CITY MANAGER SEPTEMBER ROUND-UP
The City of Fort Bragg Received the T-MOBILE SMALL TOWN GRANT
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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CITY OF FORT BRAGG - HOMETOWN GRANT CITY OF FORT BRAGG - HOMETOWN GRANT
On September 23, 2024 community members, City Council members, and City staff celebrated the grant with a check presentation and delicious Frybread tacos made by Bryan Nez.
organization Kai Poma, and Grants Coordinator, Lacy Sallas, the City of Fort Bragg was awarded a T-Mobile Hometown Grant for $50,000. The grant will fund the revitalization of the historic Fort building, once part of the Mendocino Indian Reservation, for use as the Tribal Learning Center. The intent is to increase community awareness and visibility of the heritage and contemporary culture of the local Pomo tribe, whose perspective is often underrepresented in the retelling of history.
Celebrating Local Businesses
Windsong opened its doors in July 1985, founded by Tom Rickard, Jeff Rickard, and their mother, Sally Nordman. Growing up, Sally took them camping in the area every summer and always dreamed of living in this beautiful place. The family started the store to help make that dream a reality. Tom was the first to move there and managed the store for several years until Sally could join him. Eventually, Jeff moved to the area as well, and the siblings worked together to run the store. Since their mother’s passing, Tom and Jeff have continued to keep Windsong thriving.
“We love living here and being part of Fort Bragg.” -Tom & Jeff, Owners
Windsong
Don’t miss the charming selection of posters, wind chimes, and unique gifts that change with new finds. Kids will enjoy the extensive collection of children’s books and a dedicated playroom, allowing parents to browse freely. The humorous cards and postcards are also a favorite! It’s a warm, welcoming space to explore, laugh, and discover something special at every visit.
Welcoming New Businesses to Fort Bragg
Hidden Jewel Piercing Studio
A luxury piercing studio offering full-body piercings with disposable single-use tools. They provide unique and beautiful fine jewelry. The women-owned business is run by Ashley Dunbar and Megan Young.
140 E Laurel Street.
Fort Bragg, CA
Phone: (707) 734-0882
El Torito Market
Local market with fresh produce and a large selection of Mexican specialty foods. Open 7 days of the week.
144 N Franklin Street.
Fort Bragg, CA
Phone: (707) 357-5857
Congratulations to Chief Neil Cervenka on being sworn in as the President of the California Peace Officers' Association (CPOA)!
His involvement in CPOA has provided numerous training, networking opportunities, and updated legislative information to officers within the Fort Bragg Police Department. About CPOA: The California Peace Officers’ Association (CPOA), established in 1921, is committed to developing progressive leadership for the California law enforcement community, regardless of rank or department. This is achieved through organizational networking, professional development, technological advancement, and public policy advocacy. CPOA is a non-union professional association with over 23,000 members from municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout California. The association's mission is to serve all California law enforcement by enhancing the profession through training, mentorship, transparency, professionalism, community engagement, and common-sense advocacy.
In May, the Fort Bragg Police Department partnered with Mendocino County to apply for a grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) through the Proposition 47 Grant Program. They were awarded $2.5 million over the next 3.5 years to expand the Care Response Unit (CRU) along the Mendocino Coast. The funds will support behavioral health services, temporaryhousing,andtheadditionofathird CRUteammembertoserveareasfromAlbion toWestport.
The Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center will receive $1.5 million for expanded services, while the Fort Bragg Police Department will use $1 million for a new team member, administrative support, and other costs. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office will also participateinthiseffort.
ChiefNeilCervenkapraisedtheCRUprogram, started in 2022, as a holistic model for addressing homelessness and social challenges. City Manager Isaac Whippy emphasized the program's role in providing compassionate care and improving public safety by easing the burden on law enforcement.
RECAP OF RECENT CDD ACTIVITIES
August 14 – The Planning Commission approved Café One’s application for a Use Permit, Design Review Permit, Variance, and Sign Permit to build a new restaurant on the southeast corner of Oak St. and Main St.
August 28 – The Planning Commission approved PG&E’s application for Coastal Development Permit, Use Permit, and Design Review to build a new 70’7” monopole and co-locate existing new antennas. The Planning Commission also recommended the Noyo Center for Marine Science’s application be approved by City Council for a Coastal Development Permit, Use Permit, Design Review, and Sign Permit to build a new “La-Bone-Atory” dedicated to preserving, restoring, archiving marine mammal skeletons, educating the public about the marine and coastal environment and a place for researchers to engage in scientific research. This new facility will be located on the headlands and requires an update to the zoning in that area. Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve a Local Coastal Plan Amendment to change a map of the Coastal General Plan to establish a new Plan Area on the Mill Site and to change the zoning for parcels within that Plan Area.
The Community Development Department approved 1 new Mobile Vending Unit- El Torito; 2 new Mobile Vending Unit parking locations on the south side of the 200 block of E. Laurel St.; and a new mural at the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation building as part of the Alleyway Art Project.
Considering organizing a large event? The City of Fort Bragg offers a Limited Term Permit (LTP) that can help with
Here are some of the upcoming events approved by CDD and their corresponding dates: For more information visit: Call the Community Development Department at 707-961-2827 click the link for the permit. https://www.city.fortbragg.com/home/showpublisheddocument/1502 /637719345954972227
October 5É Oktoberfest at C¤V¤ Starr October 26É Magic Market on Laurel St¤ & Franklin St¤
The Tribal Learning Center Dedication & Cultural Event on the Headlands have both been postponed to Spring 2025¤ Stay tuned for more info
Please Keep Our Sidewalks Clear!
A friendly reminder that sidewalks are for pedestrian use and safety. Our City supports yard sales and responsible upcycling of no longer needed items, but please confine them within your property. Placing them on the sidewalk forces children, handicapped, and seniorsontothestreetwhich could prove dangerous to their safety. Please remembertotrimvegetation along the sidewalks and gutters. Also, remember not to block a sidewalk with a parkedvehicle.
The City of Fort Bragg and FortBraggCodeEnforcement thankyou.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT NOT TO DO
Fiesta Latina
Fiesta Latina at Bainbridge Park wasagreatsuccess!Thankyouto everyone who came out to celebrate, enjoy the vibrant music, food, and culture. A special thanks to our amazing sponsors, whose support made this event possible. Your contributions helped create a memorable day for the entire community. We look forward to seeingyouallagainnextyearfor anotherfantasticcelebration!
Upcoming Sidewalk Repair Work
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Winterize Your Construction Sites
As we approach the winter rainy season beginning November 1, the City of Fort Bragg would like to remind all construction permit holders to prepare their sites to minimize soil erosion and prevent pollution.
All permit holders must stabilize bare soil by covering it with vegetation or straw to minimize runoff. Ensure that all stockpiles of building materials are removed or securely tarped within 48 hours before any predicted rain. Remove any unneeded stockpiles of building materials, recyclables, garbage, etc. in advance of predicted storms. Additionally, check and maintain storm drain protection, and other required measures to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.
If you need to extend grading work into the winter season, you may request an extension from the Public Works Department by submitting your request to City Hall. City staff may visit your site ahead of storms to ensure proper measures are in place.
PUBLIC
GLASS BEACH CLEAN UP 2024
A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered at the Glass Beach cleanup! Your hard work and dedication made a big difference in keeping our beautiful coastline clean and preserving it for all to enjoy. We are grateful for your commitment to protecting the environment and helping make Fort Bragg a better place for residents and visitors alike. Your effortstrulyshine,andwecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou!
CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT 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 Information Technology Department to select our Septmeber Employee Spotlight for their exceptional contributions.
MEET OUR SEPTEMBER EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
We are ecstatic to introduce Mateo Ortiz. Mateo’s journey to working for the City of Fort Bragg started with his passion for technology. He began as a camera/video editor, producer, and programmer at the now-defunct local PEG station MCTV. When the station closed, the City hired Mateo as a temporary A/V specialist. During this time, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's in Computer Science and a Master's in Critical Systems, eventually securingtheroleofSystemsAnalyst.
Mateo is fascinated by all things IT and enjoys solving both big and small challenges in his role. He takes pride in helping the City maintain its technological infrastructure while continuing his passion for video production. With the help of volunteers, he has been instrumental in re-establishing public access video production, even assembling a green screen room for upcoming projects with Mendocino Coast Media, where he contributes tolivestreamsoflocalbandsandevents.
Outside of work, Mateo’s hobbies blend with his profession—he loves flying drones, photography, and handling server configurations. Before moving to Fort Bragg, he lived in New Jersey and worked in New York. When the opportunity arose to work in Fort Bragg, Mateo eagerly drove across the country, a trip that took him three straight days with no rest!
CITY COUNCIL CORNER- SEPTEMBER 2024 CITY COUNCIL CORNER- SEPTEMBER 2024
Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions that may interest you:
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council approved Ordinance 996-2024 amending Chapter 3.20 (Purchasing, Procurement, and Leasing) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution approving Ordinance 672 Salary Survey results and authorized the City Manager to execute the same and adopt changes to the City of Fort Bragg Salary Rate Compensation Plan.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council adopted Budget Amendment 2024/25-1 for the Facilities Solar Project and amended Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget (Amount Not To Exceed $7,955,000).
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution confirming the City of Fort Bragg Conflict of Interest Code.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council approved the Professional Services Agreement with Creative Thinking, Inc., DBA The Idea Cooperative for Strategic and Creative Marketing Services for Visit Fort Bragg.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council adopted a resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Mendocino Coast Humane Society for the Provision of Animal Care and Shelter Services and Dog Licensing Program.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council held a Public Hearing and adopted the resolution, submitting a Local Coastal Plan Amendment Application (LCP 1-24) to the Coastal Commission.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council received a report regarding the preferred method for collecting Business License Gross Receipts Tax from Contractors.
On Sept 9, 2024, City Council approved and received the 2024 Local Road Safety/Action Plan (LRSAP) Report from TJK.
On Sept 23, 2024, City Council approved Budget Amendment No. 2024/25-02 for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
On Sept 23, 2024, City Council approved resolutions confirming the Pay Rates and Ranges for All City of Fort Bragg Established Classifications.
On Sept 23, 2024, City Council approved the Workplace Violence Prevention Program and Authorize City Manager to Update and Administer.
On Sept 23, 2024, City Council received a presentation of preliminary conceptual designs for the Noyo Center Ocean Science Center & provide direction on the proposed property swap.
On Sept 23, 2024, City Council approved emergency repair of a Storm drain Line on North McPherson Street.
On Sept 23, 2024, City Council received update on Municipal Broadband Project and Provide staff direction on the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding.
