Dunedin commission directs replacement pedestals, stabilization work and floating-dock study for marina recovery

Dunedin City Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to buy new shore-power pedestals, move forward with a dock-stabilization plan aimed at reopening portions of the Dunedin Marina by summer, and to accelerate design procurement so dock reconstruction work can start sooner.

The actions follow a staff presentation that summarized inspections, electrical and fire-suppression work, and options for replacing fixed docks with floating docks. Jennifer Bramley, a city staff member leading the presentation, told the commission, “February 28 was the deadline to vacate the marina. … That vacate day has been rescinded, and the boats the vessels that are there for storage may remain there.”

Staff said the city has made progress on electrical distribution, fire suppression and bulkhead design, and recommended fully replacing the marina pedestals rather than refurbishing damaged units. Lori Ferguson, the harbor master, reported a manufacturer quote showing parts-only refurbishment would cost about $1,852 per pedestal but that labor and lack of warranty made full replacement—roughly $230,000 citywide—a more practical option.

Electrical consultant O'Brey Houdrecourt of McKim and Creed described enclosure and component damage and explained NEMA enclosure ratings, noting the pedestals and many panels are rated NEMA 3R or 3RX and “neither one of these are submersible.” He said the wire types in place (THWN/XHWN) are rated for wet locations and “are allowed to be reused by the NEMA recommendations” provided they are properly cleaned, dried and tested (meggered).

On stabilization and repairs, staff described three near-term priorities: repair of fire-suppression systems (work on Docks B and C first, with Dock A dependent on piling and dock stabilization), replacement/installation of shore-power pedestals, and structural stabilization of finger docks and pilings. Lori Ferguson told the commission she received a contractor quote for the piling/finger-dock stabilization under $30,000—far below an earlier high-end estimate of about $101,500—and staff asked for consensus to proceed with stabilization work now so FEMA eligibility and reimbursements can be preserved.

Finance Director Les Tyler reviewed funding options, saying staff currently estimate roughly $11,000,000 in storm damage at the marina (a moving target) and expect FEMA to reimburse at 75% with the State of Florida contributing about 12.5% for eligible costs. Tyler said the city will front repair costs using reserves, interfund loans and possible short-term tax-exempt financing, and then seek reimbursement over an estimated two- to three-year period.

After public comment, commissioners voted on four staff recommendations: purchase of new pedestals (unanimous), authorization to proceed with the stabilization plan (unanimous, with staff asked to push toward a June–July reopening target), directing staff to use existing general engineering consultant (GEC) contracts to accelerate design/permitting (unanimous), and a policy-level direction favoring floating docks with staff to return with recommendations on materials and costs (unanimous). Mayor Franey summarized the commission’s view: staff should continue work with a sense of urgency and return with detailed materials and timelines.

Staff outlined scheduling details: Kimley-Horn submitted bulkhead permits the morning of the meeting and staff expect roughly two months for permitting before solicitation in April; pedestal manufacturing lead time is 2–5 weeks after purchase approval; installation requires a separate procurement process (advertised 30 days with typical procurement and award steps that can extend the calendar to roughly 60–90 days from approval, depending on protests and contractor availability). The city also flagged that reconstruction of the fishing pier could be accelerated by issuing a task assignment to a prequalified GEC firm, potentially shortening the schedule by about six months while still advertising construction to remain FEMA-compliant.

The commission asked staff to bring back specific design options, cost estimates and procurement schedules for the floating-dock materials (concrete, aluminum and hybrid options were discussed) and to continue coordinating with Tetra Tech, FEMA and other agencies. Staff also noted operational choices: vessels could be returned for “storage only” (limited access) or for full recreational use (allowing marina revenue collection); staff prefer recreational reopening where safe and permitted.

The meeting closed with commissioners emphasizing urgency, economic importance to downtown businesses and the need for more marina staffing during the recovery. Staff will return with detailed procurement documents, material samples and a refined timetable for pedestal delivery, pedestal installation and phased slip repopulation.