November 12, 2025 - During the November 10th Fort Bragg City Council meeting, the council held three public hearings, setting the stage for future projects, changing the requirements for fire sprinkler installations at local businesses, and addressing the ongoing issue of vacant buildings in the downtown with new penalties for property owners.
Lacy Sallas, the City’s grant coordinator, provided a presentation and sought guidance on the next round of Community Development Block Grants applications. The federal program’s application period opens in December. Sallas provided a wish list of projects, which the council prioritized. The reconstruction of the fire stations' north wing and planning for the final trash capture devices were prioritized. Both of these projects have a 2030 deadline and would require the maximum grant funding allowed, plus additional funding from the city or fire district. Backup projects included a sidewalk rehabilitation program and planning for an emergency shelter at the CV Starr Center.
The second hearing changed the city’s guidelines for requiring fire sprinkler installations and automatic fire alarm systems. This follows a previous meeting discussion in which the fire marshal and the city looked at ways to encourage building upgrades while not overburdening local property owners. The sentiment was that the previous sprinkler requirement discouraged any upgrades, leaving buildings in worse shape and more dangerous for firefighters and the public. The new program tries to balance public safety by including intelligent alarms, which can contact the fire department if a fire breaks out when no one is around. Councilmember Hockett pointed out that this type of system saved a building last year in the harbor. While complicated, the fire sprinkler requirement has been changed to take into account multiple factors when remodeling, including building size, use, and the type of remodel.
The city is addressing the problem with vacant buildings in the downtown by setting up a registration and fee schedule and adding a monthly inspection from city staff. Per Councilmember Peters, this program is long overdue and has been discussed for twenty years. City Manager Whippy provided a list of local cities, including Willits and Ukiah, that have similar programs. A downtown businesswoman supported the program, pointing out that at least one building has been vacant since 1996. One property owner suggested it was anti-business. Property owners will need to register vacant buildings and pay an annual fee, as well as the monthly costs of the city staff inspections. They are required to post a local contact and phone number on the building. Vacant lots are in the ordinance, but a fee schedule has not been set for them at this time.
During matters from the council Mayor Godeke expressed concerns about reported cutbacks at the Fort Bragg courthouse and how that would impact coastal residents. He will write a protest letter and bring it back to the council. The city announced a hazardous waste disposal event on December 4th and 5th in Caspar. Chief Swift announced that Ukiah Dispatch will attend the next public safety meeting.
Whippy announced:
· that the utility bill assistance program is up and running
· that the city is outsourcing police conduct investigations to a third party
· there are nine candidates for police chief.
Mayor Godeke will be available at the November 19th farmer’s market from 3 pm to 4 pm.
The city also recognized November as Native American Heritage Month and November 11th as Veterans’ Appreciation Day.