send us an email atCityNews@SarasotaGov.com.  Tom Barwin City Manager 941-954-4102 Forward this email