The Dunedin Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved its fiscal year 2024 annual report and several advisory-committee appointments and ratified a city manager vote on the Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association during its March 2025 meeting.

The report, prepared by CRA staff and submitted to Pinellas County as required, summarizes last year's projects including Skinner Boulevard work, the downtown parking garage effort, the old city hall site and facade-assistance grants. "This is something that Carolyn did a great job putting together," Economic Development Director Bob Ironsmith said as he presented the document. The board voted to approve the report after staff noted a few clerical corrections, including the report year and membership listings.

Why it matters: The CRA annual report documents capital projects and spending inside the CRA boundary and is required to be submitted to the county by March 31. Approval clears the report for submission and signals continued progress on downtown redevelopment projects.

Board action and votes at a glance
- Approval of draft minutes from the Nov. 21, 2024 meeting: motion moved and seconded; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved.
- Approval of the CRA FY2024 annual report: motion moved and seconded; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved. Staff said they would correct a date (2025 -> 2024) and update membership listings before final submission.
- CRA advisory committee appointments: the board reappointed Peter Christinger and Catherine Carlson; moved Eric Peterson and Julian Bandis from alternates to regular members; appointed Annie Puls, Joseph Smith, Jim Johns and Douglas Mote (Douglas was corrected in discussion to an alternate term). Motion moved and seconded; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved.
- Ratification of city manager's vote on the Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association: City Manager Jennifer Bramley voted at the merchants meeting to recommend the Chamber of Commerce assume DDMA functions; the CRA voted to ratify that vote (motion by Commissioner Dugard; second by Vice Mayor Chen Callan); vote: unanimous; outcome: ratified.

Supporting details and committee notes
Staff told the board the CRA maintains separate funds and that facade assistance is available in both CRA and economic development programs; the program provides up to $7,500 for projects that front a city or county right-of-way. Finance Director Lehi Tyler explained a $12,000,000 adjustment on the CRA balance sheet represented capital assets within the CRA boundary; he also described existing CRA liabilities, including a bank loan tied to a parking lot and lease obligations related to the Monroe Parking Garage.

The CRA advisory committee reported no major concerns about downtown projects but flagged public worries about e-bike volume and speed on the trail; committee Chair Alan McHale said the sheriff's department had increased patrols in response.

Next steps
Staff will correct the clerical items in the approved report, submit it to Pinellas County by the statutory deadline, and proceed with outreach and coordination for planned projects. The CRA will recognize long-serving advisory members at its May meeting.

Sources: presentation and discussion by Economic Development Director Bob Ironsmith; Finance Director Lehi Tyler; City Manager Jennifer Bramley; advisory committee Chair Alan McHale.