Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – June 18, 2026

The Dunedin City Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Dunedin City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. Mayor Maureen “Moe” Freaney presided. The Commission recognized veterans and award recipients, adopted an election ordinance, approved a grant-funded fleet replacement plan update, postponed a parking garage reimbursement resolution, and received a detailed update on the Grand Oak Park project. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Presentations

• Independence Day Proclamation: Commissioner Sandbergen read a proclamation observing Saturday, July 4, 2026, as Independence Day in Dunedin and honoring service members and veterans. Jane Turner of the Caladesi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, accepted it and encouraged residents to research their ancestors.
• Women Veterans Recognition Day: Vice Mayor Walker read a proclamation observing Friday, June 12, 2026, as Women Veterans Day in Dunedin, marking the 78th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and noting Florida’s second-largest U.S. women veteran population, more than 172,000, with women projected to be nearly 20 percent of all veterans by 2045. Rob Cozen introduced Navy veteran Michelle Ballard, who started a women veterans support group with over 90 members, and retired Army Colonel E.B. Baker, a 30-year Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, who gave a historical address.
• John Doglione Service Scholarship Award: Commissioner Gow presented the $2,000 scholarship to Kash Gregory, a Dunedin High School graduate with a 3.5 GPA who will study business at St. Petersburg College in fall 2026. Suzy Gizzi of the Dunedin Youth Guild said the Guild awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships and matched the City’s $2,000.
• Highland Games Update: Eric MacNeill, President of the Dunedin Scottish Arts Foundation, reported the 2026 Highland Games drew strong engagement across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland; used over 400 volunteers; had just over 100 solo piping and drumming competitors; and generated $95,000 in donations to community organizations. Jack Seen was recognized as Piper of the Day, with a new perpetual Chelsea Gow Memorial trophy.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the May 7, 2026, Regular Meeting and the May 19, 2026, Special Meeting unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Greg Lee, 939 Highland Avenue, expressed concern about speeders on Highland Avenue, saying the 15 mph signs are too small, the problem includes delivery drivers and City workers, and the Sheriff’s Office referred him back to the City. Mayor Freaney said the City would look into it.
• No public comments were offered on the consent agenda or action items.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 26-05 (Second Reading): City Clerk Michelle Wells explained the ordinance, authorized by Charter Section 5.04, sets qualifications and election guidelines for a November 3, 2026, general municipal election for Commission Seats Two and Four. The Commission adopted it after no public comment.
• Resolution 26-08 (Parking Garage Reimbursement): At staff’s request, the Commission postponed this item to the July 23, 2026, regular meeting, in part because the first budget workshop is scheduled for July 21.
• Fleet Replacement Plan Update: Public Works Director Sue Bartlett and Fleet Manager Scott Caterson requested approval to move two solid waste truck replacements forward from FY27/FY28 using an $800,000 FDEP VW Class 8 grant. Total cost is $874,610, leaving a net City cost of $74,610 from the Solid Waste Fund. The replaced vehicles must be disabled and destroyed for grant compliance; staff noted reporting requirements and that the grant writer secured maximum funding.
• July 9, 2026, Commission Meeting Agenda: The Commission approved the revised agenda, adding two consent items: an amendment to the City’s Retirement Plan Investment Advisory Agreement with One Digital Investment Advisors LLC, and the ATMS/ITF Second Amendment to Interlocal Agreement. Mayor Freaney noted she and Vice Mayor Walker would be at the Florida League of Mayors, so Commissioner Gow would preside.
• July 7, 2026, Commission Workshop Agenda: Review only; items include designating July as Parks and Recreation Month, Weaver Park Living Shoreline proposed designs, and a Penny Five discussion.
• Grand Oak Park Project Update: Utilities and Engineering Director Clayton Watkins reported site work completion anticipated by mid-August, restroom delivery late November or early December, and no use of ground-penetrating radar in the original design assumptions. Two quotes address air ducts found under the foundation; the restroom footer supplier is using a third-party structural engineer to review design changes. The contract award was $515,028.25, including a $75,000 contingency and a $28,770 Bid Alternate for Main Street paver work. Staff discussed converting Grant Street from one-way to two-way traffic and proposed a meandering paver sidewalk that moves about four feet into the park, expands the substandard 4-foot sidewalk to meet ADA requirements, and removes wheel-stop trip hazards. City Manager Bramley said the two-way street decision is not part of the current project and will be brought to a Commission workshop; Deputy City Manager Jorge Quintas said the sidewalk changes cost no additional funds beyond the approved contingency, do not reduce parking, and lose about one foot of green space due to ADA compliance. Commissioner Gow expressed concern about losing green space and about decisions being made before the Commission votes; staff said no binding work on the two-way street is being done.
• Commission Discussion and Comments: Commissioner Sandbergen praised the Juneteenth employee in-service day, including a library rock-painting project. Commissioner Dugard requested a future discussion on how the November referendum could affect city revenues and planning behavior, including incentives for taller buildings. Mayor Freaney encouraged attendance at the America 250 Hometown USA event July 3, 2026, at TD Ballpark; City Manager Bramley noted fireworks notices would be provided. Mayor Freaney asked staff to research data-center code issues related to the Coca-Cola property and to plan for the golf club’s 100th birthday; City Manager Bramley said both were being addressed. The Commission also discussed donating as a group for firefighter Tyler Zork and his wife Courtney after the loss of their two-year-old daughter.
• City Clerk and City Attorney Updates: City Clerk Wells had no new items. City Attorney Cowan said she would be out of town the last week of June but reachable; Mayor Freaney thanked her.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Ordinance 26-05 on second reading by a 5–0 roll-call vote, with Commissioners Gow, Walker, Sandbergen, Dugard, and Mayor Freaney voting aye.
• Postponed Resolution 26-08 to July 23, 2026, unanimously.
• Approved the Citywide Fleet Replacement Plan update for two solid waste trucks with an $800,000 reimbursement, total expenditure of $874,610, and net City expense of $74,610, unanimously.
• Approved the revised July 9, 2026, Commission meeting agenda unanimously.
• Approved the consent agenda minutes unanimously.
• Staff committed to send the Commission the Grand Oak Park timeline and liquidated damages answer under separate cover and to report back on data-center code issues.