Dunedin Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting - March 19, 2026

The Dunedin Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held a regular meeting on March 19, 2026, at 4:30 PM in City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. The meeting lasted approximately 57 minutes, adjourning at 5:27 PM. Members present: Chair Maureen 'Moe' Freaney, Members Tom Dugard, Jeff Gow, and Steven Sandbergen. Vice Chair Robert Walker was excused. All four motions carried 4-0.

Consent Calendar

• Excused Absence: Motion to excuse Vice Chair Robert Walker carried 4-0.
• Draft Minutes: Motion to approve the January 22, 2026 CRA minutes carried 4-0.
• CRA Resolution 26-01: Motion to adopt the FY 2026 CRA Carryforward Budget Amendment in the amount of $2,396,582.66 carried 4-0. Finance Director Les Tyler explained the amendment includes approximately $28,000 in open purchase orders and $2.3 million for multi-year projects not completed as of September 30, 2025. The carryforward does not affect the county match.
• CRA Annual Report: Motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Redevelopment Annual Report carried 4-0.
• CRA Advisory Committee Membership: Motion to appoint Dr. Terry Zervos to a partial alternate term ending 3/1/2028 carried 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during Citizen Input or any of the public comment periods.

Discussion Items

• Skinner Boulevard Underground Utilities: CRA/Economic Development Director Bob Ironsmith reported that Duke Energy is progressing. One property owner on Skinner is not participating; staff continues to meet with them. If they do not participate, a few poles would remain. Chair Freaney offered assistance.
• Pioneer Park Grass Condition: Chair Freaney asked about the grass condition. Director Ironsmith noted he would check with Parks and that the park is typically refreshed after the market moves to the museum area in summer.
• Main Street Pavers: Chair Freaney raised concerns about paver maintenance downtown. City Manager Jennifer Bramley stated inspections are conducted citywide and staff will look specifically at downtown. A full paver replacement project from the Pinellas Trail to Broadway is planned to start in June 2026.
• First United Methodist Church Redevelopment: Director Ironsmith said the church is exploring options (outparcel or repositioning the building) but has not finalized plans. Staff met with them recently.
• Trail Side Project (behind Casa Tina's and GW Salon): The owner is refining conceptual drawings for a three-story project including a restaurant and possibly B&B or retail. Demolition of the old feed store was completed with a city grant.
• Tampa Bay Markets Update: Owner Tiffany Ferrecchia reported on the Dunedin Downtown Market's sustainability efforts (Green Vendor Program launched Earth Day 2025, over 15,000 free reusable tote bags distributed, partnership with City of Dunedin and Renewable for composting), a successful Holiday Night Market series in December 2025, and the new "Dog of the Day" social media initiative. Markets are held Fridays and Saturdays.
• Market Vendor and Parking Concerns: Commissioner Sandbergen asked about vendor commitment and spot rotation. Commissioner Dugard expressed concerns about construction impacts (Ocean Optics lot development, parking garage) and plastic bag use. Ms. Ferrecchia noted a parking map is being developed and that a few vendors with trailers will need alternative parking. Staff is coordinating solutions.
• CRA Advisory Committee Chair Report: Alan McHale reported the committee is concerned about traffic disruption during major construction projects, especially on Douglas Avenue. He also noted speeding on Skinner Boulevard from SR 580 to Main Street, where two lanes merge into one, causing brake-slamming. He reported a record number of visitors to the Chamber Visitor Center (233 people between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Tuesday prior) from Europe, South America, and nearly every U.S. state.
• CRA Director's Report: Bob Ironsmith summarized that the CRA has seven years remaining until sunset in 2033. After sunset, approximately $1.5 million per year will return to the General Fund and $1.5 million to Pinellas County. He stated the CRA program is "one of the best government programs where you get rewarded for performance."

Key Outcomes

• All four motions passed unanimously (4-0): (1) approve minutes, (2) adopt CRA Resolution 26-01 carryforward budget amendment, (3) approve FY 2025 Annual Report, (4) appoint Dr. Terry Zervos to CRA Advisory Committee.
• Directives: Staff to inspect downtown pavers and report back on Pioneer Park grass status. Staff to continue working with the one non-participating property owner on Skinner Boulevard underground utilities. Staff to coordinate with Tampa Bay Markets on parking solutions during construction.
• Next Steps: Staff will bring an interlocal agreement amendment to increase the CRA debt ceiling to the City Commission on April 2, 2026. Main Street streetscape construction (pavers, lighting) expected to start in June 2026. Skinner Boulevard landscaping and underground utilities expected by end of summer/fall 2026.