CITY MANAGER
NOVEMBER ROUND-UP
City Manager Roundup
City Manager Isaac Whippy
The City Manager’s update is a monthly, digital publication, and includes current information and news, programs, upcoming events and more!
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Welcome our Newly Elected Officals
At the December 9th City Council meeting the newly elected officials will be sworn into office. Join us at 6pm at Town Hall
CITY OF FORT BRAGG - ELECTIONS CITY OF FORT BRAGG - ELECTIONS
City Manager’s Message: Thank You for Supporting Measures T and U
Dear Fort Bragg Community,
I am deeply grateful to our residents for participating in the recent election and making your voices heard on Measures T and U. Their passage reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to Fort Bragg’s future.
I’m excited to share that both measures were approved in the November 5, 2024, Municipal Election, with an overwhelming 81% support for Measure U and 68% for Measure T. These results highlight the dedication of our residents to ensuring Fort Bragg remains a vibrant and thriving community.
Earlier this year, after hearing your thoughts through surveys, the City Council unanimously voted to place these measures on the ballot. Your input shaped these initiatives, and your support has now made them a reality.
Measure T, the Essential Services Measure, establishes a 3/8ths cent sales tax—most of which is paid by visitors to our city. Measure U, the Tourist Impact Measure, increases the transient occupancy tax (TOT) by 2%, paid entirely by hotel and motel guests. Together, these measures ensure that tourists and visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining the city’s streets, parks, emergency services, and other vital infrastructure. The funds generated by these measures will directly address key community priorities, including:
Supporting local businesses
Funding housing programs
Maintaining 911 fire and police protection
Preparing for natural disasters
Keeping public spaces clean and inviting Best of all, these funds will remain in Fort Bragg. Locally controlled and subject to independent audits and annual public budget hearings, they will be spent responsibly on the services and improvements that matter most to our community. On behalf of the City Council and staff, I thank you for taking the time to share your voice and contribute to our collective progress. As we move forward, we are committed to ensuring these measures deliver the positive impacts you expect. With gratitude,
Isaac Whippy City Manager
Join us as we celebrate Mayor Bernie Norvell’s 8 years of dedicated service to Fort Bragg!
�� Monday, December 9, 2024
⏰ 5:00 PM
�� Fort Bragg Town Hall, 323 N Main St.
Mayor Norvell has led with vision and heart, achieving balanced budgets, innovative homelessness solutions, improved water infrastructure, and enhanced public safety. Let’s honor his lasting contributions and wish him well as he transitions to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.
The reception will be followed by the City Council meeting at 6:00 PM, where Mayor Norvell will deliver his final remarks. Don’t miss this special event!
Care Response Unit Receives Funding from Measure B
On November 20, 2024, the Measure B Mental Health Treatment Act Citizens Oversight Committee unanimously approved to fund the FBPD Care Response Unit (CRU) for two years and up to $500,000 while more stable funding is identified. CRU has been funded with a state grant since 2022. That funding is ending in March 2025. A third CRU team member was hired with funding from a Prop 47 Grant FBPD was awarded last month. The funding from Measure B will ensure the other two CRU members will be assured until April of 2027.
CRU has made a dramatic difference in our community. In just two years, CRU has seen over 300 clients, reduced arrests of homeless individuals by 79% since 2018, reduced police calls for service, and assisted getting over 50 people into drug rehabilitation. Their work has improved many lives as well as completely changed the direction of many families who suffer from mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness. This program is vital to the health of our entire community.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPT.
RECAP OF RECENT CDD ACTIVITIES
At their October 25, 2024 meeting, the Community Development Committee held a discussion on potentially installing outdoor exercise / par course equipment on the Coastal Trail. The Committee indicated a preference for simple, lowprofile equipment that would not detract from the surrounding natural beauty.
On October 31, 2024, Community Development Department staff published an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the City’s Upcoming Waste Water Treatment Plant Bio-Solids Dryer Building, Storage Building, and Solar PV System. A Public Hearing for the entitlement permits for this project (Coastal Development Permit 9-24 and Design Review Permit 1224) is slated for Planning Commission on December 11, 2024, at 6:00 pm.
City Planners and Public Works/Engineering staff reviewed and approved the demolition permit for an existing building at 825 S. Franklin St. to make way for the new Grocery Outlet building. The permit is now under review by the County of Mendocino Planning and Building Department.
Do you have questions about building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), subdividing your parcel, or opening a Food Truck? The Community Development Counter is open 9 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 5 pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri. A consulting planner is also available by appointment on Tuesday mornings, please email cdd@fortbragg.com or call 707-961-2823 ext. 111 to schedule.
The City of Fort Bragg offers a Limited Term Permit (LTP) that can help with that.
New brochures and updated LTP Applications are available at City Hall and on the website, linked below.
LTP Brochure: https://www.city.fortbragg.com/home/showdocument?id=6189
LTP Application: https://www.city.fortbragg.com/home/showdocument?id=6195
Upcoming Events:
Lighted Truck Parade
December 7, 2024 at 6:15PM
Parade goes east on Fir St. from its intersection with Stewart St., south on Franklin St., west on Madrone St., north on Main St. and ends back at Fir and Stewart Streets.
CITY OF FORT BRAGG CITY OF FORT BRAGG ECONOMIC
Fort Bragg Unveils Exciting Initiatives to Boost Local Economy and Downtown Revitalization
The City of Fort Bragg is advancing its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan with a series of initiatives to support small businesses, foster economic growth, and enhance downtown vibrancy. Funded by $1.74 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations, these efforts focus on business support, housing, public safety, and technology upgrades.
Highlights include the Fort Bragg Business Boost Fund, offering low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to aid local small businesses in growth, job creation, and recovery from pandemic impacts. Additionally, the Downtown Improvement Grant Program provides grants of up to $25,000 to enhance storefronts, signage, and accessibility, creating a more inviting downtown area. Other projects include the Fort Bragg Mural Project to celebrate local culture through art and the installation of wayfinding signage to guide visitors to key attractions and businesses.
A key milestone is the upcoming launch of FortBraggBiz.com, a one-stop resource for local entrepreneurs. This website, debuting in December 2024, will offer tools for starting and growing businesses, including funding opportunities, permit applications, and tailored resources to support success. City Manager Isaac Whippy emphasized the importance of these efforts, saying, "By investing in programs like the Business Boost Fund and Downtown Improvement Grants, we’re helping local businesses thrive and creating a more dynamic community for residents and visitors alike."
To learn more about these programs or apply for assistance, visit FortBraggBiz.com. Stay tuned for updates and new opportunities to engage with Fort Bragg’s growing economic landscape!
Safe for the Holidays: Cybersecurity, Tips for Holiday Scams
No one works harder during the holidays than scammers.
This holiday season, don’t let scammers rob you of your hardearned money, personal information, and festive spirit.
Learn how to avoid becoming a cyber scammer’s next victim, and help your family and friends stay safe online. This webinar will review some of the most common scams you’re likely to see during the holidays, and teach you how to avoid them.
Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Online Zoom Webinar
This webinar is free to residents of Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties!
For folks outside of Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties, you can participate in this session for a $15 fee.
Click the link to register: https://westcenter.org/trainings/safe-for-the-holidays/
Improvements to the Dog Park
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Tree Planting Event at the C.V. Starr Community Center Dog Park today! Together, we planted eight trees, contributing to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city. Your efforts represent a step toward a brighter, cleaner future. We are incredibly proud of our community's commitment to preserving nature and improving the environment for future generations. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved in making our city even better!
Tree Planting
CITY COUNCIL CORNER- NOVEMBER 2024 CITY COUNCIL CORNER- NOVEMBER 2024
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution Declaring Property as Exempt Surplus Land and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Execute the Right-Of-Way Contract and Grant Deed for Temporary Construction Easements and Disposition of Real Property to the California Department of Transportation
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution of the Fort Bragg City Council Establishing a Compensation Plan and Terms and Conditions of Employment for Exempt At-Will Executive Classifications.
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council accepted Fort Bragg Fire Station Roof Replacement Project as Complete and Direct City Clerk to File Notice of Completion.
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council held a Public Hearing, and Consider Adopting a Resolution of the Fort Bragg City Council Providing Preliminary Preapproval of Inclusionary Housing Incentives for Proposed Fort Bragg Apartments Project at 1151 South Main Street.
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council held a Public Hearing, and considered adoption of a Proposed Resolution Adopting an Inclusionary Housing In Lieu Fee.
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council discussed and approved 2024/25 Business Support and Economic Development Initiatives for the City of Fort Bragg
On Nov 12, 2024, City Council received the report and provided direction regarding priorities for the ProHousing Zoning Amendment.
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution approving First Amendment with Dudek for On-call, Asneeded Expertise to Assist City with LCP 22-07 Grant Project, and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract (Amount Not To Exceed $180,000).
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council accepted the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement.
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution of the Fort Bragg City Council Approving a Contract Change Order with Redwood Roofers For The City Hall Roof Replacement Project, City Project No. PWP00139 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute (New Amount Not To Exceed $128,111.00).
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council held a Public Hearing, for Disclosure of Accomplishments and Closeout of Activities Funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00235 .
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council received a report on City of Fort Bragg Municipal Broadband Utility Project and Provide Direction on: 1) Authorizing the City Manager to Finalize Terms for the Acquisition of Mendocino Community Network; and 2) Debt Financing Strategy
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution approving with Schaaf & Wheeler to Provide 30% Conceptual Design Services for the Stormwater Trash Capture Device Project, PWP-00119 and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract (Amount Not to Exceed $56,135)
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council approved resolution programming the Next Street Rehabilitation Project Locations and Committing Match Funding for Local Partnership Program Formulaic and Competitive Fund Applications.
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council approved agreement With Hoch Consulting to Conduct a Recycled Water Feasibility Study and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract (Amount not to Exceed $499,132).
On Nov 25, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution recommending and Consenting to an Extension of the Term in the Operating Agreement and Lease for the Caspar Transfer Station Between Mendocino County and Redwood Waste Solutions, Inc. Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions
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City Clerk - Closes on Dec 17th at 5 pm.
Police Officer – continuous opening
