City Manager Roundup- August 2024

CITY MANAGER JULY ROUND-UP

FORT BRAGG FARMERS MARKET EVERY WEDNESDAY 2:30-5:30 PM IN FRONT OF CITY HALL

CITY NEWS & UPDATES STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP The City hosted successful workshops with great community participation.

The Strategic Planning Meeting was led by consultant who developed a strategic roadmap for the City for the next 5 years.

The Strategic Plan will come back before the full City Council for approval in September.

Special thanks to all the participants, facilitators, and organizers who made this event possible. Your hard work and dedication have laid a strong foundation for the exciting journey ahead.

HOUSING WORKSHOP

Planning Department Corner

Permitting requirements for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are being relaxed and the turnaround time is shortened. ADUs are -

GOOD NEWS FOR ADUs! A ministerial permitting process is no longer subject to Design Review Allowable in all residential zones – up to one ADU and one JADU with a primary residential unit Allowable in commercial zones under certain circumstances Allowable on all parcels regardless of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions placed on a lot Exempt from off-street parking requirements Exempt from paying capacity fees if less than 750 SF (units more than 750 SF pay a prorated share) Exempt from physical, off-site improvement requirements such as installation of sidewalks or drainage

ADU Setback requirements are only 4 feet on the rear and side property lines. Front setbacks may be reduced if one 800 SF ADU cannot otherwise be constructed on the lot.

No setbacks are required for ADUs that are conversions of existing living areas and/or of existing accessory structures in the same footprint. No setbacks are required for expansions of existing structures that have less than a four-foot rear or side yard setback so long as the expansion conforms with the existing structure’s existing setback.

NOTE: Inland code amendment complete. Coastal code amendment in process.

Please see ILUDC 18.42.170 for details and contact CDD staff with questions Address: 416 N. Franklin St. Phone: (707) 961-2823 Email: CDD@fortbragg.com

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Now you can pay your bills online!

As a way to offer you more choices in how you pay your bills, the City of Fort Bragg now lets you make payments online. We have partnered with Xpress Bill Pay, the premier provider of online & electronic payment systems.

All you need is an internet connection and an email address. Once you sign up for your account and start using this service, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!

It’s simple to use. Every month we’ll send you a reminder email to let you know when your bill is online. Then, you just log into your account at xpressbillpay.com or use our mobile app to view your bill. You can also see two years' history of your account online, so you can compare your current bill to a previous bill.

When you’re ready to pay your bill, select a payment type. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic funds transfer. Enter the information and you’re done! It’s that easy and only takes you a few minutes each month.

Or you can set up your bill on Auto Pay and have it automatically paid for you each month!

We offered this service at the request of our customers — you asked and we delivered! To sign up, go to www.city.fortbragg.com and follow the instructions there, or go to www.xpressbillpay.com

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROJECT The long-awaited water meter project is currently underway. By the end of the year, all customers should have new “smart” meters. The City’s existing meters, which have been in place for about 20 years, are operating on outdated technology. The internal mechanical parts have worn over time, resulting in potential water loss and consumption calculation errors.

The new, more efficient meters have a high level of accuracy, which will reduce water loss through precise measurement and provide water leak notification to customers. “Smart” meters use remote technology to send a reading to City Hall four times per day. The frequent readings will enable residents and staff to identify leaks almost immediately, and the Water Smart software user interface will allow customers to view their data in real time. It will provide water use on a daily basis, self-help videos on how to search for leaks and potential fixes for them, and a projected invoice amount according to their daily use. These meters will also allow staff to turn the meter on or off remotely rather than sending out a staff member to complete the task.

Customers should be aware that their current meters may be underreporting their water use, which could correlate to higher bills, due to the increased accuracy and performance of the new meters. Installation of the new meters represents one of the ways that Public Works staff is working to implement the new water resiliency objectives of the strategic plan and responding to local and state conservation efforts.

CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Celebrating the dedication and hard work of our city employees, who tirelessly contribute behind the scenes. Their commitment is crucial to the city's functioning, meriting our utmost appreciation and acknowledgment. We invite you to join in recognizing these essential community members, the unsung heroes who ensure our city operates seamlessly. This month, I’ve asked our Police Department Chief to select our July Employee Spotlight for their exceptional contributions.

MEET SERGEANT JONATHAN MCLAUGHLIN OUR JULY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Jon is Fort Bragg PD’s Senior Sergeant and a key member of the leadership team. Born and raised in Panama, where his father worked as an engineer on the Panama Canal, Jon moved to California with his family as a teenager. He began his career with FBPD in 2005 as a temporary Police Services Technician, assisting with administrative duties. By January 2006, he was hired as a full-time Community Services Officer, later attending the police academy and becoming a sworn officer in May 2008. Jon was promoted to sergeant in July 2015 and has faithfully served the community for nearly 19 years.

Sergeant Jonathan McLaughlin

Currently, Jon is a Firearms Instructor and TASER Instructor, leads the Social Media Team, and manages many administrative duties for the Patrol Team. He is highly regarded by the community, recently earning the Chief’s Award for his exceptional work in community relations. Known for his constant smile, Jon is a role model for both officers and sergeants, exemplifying FBPD’s motto of “Concern, Compassion, Courage.”

Jon is married with two young sons. He enjoys working on his property just outside Fort Bragg, drone videography, gaming, and riding his motorcycle.

The City of Fort Bragg is immensely grateful to have a dedicated employee like Jon, who not only embodies the City’s values but also shows unwavering commitment to the community for the past 19 years.

MERLE LARSON - 20 Years of Outstanding Service to the City of Fort Bragg As a Treatment Plant Operator, Merle brings a lifetime of experience to his role. Raised in the world of lumber and forestry with his grandmother’s two mills on the Northern California coast, Merle has witnessed significant changes in Fort Bragg, offering invaluable insight from his extensive career in understanding and maintaining vital infrastructure.

In the 1980s, as timber and steel mills began closing and moving overseas, Merle adapted by continually evolving his skill set and expertise. His background includes millwork, driving logging trucks, and even turning down an offer to work as a forester for the US Forest Service. Starting as an apprentice Millwright, he advanced his skills and returned to college to become an Industrial Electrician. Merle retired at 55 but soon embarked on a second career with the City of Fort Bragg’s Public Works, where his knowledge has been crucial to the City's growth.

Now on the brink of retirement, Merle looks forward to traveling to Spain and Portugal and is an avid hunter and sport fisherman. He is a proud father of four and grandfather of four. His entire career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, using his skills to enhance the City’s operations with pride and dedication.

When asked about his favorite part of the job, Merle leaned forward with a sparkle in his eye, gesturing with his powerful, adept hands, and he quietly replied, “I get to figure out something new every day.”

We are privileged to acknowledge Merle Larson of 20 years outstanding service to the City of Fort Bragg.

VIGILANTLY SAFEGUARDING OUR COMMUNITY

Employee Milestones

YEARS OF SERVICE

2024

IAN SANDERSON CELEBRATING 20 YEARS Ian Sanderson joined the Public Works team in 2004 and is currently the Lead Maintenance Worker. In addition to keeping the City of Fort Bragg running smoothly, Ian serves as a Captain for the Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department.

STEVEN BAXMAN CELEBRATING 10 YEARS Steven Baxman joined the Public Works Team in 2014 and currently holds the position of Maintenance Worker III. Steven serves as a Firefighter for the Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department. The Baxman Family has a long history in Fort Bragg, formerly owning Baxman Gravel.

ANTHONY WELTER CELEBRATING 5 YEARS Anthony Welter is the son of high school sweethearts and brother of an active police officer, came to Fort Bragg from Hidden Valley Lakes in Lake County.

Anthony was sworn in as a Fort Bragg Police Officer in 2019. He was subsequently promoted to Sergeant and in 2024 received the Distinguished Service

come join our team

FORT BRAGG POLICE DEPARTMENT

Fort Bragg Police Department will be hosting National Night Out will be on August 6, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Bainbridge Park.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, and more caring places to live. Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide.

There will be dozens of organizations including law enforcement, fire, Coast Guard, non-profits, and businesses serving the public present with games, prizes, giveaways, and information. We will also be celebrating the City of Fort Bragg’s 135th birthday! A special presentation from Tsunami Cheer and DJ Tony Muzzin will help keep this an energetic, fun event for all! Join us!

GRADUATE

HANNAH NANEZ Cru Team Member Fort Bragg Police Department

Congratulations to Hannah Nanez on earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology Cum Laude from California Coast University. Her hard work and dedication are truly commendable. Her accomplishments and contributions truly enrich our community outreach efforts.

CHIEF NEIL CERVENKA

Fort Bragg Police Department

Congratulations to Chief Neil Cervenka on receiving the Executive Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training! This is a significant achievement and reflects his dedication and expertise in the field. It’s great to see his hard work and commitment being formally recognized. Kudos to him and the Fort Bragg Police Department!

RECOGNITION

CV STARR COMMUNITY CENTER

CITY COUNCIL CORNER- JULY 2024 Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions that may interest you:

On Jul. 8, 2024, City Council approved a third amendment with De Novo Planning Group for additional work on FEIR. On Jul. 8, 2024, City Council approved to award of a design contract to Whitchurch Engineering for the CV Starr HVAC. On Jul. 8, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance 987-2024 which increased Capacity Charges and Impact Fees.

On Jul. 8, 2024, 2024, City Council approved a letter in opposition to ATT&T CPUC's application.

On Jul. 8, 2024, City Council approved the Integration of the C.V. Starr Community Center as a City-Owned and Operated Facility and established a Salary Rate Compensation Plan confirming the Pay Rates/Ranges for C.V. Starr Class of Employees. Effective February 11, 2024.

On Jul. 8, 2024, City Council approved a $20,000 contract amendment to Idea Cooperative https://www.cvstarr.org/ to develop a high-level marketing strategy and brand identity concept for the City’s broadband Project funded by LATA Grants.

On Jul. 22 2024, City Council approved a resolution to establish a memorandum of understanding between the City of Fort Bragg and the Fort Bragg Food Bank for capacity reporting, maximization of edible food recovery, organic waste disposal, and fund sharing.

On Jul. 22 2024, City Council approved a resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Fort Bragg Unified School District, for the assignment and reimbursement for one School Resource Officer.

On Jul. 22 2024, City Council approved an amendment to Police Chief Neil Cervenka's employment agreement, allowing him to focus solely on his role as Police Chief and authorizing the Mayor to execute the updated agreement.

On Jul. 22 2024, City Council approved the submission of a 2023-2024 CDBG Program Income Only application for a Business Assistance Loan Program utilizing Program Income funds in the amount of $570,000, and authorizes the Mayor (or designee) to execute and amend the agreement if awarded.

On Jul. 22 2024, City Council approved a resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of an equipment lease/purchase agreement and escrow agreement with Bank of America, National Association relating to the financing of energy efficient projects.

On Jul. 22 2024, City Council adopted a resolution approving the Mendocino County Tax sharing agreement among Mendocino County and the cities of Fort Bragg, Willits, Ukiah, and Point Arena.

UPCOMING EVENTS AUG/SEPT

EMPLOYEE MILESTONES

The Baker Family welcomes their newest addition to their family.

Born on July 23, 2024.

City Council Meeting