Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/235968
Sarasota News Leader January 3, 2014 At the request of the Sarasota Architectural Foundation [SAF], the Sarasota County Commission votes 4-1 on Feb. 13 to send a letter to the Sarasota County School Board asking it to direct its architect to amend renovation plans for the interior of Sarasota High School Building 4 to preserve original elements designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph. Chairwoman Carolyn Mason casts the "No" vote, saying she cannot support Commissioner Joe Barbetta's motion to send the correspondence. The letter seeks a redesign of the Building 4 interior that "would incorporate and rehabilitate the significant character-defining elements which are: (i) the floating walkway, (ii) linear light wells and, (iii) the steel door frames." Expressing ire at last-ditch efforts by the Sarasota County Commission and the Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) to halt the process, the Sarasota County School Board votes unanimously Feb. 19 to proceed with restoring most of the exterior features of an historic structure on the Sarasota High campus but to demolish several key elements of the interior. The School Board says it will send a copy of its plans for Building 4 to state education officials for final approval. During the Convocation of Governments on Jan. 18, during which the School Board hosted the County Commission and representatives of all the county's municipalities, SAF members used public comment time to criticize Sarasota County Schools administrative staff for putting off meetings requested by SAF members to discuss the plans for Building 4, which was designed by internationally renowned architect Paul Rudolph. Page 20 Sarasota's new Chief of Police Bernadette DiPino is looking for a No. 2, The Sarasota News Leader learns. The posting puts emphasis on community policing, problem-oriented policing and "change initiative[s]." The job of deputy chief was posted on Feb. 22; the application period will close March 8. The posting lists all duties expected of a strong deputy — overseeing budget preparation and representing the department in collective bargaining, along with such administrative responsibilities as training, personnel, equipment and records. The City Commission votes 3-2 on Feb. 26 to side with the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association in the latter's appeal of a Sarasota Planning Board decision to allow a new Walmart to be built in the Ringling Plaza Shopping Center. The commission heard more than eight hours of testimony over two evening sessions, sitting in quasi-judicial capacity. It was able to make a decision only on the sworn testimony and factual evidence offered. The only issue on the table was whether the site plan met the requirements of the arcane city zoning code. Commissioners Terry Turner, Willie Shaw and Shannon Snyder vote to support the appeal. Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Commissioner Paul Caragiulo agree with the Planning Board decision. The County Commission and the North Port City Commission are headed to "conflict resolution," provided for in the state statutes, the County Commission agrees unanimously on Feb. 26. The two boards cannot agree on the future of Warm Mineral Springs, so a session