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Sarasota News Leader October 12, 2012 "These are not traffic signs. They are architec- tural signs," said Bill Nichols with the Public Works Department. Staff will return to the City Commission with a system that fits within the budgetary guide- lines and – if the commission approves – put the project out to bid. NO APPEAL ON CHILDERS CASE Despite their concerns about the reinstate- ment of city Police Officer Christopher Childers, the Sarasota City commissioners de- cided Monday, Oct. 8, not to pursue an appeal through the courts. City Attorney Bob Fournier briefed the com- mission on the appeal process and what is re- quired to obtain standing before an appeals courts. "The court is not supposed to re-eval- uate the evidence," he said. "And what might happen, the appeals court could send it back to the Civil Service Board with instructions on how to redo the hearing. It would not be a clear reversal." Three years ago Childers was fired from the force after video taken in the jail sally port Page 37 captured him using force to restrain a drunk- en prisoner. Police Chief Peter Abbott was later terminated as well for his handling of the incident, including an effort to pay the ar- restee with the hope the arrestee would not sue the city. Childers maintained he was authorized in his use of force, and he appealed his termination to the city's Civil Service Board. The members unanimously voted to reinstate him with back pay, a decision that prompted city commis- sioners to ask how they could challenge the decision. "I do not recommend you take an appeal," said Fournier. The commission accepted his advice. PREVIEW OF MONDAY'S CITY COMMISSION AGENDA Of all the items on the Monday, Oct. 15, City Commission agenda, only a couple appear newsworthy. In the afternoon session, the commissioners will be asked if and how they want to sell city- owned property. The City Commission on Oct. 15 is expected to engage in another discussion about selling city-owned property. Photo by Norman Schimmel