OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - September 4, 2025

City Commission & Boards — Thursday, September 4, 2025
BodyDunedin, Florida
SessionCity Commission & Boards
DateThursday, September 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:48:52

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the September 4, 2025 City Commission meeting.

0:08

I'd like to call the meeting to order, and we'll start with our invocation and our pledge of allegiance by our city attorney Jen.

0:15

Please stand.

0:20

Let us begin the meeting by taking a brief moment of silence and reflection and extending our thoughts to the family of Mike Bowman and to Ed Armstrong's family.

0:38

Amen.

0:39

I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:47

One nation, indivisible, or the liberty just as strong.

0:58

Okay, before we do start the proclamations, I did want to make sure that we tried to put it out on social media as much as we could that there will be the second reading of ordinance 25-02 is being requested to be postponed.

1:14

And it would be postponed to the October 9th, 2025 Commission meeting.

1:19

Now it's on the agenda.

1:21

We'll vote on that.

1:22

I'm assuming it'll pass because the reason is for the Florida Department of State Historic Resources Division to weigh in.

1:29

And but uh at that time on October 9th, we would actually go through full presentation again and then have public input at that time.

1:37

So I just wanted to make sure everybody understood that as we start the meeting.

1:40

So mayor, if I can just clarification on the vote that we will take is to postpone the conversation.

1:47

Correct.

1:48

Correct.

1:50

Um anybody else up here have a question?

1:54

Okay, so we're gonna go ahead and go start with our um presentations.

1:58

Uh and uh first we have September is library card sign up month.

2:02

So I will turn it to Commissioner DeGard.

2:05

Thank you, Mayor.

2:06

Uh anybody here from the libraries.

2:08

Oh, I know better than that.

2:11

Come on up, come on up.

2:13

Come on down.

2:14

With the famous dress on.

2:20

Good to have you here.

2:21

Thank you.

2:25

Any more?

2:26

Or how many singles?

2:27

All right, all of you that have a library card.

2:29

No, I'm we're as libraries are foundational to education, imagination, and opportunity, offering everything from early literacy programs to digital tools that support lifelong learning and personal growth.

2:46

And we're as libraries welcome all people, serving as inclusive and accessible community hubs that connect individuals across cultures, generations, and experiences.

2:57

And we're as libraries curate collections and design programs that reflect the diversity of the populations they serve, ensuring equitable access to information, technology, and culture for all.

3:10

And we're as libraries help individuals navigate life challenges by providing trusted information, digital access, job search support, and connections to essential services.

3:21

And we're as libraries contribute to thriving local economies by equipping job seekers, entrepreneurs, students, and creators with tools and training to succeed.

3:32

And whereas in times of both crisis and calm, libraries and their staff remain steadfast in supporting and strengthening their communities.

3:41

And whereas library resources help households save money, reduce waste, and make substantial choices, all through the simple power of shared public good.

3:52

And whereas a library card opens doors to endless possibilities from books and technologies to lifelong learning and imagination.

4:00

Now, therefore, I Tom Dugard, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the mayor of the city of Dunedin, Florida, and on behalf of the entire city commission, do hereby proclaim September 25th as Library Card Sign Up Month and encourage all residents to sign up for a library card and explore the endless possibility it offers.

4:24

Let's have it for the our library.

4:40

Okay, I just have a book to read right now.

4:44

So thank you to the City of Danita and Commission for your proclamation of September as Library Card Sign Up Month.

4:52

The Denedum Public Library is proud to serve the committee community, and I want to extend my gratitude to all the exceptional library staff.

5:01

We have our assistant director Carrie Calliccio and our library manager Katie O'Connell with us tonight.

5:09

Their dedication, the staff's dedication and hard work, make our library a vibrant hub of learning and connection for everyone.

5:17

I also want to recognize our stakeholder groups.

5:21

We have some library advisory members in the audience.

5:30

And we also have I know lots of friends, and I have one of our best friends, um, Shannon Tob Kapan, who is so great helping with our friends of the library.

5:42

So this September, we celebrate the fact that a library card is the smartest card in your wallet or in your phone, um, granting you free access to a world of resources and possibilities.

5:54

And guess what?

5:55

Getting a library card is totally free for residents.

5:59

Just to remember to keep that magic going because your card will expire every three years.

6:05

So you'll have to swing by for a renewal.

6:07

Even our mayor and commissioners and our city manager are all in on the secret.

6:14

They are all proudly holding their library cards, and their cards are in good standing.

6:20

I will let you know that.

6:22

Um so thank you for setting a stellar example for our city.

6:26

To celebrate library cards sign up month in September, I'm excited to uh announce two special events.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████████30%
Marina Management████████████████████████24%
Public Safety████████████████16%
Arts And Culture█████████████13%
Community Engagement█████5%
Education███3%
Personnel Matters███3%
Historic Preservation██2%
Disaster Recovery█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - September 4, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held a regular meeting on September 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, approval of several consent items, and action on ordinances and resolutions. Key decisions included approval of a Letter of Intent for the Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center, adoption of a commission salary adjustment, a 10% marina fee increase, and renewal of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office contract.

Presentations

  • Library Card Sign-Up Month (September 2025): Commissioner Dugard read the proclamation. Library Director Gorshe accepted, noting resources and upcoming events: Autumn Book Mini Sale on September 19-20, 2025, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, and a Children's Book Giveaway at weekly storytime hosted by GFWC of North Pinellas. GFWC President Laurie Larsen reported their members volunteered over 22,000 hours in 2024 and thanked the Rotary Club of Dunedin for a grant funding Books Across Pinellas, distributing over 1,700 free children's books.
  • National Constitution Week (September 17-23, 2025): Commissioner Walker read the proclamation. Lori Coffey of the Caladesi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution spoke about the Constitutional Convention and announced a 3-dimensional presentation at the Dunedin Public Library throughout September.
  • Artist Recognition: Betsy Ore Glass: Public Art Consultant Elizabeth Brincklow introduced the artist, whose exhibition "Waves" is on display through December. A reception and artist talk is planned for November 13, 2025, 6:30-8:30 PM. Betsy Ore Glass expressed hope her artwork brings comfort and peace to the Commission's deliberations.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (with items 2.d and 2.f pulled):
    • Approve minutes of July 3, 2025 and July 17, 2025 regular meetings.
    • Board and Committee Appointments: Reappoint Philip Stone, Jason Gillette, Daniel Bolduc to the Code Enforcement Board (terms ending 9/1/2028); appoint Daniel Massaro and Linda Christle to the Housing Authority (partial terms ending 2/1/2027).
    • Renew FY26 annual support and licensing of citywide data backup system from Hayes, Inc. for $95,137.70.
    • Approve continuation of Service Agreement with NeoGov for HR software for $209,142.53 (FY25 through FY27).
  • Item 2.f (Clearwater Ferry Interlocal Agreement, NTE $88,132) was postponed to the September 18, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote.
  • Item 2.d (Letter of Intent: Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center Project) was pulled for discussion and later approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Consent Item 2.d (Boat Club LOI): Claudia Nable (1094 SueMar Road, member of Boat Club, Sailability, Windlasses) stated that other locations were sought as early as 2017, but none were available, and urged moving forward.
  • On Action Item 3.c (Commission Salary Adjustment): Jim Davis (1991 Spanish Pines) commented that the raise was not enough and thanked the Commission for their hard work.
  • On Action Item 3.a (Ordinance 25-02, Historic Preservation): Two eComments were read into the record:
    • David R. Pauley strongly opposed the ordinance, arguing it gives the City Manager power to control property destiny and could lead to legal ramifications.
    • Ryan Saunders expressed concern about the provision granting City Manager authority to initiate historic district applications, urging removal to preserve citizen consent and transparency. He also asked about costs of the Historic Resources Survey/Master Plan.
  • No other public comments were made on other agenda items.

Discussion Items

  • Ordinance 25-02 (Historic Preservation) & Resolution 25-13 (COA Matrix): Staff requested continuation to October 9, 2025, to allow the Florida Department of State Historic Resources Division to review. Motions to continue passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance 25-06 (Commission Salary Adjustment): HR Director Smalling presented that the ordinance memorializes the new salary effective October 1, 2024: Mayor $19,100/year, Commissioners $15,600/year. City Manager Bramley noted this aligns with raising all city employees to minimum wage ($15/hour) for 20 hours per week. Commissioner Dugard asked about the 5-year review cycle; Dr. Smalling explained the Ordinance Review Committee recommended evaluation every 5 years, now "as needed." The ordinance passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 25-29 (Marina User Fees 10% Increase): Finance Director Tyler explained the increase is the third of five planned 10% increments from a 2023 rate study. The Marina Advisory Committee acknowledged the increase at meetings on June 16 and July 21, 2025, with no objections. Harbormaster Ferguson confirmed no concerns were raised. Commissioner Dugard questioned whether FEMA funding (87.5% of dock damages) and a $1.5 million state grant could reduce future increases. Mr. Tyler noted that FY27-FY30 increases are estimated at 7% due to FEMA and grants. The resolution passed unanimously.
  • Pinellas County Sheriff's Office FY26 Contract Addendum ($6,134,860): HR Director Smalling reported a 7.44% increase over the prior year, mainly due to higher per-deputy cost ($122,730 to $132,550) and an additional school crossing guard. The city funds 5 community policing deputies (including 2 traffic enforcement), 680 hours of secondary employment, and $10,000 to Safe Harbor. Vice Mayor Gow inquired about the overnight deputy pilot program (11 PM - 3 AM, 9 months evening/3 months day shift); City Manager Bramley confirmed its effectiveness and recommended continued funding. Commissioner Sandbergen asked about revenue from fines; a portion goes to the city's Law Enforcement Impact Fund. Commissioner Dugard requested response time metrics; staff will consider providing them. The contract was approved unanimously.
  • Appointment to PSTA Board of Directors: Commissioner Walker was reappointed for a three-year term starting October 1, 2025, by unanimous vote.
  • Proposed Agenda for September 18, 2025 Commission Meeting: Approved unanimously with additions of two consent items.

Key Outcomes

  • Postponed to October 9, 2025: Second Reading of Ordinance 25-02 (Historic Preservation) and Resolution 25-13 (COA Matrix).
  • Approved Unanimously:
    • Consent Agenda (excluding items 2.d and 2.f).
    • Letter of Intent for Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center (2.d).
    • Ordinance 25-06 (Commission Salary Adjustment).
    • Resolution 25-29 (Marina User Fees 10% increase effective October 1, 2025).
    • Addendum No. 2 to PCSO Contract (FY26, $6,134,860).
    • Reappointment of Commissioner Walker to PSTA Board of Directors.
    • Proposed agenda for September 18, 2025 meeting.
  • Postponed to September 18, 2025: Clearwater Ferry Interlocal Agreement (2.f).
  • Next Steps: Staff to provide updates on marina seawall (September 18), causeway traffic pilot program (future meeting), and to place School Transportation Safety Committee appointment on a future agenda. The City Manager reported that the city's "Dunedin Strong" video won a national award at the City/County Communications & Marketing Association conference.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the September 4, 2025 City Commission meeting. I'd like to call the meeting to order, and we'll start with our invocation and our pledge of allegiance by our city attorney Jen. Please stand. Let us begin the meeting by taking a brief moment of silence and reflection and extending our thoughts to the family of Mike Bowman and to Ed Armstrong's family. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, indivisible, or the liberty just as strong. Okay, before we do start the proclamations, I did want to make sure that we tried to put it out on social media as much as we could that there will be the second reading of ordinance 25-02 is being requested to be postponed. And it would be postponed to the October 9th, 2025 Commission meeting. Now it's on the agenda. We'll vote on that. I'm assuming it'll pass because the reason is for the Florida Department of State Historic Resources Division to weigh in. And but uh at that time on October 9th, we would actually go through full presentation again and then have public input at that time. So I just wanted to make sure everybody understood that as we start the meeting. So mayor, if I can just clarification on the vote that we will take is to postpone the conversation. Correct. Correct. Um anybody else up here have a question? Okay, so we're gonna go ahead and go start with our um presentations. Uh and uh first we have September is library card sign up month. So I will turn it to Commissioner DeGard. Thank you, Mayor. Uh anybody here from the libraries. Oh, I know better than that. Come on up, come on up. Come on down. With the famous dress on. Good to have you here. Thank you. Any more? Or how many singles? All right, all of you that have a library card. No, I'm we're as libraries are foundational to education, imagination, and opportunity, offering everything from early literacy programs to digital tools that support lifelong learning and personal growth. And we're as libraries welcome all people, serving as inclusive and accessible community hubs that connect individuals across cultures, generations, and experiences. And we're as libraries curate collections and design programs that reflect the diversity of the populations they serve, ensuring equitable access to information, technology, and culture for all. And we're as libraries help individuals navigate life challenges by providing trusted information, digital access, job search support, and connections to essential services. And we're as libraries contribute to thriving local economies by equipping job seekers, entrepreneurs, students, and creators with tools and training to succeed. And whereas in times of both crisis and calm, libraries and their staff remain steadfast in supporting and strengthening their communities. And whereas library resources help households save money, reduce waste, and make substantial choices, all through the simple power of shared public good. And whereas a library card opens doors to endless possibilities from books and technologies to lifelong learning and imagination. Now, therefore, I Tom Dugard, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the mayor of the city of Dunedin, Florida, and on behalf of the entire city commission, do hereby proclaim September 25th as Library Card Sign Up Month and encourage all residents to sign up for a library card and explore the endless possibility it offers. Let's have it for the our library. Okay, I just have a book to read right now. So thank you to the City of Danita and Commission for your proclamation of September as Library Card Sign Up Month. The Denedum Public Library is proud to serve the committee community, and I want to extend my gratitude to all the exceptional library staff. We have our assistant director Carrie Calliccio and our library manager Katie O'Connell with us tonight. Their dedication, the staff's dedication and hard work, make our library a vibrant hub of learning and connection for everyone. I also want to recognize our stakeholder groups. We have some library advisory members in the audience. And we also have I know lots of friends, and I have one of our best friends, um, Shannon Tob Kapan, who is so great helping with our friends of the library.

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