January Edition
CITY MANAGER MONTHLY ROUND-UP
Greetings to all residents and businesses of Fort Bragg! I’m excited to present the latest edition of the City Manager's Round-up newsletter. We aim to keep you well informed about the latest developments and happenings in our city. In this issue, you'll find a compilation of noteworthy news, employee highlights, upcoming events, and important announcements. -- Isaac Whippy, City Manager
Wiggly Giggly Playground Grand Reopening February 10, 2024 POWER OUTAGES If you are experiencing a medical emergency during a power outage, call 911. Do not call 911 to ask when the power will be restored in your area. The following link can provide additional helpful information on current and potential power outages: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/ Customers can also contact the PG&E outage information line at 1-800-743-5002.
CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Let's 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. 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 Public Works Department Director to select our January Employee Spotlight for their exceptional contributions. The city's fleet of vehicles and equipment has been expertly maintained thanks to the diligent efforts of Craig Utsumi. His skill extends beyond routine upkeep; recently, he efficiently incorporated 5 new vehicles into the police fleet and added 2 more to the public works division. Demonstrating versatility, Craig successfully repurposed two of the police department's Explorers for civilian use, one of which now serves the PD and the other the IT department. Moreover, he skillfully prepared three additional vehicles for sale after stripping them down.
Craig Utsumi - City Mechanic
Craig's work ethic is not just about efficiency and skill; it's his positive demeanor that makes him a standout colleague. He's not just committed to his current role; Craig is ambitiously pursuing a commercial driver's license, adding another feather to his cap.
His journey as a mechanic spans over three decades, a testament to his expertise and dedication. Craig and his wife, seeking a change of scenery and a more agreeable climate, relocated from the Bay Area to our community. His favorite aspect of working for the city? The camaraderie with his coworkers. Craig cherishes the soothing sounds of the ocean near his home, finding tranquility and rejuvenation in the fresh air.When not working, Craig is a devoted family man, enjoying time with his grandchildren. He is also an ardent sports fan, supporting the 49'ers and the Giants with enthusiasm. A fun fact about Craig: he has an impressive history with sports venues, having worked at Levi Stadium during Superbowl 50 and previously for both the Raiders and the A’s teams. Craig's story is not just about a dedicated city employee; it's about a man who brings passion, expertise, and a positive spirit to everything he does, making our city a better place day by day.
CV STARR COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Come Check out our new Gym layout! New Hours: Mon-Thurs 6:00 am-8:00 pm Fri. 9:00 am-2:00 pm Sat. 10:00 am-5:00 pm NEW Equipment Coming Soon!
CITY COUNCIL RECAP - JANUARY 2024
Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions that may interest you: On Jan. 8, 2024, City Council approved an amendment to the lease agreement with Mendocino Coast Humane Society to include the operations of the Animal Control Facility previously vacated by the County. Allowing the Humane Society to enhance its animal care services on the coast. On Jan. 8, 2024, City Council directed City Staff not to expand the short-term vacation rental use into the General Commercial and Highway Visitor Commercial zones. The Council also directed Staff to bring back proposed changes to the code enforcement of these vacation rentals. On Jan. 8, 2024, the City Council approved funding for the City’s Share of Costs for one Wildland Response Fire Engine and one Rescue Truck of $235,567 funded by the Parcel Tax Fire Fund. On Jan. 22, 2024, City Council approved the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) scope of services to support the Noyo Harbor planning effort. The California Coastal Commission awarded the City of Fort Bragg $898,900 in Local Coastal Program (LCP) grant funds to support a regional strategy to address climate change in and around Noyo Harbor through blue economy initiatives. On Jan. 22, 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 Jan. 22, 2024, City Council approved a $20,000 contract amendment to Idea Cooperative to develop a high-level marketing strategy and brand identity concept for the City’s broadband Project funded by LATA Grants.
NOYO HARBOR BLUE ECONOMY https://noyooceancollective.org
The City of Fort Bragg and Noyo Harbor District have partnered with California Sea Grant to develop the Noyo Harbor Blue Economy Visioning, Resiliency, and Implementation Plan (BEVRI Plan). The BEVRI Plan is an opportunity to gather technical baseline information about the current conditions of this area, develop a shared community vision for coastal resiliency, and identify the next steps for implementation. Findings will provide updates to both the City of Fort Bragg and the County of Mendocino’s Local Coastal Program (LCP)
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VRZ89F9 Interested in being a Community Outreach member? Get in touch: jmiller@fortbragg.com
CITY NEWS & UPDATES The City of Fort Bragg Launches Community Task Force The City of Fort Bragg Community Task Force on Fentanyl, spearheaded by the FBPD's Project Right Now team, aims to unite community members from varied backgrounds and perspectives to shape the Police Department's strategy in addressing the local opioid crisis. The task force will concentrate on supporting at-risk youth and individuals currently battling substance use disorders, to minimize fatalities and harm associated with opiate use. Applications are being accepted by Captain Thomas O’Neal at toneal@fortbragg.com, and the inaugural quarterly meeting is scheduled for March.
Fort Building Converted into a Tribal Learning Center The Fort Building located next to City Hall is undergoing a transformation process to become a tribal learning center. This initiative is a joint effort between the City and local tribes, and it aligns with the recommendations from the citizen's commission on the town renaming and racism. Vice Mayor Jason Godeke is also advocating for an Ethnic Studies curriculum to be introduced at the high school, and he's working towards implementing actions related to the city's land acknowledgment. Additionally, the non-profit organization Kai Poma has partnered with the City to use two rooms in the Fort Building for displaying art and educational materials. Kai Poma consists of members from Round Valley, Coyote Valley, and Sherwood Valley tribes, and it's involved with the Land Back transfer of the Blues Beach area. The non-profit's objectives align with the learning center's goals, and it intends to establish an office on the coast.
Street Rehab Project The Streets Project is currently on hold due to winter weather conditions. Specific ambient temperatures and ground moisture are also required for pavement and street marking placement. Once there is a clearing in the weather for at least three consecutive days with temperatures over 55°F, work will resume. Several important tasks remain, including finishing the intersection of Oak and Harold, more work on Franklin St. (which includes a full slurry seal and new pavement markings), and Boatyard Drive, among others. For questions please contact the Public Works Department at (707) 961-2823
Every February, the City of Fort Bragg recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Black/African Americans and acknowledges their significant contributions made to our society throughout U.S. history. This year, the theme of Black History Month is Interested in being a Community“African Americans and the Arts", This theme Outreach member? Get in touch explores the influence of African Americans on with us: jmiller@fortbragg.com many forms of cultural expression.
UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS - FEBRUARY Quarterly Merchant Meeting Town Hall 9am
Wiggly Giggly Park Reopens Wiggly Giggly Park 10am-12pm Interested in being a Community Outreach member? Get in touch CVjmiller@fortbragg.com Starr Open Forum with us: CV Starr Meeting room, 5:15pm Housing Workshop Town Hall 5:30pm
OTHER NEWS
The Fifth Annual Fort Bragg Restaurant Week is set for January 26 through February 4. The food-lover’s festivities will be happening throughout downtown and Noyo Harbor, so come to Fort Bragg for Restaurant Week and experience the North Coast culinary scene. visitfortbraggca.com
Attention Business Owners: The Finance Department reminds you to renew your Business License for calendar year 2024. Deadline February 29, 2024. C.V. STARR has a new website: www.cvstarr.org Employee Wellness Programs Available. Lifeguard Class coming up! February 19-23 9:00 am-5:00 pm Contact: Kimberly Ramey 707-357-5267 or kramey@fortbragg.com
"JOIN US AND TURN YOUR PASSION INTO IMPACT: HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY!"
APPLY HERE https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ fortbragg/