Fort Bragg City Council – May 11, 2026

New downtown parks, a mill site survey, and a new approach to code enforcement

Visions of pocket parks in downtown Fort Bragg presented at the meeting by city staff

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Mayor Jason Godeke gaveled the regular meeting to order at 6:00 PM. (View the entire meeting on the city’s Facebook page.)

Proclamations

The council rolled through four ceremonial items. Commander Jonathan McLaughlin was honored for 20 years with the Fort Bragg Police Department. He said he hopes to serve at least 10 more years. Councilmember Lindy Peters read a National Police Week proclamation, noting the local loss of Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino. Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan proclaimed National Public Works Week; Assistant Public Works Director John Smith thanked his crew. Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith read a proclamation for Water Safety Month proclamation

Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items

Three speakers stepped up.

• Dennis Miller criticized the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District’s (MCRPD) proposal to buy the former Rite Aid site, arguing it would remove property from tax rolls. He also criticized the district using taxpayer money to compete with private businesses. Miller separately took issue with the city’s purchase of street paving equipment.

• Jenny Shattuck disagreed sharply, backing the rec district and the city’s street equipment purchases.

• Simon Smith, who owns a business on North Main Street defended food trucks as vital for downtown vibrancy and complained about shoddy pavement repairs from fiber installation.

Consent Calendar

No public comments. Councilmember Peters moved to adopt, seconded by Hockett. The clerk called roll: all five councilmembers voted yes.

Council Member Reports

Peters recapped the second annual Blues Festival as a success and reported the Fort Bragg Fire Protection Authority passed its budget and is solvent, noting Chief Steve Orsi plans to retire. Hockett invited the public to the Public Works Committee meeting Thursday. Albin-Smith suggested free MTA buses for next year’s Blues Festival and announced Sonoma Clean Power rates will drop in tandem with a PG&E reduction to compensate for overcharging. Vice Mayor Rafanan said Parks and Rec will meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Mayor Godeke praised Bainbridge Park’s heavy use.

Item: Two New Downtown Parks?

City Manager Isaac Whippy presented AI renderings of two vacant lots—300 and 435 North Franklin Street—transformed into plazas with a small stage, murals, bathrooms, and greenery. Grants could cover acquisition and construction; the city would need to launch public scoping. Councilmember Peters asked if both lots could be developed simultaneously; Whippy said yes.

Public comment: Dennis Miller again raised the prospect of tax loss. Jenny Shattuck supported bathrooms and urged cameras. An adjacent property owner welcomed the plan: “This is not in my backyard, this is in my side yard,” and he asked the city to engage with the neighbors. Mary Rose Kaczorowski called it “a brilliant idea.” Gabriel Quinn Maroney suggested a gazebo. Jacob Patterson suggested 435 North Franklin could host food trucks.

The council unanimously supported moving forward with community engagement and grant applications. Albin-Smith wanted natural elements; Hockett emphasized downtown bathrooms; Peters envisioned game tables and a botanical garden feel at 435 North Franklin; Rafanan and Godeke voiced support. No formal vote was taken.

Item: Mill-Site Community Engagement Findings

Whippy presented results from a 60-day survey that was included in utility bills and available online. The survey drew 365 responses. Key findings: 60% rate the economy as fair; top needs are healthcare and housing; 60% said developing the mill site would have a positive impact; nearly 80% wanted public trails and open space, 45% want an outdoor event space; over 50% opposed an electric trolley; concerns include traffic, contamination, and loss of small-town character.

Chris Hart of the Skunk Train commended the survey and highlighted a 30% gap between how residents rate Fort Bragg as a place to live (almost 60%) vs. a place to do business (25%). Jacob Patterson said he couldn’t find the survey and worried the sample was “skewed.”

Councilmember Peters said the community wants to “take it slow” and preserve open space. Albin-Smith said she’s “anxious to get going” but acknowledged the call for a deliberate pace. Albin-Smith noted that any housing on the mill site will not be affordable: “Those aren’t going to be low-income homes out there.” The council agreed to continue planning with the survey as guidance. No vote.

Item: Code Enforcement Policy

Whippy introduced the topic, noting that 79% of budget survey respondents find code enforcement important. Part-time officer Valerie Stump and Pete Roque of 4LEAF Inc. presented three models: complaint-driven (current), hybrid (complaint plus targeted proactive enforcement in the Central Business District, vacation rentals, and vacant property registry), and fully proactive. Roque recommended the hybrid.

“Code enforcement’s goal is not simply to increase enforcement, but to create a more consistent, fair and strategic program that uses limited resources wisely.” — Pete Roque, 4LEAF Inc.

Public comment: Simon Smith supported hybrid and software for equity; Jacob Patterson backed hybrid, urged focus on commercial corridors and cost recovery via fees; Gabriel Quinn Maroney called for “significant investment” given the backlog.

Council debate was brief. Peters argued code enforcement is integral to public safety. Hockett agreed but cautioned to “keep your eye on it.” Albin-Smith asked Stump directly if she needs more staff; Stump answered: “I would prefer that we had someone full time to do code enforcement and I could assist maybe in an administrative way.” The council nonetheless directed staff to proceed with the hybrid model using existing resources and SOPs. Lindy Peters summed up: “ The hybrid is the way to go.”

Mayor Godeke adjourned at approximately 10:10 PM.