Two agenda items captured public interest at Monday's Fort Bragg City Council meetinbg and spurred council discussions. The council approved a $20,000 allocation from special AB funding to purchase a freezer for the Mendocino Coast Humane Society and authorized City Manager Isaac Whippy to enlist Pam Bell to develop a new Blues Festival slated for 2025.
Under the consent calendar, the council also ratified agreements with PG&E for infrastructure upgrades to facilitate the CV Starr Center's solar project, greenlit change orders for the City Hall roof replacement, accepted $10.3 million in federal funds for a municipal broadband initiative, and approved a professional services contract for that broadband project.
Humane Society Freezer Funding
Judy Martin, Executive Director of the Mendocino Coast Humane Society, explained that the freezer would help the shelter manage a significant volume of animal remains, including those from road incidents and humane euthanizations. Martin emphasized the need, noting the current freezer is too small, requiring frequent trips to Sacramento for animal body disposal.
Community members voiced unanimous support for the expenditure. “Thank you for your ongoing support of our local Mendocino Coast Humane Society," commented local resident Shelley Green, highlighting the organization’s essential role in providing final care for animals.
Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith expressed reservations about the funding source but ultimately joined the council in approving the purchase.
Plans for New Blues Festival
Pam Bell, hired to spearhead the proposed Blues Festival, presented her vision to the council. The festival, aimed at boosting tourism during Fort Bragg's shoulder months, would be held in early 2025, though Bell and Whippy are considering shifting the date due to planning concerns.
Councilmember Albin-Smith and several residents questioned the project's timeline, citing the need for more preparatory time and concerns over available venues, especially Cotton Auditorium, which is in use by a local school. Bell assured the council that alternative private venues, like local breweries, were under consideration.
Additionally, some council members and public attendees raised concerns about the festival's coordination with the Visit Fort Bragg Committee. Deborah Degra, marketing director for North Coast Brewing Company and a committee member, voiced concerns over the committee being left out of planning. Degra emphasized the importance of coordinating with local venues and securing festival logistics well in advance.
The council ultimately approved the project on the condition that Bell collaborates closely with the Visit Fort Bragg Committee.