September 1, 2018

Welcome to Your City @ Work, where you will find City of Dunedin highlights from the City Manager's office each month.

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Welcome to the September edition of Your City @ Work, a monthly online newsletter. Our goal is to keep you up to date on pending issues and actions before the City Commission so that you can participate in the decision making process. We hope you will find this form of communication educational and informative. 

It has been my pleasure to serve as the City of Dunedin’s City Manager for one year as of August 28, 2018. As you know, the year started off stormy as Hurricane Irma blew through the Florida peninsula on September 11, 2017. Although Dunedin was largely spared, we still had almost $2,000,000 in damages. I was grateful for the way the community pulled together and proud of hard work the employees put into the recovery effort. The highlight of the year was approval of the license and funding agreements for the Blue Jays Spring Training facilities. The Blue Jays will be here for 25 more years and the positive economic impact over the 25 year period is immense. After having enjoyed my first spring training season in Dunedin I have to say having the Blue Jays here for six weeks in March/April is just plain fun!

We’ve had many challenges this year but we have moved the organization forward regardless. We’ve adopted a new Strategic Plan and a corresponding Business Plan . The Fiscal Year 2019 budget is based upon these plans to ensure our expenditures align with our goals. Next year will be a busy year as we implement the Business Plan initiatives. Our future is bright and I am looking forward to all that we are going to achieve.

Jennifer K. Bramley, City Manager
CITY NEWS
DOWNTOWN PARKING UPDATE
Dunedin City Commission voted unanimously (5-0) during the August 23rd City Commission meeting to discontinue the Downtown Parking Plan indefinitely. Parking will be free with no enforced time limits in all areas of the City.

PURPLE HEART RECOGNITION DAY
The 11th Annual Purple Heart Recognition Ceremony was held in Dunedin’s very own Purple Heart Park. We are proud that Dunedin is the First Purple Heart City in the State of Florida.

Watch the DTV video about the ceremony .
CAUSEWAY CLEANUP
Over 230 people participated in the Dunedin Causeway Clean Up on August 18. Over 310 pounds of trash and litter were picked up and removed from the coastline.

Watch the DTV video about the clean up .
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Pinellas County pet owners have new options when it comes to pet-friendly emergency shelters. The Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County government provide access to three pet-friendly shelters. If you are able, download a registration form , complete it and bring it with you to a pet-friendly shelter.

CITY COMMISSION CANDIDATE INFO
Three candidates have qualified for the City of Dunedin City Commission Seats 2 and 4 for the upcoming election on November 6, 2018. For additional candidate information, email the City Clerk at dkirkpatrick@dunedinfl.net .

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 1
On Nov. 6, voters will decide on a proposed statewide amendment that would provide an additional homestead property tax exemption for certain primary residences on Assessed Value from $100,000-$125,000.

ONLY RAIN DOWN THE DRAIN
Stormwater is the number one source of water pollution in our area. Storm drains lead directly to our waterways with no filters from our yards, driveways and homes. Remember, only rain down the drain. Never allow fertilizer, grass clippings, oil or pet waste to be washed into your storm drains. Learn more about the active ban on DTV.

BUDGET UPDATE
The Dunedin City Commission will vote to approve and adopt the Fiscal Year 2019 budget at two upcoming City Commission meetings on September 6 and 20. Commission meetings are held on Thursdays at 6pm at Dunedin City Hall.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS
As Dunedin continues to be a destination for vacationers, education on short-term or transient uses rentals as increased. Transient uses or short-term rentals are defined as any rental period of less than 90 days or three calendar months. Vacation or short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO are considered transient uses. Dunedin offers a variety of locations where short-term rentals are approved.

STARLIGHT CONCERTS
The Starlight Concert Series presented by Dunedin Parks & Recreation will begin September 7 in Highlander Park. Grab your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of live music under the stars from 7-9pm. The Starlight Concerts are free to attend and concessions will be available.

Sep 7 - Brother Brownlow (Classic Rock, Alternative)
Sep 14 - Red Sunday (Modern/Alternative Rock)
Sep 21 - Voices of Jazz (Jazz)
Sep 28 - The Chad Montana Band (Country)

CITY PROJECTS & DEVELOPMENTS
PARKS & REC
LIVEWELL DUNEDIN

LiveWell Dunedin encourages people of all ages to “live well” physically, mentally and socially. Sign up for a variety of programs.

FIRST TIME
HOMEBUYERS

There will be a first time homebuyers workshop on Saturday, November 3 from 10am-12pm at the Hale Center .

HISTORIC
PRESERVATION

The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) has worked hard to bring forward a Historic Preservation ordinance for Dunedin.

STAY CONNECTED
E-Notify
E-Comment
Social Media
FUNEDIN FACT
Hurricane Irma passed about 40 miles east of Pinellas County during the early morning hours of September 11, 2017. Hurricane Irma was the largest evacuation in Pinellas County since Hurricane Elena in 1985. It was estimated that the Irma caused at least $50 billion in damage, making Irma the costliest hurricane in Florida history, surpassing Hurricane Andrew.