Dunedin City Commission Workshop – October 6, 2026

The October 6, 2026 City Commission workshop, held at Dunedin City Hall starting at 9:00 AM, focused on updates and direction for public works efficiency implementation, Gladys Douglas Preserve Phase II development, final ARPA fund disbursement, and city grants program. The commission provided consensus direction on each item, with no formal votes taken. Commissioners also scheduled future workshops and noted the pending departure of Commissioner Gow.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rita Foley (700 Mies Plaza, Apartment 432, Dunedin) spoke during the public works item, cautioning against downsizing vehicles (e.g., from F-350 to smaller trucks) without consulting safety agencies (Harbormaster, Fire, Pinellas County) to ensure adequate storm-response capability.
• Nan Bennett (1990 Saddle Hill Road North) spoke during the Gladys Douglas Preserve item, asking for clarification on the water line termination and service provider, and the height and ADA accessibility of the proposed observation deck.

Discussion Items

• Public Works Efficiency Recommendations Implementation Update – Presented by City Manager Sue, Harry Lorik (LA Consulting), Deputy City Manager Jorge Quintas, and Assistant Public Works Director Michelle Monteclaro. The presentation reported on the first year of implementing 75 recommendations from a 162-page efficiency study. Key statistics: 68% of recommendations completed (up from 37% in March), 17 pieces of equipment surplussed (vs. 1 in prior 5 years), $1.3 million in documented hard savings, and total savings including efficiency of $2.5 million (exceeding the initial projection of $2.1 million). Public works budget dropped 7%. Productivity improved 13% overall, with 17% in the last four months and 50% in solid waste. Staff surveys showed employees believed they could do more work with better organization. The software (Mainstar) was procured for about $150,000 (one-third of typical cost) and operational in 3.5 months. The system now tracks 100% of work (up from 30%) and includes 119 preventive maintenance programs, mobile units, GIS integration, and dashboards. Future improvements include expanding to utilities and implementing service-level agreements. Commissioner Gow praised the focus on efficiency; Commissioner Degard asked about translating savings to citizen impact; Commissioner Sandburg inquired about equipment rental costs and the five-day workweek; Mayor Burgess asked about outward-facing dashboards for residents.
• Gladys Douglas Preserve Phase II Development Update – Presented by Parks staff and consultants (WJA, Pennoni). The 44-acre Phase I opened in February 2023; Phase II, on the homestead site, includes two pavilions, a restroom facility, parking, a kayak launch, an observation platform (ADA accessible), and utility upgrades (1,700 linear feet of water line, sanitary sewer, fire hydrant, dry hydrant). Estimated construction costs: site work 48%, pavilions 25%, restrooms 18%, pier 4%, observation platform 1%. Total project cost anticipated to exceed existing budget, so staff will bid with add alternates. The county will later renovate the recreation building into a passive nature center. Discussion included utility routing through the cemetery (directional boring to avoid graves), water source (groundwater-fed Jerry Lake), dog policy (not allowed), and long-term preservation restrictions (state grant covenants, community foundation agreements, land use zoning requiring voter approval to change). Commission expressed strong support for the project and directed staff to proceed to bid.
• Final ARPA Update – Presented by Finance Director Les Titler and Budget Manager Gene. Of the $18.3 million allocation, $382,508 remains unspent as of October 6, 2026. The deadline for expenditures is December 31, 2026. Staff proposed transferring the unspent balance to the general fund, applying it to one month of the sheriff’s contract (eligible revenue replacement), thereby freeing the general fund to continue paying for the Highlander Aquatic Complex design ($331,000) and absorbing other small under-budget projects ($51,398). ARPA interest earnings total $1,025,000, with $555,000 uncommitted and no spending deadline. The commission provided consensus to proceed with the transfer and expenditure plan. Commissioner Degard praised the program’s economic recovery role.
• Grants Update – Presented by Strategy and Sustainability Manager Nicole Delfino. In the two years since a dedicated grant specialist (Camille) was hired, the city applied for 43 grants and received 13 awards totaling $11.5 million, with only $696,000 in local match required. Major awards include USDA watershed protection ($6.5 million), VW emissions mitigation ($1.32 million), and HMGP for lift station rehabilitation ($1.25 million). Several grants are in process or pending. Discussion focused on the high return on investment, the administrative burden, and the city manager’s plan to not fill the vacant grant specialist position while contracting grant administration. Commissioner Gow and Degard emphasized the value of the program. Commissioner Sandburg asked about consultant cost comparisons.

Key Outcomes

• Public Works Efficiency: Commission supported finalizing the report with additional documentation on savings details and citizen impact. Staff will incorporate feedback and provide the final document.
• Gladys Douglas Preserve Phase II: Commission directed staff to proceed with bidding the project, including add alternates, and to work with the county on the nature center timeline. Value engineering will be considered for the observation platform.
• ARPA: Commission gave consensus to transfer the remaining $382,508 to the general fund and apply it to sheriff’s contract expenditures, with the general fund covering the Aquatic Complex design. Interest earnings will be addressed in the FY28 budget process.
• Grants: The report was accepted; no action required. Staff will continue to manage open grants and evaluate the grant specialist position.
• Future Workshops: The mayor requested a do-over workshop on the vulnerability assessment study. Commissioner Degard requested a workshop on community engagement and organizational event participation. Both were agreed to.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 15 minutes before noon, with recognition of the 30th anniversary of the sheriff’s contract event on October 8, 2026.