City Manager Round Up May
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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FortBraggisasmalltownnestledbetweenthecoastandtheredwoodswithastrongsenseof communitythatseekstopreserveitsenvironmentwhileprovidingresilientpublicfacilitiesand infrastructureandsupportingasafeandvibranteconomic,multi-cultural,andrecreational experienceforbothlocalsandvisitorsalike
ACaliforniacoastaldestinationwithrichnaturalresourcesandruggedbeauty,istransformingour futurebyweavingtogetherourpeople,ecosystems,andeconomytocreatecommunity prosperity.Wearemakingourmarkinthe21stCenturybycreatingclimate-readywaterand energyindependence,housingandeconomicopportunities,accessiblehealthcare,community publicsafety,andeducationforall
INNOVATION
Drives our city forward, encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement by embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance quality of life.
COLLABORATION
Nourish civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on.
SERVICE-ORIENTED
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.
FAIR & ETHICAL
Principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave.
HONESTY & INTEGRITY
Emanate throughout our community to engender the trust, transparency, responsibility, and accountability that our citizens deserve.
On May 30, the City of Fort Bragg hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Police Department to celebrate the completion of a new electricvehicle(EV)chargingstation —an important step in modernizing the City’s fleet and reducing its environmentalfootprint.
Theevent,whichbeganat11:00AM,waswellattendedbycommunitymembers,local and regional dignitaries, and project partners. The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Jason Godeke, who welcomed attendees and recognized several officials in theaudience,includingmembersoftheCityCouncil,MendocinoCountySupervisors Bernie Norvell and Ted Williams, Planning Commissioner Richard Neils, and City ManagerIsaacWhippy.
SpeakersincludedCityManagerIsaacWhippy,BrianGerving,PG&E’sRegionalSenior ManagerfortheHumboldtDivision,ChantellO’Neal,ProjectManager,JanetOrthfrom theMendocinoCouncilofGovernments(MCOG),andPoliceChiefNeilCervenka,who deliveredtheclosingremarks.
The project represents a significant collaboration among many partners. Chief Cervenkawasacknowledgedforhisforward-thinkingleadershipinadoptingelectric patrol vehicles specifically the Ford Lightnings making Fort Bragg one of the first policedepartmentsinthenationtoelectrifyitsfleet.
The City Manager expressed appreciation to the Council for its support, to the staff team, and to the project funders. One of those contributors was PG&E, whose Fleet Program helped fund major infrastructure improvements, including a new junction box,transformerupgrades,andper-vehicleincentives.PG&Ewaspraisednotonlyfor itsfinancialsupportbutforworkingalongsidestaffoverthepasttwoandahalfyears tohelptheCityreachthisprojectmilestone.
Funding also came from MCOG, which awarded the City $233,000 through the Surface TransportationBlockGrant(STBG),madenewlyapplicabletoEVinfrastructureunderthe2023 BipartisanInfrastructureLaw.U.S.DepartmentofAgricultureassistancehelpedpurchasetheFord Lightnings,andSonomaCleanPowerawardedrebatesthroughtheCaleVIP1.0grant,expectedto totalaround$22,000.
The installation team was proudly all-local, including Tall Tree Engineers (design), Akeff Construction(construction),andFortBraggElectric(electricalwork).Buildingthisprojectwith localtalentnotonlyhighlightsthedepthofexpertisewithinourcommunitybutalsoreinforcesthe valueofinvestinginourregionaleconomy.Thesuccessofthiscollaborationisapowerfulexample ofhowruralexpertiseandskilledtradespeoplecandelivercomplexinfrastructurewithprideand precision.
TheCity’sPublicWorksTeamplayedanessentialrole,withspecialrecognitiontoEmilyReno,who managed vehicle onboarding, mobile app setup, and last-minute troubleshooting with ChargePoint
AftertheribbonwasofficiallycutbyChantellO’Neal,attendeesgatheredforphotoswiththenew ChargersandEVpatrolvehicles,followedbyrefreshmentsandcommunityconversation.
Theprojectwaspraisednotjustforitssustainabilityandtechnologicalachievement,butalsofor beingatestamenttotheresilienceandcapabilityofFortBragg’slocalworkforce.Asonespeaker noted:
“Whatwe’recelebratingisourcommunity’scapacitytocometogetherandgetthingsdone.It showsthatinourruralcornerofthecoast,wedon’twaitforsolutionstocometous webuild themourselves,withgrit,ingenuity,andacan-dospirit.”
June is Pride Month — a time to honor the contributions andresilienceofLGBTQI+individuals.FortBraggisproud tobeaninclusivecommunitythatsupportsequalityand standsagainstdiscrimination.
On May 27th, during the City Council Meeting, Mayor Jason Godeke officially proclaimed June 2025 as LGBTQI+PrideMonth.HewasjoinedbySpectrumadvisor MarshallCarrandKatieTurner-CarrfromtheMendocino CountySafeSpaceProject.
On May 27th, during the City Council meeting, Councilmember Lindy Peters presented a proclamation congratulatingHarvestMarketonbehalfoftheCityCouncil for reaching 40 years as an independently owned local institution.
Since 1985, Harvest Market has been a cornerstone of Fort Bragg, supporting local farmers, promoting sustainability, andservingourcommunitywithcare.
The City of Fort Bragg has successfully finalized the acquisition of Mendocino Community Network (MCN) for $300,000, marking a significant advancement in its municipal broadband initiative. This strategic purchase, endorsed by both the Fort Bragg City Council and the Mendocino Unified School District Board of Trustees, aligns with a shared commitment to enhance digital equity and modernize regional internet infrastructure.
City Manager Isaac Whippy highlighted the acquisition as a pivotal move enabling the City to rapidly develop a community-owned broadband system prioritizing local service, affordability, and cutting-edge technology. The transition maintains MCN’s established community trust and expertise while leveraging $10.3 million in California Public Utilities Commission grant funding secured for citywide fiber internet deployment.
Superintendent Jason Morse expressed strong support, emphasizing benefits for both the school district and the broader community, with assurance that MCN’s customerfocused service will persist under City management. The City is collaborating closely with MCN staff to ensure a smooth operational integration over the next three to six months, with ongoing updates planned to keep the public informed. This acquisition represents a forward-looking investment in reliable, high-speed internet access essential to Fort Bragg’s economic and social vitality.
Makesureyou'resubscribedtoallthevariousEnotifications fromtheCity’swebsite.Clickthelinkbelowtosubscribe. https://www.city.fortbragg.com/about-us/enotification
Thisarticlemarksthestartofanewmonthlyfeatureinthe City Manager Round Up! Each month, we’ll dedicate a pagetoFortBragg’sEmergencyManagementprogram— sharing updates on how the City is working to strengthen community resilience and providing tips to help you preparefortheuniquechallengesourruggedregionfaces. Wealsowanttohearfromyou!Eachupdatewillincludea survey to help the City assess community preparedness andgathervaluablefeedback.
This month, we’re focusing on the City Manager’s role in EmergencyManagement—how they help Fort Bragg stay ready for emergencies and respond effectively when they happen. Stay tuned for important updates and ways you cangetinvolved!
DirectorofEmergencyServices
InFortBragg,theCityManageralsoservesastheDirectorofEmergency Services,aroledefinedbytheFortBraggMunicipalCode.Thisdesignation grantstheCityManager,currentlyIsaacWhippy,additionalauthority whenanemergencyoccurs.
WhatisanEmergency?
Anemergencyisanyeventthatoverwhelmslocalgovernmentresources. Forexample,ifaseverestormcausesmoredamagethanFortBragg’s PublicWorkscrewcanhandle,theCityManagermaydeclarean emergencytoactivatetheirextendedpowers.
WhatCantheCityManagerDoDuringanEmergency?
Whenanemergencyisdeclared,theCityManagercan: Imposetemporaryregulationstoprotectpublicsafety. Requestoutsideresourcesfromcounty,state,orfederalagencies. Increasespendingauthoritytofundresponseandrecoveryefforts. Thesepowersaretemporary,meanttohelpFortBraggrespondquickly andeffectivelytoemergencies.
Ifyouwanttoknowmore,checkoutChapter2.24oftheFortBragg MunicipalCodeortheCity’sEmergencyOperationsPlan
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilAdoptedCityCouncilResolutionApprovingaContract AmendmentwithTruepointSolutionsforthePurchaseandUseofAccelaSoftwareand ImplementationServices.
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilApprovedanAmendmenttotheJointPowersAgreementof theMendocinoCouncilofGovernmentstoAddEnergy&ClimateRelatedProgramsas SpecificPowers.
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilHeldaPublicHearing,ReceivePlanningCommission’s RecommendationregardingCoastalDevelopmentPermit1-25(CDP1-25),DesignReview125(DR1-25),UsePermit1-25(UP1-25),SignPermit2-25(SP2-25)for49apartments including41one-bedroomand8two-bedroomunitsat860Hazelwood.
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilAuthorizedtheSubmittalofanApplicationtotheCalifornia DepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopmentforfundingundertheHOME InvestmentPartnershipsProgram
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilApprovedResolutionOfTheBoardofDirectorsOfTheFort BraggJointPowersFinancingAuthorityAuthorizingTheExecutionAndDeliveryOfThe InstallmentPurchaseAgreementWithTheCityOfFortBraggJointPowersPublicFinancing AuthorityAndAssignmentOfPaymentsThereunderToEverbank,N.A.
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilProvideDirectiontoStaffRegardingStreetProjectPlanning andtheUseofUnassignedReserves;Including1)LocalStreetsandRoadsandFunding Sources,2)2025PavementPreservationProjectDirection3)Stop-GapPatchPaving Project,4)PurchasingEquipmentforSelf-PerformingWork,and5)Escalatingthe2027 RevitalizationProjectDesign.
OnMay12,2025,CityCouncilApprovedthePurchaseofMendocinoCommunityNetwork (MCN),AcceptanceoftheDueDiligenceReport,andAuthorizationfortheCityManagerto FinalizeandExecutethePurchaseAgreement.
OnMay27,2025, CityCouncilAdoptedaListofProjectsFortheFiscalYear2025-26Funded BySB1:TheRoadRepairandAccountabilityActof2017.
OnMay27,2025,CityCouncil AmendedtheMasterSalaryCompensationPlantoadd MaintenanceClassificationsandTreatmentDivisionPositionsandconfirmedthePayRates andRangesforAllCityofFortBraggClassifications.
OnMay27,2025,ApprovedaContractChangeOrderwithB.T.ManciniCompany,Inc.for theCityHallFlooringUpdateProject,CityProjectNo.PWP-00141andAuthorizingtheCity ManagertoExecuteContract(NewAmountNotToExceed$126,820.00).
WeproudlyrecognizetheincredibleworkofourPublicWorksteamhereintheCityofFortBragg. Frommaintainingourstreetsandwatersystemstooverseeingvitalinfrastructureprojectsand operatingourtreatmentplants,youkeepourcityrunningstrong,rainorshine.
ToourEngineeringteam,Water&Sewercrew,TreatmentPlantoperators,andthe CorporationYardstaff:THANKYOU.
Yourhardwork,pride,anddedicationmakeFortBraggasafer,cleaner,andbetterplaceforallof us.
The City of Fort Bragg, in partnership with the Mendocino Land Trust, has launchedapublicsurveytogatherinputonthefutureCommunityForestat the580-acrepropertyonSummersLaneandHighway20.Thisuniquesite— home to a rare Mendocino Cypress forest—will host three proposed reservoirs to improve drought resilience, while preserving sensitive habitat throughconservationeasements.
The survey invites the community to share ideas on possible amenities, recreational uses, and how best to balance access with environmental stewardship. The survey will remain open for approximately two weeks, and apublicworkshopisplannedlaterthissummertodiscusstheresults.
�� TaketheOnlineSurveytohelpshapethisregionallysignificantpark.
On May 30, the City of Fort Bragg partnered with the Blue Zones Project Mendocino County to host the “Wellness by the Waves” demonstration event at the Noyo Headlands Trail. The event showcased outdoor fitness equipmentasawaytogaugecommunityinterestincreatingaparcourse —anoutdoorexercisecircuit—alongtheFortBraggCoastalTrail.
Communitymembershadtheopportunitytotrytheequipment,speakwith CitystaffandBlueZonesrepresentatives,andsharetheirthoughtsthrough abriefsurvey.
To ensure everyone has a chance to weigh in, the survey will remain open onlineforthenexttwoweeks,allowingresidentswhowereunabletoattend the event to participate and help shape the future of fitness amenities alongthetrail.
�� Taketheonlinesurvey
6/14/2025 Nor Coast Rodders Classic Car Show - Downtown Fort Bragg
06/21/2025 Fort Bragg Pride March and Celebration
07/10-13/2025 Lion’s Club Carnival Redwood Ave.
07/05/2025 World’s Largest Salmon BBQ Forthoseplanningtopainttheexterioroftheir commercialbusiness,colorsneedtobe approvedinadvancebytheCity.Pleasebring yourcolorswatchesinforreviewwitha nominalfeeoremailCDD@fortbragg.comfor moreinformation.
PublicExperienceLiaison
Boldlygowherenoonehasgone before!
TheCityofFortBragghasaBRANDNEWposition.
WearerecruitingforaPublic ExperienceLiaisontoenhancevisitors, vendors,consultants,andresidents experienceatCityHall.Thispositionwill playanintegralroleincityoperations byhelpingvisitors,vendors, consultants,andresidentsefficiently connectthemtotheRIGHTstaff member.
Thisisapart-timeposition,working20 orfewerhourseachweek.
SeasonalLaborer
Want to be part of a brand new, community-changing project by supporting the City of Fort Bragg's Public Works Department as a SeasonalLaborer!
This position is authorized for up to 1,000 in a fiscal year. The position is part-time,approximately20hoursa 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/