The Fort Bragg City Council on Monday unanimously approved the allocation of $58,000 in emergency funding to the Fort Bragg Food Bank, addressing growing concerns over the impact of federal cuts to food programs in the community. The funds, drawn from the 2024-25 budget surplus, were made possible by unfilled city positions.
The City Council also discussed the possibility of directing additional funds to the Humane Society, Mendocino Coast Clinics, and the Senior Center in the near future.
In another key decision, the Council officially rezoned the former mill site, a move that has been in the works for over a decade. The zoning change paves the way for a new science center and increased housing density. Councilmember Lindy Peters, reflecting on the lengthy process, noted that the original vision for the site dates back to 2014, when discussions first began about donating city property to the Noyo Center.
“We finally rezoned it to its proper zoning,” Peters said.
Marie Jones, the city's planner, explained that while the Coastal Commission had certified most of the changes in April, it added one new requirement: a definition for a “science center.” This definition was incorporated into the approved plan, which rezoned 120 acres of the mill site to accommodate a coastal trail, a medium-density residential zoning district, and the Noyo Science Center.
The Council also adopted a new fee schedule for the city's municipal fiber-optic broadband utility, set to launch on July 1. The city will support the utility’s operations with fees ranging from $40 to $110 per month. These fees, alongside existing legacy contracts, are expected to generate $2.3 million annually, covering operational costs and maintenance.
Councilmember Peters acknowledged that there are still many unanswered questions. He called the utility a “leap of faith” for the community, stressing the importance of reliable internet access for both residents and businesses. “It’s something this town has needed for a long time, especially for our youth,” he said.
As part of the new broadband initiative, the city will also create a Broadband and Digital Infrastructure Division, which will employ a range of new staff, including a director, broadband manager, network operators, and technicians.
The Council further approved budget expenses of $57.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including a $34 million capital improvement program. Approximately $14.3 million will come from the general fund, leaving the city with a $52,000 surplus. City Manager Isaac Whippy emphasized the city’s strong fiscal position in comparison to neighboring jurisdictions.
Finally, the City Council received an update on the Oneka Desalination Buoy project, an innovative wave-powered desalinization initiative. The Council approved a $3,500 contract extension for Miller Marine Science and Consulting to complete environmental impact studies required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The total contract value now stands at $53,000.
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