November 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 November 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’s hard to believe that it’s November already! October was a busy month; I’ve been doing ride-a-longs with City staff in the field so I can gain a better understanding of how they do what they do. I’ve spent time with Code Enforcement, Solid Waste, Fire/Rescue and most recently Wastewater. Looking into the deep well of a lift station (which pumps sewage from various areas of the City to the wastewater plant) in the rain while the vacuum truck sucks out used baby wipes and other assorted non-biodegradable items makes me appreciate our field staff all the more.

I am grateful to the 2018 Inaugural Citizens’ Academy class for spending nine Tuesday evenings getting to know how the City works and meeting the employees who make it work day in and day out.

We had very good news at the beginning of October. S&P Global raised its credit rating one notch from “ AA from AA+ ” on the City of Dunedin (our issuer rating) and the outlook is stable. This means we pay less when we issue debt for capital (construction) projects. The rating agency’s opinion reflects the following key points:
City’s strong assessed value growth and rebound from the recession, update to the city’s financial management policies, strong economy, strong management, very strong budget flexibility, liquidity and adequate debt.  

There’s lots more to report and it’s all in the newsletter. I hope you and your families have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Jennifer K. Bramley, City Manager
CITY NEWS
FENWAY HOTEL OPENS
Originally opened in 1927, Fenway Hotel is an icon of the jazz age, playing host to notable explorers, artists, politicians, musicians and living legends in its time as an operating hotel. Considered to be the “most historically valuable structure” in Dunedin, the hotel was also home to the first radio station in Pinellas County, which began broadcasting from the roof of the Fenway in 1925. Today, the new hotel features 83 guest rooms and suites; HEW Parlor & Chophouse, featuring chophouse cuts, chef-driven seasonal preparations and extensive whisky and Scotch collection; Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar overlooking St. Joseph Sound; a combined 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, featuring the Caladesi Ballroom with water views; a resort-style pool; and an expansive front lawn ideal for croquet, badminton and special events.

ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 6
Three candidates have qualified for the City of Dunedin City Commission Seats 2 and 4 for the upcoming election. For additional candidate information, email the City Clerk at dkirkpatrick@dunedinfl.net .
 
HISTORY MUSEUM GRAND OPENING
The Dunedin History Museum celebrated its Grand Reopening on October 6. The museum is newly remodeled and expanded with interactive exhibits and a gift shop.

Watch the DTV video highlighting the renovations .
DUNEDIN CARES OPENS NEW FACILITY
The Dunedin Cares Food Pantry held a building dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on October 9. Dunedin Cares has distributed over 111,000 pounds of food to the the food insecure in the Dunedin area.

Watch the DTV video of the ribbon cutting .
CITIZENS' ACADEMY GRADUATION
The 2018 class of Citizens’ Academy completed their nine week course where they learned about Dunedin government and the services provided. Registration for Fall 2019 will open in June 2019.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
The City of Dunedin is a fun, blossoming place and the Economic Development Director fills us in on some of the activity around the City. The City Several ribbon cutting celebrations took place including, Nature's Food Patch, Fenway Hotel and Dunedin Commons.

Watch the DTV video of the update .
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
As Dunedin continues to be a destination for vacationers, education on short-term or transient uses rentals has 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.

ACHIEVA PAW PARK EXPANSION
The City of Dunedin and Achieva Credit Union will be holding a community meeting on November 7 at 6:30pm at the Hale Senior Activity Center where the Achieva Paw Park expansion and the upcoming closure of Happy Tails Dog Park will be discussed.

CITY PROJECTS & DEVELOPMENTS
DOWNTOWN
MARKET

The Dunedin Downtown Market is back every Friday and Saturday morning starting Nov 2 in Pioneer Park.

FIRST TIME
HOMEBUYERS

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

SKINNER BLVD
PUBLIC MEETING

The (CRA) will be holding a second public meeting on the Skinner Blvd proposed enhancements on November 5.

Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting
Sat, Dec 1, 6pm
Ring in the holidays during this traditional waterfront celebration as decorated boats parade through Dunedin. Boats arrive at Dunedin Marina at approximately 7pm.

Old Fashioned Christmas
Sat, Dec 8, 4pm
Watch Santa arrive during the Holiday street parade then stay downtown for carriage rides, train rides, snow slide, crafts, live music, entertainment and snow flurries! 

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Read the latest from Dunedin Mayor, Julie Bujalski in the Mayors' Corner .
FUNEDIN FACT
In the November of 1934, a swimming beach was made in the front of the Fenway hotel. Clean, white sand from the beaches on the Gulf was pumped into the bay 90 feet out in front of the hotel to complete the beach.