During the October 27th Fort Bragg City Council meeting, the council approved a utility capacity charge deferral program for small businesses outside the central business district. Previously, the deferral program was only available for downtown businesses. Small start-ups in the light and heavy industrial, and commercial office areas can now apply for the program.
The capacity fees are designed to ensure that new businesses pay their share of the cost for sewer and water systems infrastructure. In the past, the funds were used for sewer collection improvements and water treatment plant upgrades. The deferral program gives businesses a five-year window to pay. The fees are formidable during the startup phase and can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars for high-use businesses, like breweries and restaurants. Only small businesses that are locally owned can apply for the one-time deferral. Businesses are vetted through the city’s finance department and small business loan program, which includes outside financial experts from the Savings Bank and Community First Bank. The city also retains a lien, should it be necessary to collect on a default.
The city council reappointed Linda J. Thornquist-Stump to represent Fort Bragg at the Mendocino County Library Advisory Board. She was one of three applicants for the one-year appointment. Stump is a Fort Bragg native and has volunteered at the library and held various positions of leadership for thirty years. In other library news, the annex is scheduled to break ground next summer.
Mayor Godeke provided an update from the Mill Site Committee and announced that a public study session will be held at a special meeting of the council in December.
Councilmember Peters provided an update on the public safety meeting held earlier this month. The meeting focused on multiple reports from residents that the Ukiah dispatch service did not respond promptly to 911 calls. The city contracted with Ukiah for dispatch to save money. Peters said the veracity of the complaints lends them credence. Chief Swift will audit the dispatch calls and report back to the council.
Swift also responded to a citizen's concerns about the Flock cameras in the city. Two of the cameras are on the Noyo Harbor Bridge, where protests are often held. Swift says the cameras capture license plates only and respond when they see a plate that has been added to the system because it is suspected of being involved in a crime. He says the city retains the data for thirty days and, by law, cannot share it with the federal government.
Also, during public comment, residents thanked the city for holding a public safety meeting, for its cooperation during Paul Bunyan Days, and for quickly responding to concerns of burned-out lights on Franklin Street. One resident requested that the road at South Noyo Headlands that leads to the Noyo Center’s Crow’s Nest be repaired.
The city also recognized the 70th anniversary of Parents and Friends and the 75th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg.