Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Dunedin City Commission held a regular meeting on January 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting began with a moment of silence honoring Captain Robert "Bob" Russell, a WWII veteran and community icon. Presentations included recognition of MLK Essay Contest winners and a proclamation for Love Your Library Month. Key actions included approval of a land use amendment and rezoning for 1050 Main Street, a vehicle replacement plan, shortlisting firms for a downtown parking garage, awarding a CIPP lining contract, renaming the Old City Hall site to "Grand Oak Park," and approving a piggyback agreement for a restroom facility at the park. All votes were unanimous except for the parking garage shortlist (4-1).

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the December 2, 2025 Workshop and December 4, 2025 Regular Meeting.
• Approved reappointment of Susan Elftman to the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (term ending 2/1/2029).
• Awarded Bid #25-2541 for North Douglas Avenue Drainage Improvements to Stage Door II, LLC of Apopka, FL, in the amount of $193,502.10.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rob Cozen (Chesterfield Drive, Chair of Military Veterans Advisory Committee) praised the city's recognition of veterans, specifically honoring Captain Bob Russell and Fred Marquis. He encouraged the city to consider becoming a Red Star family community. The city manager noted a meeting on that topic next week.
• Lynn Olson (723 Loudon Avenue) expressed strong support for the proposed restroom facility at the future Grand Oak Park, noting the need for public restrooms downtown and sharing positive feedback about staff responsiveness.

Discussion Items

• MLK Essay Contest Winners (1.a): Recognized five students from local schools. Their essays were read at the MLK Breakfast earlier in January.
• Love Your Library Month Proclamation (1.b): Commissioner Sandbergen read the proclamation declaring February 2026 as Love Your Library Month. Library Director Phyllis highlighted the 130th anniversary, the Friends of the Library book sale (Feb 4-7), a new fire department mural, and a searchable digital archive of the Dunedin Times (1924-1961).
• Land Use Plan Amendment and Rezoning (3.a): Staff presented Ordinance 25-08 (land use change from Retail & Services to Residential Low Medium) and Ordinance 25-09 (rezoning from Form-Based Medium to Mobile Home) for property at 1050 Main Street. The applicant seeks to use the 0.53-acre landlocked parcel as common open space for the adjacent mobile home park. The LPA and county planning authority (Forward Pinellas) had previously recommended approval. Commissioners questioned the future use; the applicant stated 100% owner approval would be needed to add mobile homes. Both ordinances passed unanimously on second reading.
• FY26 Vehicle Replacement Plan (3.b): Fleet Manager Scott Caterson and Public Works Director Sue Bartlett presented a plan to replace 23 vehicles/equipment totaling $1,788,225.53, which is $57,000 under budget. The plan includes replacing four gas vehicles with hybrids, removing underutilized vehicles, and using a $550,000 grant (from a VW emissions settlement) for two solid waste vehicles. Commissioners praised the thoroughness and cost-saving measures. The motion passed unanimously.
• Midtown Parking Garage Shortlist (3.c): Economic Development Director Bob Ironsmith recommended accepting three shortlisted firms: Finfrock, J. Kokolakis Contracting, and Creative Contractors. Seven firms responded to the RFQ. Next steps: issue an RFP to these three. The motion passed 4-1 (one commissioner opposed on principle).
• CIPP Lining Contract (3.d): Utilities and Engineering Director Clay Watkins recommended awarding a multi-year continuing services contract for cured-in-place pipe lining to Vortex Services LLC of Riverview, FL, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The contract covers three years with two optional one-year extensions. Task orders will come back for approval. Commissioners noted the proactive approach to reduce infiltration. Motion passed unanimously.
• Renaming Old City Hall Site to "Grand Oak Park" (3.e, starred): Staff recommended naming the former City Hall park "Grand Oak Park" based on historical ties (Main Street was formerly Oak Street) and the prominent grand oak tree on site. Commissioners discussed alternatives, community input, and the story behind the tree. The motion passed unanimously.
• Restroom Facility for Grand Oak Park (3.f, starred): Staff recommended a piggyback agreement (using a Sourcewell cooperative contract) with Public Restroom Company of Minden, NV, for a prefabricated restroom building at $454,679. The cost breakdown: base unit $232,736, shipping $34,910, installation $58,184, crane $23,274, and architectural upgrades (brick wainscoting, lap siding) totaling about $221,000. Commissioners debated the cost per square foot (~$1,700) and the choice of unisex vs. men/women/family. Staff explained a conventional build was estimated at $800,000. After discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
• Agenda for February 5, 2026 Commission Meeting (3.g): Approved with addition of a Blue Jays proclamation.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 25-08 and 25-09 (1050 Main St) passed unanimously on second reading.
• Vehicle Replacement Plan approved unanimously, authorizing $1,788,225.53 for 23 assets.
• Midtown Parking Garage shortlisted firms accepted (4-1 vote).
• CIPP lining contract awarded to Vortex Services LLC unanimously.
• Grand Oak Park naming approved unanimously.
• Restroom piggyback agreement approved unanimously.
• New item: The city will rework the Historic Preservation Ordinance to remove the 100% property owner consent requirement (recommended to go back to 50%+1) and remove the city manager-initiated district provision, based on state/federal feedback, with first reading tentatively scheduled for March 19, 2026.