Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Dunedin City Commission held a regular meeting on April 16, 2026, at City Hall, called to order at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:21 p.m. The meeting featured proclamations, public comment, consent agenda approvals, and extended discussions on historic preservation, a golf course committee selection process, and a proposed regional MPO merger. All votes were unanimous.

Presentations

• Academies of Distinction with Honors Proclamation: Commissioner Dugard read a proclamation recognizing the Architecture, Robotics, and Construction Academy (ARC Academy) at Dunedin High School for achieving the Academies of Distinction Certification with Honors. Principal James Kiblinger introduced teachers and students, noting the program grew from 182 to 395 students. Fifteen students placed at state competition and six are advancing to nationals. Board President Larry Franklin expressed appreciation.
• Eagle Scout Recognition: Commissioner Sandbergen recognized Adam Granot for attaining Eagle Scout rank. Granot, a Dunedin resident and dual-enrolled student at Clearwater Academy and St. Petersburg College, completed 200 service hours at the Dunedin Public Library. He spoke about his scouting journey and plans to work in computer technology.
• National Library Week: Vice Mayor Walker read a proclamation designating April 19–25, 2026 as National Library Week. Library Director Phyllis Gorshe announced the launch of a branch library survey (open through April 30) and noted that a recent Citizens Survey ranked the library number one in satisfaction, with 83.2% of respondents very or somewhat satisfied.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Ballard Geddis Jr. (802 Georgia Avenue, Palm Harbor) commented on property tax billing, alleging that Pinellas County Resolution 95-286 sold the county to a water district, making non-ad valorem charges a levy by an unelected body. He argued the billing practice is non-uniform and incongruent with statute, contributing to property tax issues in Tallahassee.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the March 3, 2026 workshop.
• Approved payment of $63,511.58 to Duke Energy for two new 2,500 kVa transformers and electrical point-of-service connections at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Approved the Leland Chase Outdoor Gallery Public Art Project Phase III at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, authorizing artwork selection, artist stipend, and installation by Speed Pro Imaging/Printing not to exceed $3,000.
• Items 2.c (Cinco de Mayo Celebration) and 2.e (Athletic Field Fence Replacement) were pulled for separate discussion and subsequently approved (see Discussion Items).

Discussion Items

• Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Item 2.c): Mayor Freaney expressed happiness that the event falls on the actual date of Cinco de Mayo. Approved unanimously.
• Athletic Field Fence Replacement (Item 2.e): Commissioner Sandbergen questioned why a bid of $200,324 was chosen over a lower bid of $81,000. Parks Director Tony Mulkey explained the lower bid was per field and itemized; the total for a complete renovation of fields 1, 2, and 3 (matching field 4 with black vinyl fencing and replacing safety rails) would be $252,835. Parks Superintendent Joe Mclemore confirmed the work includes a complete renovation for longer lifespan. Approved unanimously.
• Historic Preservation Ordinance (Item 3.a) and Certificate of Appropriateness Matrix (Item 3.b): City Manager Jennifer Bramley provided an update: a revised ordinance (removing historic districts) was transmitted to the Florida Division of Historic Resources and the National Park Service in January. Delays occurred due to government shutdowns and NPS staffing issues. After a Teams call on April 11, the state realized districts were removed and issued clearance on April 14. Staff recommended a reset, sending the ordinance back to the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee on May 14, then to the Local Planning Agency on June 10, with first reading July 9 and second reading August 6. Both items were tabled unanimously.
• Proposed May 7, 2026 Commission Agenda (Item 3.c): Approved unanimously with the addition of a settlement agreement action item.
• Commission Discussion:
  • Vice Mayor Walker: Announced the Dunedin History Museum’s Citrus Gala (theme: History Makers) and shared his experience inducting students into the National Junior Honor Society at Dunedin Middle School.
  • Commissioner Sandbergen: Will attend the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Project Phoenix, a day-long planning exercise for a Category 5 hurricane. Also announced the City will receive an award for the roundabouts as an innovative infrastructure project.
  • Commissioner Gow: Praised the Highland Games parade and competition; announced Dunedin High School’s production of "Bye Bye Birdie" on April 23–25.
  • Commissioner Dugard: Reported on two property tax information forums (April 14 and 22) and encouraged residents to view them online to understand the value proposition of city services.
  • Mayor Freaney: Shared her experience officiating a wedding at the Fenway Hotel, highlighting its promotion of Dunedin. Raised a noise complaint from a hotel about an outdoor venue along the Pinellas Trail; City Manager Bramley will meet with the hotel and the sheriff’s office to address it.
  • Golf Course Advisory Committee Selection Process: Mayor Freaney proposed a process for the May 21 meeting: each commissioner selects top three non-member and top three member candidates, shares rationale, then nominates and votes unless consensus is reached. Terms are three, two, and one year. Commissioners agreed.
  • MPO Merger Update: Mayor Freaney reported that Forward Pinellas tabled a vote on apportionment for a three-county (Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco) MPO merger. Proposed seats: Hillsborough 11 plus Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay (52% of 25 seats), Pinellas 8, Pasco 4. Pinellas’ 20 remaining cities would share one seat; Mayor argued this underrepresents north county and Dunedin’s transportation priorities (Curlew Road, Alt. 19, SR 580, Honeymoon Island). Commissioners expressed concerns about dilution and loss of Dunedin’s individual seat, but acknowledged potential benefits of consolidation for state and federal funding. The final decision rests with the Pinellas County Commission; Mayor will continue advocacy.
• City Manager’s Update: Bramley requested prayers for the City of Gulf Springs after its vice mayor was killed by her husband; flags were ordered at half staff.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda items 2.a, 2.b, and 2.d approved unanimously.
• Items 2.c and 2.e approved unanimously after separate discussion.
• Action items 3.a and 3.b (historic preservation) tabled unanimously; will return after further review by advisory committees and state/federal agencies.
• Action item 3.c approved unanimously with the addition of a settlement agreement.
• Commission directed staff to proceed with the golf course committee selection process as outlined by the Mayor.
• Mayor will continue to advocate for fair representation in the MPO merger.
• City Manager to follow up on the noise complaint with the hotel and sheriff’s office.