Dunedin Community Redevelopment Agency Regular Meeting – July 23, 2026

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met at 4:30 PM on July 23, 2026, at City Hall (737 Louden Ave.) with Chair Maureen Freaney and Members Tom Dugard, Jeff Gow, and Steven Sandbergen present. Vice Chair Robert Walker was excused due to work travel. All four members voted unanimously on every agenda item. The meeting adjourned at 5:29 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of May 21, 2026 CRA Meeting: Approved 4-0 with no corrections.
• CRA Annual Independent Audit: Presented by Jeff Wolf of Forvis Mazars. The audit produced an unmodified opinion, with no findings on internal controls, compliance with Florida Statutes, or the CRA plan. Approved 4-0.
• Edgewater Drive Parking Lot Lease Agreement: A 3-year lease (with three optional 1-year renewals) for 32 parking spaces at 1715 Edgewater Drive, leased from Deborah Bushnell at no profit to the owner (only covering taxes and insurance). Staff noted the lot’s importance during marina construction. Approved 4-0.
• CRA Advisory Committee Membership Appointments: Dr. Terry Zervos appointed to a partial regular term ending 3/1/2028; Anne Bokneberg appointed to a partial alternate term ending 3/1/2028. Approved 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during any agenda item.

Discussion Items

• CRA Advisory Committee Chair Report: Chair Alan McHale was absent; the item was acknowledged without discussion.
• Amended CRA By-Laws and Resolution 26-02: Staff proposed shifting meetings from bi-monthly to quarterly, changing the start time to 4:15 p.m. (later corrected to 4:30 p.m. as a typo), and designating the City’s Economic & Housing Development Director as the CRA Executive Director (removing the CRA’s power to independently hire/fire that director). Significant deliberation occurred regarding the loss of direct CRA control over the executive director. Chair Freaney noted the City Commission’s dual role as the CRA provides oversight. City Manager Bramley argued the change strengthens recruitment and coordination. Member Gow expressed concern about relinquishing leverage. The motion passed 4-0 after amending the start time to 4:30 p.m. (as otherwise properly noticed).
• CRA Director’s Report: Director Ironsmith gave a comprehensive update:
  • Skinner Boulevard: Irrigation and landscaping underway; possible removal of one-way signs (replaced by striping) pending FDOT approval. Project started in 2018.
  • Midtown Parking Garage: Proceeding to RFP with three qualified contractors; no decisions until after the November 3rd property tax referendum. Debt service estimated at $840,000/year.
  • Grand Oak Park (downtown pocket park): Completion expected mid-September except restrooms (delayed to late February). Landscaping begins early August. Tree health confirmed by city arborist.
  • CRA Master Plan: 90% of 2011/2012 plan accomplished; update to begin October/November in conjunction with Forward Pinellas.
  • Other: Downtown described as a $315 million economic engine; CRA sunset (2033) would bring $1.5–$1.6 million annually to the general fund. Members discussed Pioneer Park sod damage, Main Street Exchange demolition (late spring 2027), and parking garage construction fencing. Director Ironsmith noted no conflict between CRA and citywide roles.

Key Outcomes

• All votes carried 4-0.
• Resolution 26-02 adopted amending CRA By-Laws: quarterly meetings at 4:30 p.m., Economic & Housing Development Director serves as Executive Director.
• Directives: Staff to follow up on (1) Grand Oak Park restroom design discrepancy (unresolved for 60 days), (2) downtown sidewalk inspection and repair status, and (3) zoning information for the Edgewater Drive lot.