Dunedin City Commission Workshop - February 3, 2026

The City Commission held a workshop on February 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the City Hall. The meeting covered affordable housing updates, a citizen survey preview, establishment of a Golf Club Advisory Committee, and revisions to city boards and committees. Mayor Maureen "Moe" Freaney presided, with all commissioners present. The workshop adjourned at 12:11 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ward Shaw of 1112 Tarridon Court expressed concerns about inadequate handicapped parking at TD Stadium and enforcement issues, noting he had previously raised the issue without response. City Manager Bramley stated there is reserved handicapped parking and offered to show the locations.
• Kevin Janiga, David Smith, Carl Kanny, and Kathleen Sands Martin spoke in support of forming a Golf Club Advisory Committee, citing deterioration in course conditions and a need for accountability and a maintenance plan. They each expressed interest in serving on the committee.
• On the board and committee revisions, Nancy Schmidt (Chair of the Causeway & Coastal Waterways Advisory Committee) and Kathleen Sands Martin argued against merging the Causeway committee, stating its unique issues (e.g., motorized watercraft) would be diluted. Ron Matuska asked about quorum rules for newly merged committees. Jason Williams advocated for youth representation in parks and recreation and requested a permanent seat for youth sports organizations.

Discussion Items

• Pinellas County Housing Authority Presentation & The Flats on Main Street Update: Neil Brickfield (PCHA Executive Director) and Dave Heaslip (Archway Partners) presented. PCHA has managed Palm Lake Village (475 senior units) since the 1970s and brings resources for affordable housing. The proposed management agreement for the Dunedin Housing Authority would shift from Clearwater Housing Authority to PCHA, with an interlocal agreement pending approval on February 18, 2026. The Flats on Main (78 apartments on S.R. 580) is nearing construction closing, with a 15-18 month build timeline. Commissioner concerns included school bus service (the nearest schools require walking, noted as a safety issue) and ensuring local residents and employees have priority for rentals. Staff will work with the School Board on safety improvements.
• 2026 Citizen Survey Preview: Strategy & Sustainability Manager Nicole Delfino presented the draft survey, recommending Dr. Stephen R. Neely as consultant. The survey will run from February 9 to early March 2026, with about 27 questions plus demographics. New questions focus on parks & recreation usage and budget prioritization; parking questions were removed. Staff will use a multi-pronged communication plan including lawn signs with QR codes. Commissioners suggested minor edits (e.g., correcting Spectrum channel from 630 to 639, adding column headers, specifying "Pinellas County Sheriff's Office") and discussed the need to understand citizen trade-offs for potential budget cuts. The survey was unanimously approved.
• Golf Club Advisory Committee Discussion: City Clerk Michelle Wells presented a draft resolution for a 7-member committee: 3 Dunedin Golf Club members, 3 residents at-large, and 1 Board of Finance member, all must be City residents. Initial staggered terms (4 for 3 years, 2 for 2 years, 1 for 1 year). The restaurateur would serve as ex officio. Commissioners supported the concept, with Mayor Freaney emphasizing the need for the golf course to remain financially self-sufficient. Staff will advertise and bring applications to the Commission for appointment. The resolution will return for formal approval at a future meeting.
• Board and Committee Revisions: City Clerk Wells proposed consolidations based on strategic planning direction since 2022. Proposed merges: CEQS & Stormwater Advisory Committee; Causeway & Coastal Waterway, Hammock Advisory, and Parks & Recreation; Disability Advisory & Social Services; Edgewater Drive Advisory & Public Safety. Sunsetting PRAAC and YAC. After public testimony and commission discussion, the consensus was: merge CEQS & Stormwater; merge Hammock into Parks & Recreation (Causeway to remain standalone with goal of future merger); merge Disability & Social Services; merge Edgewater Drive & Public Safety (with expanded scope beyond multimodal; 4-1 vote, Vice Mayor Walker dissenting); sunset PRAAC and YAC (with intention to engage youth through alternative means). Commissioners also agreed to add "Advisory" to all committee titles and review residency requirements during drafting.

Key Outcomes

• Interlocal Agreement for Dunedin Housing Authority: Commission expressed strong support for pursuing the agreement with Pinellas County Housing Authority. The interlocal will be considered by PCHA's Board on February 18, 2026. Staff will include requirements for holding resource fairs in Dunedin and heightened awareness.
• 2026 Citizen Survey: Approved to proceed with Dr. Stephen R. Neely and the draft survey, with minor edits to be finalized before launch on February 9, 2026.
• Golf Club Advisory Committee: Direction given to staff to draft a resolution establishing the committee with the proposed composition. Applications will be solicited, and full Commission will appoint members. Resolution expected to return in about a month.
• Board and Committee Revisions: By consensus (with one 4-1 vote on Edgewater/Public Safety), staff instructed to bring forward resolutions implementing the approved merges, sunsets, and title changes. Updated residency provisions and broader scope for Edgewater/Public Safety to be incorporated. Causeway & Coastal Waterways committee will remain standalone for now, with consideration of bi-monthly meetings and eventual merger. A yearly chairs meeting and sunshine law refresher for committees will be reinstated.
• Information Item: City Manager Bramley briefed the Commission on the 227 Lyndhurst property (Elevate Florida) and indicated it will be on the February 3 regular meeting agenda for a decision.