September 26, 2025 - The September 22nd meeting covered a variety of issues that could impact the city for many decades. Late in the evening, the City Council heard a report from its planning consultant, Marie Jones, regarding the State’s Pro-housing Designation Program. Over the last year, the city has been working to remove barriers to development. A housing shortage in Fort Bragg crosses all income levels and includes rental and homeowner housing. The council has been focused on low-income and workforce housing. A report from Kosmont Companies said that there are 455 rental apartments in Fort Bragg. Eight are affordable, but vacancy rates are less than 1 Percent. The council’s goal is to add 200 units by 2026. Kosmont said the city is currently short 263 units. The pro-housing program allows the city to apply for funding, but conversely, it also further opens the door to development that may not fit with the desires of many in the community. For example, the 3-story, 83-unit apartment building on South Main, the proposed development on the Mill Site, or the 3-story, 49-unit senior apartment complex on Hazelwood. The resolution passed with 4 yes votes. Councilmember Lindy Peters voted no.
The Kosmont report also focused on funding mechanisms to develop Fort Bragg housing, presumably on the mill site, that included new property tax programs and bonds to incentivize development. Several members of the public objected to paying property taxes so that developers would build and expressed concerns that the bonds would ultimately bankrupt the city. Peters and Councilmember Albin Smith both expressed skepticism about the taxation and bond schemes. They all agreed that a focus on bringing business to Fort Bragg was a priority and applauded the report for its detailed picture of the current state of affairs in Fort Bragg. The Kosmont report did not include the permanent population served by Fort Bragg outside its city limits, which presumably would be a positive marketing point to prospective businesses, as it dwarfs the population inside the city.
The city approved a request by a property owner on Cypress, to connect to the sewer system. The Cypress property's septic system is outside the city and has failed. This is a concern for water quality. The sewer line runs directly in front of their home. The issue brought up problems with development east of Fort Bragg, the need to re-establish the Municipal Improvement District, and to work with LAFCO to make it all legal. LAFCO needs to approve the sewer line. Peters and Albin Smith both wanted to see additional work on legitimizing the Municipal Improvement District and making it possible for others in the same situation to apply for access.
During public comment, various residents requested a public safety meeting, lauded outgoing Police Chief Cervenka’s record, criticized Peters, or criticized City Manager Issac Whippy for holding three positions at the city. A local business owner asked that areas outside the downtown be allowed the same fee reduction considerations as those within the historic district.
The city also received a report on the hiring process for a new police chief from Bob Hall and Associates. Residents can voice their opinions by responding to a survey by the firm and participating in community engagement events. The first is scheduled for Monday, September 29th, at Town Hall. Hiring isn’t expected until the end of 2025. The city also hired Eric Swift to serve as an interim Police Chief.