City Manager Round Up - April

City Manager Round Up April

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

City Manager Roundup One of my top priorities is keeping our community informed and engaged. The City Manager’s Update is a monthly digital newsletter designed to keep you connected with what’s happening in Fort Bragg. Each edition includes timely updates on City news, programs, projects, and upcoming events — all in one place. I hope you find this newsletter useful and informative as we continue working together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Thank you for staying connected!

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Fort Bragg is a small town nestled between the coast and the redwoods with a strong sense of community that seeks to preserve its environment while providing resilient public facilities and infrastructure and supporting a safe and vibrant economic, multi-cultural, and recreational experience for both locals and visitors alike.

A California coastal destination with rich natural resources and rugged beauty, is transforming our future by weaving together our people, ecosystems, and economy to create community prosperity. We are making our mark in the 21st Century by creating climate-ready water and energy independence, housing and economic opportunities, accessible health care, community public safety, and education for all

INNOVATION

SERVICE-ORIENTED

HONESTY & INTEGRITY

Drives our city forward, encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement by embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance quality of life.

Responsive to the public and to each other to demonstrate our genuine commitment to create a Fort Bragg that serves us today and readies us for a successful tomorrow.

Emanate throughout our community to engender the trust, transparency, responsibility, and accountability that our citizens deserve.

COLLABORATION

FAIR & ETHICAL

Nourish civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on.

Principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave.

The Fort Bragg City Council approved the Land acknowledgments and commitments at the April 24 Council Meeting as follows: The City acknowledges that the land on which we stand today is the unceded traditional territory of the local Indigenous People past and present. We acknowledge the critical importance of traditional Pomo methods of preservation of our land, waters, and sky. We recognize the sovereignty of the Pomo People, who are the original stewards of this land. We value, and seek to support, the many ways in which the Pomo People are working to preserve and revitalize Pomo culture, such as oral histories, dances, songs, regalia, basketry, and the Northern Pomo language.

We resolve to: Consult with the governing body of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, as well as other tribal communities, on initiatives, issues, or items of concern.

Raise visibility and public awareness of the history and contemporary presence of the Native population of our area.

Collaborate with local Indigenous People, local schools, and State and Regional partners, to enhance education on the history and contemporary lifeways of local Indigenous People.

The City delcared April 20-26, 2025 as Volunteer Appreciation Week

April 20-26, 2025, is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, a wonderful opportunity for us to express our gratitude to our volunteers and recognize how much their support and contributions mean to us.

During the April 14th City Council meeting, Mayor Godeke and the City Council honored Ron White for his dedication to our local treasure, Glass Beach.

Since opening in 1995, Headlands Coffeehouse has been more than just a coffee shop—it’s been the heart of downtown Fort Bragg. For three decades, it’s served as a welcoming space for residents and visitors to gather over great coffee, live music, art, and community conversation.

The City of Fort Bragg proudly honors Headlands for 30 years of exceptional service, support for local artists and musicians, and for being a cornerstone of our cultural and economic life. Thank you to the owners and staff for all you’ve contributed to making Fort Bragg a place where community truly thrives!

We are proud to officially declare May 1–7, 2025, as Rhododendron Week in the City of Fort Bragg!

In celebration of the beauty of the season, Mayor Godeke and the City Council have proclaimed May 1–7, 2025, as Rhododendron Week. They presented this proclamation to the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.

During this week, the 46th Annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show, the largest of its kind on the West Coast, took place at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on May 3rd and 4th. This beloved event showcased an extraordinary variety of rhododendron blooms cultivated by local growers and garden enthusiasts.

SB 969, signed into law in September 2024 and effective as of January 1, 2025, authorizes municipalities to designate “entertainment zones”—areas where alcohol may be consumed in public spaces under regulated and controlled circumstances. This innovative legislation is designed to stimulate economic growth by enhancing the vibrancy of business districts, encouraging tourism, and supporting local businesses.

The City of Fort Bragg is currently exploring the potential benefits of establishing such zones in our downtown area. If implemented, entertainment zones would complement community events and promote increased foot traffic, encouraging patrons to dine, shop, and engage with local businesses.

This effort directly aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan and City Council Goal #1: Invigorate Economic Opportunity and Community Vibrancy.

As part of this initiative, the City is currently conducting public outreach to gather feedback from the business community through a survey. Please share your thoughts and help shape the future of downtown Fort Bragg.

City of Fort Bragg Business & Downtown Outreach Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KDNLTY9 Survey Deadline: 5/21

“Pride thru Problem Solving in the Central Business District”

NEXT ROUNDTABLE: May 7th at 10am

Congratulations to Officer Amanda Pacheco

Congratulations to Officer Amanda Pacheco who recently completed the Field Training Program and is now a solo officer! Officer Pacheco began as a Community Service Officer in 2023. She graduated the police academy at College of the Redwoods in December 2023 and immediately started the FBPD Field Training Program. Best of luck on a long and successful career with the City of Fort Bragg!

Human Resources Manager Juli Mortensen recently earned the Workplace Investigation Specialty Credential.

On April 14, 2025, City Council presented Jason Balassi a Mayor's Letter and Plaque Commending Jason Balassi for Thirty Years of Employment with the City of Fort Bragg, On April 14, 2025, City Council Adopted and Waived Further Reading of Ordinance 1007-2025; Amending Chapter 3.20 (Purchasing, Procurement, and Leasing) And Chapter 3.22 (Informal Bidding Procedures) Of The Fort Bragg Municipal Code.

On April 14, 2025, City Council Adopted and Waived Further Reading of Ordinance 1008-2025; CEQA Exemption 15061(b)(3) Amending Division 18 Of The Fort Bragg Municipal Code (ILUDC 125) To Amend Chapter 18.36 “Parking And Loading” To: 1) Reduce Minimum Parking Requirements For Multifamily Housing; And 2) Amend Chapter 18.35 “Landscaping Standards” To Address Inconsistencies In Landscaping Requirements For Parking Lots.

On April 14, 2025, City Council Adopted and Waived Further Reading of Ordinance 1009-2025; CEQA Exemption 15265 Amending Division 17 Of The Fort Bragg Municipal Code (LCP 1-25) To Amend Chapter 17.36 "Parking And Loading" To 1) Modify Minimum Parking Requirements For Multifamily Housing And 2) Amend The Parking Regulation Of The CLUDC To Match Changes Already Approved For The ILUDC By City Council; And 3) Amend Chapter 17.35 "Landscaping Standards" To Address Inconsistencies In Landscaping Requirements for Parking Lots.

On April 14, 2025, City Council Approved Toshiba Business Solutions 48-Month Lease of Six Toshiba Printers.

On April 28, 2025, City Council Adopted a Resolution to Donate Surplus IT Equipment and Supplies of Nominal Value to Registered Non-Profit Organizations Operating within the City of Fort Bragg.

On April 28, 2025, City Council Adopted a Resolution approving Contract Change Order with Akeff Construction Services, Inc. for City EV Fleet Charging Station Project PWP-00126.

On April 28, 2025, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Lumos & Associates for On-Call Engineering & Surveying Services.

On April 28, 2025, Adopted a Resolution Authorizing The Execution And Delivery Of The Installment Purchase Agreement With The City Of Fort Bragg Joint Powers Public Financing Authority And Assignment Of Payments Thereunder To Everbank, N.A. On April 28, 2025, recived from the Ad Hoc Culture and Education Committee, and Consider Approval of Land Acknowledgement and City Commitments.

On April 28, 2025, Received a presentation on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2024.

Fort Bragg is conducting a Feasibility Study to diversify our water supply and enhance our community’s water security, and we need your help! As a valued part of our community, your input is vital to the development of water supply alternatives. We invite you to participate in a community survey to share your feedback on water supply options and preferences.

Please scan the QR code below or click the link to take the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FQDC2F? fbclid=IwY2xjawKIumlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDb25nYnRJZ1FPT25vY0RYAR4Mo7Dn5q2_XLMKP_EQVgu_6UF_uqypeuuRCME7HOz9rLIjDv5TxBiJ646GQ_aem_3HiJsWZdipV_E3 U9V2CzVg

Broadband Construction Update

The Fort Bragg Municipal Broadband Project continues progressing across Distribution Areas 1, 14, and 15. Here's what to expect:

🔹 DA01:

Construction is moving east along Cedar Street between N. Harold St. and Rasmussen Ln. Work schedule includes: Cedar St: 5/5–5/23 Nancy Way: 5/5–5/16 N. Sanderson: 5/19–5/23 Rasmussen Ln: 5/12–5/16

🔹 DA14:

Crews are working along South Franklin, Cypress, Kemppe Way, and the one-way alley between Cypress & Walnut.

Cypress St: 5/5–5/23 Kemppe Way: 5/5–5/16 Franklin St: 5/19–5/23 Cypress/Walnut Alley: 5/5–5/12

🔹 DA15:

Work continues west on Ocean View Drive toward Del Mar Drive, plus South Harbor Dr. and Boatyard Dr. All three locations: 5/5–5/9

Crews are performing utility locating and directional boring to install conduit for future fiber installation. Construction schedules are subject to change— stay tuned for updates.

Town Hall Construction Update

Town Hall Construction Begins May 6th Starting May 6, 2025, construction will begin at Fort Bragg Town Hall (363 N. Main Street) as part of the Town Hall Retrofit & Bathroom Remodel Project (PWP-00122). The project, led by Adams Commercial General Contracting in coordination with the City, will improve public facilities and infrastructure.

Temporary Closures: Public restrooms at Town Hall will be closed during the remodel The sidewalk in front of the building will be closed to ensure pedestrian safety Construction is expected to continue through the end of August 2025.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance this important public space!

🔹

Budget Preparation

Finance is preparing the proposed budget document, which will be distributed on May 30th, 2025, in preparation for the City of Fort Bragg Budget Hearing on June 3rd, 2025.

Business License Renewals.

To date, 84% of businesses (734 total) have responded to their 2025 business license renewals.

Finance is following up on delinquent business license renewals.

Water Meter project.

The City-wide meter replacement project is almost complete. To date, 2750 new meters have been installed, with approximately 250 left to install.

Watersmart/Leaks: With the help of Watersmart, we were able to save our customers 227 HCF of water in March 2025 through our leak alert system. If you want up-to-date notices about water usage and leaks, please sign up at: https://fortbraggca.watersmart.com

At their March 12, 2025, meeting, Commissioners passed a resolution recommending that the City Council approve entitlement permits for an eighty-six-unit multifamily project at 1151 N. Main St. They also approved the Annual General Plan Progress Report and Housing Element Progress Report.

Site Plan, Site Plan, Site Plan!

Whether you are planning an event, a remodel, or a new building, the first thing staff will ask for is a Site Plan. But why is a Site Plan, also known as a Plot Plan, so important? It serves as a crucial tool that outlines your vision.

A good Site Plan for a building permit application should include the following elements: 1. North arrow 2. Shape and dimensions of the project parcel 3. Streets (with name), sidewalks, paved and graveled areas 4. All proposed and existing buildings, including their use, distances to property lines, and distances to other buildings. Use dotted lines to illustrate additions, and place an "X" through buildings slated for demolition 5. All driveways & parking (with dimensions), identify existing & proposed.

6. Location of utility lines (sewer & water), both existing and proposed lines.

7. Landscaping areas, detailing the size and species of all trees. Label each tree to be removed with an "X." 8. Stormwater flows, illustrated with arrows indicating slope, and all bioswales and other stormwater 9. Locations of propane tanks, sheds, and other accessory structures NOTE: For simpler projects for which you are seeking over-the-counter feedback prior to application, items 1-5 above will suffice, and the site plan may be hand drawn, not to scale.

The C.V. Starr Community Center in Fort Bragg, CA, will begin opening on Sundays starting May 18, 2025. The new Sunday hours will be from 12 PM to 5 PM, with specific programming scheduled as follows: Adult Swim & Water Walking (Leisure Pool): 12 PM – 1 PM Swim/Slide/Splash Activities: 1 PM – 4 PM Lap Pool: Remains closed on Sundays; continues normal hours Monday–Saturday

Public Experience Liaison Boldly go where no one has gone before!

The City of Fort Bragg has a BRANDNEW position.

We are recruiting for a Public Experience Liaison to enhance visitors, vendors, consultants, and residents experience at City Hall. This position will play an integral role in city operations by helping visitors, vendors, consultants, and residents efficiently connect them to the RIGHT staff member.

This is a part-time position, working 20 or fewer hours each week.

Seasonal Laborer Want to be part of a brand new, community-changing project by supporting the City of Fort Bragg's Public Works Department as a Seasonal Laborer!

This position is authorized for up to 1,000 in a fiscal year. The position is part-time, approximately 20 hours a week. This position does not have benefits other than limited sick leave.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/ careers/fortbragg/