[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6121705,"mediaKeyId","2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909","parentId",2700226,"title","City receives municipal solar feasibility study; staff to prioritize library, community center and Haile for RFPs","audioSeconds",6041,"startMs",5647000,"endMs",11688000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909&start=5647&end=11688","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909/thumbnail_5647000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6121705/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/City-receives-municipal-solar-feasibility-study-staff-to-prioritize-library-community-center-and-Haile-for-RFPs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121705-2dc637e7b09d1e9a1e3c8de5f2035aff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175306&Signature=osYjOCV72gzxvCZKGHq3iltfO-tKa8su9NFzSsoqbmmlkLJA5WnhyJAHmNXTAzcyuV2Bwt4aP1MdppBHqwHwt-IZ8lxa8vUK~wNeZixGvUSxjYH0QbXyCHj9UtVQE-SXkr0cAfVGZgu3d5LpsGlmhrwsKxZ9sQ9G0CIsf0g~8CZEHcK1Ya-8ZynoVs~AOmgrNhj6cF6p6vgscu5-GSGTkHfkmFaJRwvSGTZg5MnJiPy7DOByKYw63D4Zf~UhBNa1e7LYB2Zht0EEg7QvXusYg84YRyM9LuEzwy~OIjVVmzo~mXeGZlSBHKqW14HrMb8Rr6w-Skw-wSt-PTakQTWYxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Dunedin, FL","date","2025-03-18T16:53:16Z","article","The City Commission received a municipal solar feasibility study on March 18 that evaluates rooftop solar potential at 16 city facilities and summarizes Duke Energy–provided energy audits.

Scope and process: Sustainability Program Manager Natalie Gass and consultant McKim & Creed (Sol Haroun, director of renewables) outlined a multi‑step analysis that examined structural rooftop viability, electrical interconnection, hourly energy use (8760 file), and financial feasibility. Duke Energy performed no‑cost building energy audits that cataloged HVAC and lighting equipment, eligible utility incentives and equipment‑replacement suggestions; McKim & Creed used those audits and utility bills to size and model photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Library case study and modeling approach: The consultant used the library as a representative case study. The team modeled rooftop layouts, assessed shading and slope, and used industry software (HelioScope) to generate hourly solar production and match it against the building’s hourly load. McKim & Creed recommended “right‑sizing” each rooftop array to offset about 90–95% of annual consumption rather than oversizing and exporting large volumes to the grid; staff noted that oversizing changes interconnection and may reduce financial return because exported energy is credited at a wholesale rate.

Financial scenarios and findings: The study ran four scenarios: low installed cost ($2.00/W DC) and high ($3.50/W DC), each with and without the 30% federal direct‑pay incentive included in the Inflation Reduction Act. At $2.00/W, most facility systems are financially feasible with internal rates of return above the city’s 5% discount rate; with the 30% incentive the IRR improves significantly. At $3.50/W the study found only a few buildings are feasible without federal incentives, though the IRA direct‑pay incentive can make otherwise marginal projects viable.

Recommendations and next steps: McKim & Creed recommended prioritizing buildings that already have new or imminent roof replacements to avoid rework. Staff proposed beginning RFPs for the library, the community center and the Hale facility now that their roofs are replaced or being replaced; staff will bundle energy‑efficiency work after Duke incentives where appropriate. The report also recommends clear RFP language, conservative system sizing, and a procurement pathway that preserves the city’s ability to claim federal incentives.

Batteries and wider goals: The study did not include a detailed battery economics analysis; both staff and the consultant noted battery costs are falling but remain expensive in many municipal use cases. Commissioners and members of the public urged staff to keep an open review of batteries and other complementary measures as market prices change. Staff reiterated that municipal solar and efficiency work alone will not achieve the city’s “Ready for 100” municipal goal; the city will need a mix of on‑site PV, energy efficiency and off‑site subscriptions (Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection) to reach the 2035 municipal target.

Public comment and engagement: Sierra Club members and local volunteers attended and urged the commission to consider larger system sizing and faster action toward the city’s renewable goals. Staff recommended posting study results on the city’s strategic dashboard and returning with RFP language and budget requests as part of the FY26 capital planning cycle.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Work Session 3.18.25","oneSentenceSummary","The commission received a 16‑facility solar feasibility study on March 18; the consultant recommends right‑sized rooftop PV and identified the library, community center and Hale as near‑term candidates after recent roof work.","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},6121709,"Commission awards water‑main and underdrain replacement for Ranchwood Drive South and Hitching Post Lane",623,4164000,4787000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909&start=4164&end=4787","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909/thumbnail_4164000.jpg","/articles/6121709/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-awards-watermain-and-underdrain-replacement-for-Ranchwood-Drive-South-and-Hitching-Post-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121709-b22bcfa09645f874443c84ac229c4e6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175306&Signature=JfNR2~~541MFcB7yQDYkEuGJTH267J9Fxx4HgStVv-uPCMN0g4yxblnP0q6pbDfFv5C2aKi4kYYtmjhHLdDxx8MXq2ipP7XEOYpObEmCV62CBKdIWI7BpgD8u1aLzDB4I-M4l-0tTOSeKwrDcwZEa0Gskj6TZRyKY3tPTA0XbjrxLUMvV3k26R76s0aOmuCPSS1hpKySA8mttt5oA7mvqAHbPUDzWXI3WN-KxLWrjM5qcQ-V6rW135TRq0z4vEei15NPWDNSm-Z4LJPZl6P7HkzSMJ3PdGABrwep8sIivPoR2JVTy0YkUevMkTxKV0~V~pF7C078x-2X3fznmYB11A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission on March 18 approved the construction contract for water main and underdrain replacement on Ranchwood Drive South and Hitching Post Lane.

Project Engineer Alex Gonzales recommended award of Bid 25‑2507 to Evolution Contracting Inc. of Clearwater for $614,675.55. Staff said the work will replace four documented breaks on the original 4‑inch main (installed during development decades ago) by upsizing the distribution mains to 6‑inch PVC, which improves hydraulics, fire protection and water quality. The project also includes about 926 linear feet of 6‑inch underdrain on Ranchwood Drive to reduce stormwater infiltration into the roadway base.

Staff told the commission that the feeder main in the area is 12 inches and that the 6‑inch replacement lines meet modern standards; two new fire hydrants will be added (one on Hitching Post Lane and one on Ranchwood Drive South). Commissioners asked whether upsizing a local main can cause pressure changes elsewhere; staff said upsizing does not reduce household pressure and instead improves available flow and fire protection.

Commissioners also asked about pipe material and longevity; staff said the line being replaced is cast iron and that modern PVC has a projected lifetime of about 80 years compared with older cast iron’s vulnerability to brittle failures.

The commission approved the award by unanimous vote.","The Commission awarded a $614,675.55 contract to Evolution Contracting Inc. to replace aging 4‑inch cast‑iron water mains with 6‑inch PVC, add two fire hydrants and install about 926 feet of underdrain to improve stormwater drainage and reduce recurring main breaks.",{"_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},6121713,"Commission approves $200,240 change order to add valley‑gutter work to overlay contract",173,3947000,4120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909&start=3947&end=4120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909/thumbnail_3947000.jpg","/articles/6121713/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-approves-200240-change-order-to-add-valleygutter-work-to-overlay-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121713-b7347afaa7b0e3581fa33fe3b54848cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175306&Signature=C1omRfgG-zfSLxACsTpEoJ2L9CGzYIY0~Tp97rrFqR88wP9uVtXaWblv6GCdfjDkni40oY55twLic-9ejc2w66eCudAbthQrln7g6vSKf0Wfr6PshWc-eQVSwV68fH7G8MBwSVHET8d8IBGhcJEwfr7VIl3~1BRspZsmARKnhPSXNAr7irXjyWYNtSsqy8H2RqOBsezklhUe3cW3nCx1--L6CbfJCeDDVOY8szWZ5ZO~MeaKySaYuLI6dlTe8HhT7R~MGNF25IbHA0jTiYA5h~3NMDlT435eoH7gC1Dn0wMoR26Gm6oBjl~ra6-sUxt7ysZ~1pPLLA~4voje9Tj4Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on March 18 unanimously approved a $200,240 change order to the newly awarded FY25 mill‑and‑overlay contract with Gator Grading and Paving LLC to add valley‑gutter removal and replacement across several streets.

City staff said the change order stems from favorable unit pricing in the low bid and allows the city to expand curb and valley‑gutter replacement without a separate procurement. The change order covers 2,956 linear feet of valley gutter; staff said 1,292 linear feet will be replaced on Jack Maar and 1,547 linear feet on Valley and Summit Drive combined.

Clay Watkins said the change will produce a more continuous replacement zone (instead of piecemeal patches), improving curb life and the finished product. Staff noted the change order adds 45 calendar days to the contract completion time.

The commission approved the change order by unanimous voice vote; staff said the total value to Gator Grading and Paving after the change order will be roughly $1.48 million when combined with the original award.

Next steps: work is to be scheduled to coordinate with paving and other capital activities; staff will report construction progress to the commission.","The commission approved Change Order No. 1 to the FY25 mill‑and‑overlay contract, adding $200,240 and 45 calendar days to replace 2,956 linear feet of valley gutter across multiple streets, most notably Jack Maar and Summit/Valley segments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6121719,"Commission awards FY25 milling and overlay contract for neighborhood streets",1419,2505000,3924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909&start=2505&end=3924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909/thumbnail_2505000.jpg","/articles/6121719/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-awards-FY25-milling-and-overlay-contract-for-neighborhood-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121719-503a99a9b2bf111d590cf857794b8eb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175306&Signature=knMbGye0z9CZI4zdbv6mo-66WUpr0MHOIapAAL2XxR90YaUf~ZgV3FvGmQwglVKnxhR9~tBC5DHicE-3q4kYt~Cu3tz3lU-XWx2rfwi-ScLABPL4BqHodI3gFe2PJRd4oXbOl27pBAYau3PaBYoDgaPWKV9optPBgH5nHiAniCs8ebjM5BBGS3FvpSede~AN9VyW4TUY8YoPsurLi0NXwTIylPPmbNHDsBAF~bdT-aXPhQmRtvFWcM~gyZCn8qL-l4MMOxc78jloKXggG3mEAej799PkA6npFhWzQqneY9l5qhAtoOeJXsBtbgMFSJuHyGKOuf2HuJ-yOnpZVn3X4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dunedin City Commission unanimously approved a bid award to Gator Grading and Paving LLC on March 18 for the fiscal year 2025 mill‑and‑overlay program.

City staff recommended awarding Bid 25‑2503 to Gator Grading and Paving for $1,281,850.15 to mill and overlay asphalt on a list of residential and collector streets across the city. Public‑works staff said seven contractors submitted bids and that the award price fell in the low end of the competitive range; the city budgets roughly $1.5 million annually for paving.

Clay Watkins, assistant director of utilities and city engineer, briefed the commission on the project scope and showed the list and map of streets included in the contract. Streets named in the bid package include Bass Boulevard, Ohio Avenue, Brookway Manor Drive West, Marjohn Avenue, Jones Street, Summit Drive, Valley Drive and other residential segments.

Commissioners asked staff how road priorities were set. Watkins said the project list was drawn from the city’s pavement condition inventory (AgileAssets) and that the city has begun mounting a new road‑condition sensor (RMT) on city vehicles to gather more frequent pavement condition data. Watkins said the new software and vehicle sensors will provide a consistent, repeatable assessment that supports annual program budgeting and decisions to resurface or fully reconstruct.

Vice Mayor Gao and other commissioners asked about per‑linear‑foot costs, budgeting and the influence of truck traffic and changes in petroleum costs. Watkins said the program typically mills about 1.5 inches and replaces it with new wearing course asphalt and that the annual funding level is intended to keep the network from reaching the “point of no return” where reconstruction is required. He also said costs fluctuate with petroleum markets and contractor bid conditions.

The commission approved the award by voice vote. Staff later returned to the commission at the same meeting with a companion change order to add valley‑gutter replacement work at favorable unit prices (described in a separate action).","The commission awarded a $1.28 million mill‑and‑overlay contract to Gator Grading and Paving LLC to repave multiple Dunedin neighborhood streets; staff said work targets streets identified in the city's pavement‑condition inventory and will be followed by additional curb and gutter work under a separate change order.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6121724,"Commission renews two‑year continuing services list for architects, engineers and planners",2326,173000,2499000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909&start=173&end=2499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2700226-04154ad1d9c7ece1e03dd07be27e7909/thumbnail_173000.jpg","/articles/6121724/Dunedin/Pinellas-County/Florida/Commission-renews-twoyear-continuing-services-list-for-architects-engineers-and-planners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121724-dc13721e3d3743b0ab91d5763c89231f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175306&Signature=T89vOoaNT2aHoXlpPQTVNB~j7jsEX6n6UiIvsIMPI0muGTilQ684LNMWPR~X3~IUKm5zk5DqB1h-gJQ5NhdQocuZUEFRPqGigeSS3A88QRQ~D-Y6P1B3zfmY0hflc0YIZOQCJI8TekwjKplHoJUTVC9C7a-5zecUtuIoBcawGWjoqywPBDJ529ZkVK9CgjaIE3OAJUAl6iOkurccrEqy8QaQVuVOFmyucvzcmS93vVt5KAqVyWuUmT6fuiXQrpmCpptH71Z6FhnpYWVie83k0YM3uZInGq2Krn5nhNizOU~GEWjvyHRrWHDoVaPOLdOkbBaALkDTi9xjvYeJA5CmvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dunedin City Commission on March 18 unanimously approved a two‑year renewal and name‑change amendments to the city’s continuing consulting services list for architects, engineers, surveyors and planners.

The action preserves the city’s existing list of roughly 27 prequalified firms that staff may use to issue prompt task orders for design, inspection and peer‑review work. The amendment also adds federal contract provisions to the agreements to allow the city to use those consultants on future federally funded projects, including potential FEMA work after storms.

City staff described the rank of solicitations the city uses and explained why the roster is organized as an RFQ under Florida’s Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA). Tammy Spearman, the city’s purchasing agent, told the commission that RFQs under Florida Statute 287.055 are awarded based on qualifications rather than price, and that the list is intended to let departments issue task orders quickly without repeating a full selection process for every project.

Finance Director Les Tyler and departmental staff explained typical uses: Clay Watkins, assistant director of utilities and city engineering, said the contracts “allow us to get to a contract and a task order quickly” for everyday utility designs, inspections and specialty engineering. George Kenny, director of community development, said planning‑related peer reviews and traffic‑impact reviews also come from the list.

Commissioners pressed staff on oversight, rotation and how new firms can gain entry. Jorge Quintas (W.C. Manager) said the city will re‑solicit in 2026 (to create a new roster in 2027) and that specialized solicitations can still be issued between major on‑ramps if a specific gap appears. Director of Utilities and Engineering Nan Bennett emphasized the legal rationale: “It is Florida law that you do not select these specific services for engineering, landscape architecture, and these things based on low bid. It is based on qualifications,” she told the commission.

Commissioners also asked about hourly rate schedules, task‑order negotiation and how staff controls costs; Bennett and staff said firms submit rate schedules at contract award and staff negotiates task hours and scope when issuing assignments.

The commission approved the renewal by unanimous voice vote. Staff said the RFQ will remain a practical tool for routine projects while the city continues to solicit for specific, complex projects on an as‑needed basis.

What’s next: staff will plan the formal re‑solicitation cycle that begins in 2026 for a new roster to take effect in 2027, and will bring project‑specific solicitations to the commission when a direct procurement is not appropriate.","The City Commission approved a two‑year renewal of its continuing consulting services RFQ for engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, surveying and planning services, extending a roster of roughly 27 prequalified firms and adding federal contract language to the agreements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City receives municipal solar feasibility study; staff to prioritize library, community center and Haile for RFPs

Commission awards water‑main and underdrain replacement for Ranchwood Drive South and Hitching Post Lane

Commission approves $200,240 change order to add valley‑gutter work to overlay contract

Commission awards FY25 milling and overlay contract for neighborhood streets

Commission renews two‑year continuing services list for architects, engineers and planners