OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - May 8, 2025

City Commission & Boards — Thursday, May 8, 2025
BodyDunedin, Florida
SessionCity Commission & Boards
DateThursday, May 8, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:23:44

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the May 8th, 2025 City Commission meeting.

0:06

I'm gonna call this meeting to order.

0:08

We've got a full house tonight.

0:10

There you go.

0:10

And uh, we'll start with our invocation with Jen.

0:15

Let us begin this meeting by taking a brief moment of silence and reflection for the family of Gregory Martin families of Gregory Martin and Manny Cootsarias.

0:31

Amen.

0:33

And then I'd like to call up uh Adeline and Mason Gregor.

0:38

There they are.

0:39

They are the grandchildren of Commissioner Sambergen, students of Curtis Fundamental, and they will lead us in the pledge.

0:48

I pledge it.

0:54

And we're raised and justice for all.

1:04

Thank you.

1:05

Great job.

1:09

Thank you, Adeline.

1:10

Thank you, Mason.

1:11

We appreciate it.

1:12

Let's give them another hand.

1:13

They did a great job.

1:18

I don't know.

1:19

How'd you get such cute grandkids?

1:21

Come on.

1:22

Shout out to Curtis Fundamental if you're here.

1:25

Okay.

1:26

Um, we have a lot of presentations tonight, so we'll get started with those.

1:30

And our first one is very important one Teacher Appreciation Week Proclamation 2025, and I'm going to turn that over to our liaison vice mayor Gao.

1:40

Thank you, Mayor, very much.

1:42

I would like to call up Katie Ducharme to receive the proclamation.

1:46

While Katie's making her way to the podium, uh just wanted to acknowledge that I think everybody in here has firsthand knowledge of the value of teachers having been raised and gone through the system yourself somewhere in your community.

2:06

I was a teacher.

2:08

So education is strong in our background, born and raised in Dunedin with the San Jose Elementary, Dunedin Middle School, Dunedin High, Dunedin High School, Go Falcons.

2:18

So not only did we all go through education, but it's extremely personal to a community and the value that education and teachers play in the role in the community.

2:30

So it's certainly understandable that we celebrate them with Teacher Appreciation Week with a proclamation, and I see some awards up here, so other things to follow.

2:48

Sure.

2:48

Come on, Phyllis.

2:53

I'm on their committee.

2:57

Teacher Appreciation Week.

2:59

Whereas teacher appreciation week is observed nationally during the first full week of May.

3:06

And whereas teaching is a profession that requires the ability and desire to impart knowledge, creativity, patience, and persistence, and to adapt all learning environments for all students.

3:20

And whereas teachers dedicate themselves to their students' academic success as well as their social and emotional well-being.

3:29

And whereas, because of the changing needs of young people in our schools, teachers must be constantly learning and evolving their methods of instruction.

3:40

And whereas, besides parents and family members, teachers are the single most influential individuals in the lives of our students and their future.

3:51

And whereas teachers inspire the next generation and make it possible for kids to realize their potential.

3:58

And whereas devoted teachers in Dunedin are working countless hours and putting forth extra effort to help students achieve preparing them for future education, their workforce, and their civic duties.

4:13

Now, therefore, I, Jeff Gao, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the mayor of the City of Dunedin, and on behalf of this entire city commission, to hereby proclaim Teacher Appreciation Week May 5th through May 9th, 2025, and encourage parents, students, community partners, and citizens to show admiration and gratitude for the teachers in our schools.

4:52

Thank you so much.

4:53

This is so exciting because these last few weeks here in Dunedin, we have really been celebrating our teachers and our educators.

5:00

So I feel like I should be turned to all of you and say thank you for everything that you do for our children and for our schools.

5:08

And these last couple of weeks, we had a wonderful teacher's breakfast of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation.

5:16

We hosted a breakfast with the golf club.

5:19

We had great sponsors, and all the teachers came and we celebrated them.

5:23

We gave out the Apple Awards, which you'll see here shortly.

5:26

We also gave out two scholarships to uh two very um deserving teachers and awards to different teachers that you'll hear about tonight.

5:35

And then this week, we um have the Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation have been going to the Dunedin schools and bringing breakfast as we've done.

5:44

This is our third year doing that, uh, celebrating the teachers, bringing them breakfast, and just saying thank you for all that you do.

5:51

I have two children in Dunedin Schools, and uh, you know, I know firsthand how hard it is and how well these teachers uh and great these teachers work with our children.

6:01

So thank you so much for this, and um, we're proud to have this, and thank you again to our teachers and educators in this community.

6:16

Do a picture.

6:25

Thank you.

6:31

Okay, our next item is uh right along the same uh theory.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Procedural███████████11%
Land Use Planning███████████11%
Education███████7%
Parks and Recreation███████7%
Public Safety█████5%
Stormwater Management█████5%
EMS Funding████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - May 8, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held its regular meeting on May 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Dunedin City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. Mayor Maureen 'Moe' Freaney presided, with Vice Mayor Jeff Gow and Commissioners Tom Dugard, Steven Sandbergen, and Robert Walker present. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.; approximately 84 people attended.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • The Commission issued proclamations for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9, 2025), EMS Week (May 18–24, 2025), Older Americans Month (May 2025), and National Safe Boating Week (May 17–23, 2025).
  • The 14th Annual Mayor's Top Apple School Awards were presented; the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year was Janessa Bacon of Dunedin Elementary. The Dunedin Environmental Hero Award was postponed to the May 22, 2025 meeting.
  • Fire Chief Jeff Parks recognized Dunedin Fire crews that responded to the April 27, 2025 boat accident near the Memorial Bridge in Clearwater.

Consent Calendar

  • The Commission approved the consent agenda except for items 2.d, 2.e, and 2.f, which were pulled for discussion. Approved items included meeting minutes, board appointments, and after-the-fact ratification of $61,000 in emergency stormwater pipe repairs at James St and Tangerine Ave to TLC Diversified, Inc. The vote was unanimous.
  • Item 2.d: After-the-fact ratification of emergency stormwater repairs at 1457 Santa Anna Drive to TLC Diversified, Inc. was approved unanimously for $60,359.03. Staff said the actual work cost $53,530, a temporary fuel-powered pump is in operation, and permanent rerouting is being designed.
  • Items 2.e and 2.f: The purchase of 97 Marina Shore Power Pedestals from Marina Electrical Equipment ($210,696) and installation by Buell Electric, Inc. ($38,960) were approved unanimously. Harbormaster Laurie Ferguson said delivery is estimated at 8–10 weeks and dock stabilization is expected mid-to-late June.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Several residents spoke during citizen input about Eagle Scout Park pickleball courts. Nancy Enders of Gulf Coast Gals asked the City to keep Highlander Park courts open for pickleball, saying Eagle Scout Park is too crowded and current rules favor experienced players. Joann Holliday, Jane Powell, Vicky Stephens, and Ted Haines of 952 Virginia Street complained about noise, bright lights, late-night play, parking, and inadequate Sheriff enforcement, saying their mental health and property values are affected. Ted Haines said three units in his building spent $25,000 on soundproofing. Maria Chaves suggested signage dedicating courts by skill level to improve fairness and reduce noise.
  • City Manager Jennifer Bramley responded that the courts will close May 22–23 for repairs and likely reopen with limited hours (8 a.m. to 8 or 8:30 p.m.), with light shields, parking signage, possible parking reorientation, Sheriff directed patrol, and consultation with the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee and residents.
  • During public input on the Santa Anna stormwater item, residents Jane Moden, Diana Hartman, Suzanne Duff, and Amy Wilson voiced concerns that concrete work and rerouting would worsen flooding and asked about house stability. Staff said the three drain structures remain, a monitored fuel-powered pump is in place, and the permanent gravity pipe will carry water underground to San Christopher/Wilson.
  • Many residents spoke against or with concerns about The Flats on Main Street. Nancy Schmidt cited late LPA notice, runoff, three-story buildings next to one-story homes, and property values. Rob Refo said 78 units/114 bedrooms could house 228–342 people, has one access point through Lueken's Liquor parking lot, and 117 parking spaces with no overflow. Megan Beach, James Beach, Laura Brummett, Eddie Reed, Peggy Fast, and others raised infrastructure, drainage, fire access, and neighborhood character concerns. Nick Anastasakis said affordable housing is needed. Online comments from Sally Peckenham and Rob Refo opposed the project.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 25-01 – The Flats on Main Street affordable housing development: Community Development Director George Kinney explained the Development Agreement is the first of a two-step process, with Design Review to follow. The project at 1422 Carnation Drive is preliminarily planned as 78 units serving households at 30–80% of Area Median Income. The applicant initially sought a 100% parkland impact fee exemption, a 50% density bonus, and a 50% public art exemption. After negotiations, the parkland impact fee exemption was removed; the developer will pay the fee, estimated at about $195,000–$197,000. Staff noted $10 million in rental vouchers from the Pinellas County Housing Authority over 10 years and $30 million in 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits over 10 years. Staff said Design Review will analyze stormwater, height, landscaping, transportation, and fire access, including a peer review of the traffic study.
  • Ordinance 25-03 – Contraction of 0.70 acres at 2201 Main Street: Staff presented a request by Largo Medical Center to contract the Dunedin city boundary for a parcel at Belcher Road and SR 580 so a new freestanding emergency room and parking lot can be developed under Clearwater jurisdiction. The site is zoned General Business and is the only Dunedin parcel east of Belcher and south of Main. The City contributed about $18,000 in utility funds and $12,000 in economic development funds in 2014; the applicant agreed to repay the $18,000 utility portion. The LPA recommended approval with the condition that the applicant cannot seek repayment of previously expended funds.
  • Resolution 25-12 – 2025 Pinellas County Local Mitigation Strategy: Environmental Program Manager Michelle Monteclaro presented the updated LMS, noting it enables federal hazard-mitigation grant funding and supports Community Rating System flood-insurance discounts. Pinellas County adopted the plan on April 22, 2025; the plan is effective May 6, 2025 through May 5, 2030.
  • Bid #25-2517 – Lift Station #32 Rebuild: The Commission voted unanimously to place the starred item on the agenda. Utilities Director and City Engineer Clayton Watkins recommended awarding construction to TLC Diversified, Inc. for $2,092,430 (base bid $1,992,430 plus alternate $100,000 backup diesel pump). Four bids were received, ranging from $2,092,430 to $2,608,034.90; TLC was the lowest responsive bidder. The project is partially funded through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (75% federal / 25% city).

Informational Items

  • Vice Mayor Gow announced Dunedin High School concerts on May 14 and May 15 and discussed his planned trip to the Gainesville Highland Games to personally request official permission to wear the Elliot Tartan.
  • Commissioner Dugard requested a future agenda item on Pinellas Trail safety.
  • Commissioner Walker announced a Dunedin Public Theater public meeting on May 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Sea Sea Riders.
  • City Clerk Rebecca Schlichter said Fall Citizens Academy applications opened May 8, close June 20, with the first session September 2 for nine weeks; eight applications had already been received.
  • City Manager Jennifer Bramley announced two Florida Municipal Communicators Association awards and that Nicole Defino was again named a Home Rule Hero; Aid to Organizations applications will be reviewed in mid-June and forwarded to the Commission in August.
  • City Attorney Jennifer Cowan gave no update.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously, including pulled items 2.d, 2.e, and 2.f.
  • First reading of Ordinance 25-01 approved unanimously (5-0); second reading set for June 5, 2025.
  • First reading of Ordinance 25-03 approved unanimously (5-0); second reading set for June 5, 2025.
  • Resolution 25-12 approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Bid #25-2517 awarded unanimously to TLC Diversified, Inc. in the total amount of $2,092,430.
  • Proposed agenda for the May 22, 2025 Commission Meeting approved unanimously.
  • Commission consensus: Vice Mayor Gow's trip to the Gainesville Highland Games to personally request official permission to wear the Elliot Tartan is an appropriate use of his commission travel budget; the City Manager will send city gifts with him.
  • Note on source discrepancies: the LPA meeting date for Ordinance 25-01 is stated as April 8 in the staff presentation and minutes text but as April 9 in agenda exhibits and resident comments; the Pinellas County LMS adoption resolution is cited as 25-0322 in the minutes and 25-33 in an agenda exhibit.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the May 8th, 2025 City Commission meeting. I'm gonna call this meeting to order. We've got a full house tonight. There you go. And uh, we'll start with our invocation with Jen. Let us begin this meeting by taking a brief moment of silence and reflection for the family of Gregory Martin families of Gregory Martin and Manny Cootsarias. Amen. And then I'd like to call up uh Adeline and Mason Gregor. There they are. They are the grandchildren of Commissioner Sambergen, students of Curtis Fundamental, and they will lead us in the pledge. I pledge it. And we're raised and justice for all. Thank you. Great job. Thank you, Adeline. Thank you, Mason. We appreciate it. Let's give them another hand. They did a great job. I don't know. How'd you get such cute grandkids? Come on. Shout out to Curtis Fundamental if you're here. Okay. Um, we have a lot of presentations tonight, so we'll get started with those. And our first one is very important one Teacher Appreciation Week Proclamation 2025, and I'm going to turn that over to our liaison vice mayor Gao. Thank you, Mayor, very much. I would like to call up Katie Ducharme to receive the proclamation. While Katie's making her way to the podium, uh just wanted to acknowledge that I think everybody in here has firsthand knowledge of the value of teachers having been raised and gone through the system yourself somewhere in your community. I was a teacher. So education is strong in our background, born and raised in Dunedin with the San Jose Elementary, Dunedin Middle School, Dunedin High, Dunedin High School, Go Falcons. So not only did we all go through education, but it's extremely personal to a community and the value that education and teachers play in the role in the community. So it's certainly understandable that we celebrate them with Teacher Appreciation Week with a proclamation, and I see some awards up here, so other things to follow. Sure. Come on, Phyllis. I'm on their committee. Teacher Appreciation Week. Whereas teacher appreciation week is observed nationally during the first full week of May. And whereas teaching is a profession that requires the ability and desire to impart knowledge, creativity, patience, and persistence, and to adapt all learning environments for all students. And whereas teachers dedicate themselves to their students' academic success as well as their social and emotional well-being. And whereas, because of the changing needs of young people in our schools, teachers must be constantly learning and evolving their methods of instruction. And whereas, besides parents and family members, teachers are the single most influential individuals in the lives of our students and their future. And whereas teachers inspire the next generation and make it possible for kids to realize their potential. And whereas devoted teachers in Dunedin are working countless hours and putting forth extra effort to help students achieve preparing them for future education, their workforce, and their civic duties. Now, therefore, I, Jeff Gao, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the mayor of the City of Dunedin, and on behalf of this entire city commission, to hereby proclaim Teacher Appreciation Week May 5th through May 9th, 2025, and encourage parents, students, community partners, and citizens to show admiration and gratitude for the teachers in our schools. Thank you so much. This is so exciting because these last few weeks here in Dunedin, we have really been celebrating our teachers and our educators. So I feel like I should be turned to all of you and say thank you for everything that you do for our children and for our schools. And these last couple of weeks, we had a wonderful teacher's breakfast of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation. We hosted a breakfast with the golf club.

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