At the April 28th Fort Bragg City Council meeting, the City’s independent auditor gave Fort Bragg the highest rating for audits. Whippy’s annual financial report was also good news. The city spent less than it took in for 2024, resulting in a $2 million surplus.
Council approved debt financing for the broadband project totaling $6.93 million. Economic Development Manager, Sarah McCormick explained how residents can track the project, including ongoing press releases and a city web page. She also explained why the contractor hit a water main in the first week of construction and the City's plans to mitigate this type of disruption going forward.
Assistant Director of Engineering, Chantell O'Neal presented on four upcoming construction projects at Fort Bragg city facilities that will disrupt public access. A new floor is being installed at the city offices on Franklin. Efforts will be made to accommodate public needs, but there may be some inconveniences. The long-promised upgrade of Bainbridge Park will disrupt its use through November. The children’s play area should remain open most of that time. At Town Hall, the public restrooms will close through July to be remodeled. During this time, Town Hall will not be available for rentals, however, official meetings will continue to be held there. At the police station, a security upgrade in the lobby will restrict public access.
Mayor Godeke provided an update from the ad hoc culture and education committee, highlighting the ongoing improvements of the old Fort building on Franklin. The building will be an educational resource about local tribes and their culture. It will have rotating displays and will host the public. The Council approved a land acknowledgement that addresses the original Pomo tribe’s loss of their land.
The Executive Director of the Noyo Center for Marine Science, Sheila Semans, updated the council on the aquaculture program and the La-BONE-atory. The La-BONE-atory is scheduled to break ground on the headlands this summer. The aquaculture program, which is part of the city's blue economy initiative, is still a work in progress. Permitting issues have held up some studies, but Semans remains hopeful that they will be able to grow bull kelp and abalone at the Noyo Harbor field station.
Under consent, the Fort Bragg City Council authorized the donation of surplus IT equipment to local non-profits. Approved a change order to Akeff Construction for the EV installations at the police station, increasing the approximately $160,000 contract to $182,000. And they approved a 1-year contract with Lumos & Associates for on-call engineering and surveying for up to $72,000.
Finally, Whippy announced that the CV Starr Center will now be open on Sundays starting May 18th and that the first annual Blues Festival, which the City sponsored, is sold out, netting the City $40,000. A free concert is planned for Saturday, May 3rd, on Laurel at Franklin from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.