City Manager Round Up February
Mill Site Visioning Workshop
February 25th
MESSAGEFROMTHECITYMANAGER
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!
Isaac Whippy City Manager
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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.
The City of Fort Bragg continues to take strategic steps toward resolving longstandingchallengessurroundingtheformerMillSite.OnFebruary25,theCityhosted the first Mill-Site Workshop that drew over 120 attendees, underscoring our community’sdeepinterestinshapingthefutureofthistransformativesite.
During the 90-day litigation stay—granted on November 28, 2024—the City has launched a comprehensive Master Development Agreement (MDA) Planning Program, which began with Phase:1. This effort serves as an alternative pathway to resolve issues underlying ongoing litigation with Mendocino Railway and the California Coastal Commission. The goal: to work collaboratively toward a resolution thatdeliverslong-termbenefitsfortheentirecommunity.
TheMillSiterepresentsarareopportunitytoreimagineFortBragg’sfuture—justasthe CoastalTrailtransformedpublicaccessandrecreation,thissiteholdsthepotentialto bring:
Affordable&workforcehousing
Good-payingjobs&Vibranteconomicactivity
ExpandedopenspaceandParks
Infrastructurethatsupportssustainablegrowth
LookingAhead
Following the public session on March 10, the City Council approved moving forward with Phase 1 of the Master Development Agreement process and continuing with seeking further stay in the case. While there’s no guarantee the litigation stay will continue—since the court or Coastal Commission may decide otherwise—this path offers the potential to reach a community-driven agreement that resolves litigation and shapes a brighter future for Fort Bragg. In the meantime, stay engaged share yourideas,attendCouncilmeetings,reachouttoAd-HocCommitteeandbepartof thisonce-in-a-generationopportunity.
SB969,signedintolawinSeptember2024andeffectiveasofJanuary1,2025, authorizes municipalities to designate “entertainment zones” areas where alcohol may be consumed in public spaces under regulated and controlled circumstances. This innovative legislation is designed to stimulate economic growthbyenhancingthevibrancyofbusinessdistricts,encouragingtourism, andsupportinglocalbusinesses.
The City of Fort Bragg is currently exploring the potential benefits of establishingsuchzonesinourdowntownarea.Ifimplemented,entertainment zones would complement community events and promote increased foot traffic,encouragingpatronstodine,shop,andengagewithlocalbusinesses. ThiseffortdirectlyalignswiththeCity’sStrategicPlanandCityCouncilGoal#1: InvigorateEconomicOpportunityandCommunityVibrancy.
As part of this initiative, the City is currently conducting public outreach to gatherfeedbackfromthebusinesscommunitythroughasurvey.Pleaseshare yourthoughtsandhelpshapethefutureofdowntownFortBragg.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KDNLTY9 SurveyDeadline:3/21
The City of Fort Bragg is reminding residents, businesses, and visitors that effective April1,2025, the local SalesTaxratewillincreaseto9.25%, and the TransientOccupancyTax(TOT)ratewillincreaseto14%.Thesechangeswere approved by Fort Bragg voters in November 2024 through the successful passageofMeasureT(SalesTax)andMeasureU(TransientOccupancyTax).
ThenewSalesTaxrateof9.25%reflectsa0.38%increasefromthepreviousrate and applies to most retail sales of goods and merchandise within the City of FortBragg.
TheTOTincrease from12%to14% appliestostaysatlocalhotels,motels, vacationrentals,andothershort-termlodgingaccommodationswithincity limits.
Revenuegeneratedfromtheseincreaseswillhelpfundkeypriorities identifiedintheCity’sStrategicPlan,including:
OUTREACH TEAM
TheCityiscommittedtotransparencyandaccountabilityintheuseof thesefunds.Annualreportingandoversightmeasureswillensurethat revenuegeneratedfromthenewtaxratesisusedasintendedand benefitstheentireFortBraggcommunity.
“Pride
thru Problem Solving in the Central Business District”
New Concept: Merchant solving CBD problems, together, Creating positive Action, With the City Manager and City Staff.
ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED:
WHAT can be done to attract new businesses?
How can we ring an end to absentee store fronts?
Shop local/Support Hometown Heroes?
Cultivate a stronger working relationship with the City Suggestion Box: What's working well, and where can we do better?"
APRIL 2ND at 10am
Emergency Management Volunteer Program (EMP-Vs)
TheCityofFortBraggisexcitedtoannouncethattheEmergency ManagementVolunteerProgram(EMP-Vs)ischargedandreadytogo. Fourvolunteerswereidentifiedfollowingarequestforapplicationsfromthe public.EMP-VsareintendedtohelpbuildandmodernizetheCityofFort Bragg’sEmergencyManagementprogram.TheCity’sgoalistocreate programthatnotonlykeepsourcommunitysafe,butcanalsobe replicatedinsmallruralcommunitiesacrossthenation.Volunteerswere selectedbasedontheiruniqueskillsandexperience.JoinusfortheCity CouncilmeetingonMarch24th,2025,tomeetyourEMP-Vsandlearn abouttheexcitingprojectstheywillbestartingoverthenextfewmonths.
QuestionsregardingtheprogrammaybeforwardedtoCaptainO’Nealat toneal@fortbragg.com.
The February 10, 2025 City Council meeting was cancelled
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Introduced by Title Only and Waiving the First Reading of Ordinance 999-2024 of the City of Fort Bragg Regulating Tobacco Product Sales, Requiring the Licensure of Tobacco Retailers, Prohibiting the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products, and Amending the Fort Bragg Municipal Code
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Adopted a Resolution of the Fort Bragg City Council Approving Side Letters for Fort Bragg Police Association Revising Article 9-Uniforms and Equipment and Article 25-Holidays of the Fort Bragg Police Association Memorandum of Understanding 2024-2028
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Approved Request for Proposals For Comprehensive Cost Of Service Analysis and Fee Study for CV Starr.
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Approved Scope of Work for Consultant Services to Provide a Utility Rate Study for the City of Fort Bragg and Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District No 1
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Adopted a Resolution Approving a Contract Change Order with Redwood Roofers for the City Hall Roof Replacement Project, City Project No. PWP-00139 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract (New Amount Not To Exceed $130,732 00)
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Accepted City Hall Roof Replacement Project as Complete and Direct City Clerk to File Notice of Completion.
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council held a Public Hearing and Introduce, by Title Only, and Waive the First Reading of: Ordinance 1000-2025 to Amend Division 17 to the Fort Bragg Municipal Code and Adopt Chapter 17.42.175 “Tiny Homes, Model Park RVs & Mobile Homes”, of Division 17 of The Fort Bragg Municipal Code, to Establish Regulations and Standards for Tiny Homes, Model Park RVs & Mobile Homes; Ordinance 1001-2025 to Amend Division 17 to the Fort Bragg Municipal Code and Repeal Chapter 17.42.110 “Mobile Home Parks” of Division 17 of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code and Replace it with Chapter 17 42 110 “Tiny Home Communities” to Establish Standards for Tiny Home Communities; Ordinance 1002-2025 to Amend Chapter 17.42.190- Restaurants of Division 17 of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code to Establish Regulations and Standards for Outdoor Dining; and Ordinance 1003-2025 to Amend 17 71 090 - Planned Unit Development Permit of Division 17 of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code to Allow Planned Unit Development Permits on Parcels of 1 Acre or More.
On Feb 24, 2025, Adopted a Resolution Approving Budget Amendment 2024/25-06 (Amount $26,120 07), for Emergency Repair of a Stormdrain Line on North McPherson Street and Direct City Clerk to File Notice of Completion
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council held a Public Hearing and Introduce, by Title Only, and Waive the First Reading of Ordinances Amending the Inland Land Use and Development Code Ordinance 1004-2025 and the Coastal Land Use and Development Code Ordinance 1005-2025 to Comply with Recent Changes in State of California Housing Law Related to Accessory Dwelling Units.
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Public Hearing and Adopted Resolution Providing Preliminary Preapproval of Inclusionary Housing Incentives for Proposed Senior Housing Project at 860 Hazelwood St.
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Approved Professional Services Agreement with Palni, Inc. for On-Call, As-Needed, Engineering/Design Services and Technical Assistance for the Municipal Broadband Utility Project.
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Accepted the Fort Bragg Police Department Salary Survey Results as Required by Ordinance 672.
On Feb 24, 2025, City Council Introduced by Title Only and Waive Further Reading of Ordinance 1007-2025 Amending Chapter 3.20 (Purchasing Policies and Procedures) and Chapter 3.22 (Informal Bidding Procedures) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code.
RawWaterLineReplacementProject
TheRawWaterLineReplacementProject commenced construction in June 2024 and reached 30% completion before its winter suspension in November 2024. Work will continue in the Spring when weatherconditionsimprove.
EVFleetChargingStation ProjectConstructionisUnderwaytext
The Police Department has acquired and equippedfiveFordLightningF-150trucks,aneffort thathasmadetheFortBraggPoliceDepartment thefirstinthenationtooutfittheF150Lightningas a standard patrol vehicle and among the first departments to use fully electric vehicles as a primarypatrolvehicle.
This week marked the beginning of the construction activity to install the chargingstationsthatwillbeessentialkeepingthesevehicles“fueled”andin action. This project involves the installation of four (4) electric vehicle charging stations at the Fort Bragg Police Department, to support charging theelectricfleetvehicles.Thefourchargerswillsupportthechargingofupto six(6)vehiclesatatime.ThechargerswillberestrictedforFleetuseonlyto ensure the Police Department's patrol vehicles have on-demand access to chargers24-7.TheCityisadvancingthisprojecttoestablishelectricvehicle charging infrastructure for its growing electric fleet and facilitating the shift towardscleanenergy.
WaterMeterProjectisnearingcompletion.
Asmostresidentsknowwearereplacingallofthewater metersintheCitywithnewstate-of-artcellularmeters.As ofMarch3,2025,approximately2,384havebeeninstall andweexpecttohavetheremaining640tobeinstalled by06/30/2025date.
Customerscanchecktheirwaterusageonline! Withcellularmeters,allutilitycustomerscanchecktheirhour-byhourwaterusageonlinebygoingtofortbraggca.watersmart.com andregisteringtheiraccount.Customersmayalsosignuptobe immediatelynotifiedofleaks.TofindoutmoreaboutVxsmart,you canvisitthecitywebsiteunderFinanceandUtilityBilling.
BusinessLicenseRenewals.FriendlyReminder
BusinessLicenserenewalsweredueonFebruary28,2025.Todate, wehaverenewed643businesslicenses(or76.6%ofrenewals mailed),with231renewalsarestilloutstanding.Ifyouhavenot returnedyourbusinesslicenserenewal,pleasedosoatyourearliest opportunity.
JessicajoinedthefinanceteaminMay2024to coveraleaveofabsenceandhasagreedto continueworkingfortheCity.Jessicaisthemother oftwodaughtersandalsoagranddaughter. Jessicawasacampgroundmanagerfor10years beforejoiningthecity.Whennotatworkshecan befoundonthebeachorinnaturewithherdog, Iris.
Jessica Syres, Finanace Techinican
WelcomeJessicaSyres,FinanceTechnician.
AttheirmeetingonFebruary12,2025,commissioners conditionallyapprovedasignpermitforthenewGulfOil gasstationonSouthMainSt.Theproject’sother entitlementswerepreviouslyapprovedbythe Commissionin2024.
AttheirFebruary26,2025meeting,Commissioners passedaresolutionrecommendingthattheCityCouncil adoptordinancesfortheInlandandCoastalLandUse andDevelopmentcodestomodifyparkingrequirements andconsiderotheroptionsfromthePro-HousingListto obtainthePro-Housingdesignation.
DuringtheirmeetingonMonday,March3,2025,theMayor providedupdatesonthetreesplantedattheCVStarrDogPark. Additionally,BlueZonespresentedpotentialdevelopments aimedatenhancingcommunityengagementandactivityin publicspaces.Followingthisdiscussion,MayorGodekeandVice MayorRafananinstructedthestafftopursuetwodemonstration projectsontheCoastalTrail,whichcouldresultintheinstallation ofviewingmachinesandaparcourse.Theyalsodirectedthe stafftohireanarboristtoassessthehealthofcitytreesalongN. FranklinSt.
3/15-3/16/2025 Soroptimist Craft Fair at Town Hall
3/15/2025 Whale Run 5k, 10k & Half
Marathon
3/15/2025 Whale Festival Wine Walk
Downtown
4/19/2025 Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt at Bainbridge Park
*Pleasenote,LimitedTermPermitswilltemporarilynotbeissuedfor eventsatthefollowinglocationsduetoconstruction:
TownHall:starting4/1/2025
BainbridgePark:starting4/20/2025
Consideringorganizingalargeevent? TheCityofFortBraggoffersaLimitedTermPermit(LTP)thatcanhelp withthat.
Forthoseplanningtopainttheexterioroftheir commercialbusiness,colorsneedtobe approvedinadvancebytheCity.Pleasebring yourcolorswatchesinforreviewwitha nominalfeeoremailCDD@fortbragg.comfor moreinformation.
Starting Friday, March 14th, the pool area of the center will be closed for essential repairs and maintenance. For the safety of our community, this work can only be done during closed hours. To minimize the impact on our members, the pool will be closed every Friday until June 13th. If the repairs are completed ahead of schedule, the pool will reopen on Fridays as usual. Thank you for your understanding.
COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTDIRECTOR
TheCityofFortBraggisseekinganexperiencedleader forthepositionofCommunityDevelopmentDirector Thisisachancetoinfluencethefutureofourcoastal citybyfosteringasustainableandinclusivecommunity.
KeyResponsibilities:
OverseePlanning,Building,CodeEnforcement,and Housing Ensuresmartgrowthanddevelopinnovative solutionsforcommunityandeconomic enhancement.
WhyJoinUs?
LeadprojectsthatshapeFortBragg’sfuture. Collaboratewithaforward-thinkingteam Engagedirectlywiththecommunitytocreatea vibrantcity.
IdealCandidate:
Expertiseinurbanplanningandzoninglaws. Strongbackgroundincommunitydevelopmentand projectmanagement
Qualifications:
5+yearsincommunitydevelopmentandurban planning.
2+yearsofmanagementexperience. Master’sdegreepreferred
MonthlySalary:$8,888-$10,805.
SENIORPLANNER
The Senior Planner, reporting to the Planning Director, will lead significant planning projects, manage development applications, and oversee the Planning Department'sdailyoperations.
KeyResponsibilities:
Lead major planning projects and long-term initiatives.
Review large development applications and land useproposals.
Providesupporttoplanningstaffandstakeholders Ensurecompliancewithplanningregulations Collaborate with city managers, developers, and thecommunity.
Qualifications:
Extensive experience in urban planning and developmentreview Strongleadershipandprojectmanagementskills. Excellentcommunicationabilities.
HelpshapethefutureofFortBragg! MonthlySalary:$6,571to$7,987
Applytoday! www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fortbragg/
