Overtime Brewing's Future Looms Over the Fort Bragg City Council Meeting
Fort Bragg City Council — May 26, 2026
Mayor Jason Godeke called the regular meeting of the Fort Bragg City Council to order at 6 p.m. on May 26.
Proclamations
The council recognized June 2026 as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month. Representatives from Spectrum and the Safe Space Project announced plans for a Pride parade on June 13.
The council also celebrated the 30th anniversary of Pacific Textile Arts, honoring the Alder Street organization for three decades of contributions to the local arts community.
Public Comment
Several speakers focused on the future of Overtime Brewing, a downtown brewpub that may be forced to close when its lease expires.
Jenny Shattuck urged the council to help struggling businesses like Overtime Brewing and criticized the practice of levying fees, such as mandatory fire sprinklers and high capacity rates, on some businesses and not others.
Overtime Brewing co-founder Stephen Duerr asked the council to reconsider its approach to retaining businesses such as Overtime.
Jacob Patterson and Jay McMartin-Rosenquist also expressed concern about the brewery’s future, arguing that the city should do more to support locally owned businesses.
Two residents revisited a long-running neighborhood dispute involving Evan Dick, who accused a city official of failing to address complaints related to his property. Patterson disputed Dick’s characterization of the situation.
Consent Calendar
The council approved the consent calendar unanimously, with the exception of Item 5C, regarding the Fourth of July fireworks display, which was pulled for separate discussion.
Council Reports
Councilmember Lindy Peters highlighted the installation of binocular viewing stations along the Coastal Trail and raised concerns about speeding and RV parking near the fire station.
Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith announced an upcoming Mendocino Transit Authority meeting and noted a vacant public representative seat for the coast.
Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan reported on an upcoming Parks and Recreation District ad hoc committee meeting and asked staff to explore ways the city might assist Overtime Brewing.
Mayor Godeke announced plans to host a “Meet the Mayor” session at the Fort Bragg Farmers Market.
Fourth of July Fireworks Approved
The council unanimously approved a $50,000 contract for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
Godeke said the item was pulled from the consent calendar because some residents had expressed interest in replacing fireworks with a drone show. He said a drone display would face logistical challenges and potential permitting hurdles, including issues involving the California Coastal Commission.
Public speakers largely favored keeping the traditional fireworks show. Paul Clark said the event remains popular and suggested reviving community fundraising efforts to offset costs. McMartin-Rosenquist also supported continuing the annual tradition.
City Manager Isaac Whipple said sufficient funding was available in the current budget to cover the higher cost of a Saturday night show.
Retail Recruitment Proposal Draws Skepticism
The council expressed reservations about a proposal to hire a retail recruitment consultant to help fill vacant commercial properties, including the former Rite Aid building.
Whipple presented results from a community survey of 386 respondents showing that while most residents shop locally, many leave the area for clothing, veterinary services and indoor family entertainment.
Charles Parker of The Retail Coach proposed a $27,000 contract to conduct market analysis and recruit retailers.
Public commenters questioned whether recruiting national chains was compatible with Fort Bragg’s existing formula business restrictions. Others suggested the city focus on local businesses or negotiate a more limited contract.
Council members were similarly cautious. Peters and Albin-Smith said residents had repeatedly identified healthcare services, urgent care and veterinary care as higher priorities than attracting national retail brands.
Godeke suggested referring the city’s formula business ordinance to the Community Development Committee for further review. The council took no formal action and directed staff to continue studying the issue.
Police Report Shows Drop in Violent Crime, Rise in Domestic Violence
Police Chief Eric Swift presented the department’s 2025 annual report.
The department responded to more than 10,000 calls for service, issued 305 traffic citations, seized 24 pounds of illegal drugs and recovered 18 firearms.
While assaults declined by 30 percent and DUI arrests fell by 27 percent, reported domestic violence incidents increased by 61 percent. Gang-related graffiti also rose sharply.
Swift reported that the department’s Care Response Unit helped reduce arrests involving unhoused residents by 28 percent and connected 71 people with rehabilitation services.
During council discussion, members focused on the increase in domestic violence and discussed potential partnerships with community organizations, including Project Sanctuary.
No action was required.
Blues Festival Seeks Long-Term Commitment
Event producer Pam Bell reported that the second annual Fort Bragg Blues Festival generated approximately $132,000 in revenue, a nearly 70 percent increase from the previous year.
Bell said the event generated 793 hotel room nights and raised $10,700 for local nonprofit organizations.
Seeking greater certainty for sponsors and performers, Bell asked the city to commit to supporting the festival for five years and to designate the first weekend in May as Fort Bragg Blues Festival Weekend.
Council members praised the event’s growth and its economic impact. Staff was directed to return with a resolution formally designating the first weekend in May for the festival.
New Music Festival Delayed Until 2027
Whipple and Tom Kavanaugh of the Idea Cooperative presented a proposal for a new fall music festival called Tide & Timber, aimed at attracting visitors in their 30s and 40s.
The proposed pilot event would cost between $60,000 and $80,000 and was initially envisioned for September 2026.
Several speakers questioned whether the city should be directly involved in organizing events and whether enough time remained to launch a successful festival this year.
Council members shared concerns about venue availability, staffing capacity and the compressed timeline. The council directed staff to postpone the concept until 2027 to allow additional planning and coordination.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda.