Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – May 21, 2026
Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – May 21, 2026
The City Commission met on May 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:35 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured five proclamations, the presentation of Environmental Hero Awards, the receipt of an AARP Age-Friendly Certificate, and unanimous approval of all consent and action items. Key actions included calling a November 3, 2026 general municipal election, committing $75,000 to a proposed affordable housing project (Egret on Union), appointing members to a new Golf Club Advisory Committee, and awarding a $922,072.48 wastewater lift station rehabilitation contract. Public input was limited to one eComment about erosion at Jerry Branch Creek.
Presentations
- Memorial Day 2026 Proclamation: Mayor Freaney proclaimed May 25, 2026 as Memorial Day, urging a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM. Rob Cozen (Veterans Advisory Committee Chair) thanked the city and introduced representatives from American Legion Post 275, V.F.W. 2550, and the Military Order of the Purple Hearts. He noted that proper protocol is to say "thank you for your service" rather than "happy Memorial Day." Ceremonies will be held at Curlew Cemetery, V.F.W., and American Legion. Vice Mayor Walker highlighted the sacrifice of veterans.
- Dunedin Environmental Hero Awards 2026: Sustainability Program Manager Natalie Gass and CEQS Chair Amy Elliott presented awards. Grassroots Ambassador: Johnna Young (for community garden work, low-impact transportation). Green Organization: Faith United Church of Christ (for native landscaping, 52 solar panels offsetting nearly all energy needs). Honorable Mentions: Jerald and Barbara Lindley, Michael Caruso, Megan Colby, Judith Gorgone. Commissioners expressed appreciation.
- Presentation of AARP Age-Friendly Certificate: Strategy & Sustainability Manager Nicole Delfino noted the city’s 10-year journey. Laura Street (AARP Florida Director of Outreach) presented a certificate, stating that Dunedin is one of 47 age-friendly communities in Florida and has served as a leader. The three-year action plan (2025-2028) covers transportation, housing, social participation, and more.
- National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22, 2026): Vice Mayor Walker read the proclamation. Gary Walkup (Dunedin Flotilla 11-10) emphasized the importance of safe boating in a waterfront community. He noted that 650 people die annually in boating accidents, 75% from drowning; in 2024 Florida had 685 accidents and 81 fatalities, with 65% of operators in fatal accidents having no formal training. Life jackets could prevent 83% of boating fatalities.
- Water Safety Month 2026: Commissioner Sandbergen read the proclamation. Alicia Castricone (Recreation/Pool Coordinator) reported that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with an average of 11 fatal drownings per day. Dunedin’s efforts include life jacket distributions (supported by BayCare, HCA, and the Dunedin Youth Guild). The Kiwanis Club has provided free swim lessons to nearly 1,800 children over 17 years. She promoted the “Water Watcher” badge as an effective safety tool.
Public Comments & Testimony
- One eComment was submitted by Bonnie Mickles, President of Tahitian Place HOA (39 units, 759 feet of creek frontage on Jerry Branch Creek). She described severe erosion on the bank (original 4:1 slope now approximately 2:1), causing structural risk and sedimentation forming an island. She requested the appropriate city contacts to address the urgent issue, stating prior calls and emails went unanswered. No other public comments were made on agenda items.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes: Approved minutes for the 3/31/2026 Workshop and 4/2/2026 Regular Meeting.
- Board and Committee Appointments: Appointed Debra "Deb" Williams (Board of Adjustment, partial term to 12/1/2027), Matthew Morrissey (Board of Adjustment alternate to 12/1/2028), Amanda Crescenzo (Board of Adjustment alternate to 12/1/2028). Appointed Claudia Nable (Dunedin Causeway & Coastal Waterways Committee, term to 6/1/2029) and reappointed James Hughes (same term). Reappointed Tiffany Shaw (Marina Advisory Committee, term to 6/1/2029).
- Emergency Debris Management Agreement: Approved using the City of Largo RFP #25-P-834 to piggyback an agreement with Crowder-Gulf Joint Venture, Inc., for emergency debris collection and removal services.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 26-05 – General Municipal Election: Commission held the first reading of an ordinance calling a general election for November 3, 2026, to elect a Commissioner for Seat Two (4-year term) and Seat Four (4-year term). City Clerk Wells noted the budget is $7,760 (versus $2,900 in 2024) due to potential two-card ballot. Candidates: Seat Two incumbent is unopposed; Seat Four has Mark Ossian and Janice "Nan" Bennett. Commissioner Dugard noted the democratic process; Vice Mayor Walker disclosed he is the incumbent for Seat Two and is running for reelection. Commissioner Gow is termed out. The ordinance passed 5-0, with a second reading scheduled for June 18, 2026.
- Egret on Union Affordable Housing – $75,000 Commitment Letter: The Commission approved a financial commitment letter to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) for the proposed Egret on Union project. CRA Director Bob Ironsmith explained the $75,000 is a placeholder that only becomes a contribution if the state awards 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The project consists of 88 units (62 one-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom) on a 10-acre vacant parcel on Union Street, with 136 parking spaces. Scott Kriebel (Atlantic Pacific Senior Vice President) presented the developer’s credentials: Atlantic Pacific has developed 67 LIHTC properties, is vertically integrated, and has an impeccable record. Jake Stowers (Pinellas County Housing Authority) noted the authority now manages the Dunedin Housing Authority and will co-develop the project. The development is targeted toward essential service workers (e.g., nurses, teachers, city employees) earning less than 60% AMI (up to $62,580 for a 4-person household). Commissioner Sandbergen questioned the pool (called it a luxury) and entrance off Promenade; Kriebel stated they could remove the pool if preferred and confirmed an easement exists. Commissioner Dugard asked about the timeline: application deadline August 12, 2026; funding decision September/October; groundbreaking within 12 months (September/October 2027); first move-in October/November 2028. Mayor Freaney noted the hospital’s urgent housing needs. The Commission unanimously approved the commitment letter.
- Golf Club Advisory Committee – Appoint Membership: The Commission appointed initial members after a structured discussion. Board of Finance non-member: Al Crossman (3-year term). Golf Club members: Timothy Doherty (3-year), Walter Kozikowski (3-year), Edward Oliu (2-year). Non-members: Vince Gizzi (3-year), Melissa Hughes (2-year), David Loeffert (1-year). Alternates (non-members): Bailey Morris (3-year), David Pauley (3-year). Terms were assigned alphabetically. The motion passed 5-0. Ed Oliu thanked the Commission and expressed commitment to making the Dunedin Golf Club a premier facility.
- Award FY26 Wastewater Lift Station Rehabilitations: The Commission awarded a piggyback contract (Pinellas County #24-0073-ITB-C) to TLC Diversified, Inc. of Palmetto, FL, for $922,072.48. Utilities Director Clayton Watkins stated the project rehabilitates five lift stations based on structural, mechanical, and electrical assessments. Work includes wet well relining, new pump bases, guide rails, effluent piping, and concrete slabs. The funds were already budgeted, with an additional $23,000 transferred from operations. Commissioner Sandbergen inquired about hurricane hardening; Watkins confirmed that is considered. The motion passed unanimously.
- Proposed June 4, 2026 Commission Meeting Agenda: The Commission approved the revised agenda, which now includes recognition of the 2026 Senior Hall of Fame Inductees (replacing the Juneteenth proclamation, which was moved to the June 2 workshop). Motion passed unanimously.
Informational Items
- Proposed June 2, 2026 Workshop Agenda: Added the 2026 Juneteenth Proclamation and a causeway usage discussion including an update from the county.
- Commission Discussion & Comments: Vice Mayor Walker requested a marina update (status of bulkheads, pier, and master plan discussions). Commissioner Sandbergen reported that he and Mayor Freaney attended the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council sustainability conference and brought home an award. Commissioner Gow praised the Dunedin High School graduation and noted the musical director’s departure. He proposed a business initiative to create a city bench map for nonprofits, to be considered in the July 21 budget workshop. He also suggested consolidating all Scottish arts activities into one business initiative. Commissioner Dugard praised the graduation and commended Public Works staff, noting the retirement of Bill Pickrum. Mayor Freaney reported goals to have the marina ready for the boat parade and Grand Oak Park ready for Old Fashioned Christmas, and urged a proper Memorial Day observance.
- City Manager’s Update: The May 2026 report was attached to the agenda.
- No updates from City Clerk or City Attorney.
Key Outcomes
- All action items passed unanimously (5-0).
- Ordinance 26-05 (General Election) was approved on first reading; second reading set for June 18, 2026.
- Financial Commitment Letter for Egret on Union affordable housing was approved; next step is the state application (deadline August 12, 2026). If awarded, a Development Agreement will return to the Commission.
- Golf Club Advisory Committee appointments were finalized; initial terms assigned alphabetically (1-3 years).
- FY26 Wastewater Lift Station Rehabilitations contract awarded to TLC Diversified, Inc. for $922,072.48.
- The June 4, 2026 Commission meeting agenda was approved with an added recognition of Senior Hall of Fame Inductees.
- The June 2, 2026 Workshop agenda was noted with the Juneteenth Proclamation added.
- New business initiatives proposed (bench map, Scottish arts bundling) will be discussed during the July 21 budget workshop.
- The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Tonight. So we got some some stuff to do here. So we're going to start with the Memorial Day 2026 proclamation. And usually I don't do proclamations, and usually ones like this I give over to our veteran. But in this case, I just once in a while, I got to do one myself, and this is the one I really really wanted to do. So if uh Rob Cozen could come forward and every anyone else would uh and I know the whole group is here with military or military organization. So Memorial Day 2026. Whereas Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was first widely observed on May 30th, 1868 as a day of remembrance for those who died while in service to the United States of America. And whereas on the first decoration day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. And whereas, while we should honor these heroes every day for the profound contribution they have made to secure our nation's freedom, we should honor them especially on Memorial Day. And whereas the national m moment of remembrance resolution was passed by Congress in December 2000 and asked that on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time for all Americans to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence. And whereas today, our service men and women continue to inspire and strengthen our nation, going above and beyond the call of duty. And whereas we are grateful to all those who have put put on our nation's uniform and to their families who will always remember their service and sacrifice for our freedoms. Now therefore I'm Maureen Mofrania by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of Danin, Florida, and on behalf of the entire City Commission, do hereby proclaim the observance of Memorial Day 2026 in Dunedin on Monday, May 25th, and urge all citizens to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. and join together to honor those military men and women who died while serving our nation. It is because of their commitment and their sacrifice that we continue to live in freedom. So Rob, you want to come and get this, and then maybe whoever wants to say a few words, please do, and including the I know the ceremony BFW is going to have. First of all, as always, thank you to the city of Dunedin. You have um just a wonderful and unique way of of honoring the veterans in our community. I would like to take the opportunity to introduce who we have here representing our veterans groups. We have Joe Hardy, who is the commander of the American Legion Post 275. Study Lawrence, who is the president of the VFW 2550 Auxiliary. Yes? Mark Allah the commander of VFW 2550, and Father Bob Swick, who is the commander of the military order of Purple Hearts. Just a couple pieces of information, just real quickly. It is a conundrum for a lot of people. But Memorial Day is particularly important to us, not just the veterans community, but it should be for the entire community. So the protocol, when people ask, what are you supposed to say on Memorial Day to a veteran? The answer is not happy Memorial Day. Okay. You should know that the proper thing to say to a veteran is thank you for your service. Okay. So not that Memorial Day isn't a happy event, but it is a solemn event. So thank you for your service really is the proper way of acknowledging the holiday. For the people in the community, you're going to have several opportunities to come and see uh uh Memorial Day ceremony. Curloo Cemetery has their ceremony at 9.30 in the morning. The VFW is at 1130, and the American Legion is at one o'clock. American Legion is open to members and members' guests. The VFW this year will be open to the public with uh a barbecue, and because it's potluck, you know, if you want to come and enjoy bring it aside so we can share. Um I did mention the Legion at one o'clock, correct? Yes. So again, uh you honor us as always for recognizing us with the proclamation, and I'm sure we're gonna see at least the two of you, if not all of you, you're welcome to any of the ceremonies. Okay. So again, thank you for everything you do for the veterans community. I appreciate it. Rob, before you go, just again, I mean, we are a proud veterans community, and I appreciate everything that you all do to help keep us that way and uh keep us focused that way. It's so important to our city, our state, our country to remember that. And I did want to give our veteran to just one quick opportunity to say something about Memorial Day. Thank you, Mayor.
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