Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - June 5, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held a regular meeting on June 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included two proclamations, citizen input, a consent agenda, and several action items addressing affordable housing, land contraction, utility rate increases, infrastructure projects, and agenda management. Notable decisions included approval of a 78-unit affordable housing development, contraction of 0.7 acres to Clearwater, water/sewer rate increases, and a $16.1 million wastewater treatment plant electrical upgrade.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the May 6, 2025, Workshop minutes.
• Sidewalk Inspection & Repairs: Item 2.b was pulled for discussion (see Discussion Items), then approved.
• Well Pump Services: Awarded RFQu No. 2503 to Southeast Drilling Services, Inc. for $51,610.
• Motions: All consent items except 2.b carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joann Holliday (952 Virginia Street): Thanked staff for changing pickleball court hours but expressed ongoing concerns about noise and lighting impacts at Eagle Scout Park.
• Vicky Stephens (952 Virginia Street): Praised the new pickleball hours and interim Parks & Rec Director Jocelyn Brodhead, recommending her title be made permanent.
• Deborah Rowe (Curlew Trails): Requested funding for paperwork and reconstruction of a bridge closed for two years, noting 90% HOA support for granting a public easement.
• Peggy Fast (San Christopher Villas, group speaker): Raised concerns about the Flats on Main Street development: building height (3-story), light pollution, increased traffic, water intrusion (citing $23,000 in prior damages), and loss of natural buffers. Asked for 2-story buildings, traffic light, and comprehensive geotechnical assessment.
• Renee Chiea (1229 Royal Oak Drive): Opposed the affordable housing formula, citing negative examples from California; questioned subsidy sustainability and long-term affordability.
• Kevin Griffin (1415/1421 Heather Drive): Described flooding issues from adjacent development, fire truck access problems, and urged against overbuilding on the site.
• Rob Refo (1341 Azalea Drive): Echoed flooding concerns, questioned occupancy assumptions (claimed up to 2.5 persons per bedroom) and the developer as a sole source of parking data.
• Jamie Zank (1420 Daffodil Place): Noted that the development agreement's 24-hour response time for issues is insufficient; raised concerns about graywater system capacity and location on Main Street unsafe for children on bikes.
• Renee Chiea (on water rates): Noted a petition with 600+ signatures and a social media post with ~1,000 views; criticized survey methodology and argued that subsidies will drive up taxes and hurt those the city aims to help.
• John Keller (online comment): Proposed a 4.5% annual rate increase instead of the proposed 15% and 3% steps; recommended prioritizing projects and not incurring additional debt.

Discussion Items

• Item 2.b – Sidewalk Inspection & Repairs (Precision Sidewalk Safety Corporation): Commissioner Sandbergen inquired about competitive pricing, scope of inspection (20% of city per year, portions selected by staff), ADA compliance, and handling of driveway crossings. Public Works Director Bartlett explained the process: grinding for ¼-inch to 2-inch deviations; removal for larger issues done by city crews. Commissioner Walker raised concerns about brick sidewalks downtown; City Manager Bramley committed to evaluating a brick program for the upcoming budget cycle. Item was approved unanimously.

• Item 3.a – Ordinance 25-01: Flats on Main Street Affordable Housing Development Agreement: Staff (Kinney, Ironsmith) presented the 78-unit project at 1422 Carnation Drive, serving 30%–80% AMI. Developer Brett Green (Archway Partners) provided occupancy data (1.8 persons/unit from existing projects) and parking utilization (0.75–1 space/unit actual vs. 1.5 code). He noted $27 million in federal economic development funds, $10 million in rental vouchers from Pinellas County Housing Authority, and $610,000 city ARPA contribution. Commission discussed density bonus (21 units), graywater credit (per FL Statute 403.892), traffic impact analysis, fire department circulation, and design review process. Public concerns about flooding, height, buffers, and traffic were addressed: staff noted the developer plans a 100-year storm retention (exceeding code), buffering commitments, and independent third-party traffic study. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.b – Ordinance 25-03: Contraction of 0.7 acres at 2201 Main Street: Staff described the request to allow unified development of a Largo Medical Center emergency care facility on the Clearwater/Dunedin border. The parcel will be contracted to Clearwater per FL Statute 171.051. Applicant committed $18,000 for past site work. No public comment. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.c – Ordinance 25-04: Water/Sewer Rate Increase: Staff (Watkins) presented rate increases: 15% in FY2026 and FY2027, then 3% for FY2028–2030. Reasons included inflation (22% construction cost increase, 65% increase on brass items from tariffs), labor costs, debt service for capital projects, and regulatory requirements like Senate Bill 64 (cessation of surface water discharges by 2032). Proposed rate structure keeps tier 1 at 1,000–5,000 gallons. Reclaimed water rate will come in a separate resolution. Commissioner Sandbergen asked about affordability; City Manager noted a leaks forgiveness program and proactive monitoring via cellular meters. Commissioner Dugard highlighted that $16 million of the CIP is for SB 64 compliance. Several commissioners expressed reluctant support, emphasizing infrastructure necessity. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.d – Coca-Cola Land Donation: Postponed to July 3, 2025, meeting per staff request. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.e – WWTP Electrical System Upgrades: Staff (Gonzalez, Antonian) requested award to TLC Diversified for $16,116,563 (base bid $14,691,563 plus additive alternates for MCCs at Facility 8, 16, and generator building). The project replaces 35-year-old electrical equipment, funded via low-interest State Revolving Fund. Two bids were received; value engineering reduced cost from prior bid. Questions addressed permitting (replacement-in-kind, no new permit), efficiency (reliability, parts availability), and timeline (2.5-year project). Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.f – Stormwater Pipelining Project: Staff (Bartlett) presented a piggyback contract with Vortex Services for $636,709.30 to line nine pipe locations. This method extends pipe life without excavation. Locations prioritized by condition and impact. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.g – Lift Station Rehabilitations: Tabled to date uncertain per staff recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.

• Item 3.h – July 3, 2025, Commission Meeting Agenda: Approved as revised, removing Ordinance 25-05 and adding the Coca-Cola donation item. Motion carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Ordinance 25-01 (Flats on Main Street Development Agreement) – unanimous.
• Approved: Ordinance 25-03 (Contraction of 0.7 acres) – unanimous.
• Approved: Ordinance 25-04 (Water/Sewer Rate Increase) – unanimous; rates will increase 15% in FY2026 and FY2027, then 3% for FY2028–2030.
• Approved: Bid #25-2520 (WWTP Electrical Upgrades) to TLC Diversified for $16,116,563 – unanimous.
• Approved: FY25 Stormwater Pipelining Project to Vortex Services for $636,709.30 – unanimous.
• Postponed: Item 3.d (Coca-Cola land donation) to July 3, 2025.
• Tabled: Item 3.g (Lift Station Rehabilitations) to date uncertain.
• Approved: July 3, 2025, meeting agenda as revised.
• Staff directed: To explore a proactive downtown brick sidewalk inspection program for the upcoming budget cycle.
• Staff directed: To provide cost estimates and options for the Curlew Trails bridge reconstruction pending HOA easement.