News
Dunedin
Firefighters aren't happy with ordinance
The City Commission on Thursday night unanimously approved a new firefighter pension ordinance, despite warnings from fire union officials that the state might reject it as illegal. The ordinance will steer $832,000 in pension reserve money into the city's pension fund. That upsets firefighters, who said they were promised half of the money during contract negotiations. They had intended to use the money to establish a "share plan" — a retirement account in addition to their pension. Union officials asked commissioners to postpone their vote Thursday, saying the state had just informed them that the city's proposal to give firefighters only 75 percent of future reserve money is illegal. Commissioners said they will send city and union negotiators back to the table if the state deems it necessary.
Property sales talks postponed
The Dunedin City Commission on Thursday also postponed discussion about a policy on surplus property sales until July 7. The proposal would strengthen a vague 1977 ordinance by spelling out the rules about the appraisal, marketing, city staff input and commission vote that would be needed to sell excess land. Commissioners on Thursday asked the city attorney to rework language about conflicts of interest that would prohibit them from voting on land sales. They also want the proposal to make clear that the properties on an inventory list attached to the agenda haven't yet been reviewed by staff and aren't for sale. A separate workshop will determine which parcels to put up for sale.
CLEARWATER
Church class has fruitful fundraiser
Students with First United Methodist Church's summer vacation bible school donated more than 1,200 items to RCS Food Bank, officials said. The kids turned the fruit, vegetables and other foods over to RCS during a Friday morning celebration at the downtown church at 411 Turner St. The students did such great work, officials say, that they've inspired children at the nearby Episcopal Church of the Ascension to do a similar fundraiser.
Safety harbor
Find a new book at library sale today
A Friends of the Library book sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St., N. Most books will be on sale for less than $1. For more information, call (727) 724-1525, ext. 114.
Dunedin
Shell show today at state park
A ranger-led shell show program will be offered from 1 to 4:30 p.m. today at Honeymoon Island State Park, One Causeway Blvd. at the west end of State Road 586. As children listen to stories, parents can join in one of the shell shows, and volunteers will be giving interpretive lectures on various types of shells found on nearby beaches. Cost is $4 for single-occupant vehicles; $8 for vehicles with two to eight occupants; and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Call (727) 469-5943.
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