OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – July 9, 2026

City Commission & Boards — Thursday, July 9, 2026
BodyDunedin, Florida
SessionCity Commission & Boards
DateThursday, July 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:02:38

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Welcome to our July 9th, 2026 City Commission meeting.

0:06

I'd like to call this meeting to order.

0:10

Noah, can you please lead us in the location?

0:14

Today the city asks that we all take a moment of silence to recognize Jack Latvalu.

0:19

Jack represented parts of North Tunnellas County, including the City of Dunedin in the Florida Senate from 1994 until 2002, and then again from 2010 until 2018.

0:29

He passed away yesterday at 74 years old.

0:33

Please join us in a moment of silence to extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

0:46

Thank you.

0:47

Now we'll do the pledge.

0:50

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

0:57

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:10

So Mayor Frane uh is not with us tonight.

1:13

She's attending the Florida League of Mayors Regional Roundtable.

1:17

And uh so um y'all are stuck with me tonight.

1:24

Uh first of all, um, can I get a motion to approve Mayor Freney's absence?

1:29

So move.

1:30

Second.

1:31

Okay.

1:32

First, uh Commissioner Gow, second, Commissioner Dugard.

1:36

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

1:39

Aye.

1:45

And that passes four to zero.

1:48

Thank you.

1:52

All right.

1:53

Uh we don't have any presentations tonight.

1:56

Uh so before we get into the consent agenda, um, do we have any citizen input?

2:01

Does anyone in the audience wish to speak on a topic that is not on the agenda?

2:05

Please come forward.

2:14

Hi, good evening.

2:15

Uh David Ballard Geddish Jr., I live on Georgia Avenue in Palm Harbor.

2:20

Thank you, sir.

2:21

David Ballard Geddes Jr., I live on Georgia Avenue in uh Palm Harbor.

2:26

Our government appears to be made of various bodies.

2:31

The Senate is a governmental body.

2:34

Legislation is a political body.

2:37

Our local county commission serves as a body politic collectively.

2:43

Each body of government is expected to perform certain functions that is essential and vital to our survival as a civilization.

2:55

Congress, the Senate, legislation, to include the City Commission, are all in a position to articulate the required needs of society usefully as they wholefully perform their respective duties productively.

3:12

The various bodies of government intercourse their respective duties between themselves on matters of reasonably foreseen and expected duties in government.

3:23

Between them, they conceive and birth matters of importance that enhance our survival overall.

3:32

We as taxpayers fund the government, expecting these bodies in government to intercourse their required duty in a straightforward manner.

3:44

We as taxpayers don't pay taxes, so legislation can place in motion its will to perform its responsibility gaily serving its individual desires in particular, proactively engaging in issues and circumstances doesn't mean that the various bodies in government are being productive in birthing matters of straightforward concern serving the needs of society as a whole.

4:15

Should our government be making a mockery of the gay civilian population as its way of gaining consent to justify its political, prideful, political objectives supporting licentious and rogue legislation, reverse engineering government, insurrecting privatized factions in government, and sticking it to our hindsight in the 14th Amendment, then I find such mockery of the civilian population to be disgraceful and tasteless, such prideful political desires in government to gain such consent is reflective of perjury and such pride is to be straightforwardly denounced, sweepingly so.

5:04

Furthermore, the street signage on the church across the street from the high school is influencing sexual conduct of minors, promoting gay sexual conduct as a way of influencing underage children in the high school.

5:21

I find this type of behavior that qualifies for excommunication and those politicians and even the library to itself to be called up for judgment on that.

5:33

Your time's up.

5:45

I've got good.

5:46

Common address for the record, please.

5:47

Jason Seibert, 1756 Ranchwood Drive.

5:50

That's where the party's at, Dunedin, Florida.

5:52

You guys want a copies?

5:54

Yes.

5:55

Give them to the city clerk.

6:02

I've got ten minutes on the clock, but I've never had ten minutes on the clock.

6:05

Let's see how I do.

6:07

This is from the restaurants, bars, and breweries of downtown Dunedin.

6:13

Dear Mayor Freeney, who's not here today, but Vice Mayor Walker, Commissioners, Ms.

6:17

Bramley, and Mr.

6:18

Mulkey.

6:19

We are the owners and operators of the restaurants, bars, cafes, and breweries that fill downtown Dunedin with music, laughter, and the smell of something good cooking every single day.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████16%
Fire Protection Assessment███████████████15%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Economic Development██████████10%
Stormwater Management████████8%
Revenue Management███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting – July 9, 2026

The City Commission held a regular meeting on July 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Vice Mayor Robert Walker presided in the absence of Mayor Maureen Freaney (attending the Florida League of Mayors Round Table). The meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM. All votes were 4-0 unless noted.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from 5/21/2026, 6/2/2026, and 6/4/2026 meetings.
  • Appointed Anne M. Bokneberg to the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.
  • Approved amendment to the retirement plan investment advisory agreement with OneDigital Investment Advisors.
  • Approved renewal of the Advanced Traffic Management System/Intelligent Transportation System interlocal agreement with Pinellas County through 2046.
  • Items 2.c (Hammock Boardwalk Replacement) and 2.f (Fence replacement at Fisher Field #7) were pulled for separate discussion and approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Ballard Geddis, Jr. (Palm Harbor) criticized government for perceived mockery of the gay civilian population and expressed concerns about street signage near the high school. He also questioned the shift from ad valorem to non-ad valorem taxation.
  • Jason Seibert (on behalf of 35+ downtown restaurant/bar owners) read a letter urging the city to create a downtown open container hospitality district (modeled on Largo's Sip and Stroll) and revive Second Friday street festivals. The proposal includes a city-branded cup program, estimated 500,000 cups annually, as a non-property-tax revenue source. City Manager Bramley said staff would research and workshop the ideas.
  • Mary Skinner Narine (Walden Court) provided historical background on the concrete pipe and dock at Weaver Park, originally installed in 1941 for orange peel disposal.
  • Dr. Kerri O'Brien (Friends of the Hammock) offered grant-writing assistance for the Hammock Boardwalk project.
  • Charley Olson (Greater Dunedin Little League) thanked the city for fence funding.

Discussion Items

  • 3.a Annexation (1991 Spanish Pines Drive) – Second reading of ordinances 26-02, 26-03, and 26-04 for voluntary annexation, land use plan amendment to Residential Low, and zoning designation to R-60. The property (0.24 acres) is the second lot in Spanish Pines to annex. Applicants Jim and Jean Davis shared their long connection to Dunedin. The Local Planning Agency unanimously recommended approval, and Forward Pinellas approved the land use amendment administratively. All three ordinances passed unanimously.
  • 3.b & 3.c Sunsetting Youth Advisory Committee and Public Relations Advisory Action Committee – Resolutions 26-09 and 26-10 repealed the committees. Staff cited low participation (YAC had not met since 2020; PRAAC since January 2025) and noted that a Teen Leadership Program and ad-hoc task forces would provide alternative engagement. Both resolutions passed unanimously.
  • 3.d Stormwater Cured-In-Place-Pipe (CIPP) Lining Task Order – Authorized Task Order #2026-03 for Vortex Services, LLC ($901,709) to line approximately 4,600 linear feet of stormwater pipes across 12 locations. CIPP lining extends pipe life up to 50 years at a fraction of replacement cost (estimated $3 million). The contract was previously awarded via competitive bid. Motion passed unanimously.
  • 3.e Fire Assessment Request for Proposal (RFP) – Staff presented a draft RFP for a study to design a potential fire protection special assessment (not including EMS, which is currently reimbursed by the county). The study will identify assessable costs, develop a methodology, and produce a five-year financial plan. Estimated cost $75,000–$100,000. Commissioner Dugard emphasized that the November property tax referendum (removing ~50% of General Fund revenue) makes such tools necessary. The RFP was approved 4-0 for advertisement.
  • 3.f July 23, 2026 Meeting Agenda – Approved with one consent item removed (2.d).

Key Outcomes

  • Hammock Boardwalk Replacement – Awarded to Price Marine Construction ($152,231.54) over concerns about potential loss of amenity if property tax referendum passes. (Vote 4-0)
  • Fisher Field #7 Fence Replacement – Change order approved ($95,548) for safety improvements on a larger field (285 ft vs. 200 ft). (Vote 4-0)
  • Fire Assessment RFP – Approved by unanimous vote. The city will move forward with a consultant study before deciding on implementation. A fully noticed public hearing will occur before any assessment is imposed.
  • Commission Comments – Several commissioners noted the seriousness of the November property tax referendum (estimated 50% General Fund loss) and stressed the need to educate the public without advocacy. Commissioner Dugard called it a "services tax" not a property tax.
  • City Manager Update – Reported $4.7 million in state budget appropriations (marina restoration, water main replacement, high-water rescue vehicle). First budget workshop scheduled for July 21, 2026, with a balanced proposed budget (17.6% reserve) and a contingency budget with cuts.
  • City Clerk Update – Qualifying period for candidates runs July 13–27, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome to our July 9th, 2026 City Commission meeting. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Noah, can you please lead us in the location? Today the city asks that we all take a moment of silence to recognize Jack Latvalu. Jack represented parts of North Tunnellas County, including the City of Dunedin in the Florida Senate from 1994 until 2002, and then again from 2010 until 2018. He passed away yesterday at 74 years old. Please join us in a moment of silence to extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Thank you. Now we'll do the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. So Mayor Frane uh is not with us tonight. She's attending the Florida League of Mayors Regional Roundtable. And uh so um y'all are stuck with me tonight. Uh first of all, um, can I get a motion to approve Mayor Freney's absence? So move. Second. Okay. First, uh Commissioner Gow, second, Commissioner Dugard. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. And that passes four to zero. Thank you. All right. Uh we don't have any presentations tonight. Uh so before we get into the consent agenda, um, do we have any citizen input? Does anyone in the audience wish to speak on a topic that is not on the agenda? Please come forward. Hi, good evening. Uh David Ballard Geddish Jr., I live on Georgia Avenue in Palm Harbor. Thank you, sir. David Ballard Geddes Jr., I live on Georgia Avenue in uh Palm Harbor. Our government appears to be made of various bodies. The Senate is a governmental body. Legislation is a political body. Our local county commission serves as a body politic collectively. Each body of government is expected to perform certain functions that is essential and vital to our survival as a civilization. Congress, the Senate, legislation, to include the City Commission, are all in a position to articulate the required needs of society usefully as they wholefully perform their respective duties productively. The various bodies of government intercourse their respective duties between themselves on matters of reasonably foreseen and expected duties in government. Between them, they conceive and birth matters of importance that enhance our survival overall. We as taxpayers fund the government, expecting these bodies in government to intercourse their required duty in a straightforward manner. We as taxpayers don't pay taxes, so legislation can place in motion its will to perform its responsibility gaily serving its individual desires in particular, proactively engaging in issues and circumstances doesn't mean that the various bodies in government are being productive in birthing matters of straightforward concern serving the needs of society as a whole. Should our government be making a mockery of the gay civilian population as its way of gaining consent to justify its political, prideful, political objectives supporting licentious and rogue legislation, reverse engineering government, insurrecting privatized factions in government, and sticking it to our hindsight in the 14th Amendment, then I find such mockery of the civilian population to be disgraceful and tasteless, such prideful political desires in government to gain such consent is reflective of perjury and such pride is to be straightforwardly denounced, sweepingly so. Furthermore, the street signage on the church across the street from the high school is influencing sexual conduct of minors, promoting gay sexual conduct as a way of influencing underage children in the high school. I find this type of behavior that qualifies for excommunication and those politicians and even the library to itself to be called up for judgment on that. Your time's up. I've got good. Common address for the record, please. Jason Seibert, 1756 Ranchwood Drive. That's where the party's at, Dunedin, Florida.

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