Dunedin City Commission Workshop - July 7, 2026: Living Shoreline & Penny V Discussion
Dunedin City Commission Workshop - July 7, 2026
The City Commission workshop on July 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:05 PM focused on two main agenda items: the proposed living shoreline design for Josiah Cephas Weaver Park and the initial discussion of Penny V (the next penny sales tax referendum) project priorities. The meeting began with a proclamation designating July as Parks & Recreation Month, recognizing the contributions of the Parks & Recreation team. Citizen input was received on topics not on the agenda (golf ball quality at Sterling Golf Range) and on the living shoreline project. No decisions were finalized; the Commission provided consensus direction to staff on the living shoreline concept and noted that further discussion on Penny V would occur in future workshops.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Thomas Devlin (1885 San Mateo Drive) urged improvements to the Sterling Golf Range: better quality golf balls, ability to hit balls at night (lights are on), and an automatic ball dispenser.
- Janice "Nan" Bennett (1990 Saddle Hill Road N.) commented on the Weaver Park living shoreline project. She requested that the riprap be specified as uniform, rounded, and aesthetically pleasing; noted that paving for ADA parking may trigger stormwater treatment requirements; clarified that wastewater outfalls to the south are separate and not in the project area; and emphasized that ongoing operations, maintenance, and monitoring costs (including potential replanting) must be honestly estimated and budgeted.
Discussion Items
1. Josiah Cephas Weaver Park Living Shoreline Proposed Designs
Staff (Sustainability Program Manager Natalie Gass, CPH Consulting engineers) presented a phased approach to stabilize the eroding 728-linear-foot shoreline with a nature-based living shoreline, replacing the crumbling riprap. The project is not eligible for a seawall under Pinellas County code.
- Phases: Phase 1: foundational riprap revetment ($1,277,000 in 2027); Phase 2: living shoreline components – mangroves, upland plantings, oyster domes ($493,750 in 2027); Phase 3: ADA kayak launch ($431,250 in 2027). Total combined cost if done all at once: ~$2.24M vs. phased total ~$2.58M (including escalation).
- Seagrass survey (June 2, 2026): Design avoids all seagrass; no mitigation required; survey valid for 3 years.
- Public meeting (March 24, 2026): Over 30 attendees. Support for mangroves with controlled growth, oyster sponsorship, kayak launch. Concerns about viewshed obstruction, mangrove maintenance, oyster dome locations, and cost.
- CEQS (Committee on Environmental Quality & Sustainability): Letter of support passed 5-1 on May 26, 2026 (dissenting vote due to mangrove viewshed concerns).
- Funding: $250,000 budgeted to date ($150,000 CPH design, $100,000 for grant match). No grants awarded yet; staff to apply for FDEP Resilient Florida grant. Sponsorship concepts ("Adopt a Mangrove/Oyster Dome") being explored.
- Commission Discussion: Questions addressed: urgency of erosion (need more data), longevity of living shoreline (50-100 years, strengthening over time), mangrove trimming (permit required, annual maintenance like at golf course), reuse of existing concrete rubble (possible cost savings), and separate pier project (FEMA-reimbursed, timeline uncertain). Key comments:
- Vice Mayor Walker: strong support for concept; likes sponsorship idea; cost and phasing depend on November referendum.
- Commissioner Sandbergen: supports Phase 1 if erosion is urgent; cautious about taxpayer money before November.
- Commissioner Gow: prefers all-at-once for lower cost and better grant chances; wants quality; community involvement; offered to sponsor an oyster dome.
- Commissioner Dugard: supports concept but warns against action before November 3rd referendum; calls for caution.
- Mayor Freaney: 100% supports living shoreline approach; priority is urgency of erosion; viewshed concerns secondary to resilience.
- City Manager Summary: Consensus: Commission likes concept and design; staff to continue permitting and get project "shovel ready"; address urgency and viewshed concerns; prefer all-at-once for grants; no funding commitments before November; community engagement for oyster domes; sponsorship ideas worthy.
2. Penny V Discussion
Finance Director Les Tyler presented the Penny for Pinellas V (2029-2039) revenue projection ($63M estimated, less 15% for financing/risks = $53.5M available for projects). Requested projects to date total $91.38M, creating a $37.88M shortfall. Projects by department include:
- Economic Development: Affordable housing ($1M), Pinellas Trail separation ($1.5M)
- Fire Rescue: Logistics storage ($0.9M), Station 60 replacement ($21.5M), Station 62 hardening ($2M), Training/EOC site improvements ($1.5M)
- IT Services: Secure fiber cable ($6M)
- Library: Renovations ($3M)
- Parks & Recreation: Fisher Concession building replacement ($1.98M), Highlander Aquatic Complex ($16.5M Penny V plus $7M Penny IV), Marina boat ramp replacement ($2.1M), Playground equipment replacements ($2.4M)
- Public Works: Brick streets ($5M), Pavement management ($15M), Public Works replacement building ($11M)
- Commission Comments: Commissioner Gow noted need vs. want; Commissioner Dugard called it a good first step requiring narrowing; Vice Mayor Walker agreed on prioritizing needs; Commissioner Sandbergen emphasized the importance of the November 2028 vote; Mayor Freaney highlighted Highlander Pool as a crisis and top priority, affordable housing seed money, brick streets and pavement management as key infrastructure, and partnership for trail improvements. City staff recommended a future workshop to identify signature projects, with county expecting project lists by late 2027.
Key Outcomes
- Weaver Park Living Shoreline: The Commission gave consensus direction to proceed with the concept, continue design and permitting, prioritize urgency analysis, and aim for all-at-once construction if grant funding allows. No funding commitments will be made before the November 3rd referendum on property tax. Staff will explore community engagement and sponsorships (e.g., Adopt an Oyster Dome).
- Penny V: No decisions made; staff will conduct further workshops to prioritize projects from the $91.38M list down to the available $53.5M. The next workshop on Penny V is to be scheduled.
- Highlander Pool Status (Informational): Pool remains closed due to a pump failure; approximately $80,000 spent this year; parts are delayed due to obsolescence. Camp programs and swim lessons are curtailed. A cost-benefit analysis will be presented during the budget process. Commissioner Dugard requested a dedicated workshop on pool options.
Meeting Transcript
The July 7, 2026 City Commission workshop. Also the birthday of the Vice Mayor of the Great City of Dunedin, Rob Walker. So we just uh happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear. Happy birthday to you. All right. Resoundingly beautiful. For further embarrassment, you know, we'll be able to do that. Happy birthday. We are glad you're here on your birthday. Okay. I'm going to call the meeting to order, and we'll first we're going to go to Noah who will do the Pledge of Allegiance for us. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and Jewish Republic stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, we have just one presentation today, but it's a very important one. Designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month. And I'm going to turn to Commissioner Tom Degard to read and present the proclamation. Thank you, Mayor. If I'm not mistaken, I think we have a very large number of parks and rec people here. I'm fearful that if you all come forward, there are going to be nothing but empty seats out there. So I'm going to allow whoever you've selected. Do you all want to come forward? If you all want to come forward, come on down. Sure, why not? No? Okay. Shy. I'll do the proclamation and present it, then I'll allow for comments. Is that okay? All right. Whereas Parks and Recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the City of Dunedin, and whereas parks and recreations promote health, wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks, and whereas Parks and Recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illness such as depression, attention dysphysite deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's. And whereas Parks and Recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles. And whereas Parks and Recreation is a leading provider of healthy meals, nutrition services, and education. And whereas parks and recreation programming and education activities, such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports, and environmental education are critical to childhood development, and whereas Parks and Recreations increases a community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction, and whereas parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community. And where is Parks and Recreation is essential and adaptable infrastructure that makes our communities resilient and resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change. And whereas parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors. Whereas the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month, and whereas Dunedin recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources. Now, therefore, I, Tom Dugard, by virtue of the authority vested in me from the mayor of the City of Dunedin, Florida, and on behalf of the entire City Commission, do here by proclaim the month of July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in Dunedin, and encourage everyone to celebrate the transformative power of parks and recreation. Thank you. Good morning, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commission, and members of the public and our uh valued parks and recreation team behind me. July is nationally recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and it's uh initiative facilitated by the National Recreation and Park Association, and it's done so since 1985. This year's theme is the power of, and it's recognizing and celebrating the power of parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Uh the power of connecting and community, the parks, the marina, the golf course, and all of our programs and events are where Dunedin residents gather, celebrate, and build relationships across generations. The power of play from youth sports and camps to activities for seniors or families to enjoy their free time. Play fuels creativity, fuels health, and lifelong learning for residents of all ages. The power of nature, our waterfront, our trails, and conservation spaces, including the hammock and Gladys Douglas Preserve. And the variety of park spaces give every resident access and opportunity to the restorative benefits of the outdoors. And our team. But our our recreation parks, golf, and marina teams deliver all of the experiences that I mentioned every day.
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