Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - October 23, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held its regular meeting on October 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 737 Louden Avenue. Vice Mayor Jeff Gow presided in the absence of Mayor Maureen "Moe" Freaney and Commissioner Steven Sandbergen, who were excused to attend Toronto Blue Jays games. Commissioners Tom Dugard and Robert Walker were present. All votes were 3-0 in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes for the August 7, 2025 Regular Meeting (with a correction on page 17 changing "50%" to "100%" regarding homeowner approval) and the September 2, 2025 Workshop.
• Board Appointments: Reappointed Rob Cozen, William Short, and Larri Gerson to the U.S. Military Veterans Advisory Committee for terms ending November 1, 2028.
• Contract Addendum: Approved a contract addendum with Granicus for enhanced website and GovDelivery services.
• Laboratory Services Bid: Awarded Bid #25-2531 for laboratory services to Advanced Environmental Laboratory, Inc. (Tampa, FL) and Eurofins Environment Testing Southeast, LLC (Altamonte Springs, FL).
• Festival License: Approved the 2025 Dunedin Wines the Blues Festival revocable license agreement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Captain Harry Mattheus (646 Scotland Street, speaking on his own behalf, member of the Marina Advisory Committee and Causeway Coastal Committee): Expressed gratitude that the marina and ferry are now open. Noted the fence color change from black to silver improved perception, and that city staff and commissioners had listened to community needs. Praised the progress, stating the slips and ferry are operational and a crane was visible in the parking lot, indicating forward movement.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Principal Brandon Glenn: Principal Glenn of Dunedin Highland Middle School was honored as Pinellas County Principal of the Year 2025. Commissioners praised his leadership in achieving an "A" school grade. Glenn thanked the city and noted his upcoming move to a different county.
• First Responders Day Proclamation: Commissioner Walker read a proclamation designating October 28, 2025, as National First Responders Day, recognizing firefighters, paramedics, police, public works, and other emergency personnel. Public Works Director Sue Bartlett, Utilities Manager Nan Bennett, and Fire Chief Michael Handoga expressed appreciation for the recognition and teamwork.
• Clan Macpherson Days Proclamation: Vice Mayor Gow proclaimed October 23–26, 2025, as Clan Macpherson Days. Clan leaders George and Bonnie Macpherson thanked the city, and George read a message from the clan chief in Scotland, acknowledging the historic links between Scotland and the U.S.
• Resolution 25-26 – FY2025 4th Budget Amendment: Finance Director Les Tyler presented the amendment with a total impact on fund balance of $629,800 across multiple funds. Key changes included: $18,740 for Fire Department vehicle outfitting; $33,265 for consulting fees (Lorick Associates); $123,800 decrease in Stadium Fund insurance; $180,000 ARPA fund for a surplus fire pumper truck; $249,660 for marina electric pedestals (with 87.5% FEMA/State reimbursement expected); and transfers within the Water/Wastewater Fund. Several funds were below reserve targets: Water/Sewer at 24.4% (target 25%), Stormwater at less than 25%, and Golf Operations at 3% (first year of operation, impacted by storms). Commissioner Dugard requested clarification on fleet fund entries, and Commissioner Walker asked about FEMA reimbursement progress. Tyler reported the city is on its fourth FEMA representative since the hurricanes, with weekly Tetra Tech meetings and biweekly FEMA meetings. $3.2 million in debris reimbursement is expected within 60 days; larger marina and pier projects may see approval by March 2026.
• Resolution 25-31 – SRF Loan Amendment: Engineer Alejandro Gonzalez presented a revised Amendment No. 3 to the State Revolving Fund loan for wastewater projects. The amendment provides a one-year time extension and a $295,000 increase for technical services during construction, bringing the total reimbursable amount to $23,495,152. Interest rates: original $15,550,400 at 0%, first amendment $7,649,752 at 0.4%, and the new $295,000 at 2.04%. The loan is drawn down as projects are built. Commissioners noted the loan is effectively low-cost financing and supports infrastructure sustainability and water quality improvements (goal of fresh water only into the Sound by 2035).
• E-Bike Safety Discussion: Commissioner Dugard reported two e-bike accidents in Dunedin in the past 72 hours (on the Pinellas Trail near Wilson and at New York/Main Street), plus a third in St. Petersburg. He called for action on e-bike safety, including potential ordinances, enforcement of stop rules, and a walk-only zone on the downtown section of the Pinellas Trail. Vice Mayor Gow suggested addressing e-bike classification through the city's lobbyist and legislative priorities. Commissioner Walker emphasized the need to distinguish between pedal-assist and fully powered e-bikes. City Manager Bramley noted a pending grant to Forward Pinellas for pedestrian/bicycle separation on Main Street, and a planned barricade system during large special events. She also reported that Sheriff Gualtieri will conduct PSAs on trail safety and focus on Dunedin as the most-used section. The commission agreed to explore including e-bike classification in the city's legislative agenda and to research other cities' approaches.
• Aid to Organizations – Dunedin Middle School Band: Vice Mayor Gow raised a request for $5,000 from the Aid to Organizations fund to help the Dunedin Middle School Band Booster purchase kilts for the Scottish Arts Program. City Manager Bramley confirmed $5,000 remained in the fund, and similar requests have been supported in the past (e.g., drum covers six years ago). Commissioner Dugard noted future requests would need to compete with other needs. The motion passed 3-0.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 25-26 (FY2025 4th Budget Amendment): Adopted 3-0.
• Resolution 25-31 (SRF Loan Amendment): Adopted 3-0, authorizing a one-year extension and $295,000 increase, repealing Resolution 25-20.
• November 4, 2025 Workshop Agenda: Approved 3-0.
• November 6, 2025 Commission Meeting Agenda: Approved 3-0.
• Aid to Organizations – $5,000 to Dunedin Middle School Band: Approved 3-0 for purchase of kilts.
• E-Bike Safety: Commission directed staff to include e-bike classification in the city's legislative priorities, research ordinances and other cities' practices, and collaborate with Pinellas County on trail safety measures.
• City Manager's Update: Noted submission of a $30,000 grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a Living Shoreline Design at Weaver Park.