Dunedin City Commission Workshop – December 2, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held a workshop on December 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM in City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. The meeting included a presentation from PSTA on the Connected Community Bus Network, a detailed discussion and vote on solid waste and recycling rate increases, and a decision on the Freebee Loop contract. The meeting adjourned at 12:22 PM after two breaks.

Presentations

• Connected Community Bus Network (PSTA) – Nicole Dufva, Director of Planning, presented new PSTA services launched in 2025: Grouper Airport Express ($8 from St. Pete-Clearwater Airport to Clearwater Beach), Clearwater Ferry (Dunedin to Clearwater, $8 one-way, Thursday–Sunday), 34th Street South “Spark” premium service (15-minute frequency), and the Connected Community Bus Network (launched Oct. 26, 2025). Key goals: more weekend demand, tourist transport, timed transfers, cost-neutral. Routes unchanged: SunRunner, Jolly Trolley, Route 19, 91, etc. New Route 78 provides one-seat ride from Dunedin to Tampa. New Snapper On-Demand zone in Clearwater/Safety Harbor (door-to-door to Park Street Terminal or Countryside Mall). Commission discussed frequency, microtransit gaps, and Jolley Trolley service; PSTA agreed to provide data on 30-minute trolley service cost.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were listed or acted upon.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the two Citizen Input periods (before workshop items and after each item).

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste & Recycling Rate Study – Public Works Director Sue Bartlett and Raftelis Vice President Thierry Boveri presented the revenue sufficiency study. Key points: The City has withdrawn from unincorporated area service (completed), frozen two vacant positions, surplused 6 reserve vehicles, and implemented routing efficiencies. The study recommends a 2-year front-loaded rate increase of 28.5% (FY26) and 15.6% (FY27), then 3% annual indexing. The monthly residential bill would rise from $23.67 to $30.42 (April 2026) then $35.17 (April 2027), reaching $38.43 by FY30 with 3% increases. This represents a 62% increase over 5 years. The fund currently has a $2M reserve; the plan would drop reserves but maintain compliance with the 15% (55-day) reserve policy by FY28. The Board of Finance supported the plan but recommended using a CPI-specific index (trash collection and disposal) rather than a fixed 3% for future adjustments.

Commission discussion focused on the front-loaded impact on residents, with Commissioners Dugard and Vice Mayor Gow expressing concern. Commissioner Dugard noted expenses only increased about 11% from FY25 to FY30, implying the rate hike was largely to restore fund balance. Commissioner Sandbergen and Mayor Freaney argued the increase was necessary for long-term fiscal sustainability and vehicle replacement. Mayor Freaney noted similar inflationary pressures nationwide.

• Freebee Loop Annual Review – Community Development Director George Kinney and Project Manager Kathy Gademer presented ridership data: total 29,847 riders from Nov. 2, 2023 to Oct. 31, 2025 (15,070 app, 14,413 flag-down). Monthly ridership doubled in 2025 compared to 2024 after the May 21, 2025 flex route expansion (on-demand service in residential areas). Spring Training accounted for highest special-event ridership. The City applied for three grants (FDOT, TD Bank, T-Mobile) – all denied. Advertising revenue was $1,367 from Blue Jays. The contract expires Dec. 17, 2025; staff sought direction on renewal. The service costs approximately $200,000/year from the General Fund (ARPA funds used initially). A business survey found 61.1% reported no impact or were unsure; 36.6% reported positive impact. No Freebee representative attended. Commission discussion: concerns about cost, lack of equitable service (downtown focus), absence of business community input, and the fact that the downtown is walkable. Opinions varied: Vice Mayor Gow supported letting it expire but wanted on-demand data preserved; Commissioner Sandbergen wanted to hear from businesses before deciding; Commissioner Walker opposed renewal due to General Fund strain; Commissioner Dugard agreed to let it expire; Mayor Freaney favored expiration but noted potential for re-evaluation if backlash occurs.

Key Outcomes

• Solid Waste Rates: The Commission reached consensus (3-2 vote: Commissioners Walker, Sandbergen, Mayor Freaney in favor; Commissioners Dugard and Vice Mayor Gow opposed) to move forward with the proposed rate plan: 28.5% increase effective April 1, 2026, 15.6% effective April 1, 2027, and subsequent annual indexing tied to the CPI for trash collection (rather than fixed 3%). Staff will bring back an ordinance for two public hearings and final adoption. Staff will also re-examine the study for any additional savings.
• Freebee Loop: The Commission reached consensus to allow the Freebee contract to expire without renewal. City staff was directed to immediately notify the Chamber of Commerce, Mease Life, and other stakeholders that the service will end. The City Manager will report back on any feedback; the item could be revisited in the future if warranted by public demand.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:22 PM.