Sue Burness

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, including a moment of silence to honor the memory of Chris Hoben, a longtime city employee. A significant presentation involved the official granting of permission from Lady Margaret Elliot, 29th Chief of Clan Elliot, for the city of Duneden to continue using the Elliot Tartan, rectifying a previous misunderstanding regarding authorization. Proclamations were made recognizing the Duneden Youth Guild Scholarship Day and commending the organization for its extensive contributions, including scholarship awards exceeding $500,000 since 1964. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the January 22, 2026 meeting and appointments to various boards, as well as the approval of a contract for carpet tile replacement at the library and a revocable license agreement for the St. Patrick's Day celebration. Citizen input featured expressions of gratitude for city efforts in addressing drainage ditch maintenance.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in remembrance of Chris Hoban. The Commission then addressed proclamations. The first proclaimed March as Florida Bicycle Month, noting high pedestrian and bicycle fatality rates in Penllis County and highlighting the need for safety improvements aligned with Vision Zero goals. The second proclamation recognized March as Procurement Month, emphasizing the value procurement adds through contract administration, strategic development, and cultivating supplier relationships, while recognizing the City of Duneden's commitment to public procurement values. Finally, the Commission recognized the City of Duneden's 100th year operating under the Commissioner Manager Form of Government, celebrating a century of professional management stability and service.

The meeting included presentations on updates for the Dunedin Celtic Festival and Highland Games, noting recent successful events and upcoming schedules, and the proclamation for Dunedin Celebrates Diversity 2026, highlighting the kick-off Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and March. Winners of the 2025 Operation Twinkle holiday decorating contest were also announced. Key agenda items involved the first reading of an ordinance amending the Land Development Code regarding the Dunedin Sustainability Matrix and introducing a new Sustainable Development Scorecard, which offers two pathways for developments to meet sustainability requirements while complying with Senate Bill 180. The Commission also adopted revisions to the Rules of Procedure via Resolution 26-01, and awarded a bid for the Marina Fishing Pier Replacement, noting the construction timeline and funding source. A first hearing was held for Design Review Approval for the Azul Ave Vacation Homes project, which involves the development of a 21-unit vacation home project on Pinehurst Road, sparking extensive discussion regarding zoning, use classification, traffic impact, and security measures. Finally, the proposed agenda for the subsequent Commission Meeting was approved.

The meeting featured several proclamations, including Peace Day in Deneden 2026, Government Communications Day 2026, and World Whale Day 2026. Discussions included Rotary's involvement in peace initiatives and the importance of marine biodiversity protection, particularly concerning the endangered Rice's whale. Citizen input addressed invitations for upcoming comedy and theater events by the Deneden Public Theater, updates on their feasibility study confirming viability, and a request for the city to become a Red Star community.

The meeting commenced with the approval of draft minutes from the September 21st meeting. A primary action item involved the consideration and approval of CRA Resolution 23-3, which amends the operating and capital budgets for the CRA for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023. Discussions on the budget amendment focused on reclassification of expenditures, including funding for special events and downtown pavers, ensuring that ineligible maintenance expenses are covered by the general fund through creative revenue allocation. The CRA Advisory Committee Chair reported on recent activities, including the Dunedin Looper kickoff, the Main Street pavers ribbon cutting, and the demolition of Old City Hall, noting that finding replacements for advisory committee vacancies is ongoing. The committee discussed feedback on the Dunedin Looper pilot program, noting strong initial ridership and its effectiveness in connecting key areas like Mele Life and the marina. The CRA Director provided an update on maintenance improvements, such as painting mast arm poles, replacing light globes, installing new park tables, and restoring downtown benches. The report concluded with an update on ongoing negotiations, including the Skinner project local funding agreement and undergrounding efforts with Duke, and a reminder about an upcoming interlocal meeting with the county on December 12.