Dunedin City Commission Regular Meeting - September 17, 2026

The Dunedin City Commission held a regular meeting on September 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included four proclamations, approval of the consent agenda with two items pulled for discussion, and several action items including a rezoning, adoption of the FY 2027 final millage rate and budget, a budget amendment, approval of a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan, the sheriff's contract, and a fire protection special assessment program. The meeting was the commission's third of the day.

Presentations

• Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County 80th Anniversary Proclamation: The city recognized JWB's 80 years of service. JWB Interim CEO Karen Bogis noted the organization is a special taxing district with a $128 million annual impact budget, serving over 83,000 children countywide. In Dunedin, JWB funds programs including after-school Promise Time at three schools, and 30% of Dunedin households with children benefit from JWB programs.
• Check Presentation from Representative Kim Berfield: Representative Berfield presented a $1.5 million check from the state for the Bayshore Water Main Replacement Project, secured during the 2026 Legislative Session for aging water infrastructure replacement along Bayshore Boulevard.
• Find the Good Day Proclamation: The commission proclaimed the third Thursday of September as Find the Good Day in Dunedin, recognized by the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin.
• World Car Free Day Proclamation: The commission proclaimed September 19, 2026, as World Car Free Day in Dunedin. The city will host an event at Josiah Weaver Park from 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM, partnering with Connect Pinellas, featuring a passport tour of downtown businesses, with the Clearwater Ferry offering half-off fares.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously, with items 2C and 2G pulled for separate discussion.
  • 2C: FY27 Temporary Road Closure Blanket List (October 2026 through July 2027). Discussed regarding the St. Patrick's Day festival date; the event organizer expressed desire to hold it on March 17 again and hopes to do so next year. Approved unanimously.
  • 2G: Purchase order to On Scene Repairs & Maintenance for engine replacement and overhaul of Reserve Fire Apparatus #104 for $101,580.87. City Manager disclosed that the repair work was performed without proper bidding and commission approval, but after-the-fact quotes were obtained and the purchase is necessary. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered on any agenda items.

Discussion Items

• 3.a Rezoning Request (LUP/ZO-2026-0002): First reading of Ordinance 26-09 to rezone 968 Douglas Avenue from Downtown Industrial (DI) to Downtown Core (DC). The property is being redeveloped as the Douglas Parking Center, a structured parking facility with approximately 318 spaces and 25,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The Land Planning Agency recommended approval. The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to approve first reading, with second reading scheduled for October 22, 2026.
• 3.b Adopting FY 2027 Final Millage Rate and Final Budget:
  • Resolution 26-14: Adopted a final millage rate of 4.1345 mills, the same rate since FY 2016 (12 consecutive years). The rate is 2.72% above the rollback rate and will generate $18,626,000 in general fund revenue. Approved unanimously (5-0).
  • Resolution 26-15: Adopted the final FY 2027 operating and capital budget of $138,845,000 in all funds. No changes from the tentative budget approved September 3, 2026. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• 3.c Resolution 26-16 - FY 2026 3rd Budget Amendment: The amendment adjusted various funds with a total impact of $1,734,000 on fund balance. Key changes included a $707,000 increase in the health insurance fund (due to higher medical claims), $874,000 for two solid waste trucks (partially reimbursed by a DEMP grant), and transfers for Highlander pool repairs. Three funds (solid waste, water sewer, golf operations) were below target fund balances but are projected to recover in FY 2027. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• 3.d Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan: WSP consultants presented the plan, fully grant-funded ($490,950 through Resilient Florida Planning Grant). The plan includes 60 flood hazard scenarios and 10 priority action sheets. After extensive discussion, commissioners expressed concerns about the plan's complexity and lack of clear communication to residents. Commissioner Sandbergen opposed, stating the plan does not address everyday flooding issues. The plan was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Sandbergen voting no. The commission requested a future workshop to translate the plan into resident-friendly language and prioritize short-term vs. long-term actions.
• 3.e Annual Addendum to PCSO Contract: Approved the FY 2027 cost of $6,479,308 for law enforcement services from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, a 5.67% increase over the prior year. The addendum covers 5 community police deputies, 2 traffic enforcement deputies, special event hours, and a $10,000 contribution to the Safe Harbor Program. Commissioners praised the sheriff's office and noted the 30-year partnership celebration event on October 8, 2026. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• 3.f Fire Protection Special Assessment Program: Awarded RFP 26-2611 to Cypress Revenue Solutions, LLC for $74,200 to design a legally defensible fire protection special assessment. The initial contract covers tasks 1-8 (data assessment, cost allocation, methodology, etc.); future phases require additional commission approval. Commissioners emphasized the need for this work, especially in light of potential Amendment 3 impacts. Approved unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: All consent items, rezoning first reading, millage rate, final budget, budget amendment, vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan (4-1), PCSO contract, and fire assessment RFP.
• Votes: The vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan passed 4-1 with Commissioner Sandbergen dissenting.
• Directives: Staff to bring the vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan back for a workshop to develop a summary for citizen review and clarify prioritization.
• Next Steps: Second reading of rezoning on October 22; FY 2027 budget effective October 1; fire assessment study to begin with a December resolution; October 6 commission workshop on contingency planning; October 8 commission meeting and 30-year PCSO celebration event.