April City Manager Roundup

The City of Fort Bragg and Oneka Technologies are partnering to deploy California’s first wave-powered desalination project. The entire desalination process will take place about ½ mile offshore from a modular buoy. The energy from the ocean activates a wave-actuated pump that moves seawater through reverse osmosis membranes, delivering fresh water through an underwater pipe to shore at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Facility.

An environmental analysis pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is being prepared for a one-year pilot/demonstration. Several agencies are involved in the permitting conversation including the Department of Fish and Wildlife; California Coastal Commission; State Lands Commission; Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians; and more. Studies prepared to inform this pilot project include, but are not limited to: a Benthic Habitat Survey; Essential Fish Habitat; Sensitive Species Survey; Entrapment Study and Mitigation; Brine Discharge Technology; and Subsurface Intake Feasibility.

Stay tuned for updates as this project progresses, and sign up for “Blue Economy” e-notifications on the City’s website, as well as the e-newsletter from www.NoyoOceanCollective.org.

Public Works Updates

The City of Fort Bragg is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at improving pedestrian safety within the community. Starting in May, the City will begin painting red curbs at the approach to any marked or unmarked crosswalks, extending them to comply with California Assembly Bill 413. This new measure is designed to increase visibility and awareness for pedestrians crossing the street, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall safety for residents and visitors alike. By extending the red curbs to the crosswalks, drivers will be reminded to slow down and yield to pedestrians, making the streets of Fort Bragg safer for everyone.

On April 9th and 10th, the City hosted a Federal/State Resource Workshop intending to connect regional partners working on coastal climate resiliency projects to resources to move initiatives forward.

Discussion included emergency egress and circulation on N Harbor Drive, which involves finding a new location for dredging activities, removing soil containment cells, restoring the beach, and connecting the Noyo Headlands coastal trail to the harbor. Other topics included a seismic retrofit of the fire station and Veteran’s Hall, adding additional resources to CV Starr Center, construction of new reservoirs and underground distribution pipes, improvements at Mendocino Coast College to support kelp restoration activities and blueSTEM workforce opportunities, and more. Stay tuned…

CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

We celebrate 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 This month, we look to CV Starr Community Center to select our April Employee Spotlight for their exceptional contributions

MEET RUBY ACOSTA ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Meet Ruby Acosta, our esteemed Administrative Coordinator. She consistently showcases excellence in her role with unwavering dedication, embodying our community's core values.

Ruby, a native of Fort Bragg, started part-time at the C.V. Starr Community Center in February 2018, initially at the front desk. Recognizing her hard work, she swiftly rose to the position of Senior Administrative Assistant in 2019. This achievement motivated her to pursue her current role, a responsibility she takes immense pride in. Ruby finds fulfillment in her job, cherishing her role within the Center's team When not working, she enjoys quality time at home with her two cats, indulging in video games, and exploring new recipes

Ruby excels in the "behind the scenes" aspects of her job, relishing tasks like creating event flyers, monthly newsletters, website editing, and crafting short videos for the front desk display. Her proficiency with various applications adds a rewarding and enjoyable dimension to her work. Ruby is thankful for her supportive coworkers who provide constant encouragement and assistance.

CITY OF FORT BRAGG - NEW HIRES CITY OF FORT BRAGG - NEW HIRES

MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK -

Mayor Bernie Norvell, on behalf of the City Council, officially declared the week of May 5-11, 2024, as “Professional Municipal Clerks Week.”

Councilwoman Marcia Rafanan presented the proclamation to Diana Sanchez, who has served as the City Clerk since December 2023.

In addition, we also pay tribute to the esteemed June Lemos, who served as City Clerk from 2015 to 2023. June's unwavering commitment to public service and her efforts to enhance government transparency have left an indelible mark on our community. We fondly remember her legacy and the invaluable contributions she made over the years.

Although it is one of the oldest positions in local government, few people realize the vital services Municipal Clerks perform for their community. The functions of the clerk necessitate a thorough understanding of the law procedure and administration. They are serving the City Council, the City Manager, and all City Departments. They are the backbone of local government preparing council agendas, record minutes, contracts management, public records requests, maintaining records, and serving as City representatives for elections.

Let's recognize and appreciate them for their invaluable contributions to our communities.

Meet Your

City Council

The Fort Bragg City Council, comprised of five members including a Mayor and Vice Mayor, is elected by the voters to serve terms ranging from four to two years.

During Council meetings, the City Council establishes goals and policies to guide the direction of the city. They also approve and adopt critical documents such as the City’s Financial Plans, Budget, General Plan, and Capital Improvement Plan.

Additionally, the City Council has the authority to appoint key positions including the City Manager, City Attorney, and members of City Committees. City Council meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 pm.

CITY COUNCIL CORNER - APRIL 2024 CITY COUNCIL CORNER - APRIL 2024

Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions that may interest you:

On Apr. 8, 2024, City Council approved a Certificate of Acceptance for the Acquisition of Easement for the water line transmission that delivers raw water from sources Waterfall Gulch, Newman Reservoir, and Summers Lane Reservoir.

On Apr. 8, 2024, City Council approved a contract agreement with Coleman Engineering for additional design services.

On Apr. 8, 2024, City Council adopted a Resolution approving the submittal application for the California Department of Housing and Community Development for funding under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

On Apr. 8, 2024, City Council conducted a Public Hearing amending chapter 18.42.165 - Restaurants to Establish Regulations and Standards for Outdoor Dining.

On Apr. 8, 2024, City Council conducted a Public Hearing amending chapter 18.71.090 - allowing planned development permits on parcels of 1 acre or more.

On Apr. 8, 2024, City Council approved Lew Edwards Group and FM3 Research contracts for potential Tax Ballot Measures for November 2024.

On Apr. 22, 2024, City Council approved a contract amendment with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP for Legal Counsel in Filing of Eminent Domain Proceedings for Reconstruction of the City's Raw Water Line.

On Apr. 22, 2024, City Council approved the RFP Scope of Work for Professional Services for Sea Level Rise, Tsunami Hazards, and Erosion Resilience Strategy for Noyo Harbor.

On Apr. 22, 2024, City Council conducted a Public Hearing amending chapter 18.36.030 & 18.36.060 - General Parking Regulations and Bicycle Parking.

On Apr. 22, 2024, City Council City Council approved a contract with Lumos & Associates for the 2025 Pavement Preservation Project, PWP-00132.

On Apr 22, 2024, City Council provided direction on the placement of “The Last Whistle” sculpture.

Celebrating Earth Day

On April 20, the Noyo Food Forest hosted an Earth Day event where the City of Fort Bragg partnered with C&S Waste to offer valuable insights on SB 1383 Regulations and share recycling and composting tips It was a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about sustainable practices and how to reduce waste in their community.