A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the enhancement of the State Road 580 area. Officials from the Economic Development and Housing Department presented a proposal to replace an unsightly cyclone fence surrounding a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pond located between Lake Haven Road and Crosley Drive. The proposal included a budget of $40,000 for the installation of a six-foot black aluminum decorative fence. Trevor Davis highlighted the importance of aesthetic improvements outside the downtown area, noting that the new fence would enhance the corridor and improve the visual appeal of Main Street. Davis referenced a previous successful collaboration with FDOT on Broadway and mentioned FDOT’s appreciation of the city’s efforts, stating, “FDOT is very appreciative of the city in making their pond look a heck of a lot better.”

Additionally, Lake Haven residents had requested to maintain the cyclone fence for privacy and noise reduction, and FDOT had granted this request for the west side of the pond. The proposed plans also included a roll gate to allow FDOT maintenance access. Commissioners discussed the positive impacts of such projects on the community, with one commissioner suggesting that these improvements serve as economic development tools. The commission unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the fencing improvements.

The meeting also included an important discussion about the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The Parks and Recreation director, along with a secretary and chair of the committee, presented the board’s accomplishments and requested the continuation of the advisory board for another three years. The director praised the department’s engagement with the community and highlighted a resident satisfaction rate of 96.2%. Projects undertaken by the department included improvements to the Dunedin Golf Club, the establishment of permanent pickleball courts, and enhancements to the Glattus Douglas Preserve. The director emphasized the importance of community feedback and advisory board involvement in these efforts.

The committee chair expressed pride in the projects and the diverse representation on the advisory board. The commission was asked to consider the continuation of the advisory board, with several commissioners expressing strong support for the department’s accomplishments and the advisory board’s role in enhancing city life. A motion was made to continue the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for another three years, which was seconded and met with unanimous approval from the commission.

Another topic discussed was a proposal from Tina Jablon of Forward PELIS regarding the board’s structure. The proposal aimed to amend the existing interlocal agreement to add six more seats, increasing the total to 19 members. This adjustment followed a re-evaluation of the board’s membership requirements mandated by federal and state law, necessitating a review after each decennial census. Jablon explained that the expansion would reflect a more inclusive representation based on the latest census data. The proposal also included a modification to require that one of the PELIS County Commission seats be at-large to ensure broader representation and extended the terms of rotating seats from two to three years.

During the discussion, a commissioner raised concerns about Dunedin’s potential to lose its seat in the future due to population constraints. Jablon emphasized the importance of continuity in board participation and the need to reaffirm appointments by October 7. The commission deliberated on the urgency of the deadline and the potential impact of upcoming local elections on board appointments. The commission unanimously approved the amendment to the interlocal agreement and the reaffirmation of appointments.

In other business, the commission reviewed updates from the City Clerk, who mentioned preparations for a Citizens Academy event. Final comments included discussions about an upcoming workshop on medians along Alt 19, recognition events for the city pipe bands, and the growth of a high school robotics program. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the efficient use of time.