[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6348241,"mediaKeyId","2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87","parentId",2243038,"title","Resident urges consistent three-minute public-comment rule, donates buzzer; commission says it will consider suggestion","audioSeconds",193,"startMs",985000,"endMs",1178000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87&start=985&end=1178","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87/thumbnail_985000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6348241/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Resident-urges-consistent-three-minute-public-comment-rule-donates-buzzer-commission-says-it-will-consider-suggestion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348241-0a182434fbc9a0da8c51e2e565354eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156556&Signature=MEM4JuTkHR5XWpuvnN4G1oI16Hhud9ap63mDR71Kn7JzXa3Q7L8iVfFQ5bIHGxyErXK9mV52TmrlBNbHFR44mrADUNQanEze8jQiUOnJD1Ln-EuozZyQiZ8B9hLyHJihmDn7D7hPat0goVL~8-orChlp29O8QKV038vCcE9CG9zAHkmS5AMzbfFHmV1fbO4LOHPYFYrD9-NWcu37Bbfo~LEDxcmbQaqq3GmvkUDA7vNaJCwWG2v6Szuc1IW0c4MNqnej3I1ghQYgNmv0qe7krb~02DN0woVyuz0QXBMaICw8ykZ6bTEPFivEt6ZIcuHTvm94O5ZpEhV~SxlLIbdOEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Dunedin, FL","date","2025-02-04T16:39:34Z","article","John Gidoux used the public-comment period at the Feb. 6 Dunedin City Commission meeting to raise procedural concerns about how the three-minute speaker limit is applied. Gidoux said the agenda promises speakers a full three minutes but cited meetings where some speakers were allowed extra time while others were cut off at three minutes; he said the clock sometimes starts when staff asks for the speaker’s name rather than when the speaker begins substantive remarks.

Gidoux recommended the clock should start when the speaker actually begins speaking on the topic, not when the speaker provides name and address or greets the dais. He also suggested staff provide a 15-second verbal warning at 2 minutes, 45 seconds and use a louder buzzer to signal the end of time; he offered to donate a buzzer to the city. The mayor thanked him and said the commission would “absolutely consider” his comments.

No formal action was taken; the item was a public comment and the mayor acknowledged the concern and said staff would review the suggestion.

Why this matters: Public comment procedures affect perceived fairness and transparency at public meetings. The resident’s request for consistent timing, audible warnings and clearer start rules addresses administrative practice rather than a code change; staff-level implementation could respond to the request without a commission ordinance.

Next steps: The mayor said staff would consider the request; the transcript does not record a formal directive or policy change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Dunedin Regular Meeting 2.6.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Resident John Gidoux told the commission public-comment timing has been applied inconsistently and urged the city to start timing when speakers begin their remarks, add a 15-second verbal warning, and use a louder buzzer; he offered to donate a buzzer. The mayor said staff would consider the suggestion.","taxTitle","Dunedin, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",50865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6348246,"Dunedin clears staff to negotiate development agreement for Flats on Main Street affordable housing project",664,4808000,5472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87&start=4808&end=5472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87/thumbnail_4808000.jpg","/articles/6348246/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Dunedin-clears-staff-to-negotiate-development-agreement-for-Flats-on-Main-Street-affordable-housing-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348246-075740401f732d663983914577e9eb7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156556&Signature=BTpohhWmztxLt1LctVOUF1uQ6O2GVvgbMUQGcZT-mZYn6mX3GqLaGBEcqPj1XS0AeEw2zNj-CdSEaxIo28lZWfQRWZGb0OJPxJEE3jT~BrGOfXAG3G1H579uorZIQIUKfVcNm5XRpURASa5132pqanZ8edeP~sb3saR08gQM2LV37IUbc5zD5AC1m8qWlmNQOhZXsxjVntjcFzKNgZ4q450bD4yB67k4kjGiNefbpNwtoCvUd8ZQ6qyUufWg9TxFUvyIs~5UOZEVZAp4XK~YDzpPhbtOyYCzrA1qYx8gI5OeZw6qy-vqtXIpjho0SdTvObapmIcVEvNDJRyyiQGqbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Feb. 6 gave staff preliminary approval to begin negotiating a development agreement with Archway Partners for the Flats on Main Street project, an affordable housing development proposed near State Road 580 and Carnation Drive. Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize staff to negotiate terms; the item will return for formal approvals, including design review and ordinance adoption.

City staff — including Economic Development Director Bob Ironsmith and Community Development Director George Kenny — told the commission the development relies on multiple local incentive provisions in the land development code: a 50% affordable housing density bonus, a waiver of parkland impact fees and a reduction to the public art requirement. Archway Partners’ representative, identified in the meeting as Dave Haseff, said the project had been awarded 9% low-income housing tax credits, a state financing source that creates firm deadlines for closing; Haseff told the commission that closing on the tax credits must occur by Dec. 31 and that the development team needs a predictable municipal approvals timeline to preserve the financing.

Commissioners asked about safety and access. The developer said it will perform a CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) analysis, incorporate CCTV and on-site management, and coordinate with the city fire department on access from Carnation Drive. Staff also said a traffic-impact analysis will inform site access and any needed local street improvements.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing on this agenda item. Commissioners expressed broad support for the affordable housing objective, noting the community need; some members asked staff and the developer to consider site access, emergency access and design details during the forthcoming design-review process.

Motion and vote: The commission voted unanimously to authorize staff to negotiate a development agreement with Archway Partners. The motion was made and seconded from the dais; the item will proceed through standard processes: development agreement, design review and ordinance adoption.

Why this matters: The project uses the municipality’s affordable housing incentives and state 9% low-income housing tax credits; those credits make timing and coordination with the city essential to preserve the financing. Commissioners described the project as a needed local response to housing affordability while noting that additional approvals and technical reviews remain ahead.","The commission gave staff preliminary approval to negotiate a development agreement with Archway Partners for a new affordable housing project that secured 9% low-income housing tax credits; commissioners emphasized timing, safety and design review steps.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6348251,"Dunedin commission approves pocket-park design for former City Hall; public restroom deferred to next budget",3628,1187000,4815000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87&start=1187&end=4815","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2243038-f63eed9ef895feb43dd517f7fcafef87/thumbnail_1187000.jpg","/articles/6348251/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Dunedin-commission-approves-pocket-park-design-for-former-City-Hall-public-restroom-deferred-to-next-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6348251-0f55aa451febf1d55df4eb81de74e13a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156556&Signature=UxVgqcdGXGcMAchCTMNl8m~Z6-BK-C~3ArnG9MVP1nOx8K6C7dFUDCF-3bX~HtGtAd8qjKviF-A~INBwYHr7TgHD1NLv~Usd952-tXyg0Hu-PnxYJOTLFRMHkvJ9vahOrBZr~If9WwfV86ahhwenLPN2AM1ZBaFLW1CJQ-UV2xbOGr6XkwTC0e0yON3J-Xz8RO-YIvN738pnsz-ICUX33qpKTsSwy0VvUFi-dmFVVSL56AELaeyv-FMZtp3tY2N9JMZlqLAcyBe5C48HRMva3YzUauCey59xIMs~9TA8zCnG1OIrRJ0iCihCfZHzyJlCFJE2oHg-8jqP9xLY2C8L0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dunedin City Commission on Feb. 6 approved Phase 1 design concepts for a pocket park at the former City Hall site, directing staff to finish design and prepare bid documents with construction targeted for later this year. The commission voted unanimously to move the project into full design and procurement.

City economic development director Bob Ironsmith presented renderings and described steps already completed: demolition of the obsolete building, asbestos abatement and a tree survey. Landscape architect Jonathan Toner and a landscape architect/arborist identified in the presentation as Brigitte (Burgett) walked commissioners through the concept, which preserves an existing large live oak, adds shade and seating, uses the city’s selected pavers and reserves room for a future prefabricated restroom. Ironsmith described Phase 1 construction costs as “just sub $400,000,” and said a permanent restroom would likely cost in the $500,000–$600,000 range and was being budgeted in a later cycle (FY26).

The design team said the plan intentionally uses much of the existing concrete slab to avoid excavating near the trees; fill and grading will make the finished paver surface flush with surrounding green areas and keep the site ADA-accessible with ramps rather than steps. The concept includes a pergola and a central circular paver area intended for small acoustic performances or gatherings; staff said the park is intended as a neighborhood “respite” rather than a large-event venue.

At public hearing, multiple speakers urged changes. Resident Mike Short said he had attended advisory meetings but criticized the level of citizen engagement and urged installing the restroom during Phase 1 rather than deferring it, calling a one-phase, “one-and-done” approach more efficient. Tracy Short, speaking separately, suggested the site could serve dog-owners and recommended considering a fenced, fee-accessible dog area; Parks & Recreation Director Vince Gizzi said dogs on leash would be allowed but that the site was not suitable for an off-leash dog park because fencing and intensive use would damage turf.

Commissioners asked detailed design questions about the footprint, how much of the old slab would be reused, tree impacts and how the restroom location relates to the existing utilities and a nearby well. Staff and the design team said the proposed restroom sits near prior utility stub-outs and just west of a city well site, and that enlarging the restroom would require more excavation near tree roots and higher cost. Staff described the restroom shown in the renderings as a prefabricated unit used elsewhere in the city; finishes would be upgraded to match downtown architecture.

Several commissioners said they supported moving the park forward now but asked staff to study whether the restroom could be sequenced or combined with Phase 1 construction to reduce duplication of mobilization costs. Staff agreed to examine feasibility, engage the architectural review committee on aesthetics and present cost options during the FY26 budget process.

Motion and vote: A motion to proceed with Phase 1 design and to prepare construction documents carried unanimously (maker and seconder noted in the meeting record). The commission also asked staff to evaluate whether a prefabricated restroom could be incorporated into construction or funded in the FY26 budget cycle.

Why this matters: The pocket park is part of the Downtown East End plan to reinvigorate Dunedin’s east downtown. The design prioritizes protection of mature trees on the site and aims to add a small public venue and restrooms that will serve both residents and downtown merchants while minimizing long-term maintenance demands.

Next steps: Staff will finalize design drawings, prepare bid documents and return with cost/bid alternates and any recommended sequencing for the restroom. Construction was described as likely to start within four to six months if schedules and budgets permit, with an October–December target for completion if the project proceeds on the current timetable.","The City Commission approved Phase 1 design renderings for a pocket park at the former City Hall site, emphasizing tree preservation and a smaller-scale public space. A permanent restroom was not funded in Phase 1; staff will study whether a prefabricated restroom can be combined into construction or added in the FY26 budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges consistent three-minute public-comment rule, donates buzzer; commission says it will consider suggestion

Dunedin clears staff to negotiate development agreement for Flats on Main Street affordable housing project

Dunedin commission approves pocket-park design for former City Hall; public restroom deferred to next budget