Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – December 18, 2025

The Dunedin City Commission held a regular meeting on December 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Mayor Maureen "Moe" Freaney presided, with Commissioners Tom Dugard, Steven Sandbergen, and Vice Mayor Robert Walker present. Commissioner Jeff Gow was excused due to a family matter. The meeting lasted until 7:34 PM and covered a range of consent items, public comments, action items, and informational updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes for the November 4, 2025, workshop and November 6, 2025, regular meeting.
• Reappointed Christopher Anuszkiewicz and Jeffrey Bame to the Architectural Review Committee through 12/31/2028; Deborah Kynes and Paul Stanek to the Local Planning Agency through 12/31/2028; and Debbie Wilson to the Public Safety Committee through 1/1/2029.
• Approved a Piggyback Agreement with Precision Sidewalk Safety Corporation for sidewalk inspection and maintenance repairs at a not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 for FY26. This item was pulled for discussion; after clarifying that paver repairs are handled reactively and lack a dedicated program, the motion carried 4–0.
• Approved an Interlocal Agreement with Pinellas County for post-storm recovery services.
• Approved a PSTA bus shelter cost-sharing Interlocal Agreement ($13,400).
• Approved the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for water quality monitoring.
• Authorized a Duke Energy easement for pad-mounted switch gear at Amberlea Park.
• Awarded Bid #25-2539 for the Water Treatment Plant Administration Building Hardening Project to Best Home Protection Windows and Doors, Inc., in the corrected amount of $349,810 (originally listed as $349,410; a $400 addition error and scrivener's error were noted). The item was pulled for the correction and passed 4–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Cowger (2092 Valley Drive) reported ongoing erosion and flooding issues from a ditch behind his home. He stated the city's claims investigator declined payment, citing insufficient evidence of negligence. He expressed frustration that debris cleanup crews had not yet visited his property. Deputy City Manager Quintas noted that staff had assessed the site and identified possible gutter drainage issues; the city would continue to review the situation.
• Nancy Ellen Hale (509 Ashley Drive), speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Board, commented on the Freebee transportation service. She stated that the problem was with the provider, not the service itself, citing a lack of advertising, missing key personnel at meetings, and a confusing on-demand system. She suggested the city consider contracting with Jolley Trolley for a seasonal looper service instead. She also raised a separate concern about a skincare business on Main Street that allegedly harasses pedestrians with aggressive hawking, which she said deters visitors and hurts neighboring shops. City Attorney Cowan clarified that speaking to passersby is generally allowed, but blocking or threatening behavior may require law enforcement involvement.
• Jeremy Reynolds (973 Cedarwood Avenue) spoke during the discussion of item 2.c. He noted that his father-in-law, a disabled American veteran in a wheelchair, struggles with brick paver sidewalks. He suggested the city consider covering all pavers with asphalt and advocated for using drone technology to map sidewalk hazards proactively.
• One eComment was submitted regarding item 3.b. (Azul Ave Vacation Homes) by Jeremy Reynolds, arguing that the project violates the city's comprehensive plan due to compatibility and environmental concerns.

Discussion Items

• Historic Landmark Designation (Ordinance 25-10): Second reading and final adoption for 558 Beltrees Street, a Craftsman Bungalow known as "The Yellow House." The designation was supported by the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and staff. Commissioners praised the owner's preservation efforts and the property's three Grand Oaks, one of which is reportedly among the oldest in Pinellas County. Unanimously adopted 4–0.
• Azul Ave Vacation Homes (DR-2025-0004): A request to develop a two-story, 21-unit vacation home project at 1380 Pinehurst Road. The applicant requested a continuance. The commission voted 4–0 to continue the first hearing to January 8, 2026, and the second reading to February 5, 2026.
• Old City Hall Park Site – Award of Bid: Awarded Bid #25-2534 to Mali Contracting Corp ($515,028.55 total) for base park development and a sidewalk enhancement alternate. The restroom facility was continued to January 22, 2026. Staff recommended naming the park "Grand Oak Park" in recognition of the historic oak tree on site and the original name of Main Street (Oak Street). The commission agreed to consider the name at the January 22 meeting. Approved 4–0.
• Old City Hall Park Restroom Facility – Piggyback Agreement: Continued to January 22, 2026, as requested by staff, to further evaluate pricing and lead times.
• Amendments to Contracts for Substantial Completion Language: Two amendments (KCI Construction for Skinner Blvd electrical undergrounding and BDI Marine for marina wall repairs) were approved to add newly adopted state statute language regarding substantial completion. No cost changes. Both passed 4–0.
• January 8, 2026, Meeting Agenda: Approved with additions: award of bid for Marina Fishing Pier Replacement, continued item Azul Ave Vacation Homes, and a Rules & Procedure Resolution.
• January 6, 2026, Workshop Agenda: Approved with revisions: moving the Live Local Act presentation to a workshop item, postponing the Golf Club Advisory Committee discussion to February 3, 2026, and adding a Local Property Tax Campaign discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda items with two pulled for discussion: sidewalk repair program (2.c) and window hardening bid (2.h).
• Adopted Ordinance 25-10, designating 558 Beltrees Street as a historic landmark (4–0).
• Continued the Azul Ave Vacation Homes application to January 8, 2026 (4–0).
• Awarded the Old City Hall Park site contract to Mali Contracting Corp (4–0).
• Continued the restroom facility piggyback agreement to January 22, 2026 (4–0).
• Approved two contract amendments to include new state substantial completion language (both 4–0).
• Approved the January 8, 2026, meeting agenda and January 6, 2026, workshop agenda with specified additions and deletions.