416 N Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone: (707) 961-2823
Fax: (707) 961-2802
City of Fort Bragg
Meeting Minutes
City Council
THE FORT BRAGG CITY COUNCIL MEETS CONCURRENTLY
AS THE FORT BRAGG MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
NO. 1 AND THE FORT BRAGG REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
6:00 PM Town Hall, 363 N. Main Street
and Via Video Conference
Monday, September 14, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Godeke called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Mayor Jason Godeke, Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan, Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith and Councilmember Scott Hockett
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Lindy Peters
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Godeke reported that no reportable action was taken on the Closed Session Items.
AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Godeke reported 8A will be heard before 7A.
1. MAYOR’S RECOGNITIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1A. 26-375 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing September 15th - October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month
Mayor Godeke read and presented the Proclamation Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month to Cristal Munoz who shared the upcoming event Fiesta Latina on September 26, 2026. 1B. 26-388 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Human Resources "HR" Appreciation Day on September 26, 2026
Councilmember Albin-Smith read and presented Proclamation Recognizing Human Resources Appreciation Day to HR Manager Juli Mortensen, Administrative Analyst Lesley Bryant and City Clerk & HR Analyst Dorothy Jess.
1C. 26-387 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Information Technology "IT" Professional Day on September 15, 2026
Mayor Godeke read and presented Proclamation recognizing Information Technology Professional Day to IT Director Deb Smith, Systems Analyst Mateo Ortiz and Systems City of Fort Bragg Page 1 Printed on 10/7/2026
City Council Meeting Minutes September 14, 2026
Technician Troy Mollett.
1D. 26-371 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing September 21-25, 2026 as Stormwater Awareness Week
Mayor Godeke read and presented the Proclamation Recognizing September 21-25, 2026 as Stormwater Awareness Week.
1E. 26-393 Presentation by Mendocino Coast Clinics on California Proposition 44 Executive Director Lucresha Renteria provided report regarding Prop 44 and how it may effect Mendocino Coast Clinics.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON: (1) NON-AGENDA, (2) CONSENT CALENDAR & (3)
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
(1) Dennis Miller, Donna Brownsey, Ron White, Rick Childs, Jacqueline Bazor, Chris Bryant, Simon Smith, Abraham Cohen, Laura Bianchi Limbird, Bill Faulkner, Chess, Jay McMartin, and Jacob Patterson.
(2) None.
(3) N/A.
3. STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Isaac Whippy reported Caltrans confirmed modifications will be made to fence recently installed near Cypress Street and Highway One; Longest Table Event is scheduled for September 27; community and staff are thanked for supporting Paul Bunyan BBQ; City Clerk Diana Paoli provided an election update and reported write-in candidate period dates; Police Chief Eric Swift reported amazing job by staff de-escalating citizen off bridge safely; further shared appreciation for all staff, community members, Police Department and Sheriff's Department for safe and fun Paul Bunyan Days; also reported implementing within 2-3 weeks the Nixel Everbridge System to provide alerts to community; IT Director Deb Smith shared new website features and reported touch screen has been installed at the City Hall lobby for public access to City's online services.
4. MATTERS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmembers thanked the City staff, businesses, and community members for the successful Labor Day event; Council reported topics of e-bikes, speed limit, and park rules on Coastal Trail will to be discussed at future Council Meeting and encourage public comment and attendance; Upcoming events shared were Fiesta Latina and Magic Market. Also shared was upcoming Sister City Otsuchi Trip with students and teachers.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Hockett, seconded by Vice Mayor Rafanan, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
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5A. 26-383 Adopt City Council Resolution Confirming the City of Fort Bragg Conflict of Interest Code
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
Enactment No: RES 5059-2026
5B. 26-367 Adopt Resolution Approving Budget Amendment No. 2026/27-02 for Fiscal Year 2026/27; CEQA Exemption 15061(b)(3)
This Resolution was adopted on the Consent Calendar.
Enactment No: RES 5060-2026
5C. 26-380 Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the License and Operations Agreement for the Veterans Memorial Hall with the County of Mendocino; CEQA Exemption 15061(b)(3)
This License and Operations Agreement for the Veterans Memorial Hall was approved on the Consent Calendar.
5D. 26-357 Receive and File Minutes from the Public Safety Committee Meeting of February 18, 2026
These Committee Minutes were received and filed on the Consent Calendar. 5E. 26-363 Receive and File Minutes of the Community Development Committee of May 4, 2026
These Committee Minutes were received and filed on the Consent Calendar. 5F. 26-366 Receive and File Minutes for Special Community Development Meeting of April 15, 2026
These Committee Minutes were received and filed on the Consent Calendar. 5G. 26-407 Approve Minutes of Special Meeting of June 22, 2026 These Minutes were approved on the Consent Calendar.
5H. 26-405 Approve Minutes of June 22, 2026
These Minutes were approved on the Consent Calendar.
5I. 26-397 Approve Minutes of Special Meeting of August 24, 2026 These Minutes were approved by the Consent Calendar.
5J. 26-390 Approve Minutes of August 24, 2026
These Minutes were approved on the Consent Calendar.
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6. DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS 8A. 26-386 Reaffirmation of Opposition to Offshore Drilling, Exploration or Fracking Mayor Godeke introduced Item 8A. Video of Councilmember Peters was presented regarding City's History of continued ban of Off Shore Oil on the Mendocino Coast. Council discussed letter and requested letter include "mineral mining."
Public Comment: Mary Rose Kaczorowski, Peter McNamee, Donna Brownsey, Charlotee Flum, Peggy Ray, Marcy Snyder, Jay McMartin-Rosenquist, and Shelley Green.
A motion was made by Councilmember Albin-Smith, seconded by Vice Mayor Rafanan, that the Opposition to Offshore Drilling Letter as amended to NOAA and Attorney General be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
8B. 26-372 Receive Report and Consider Introducing by Title Only and Waiving Further Reading of Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Section 10.20.150 (Mobile Vending - Permit - Required) and Section 10.20.155 (Parking of Mobile Vending Vehicles - Permit - Liability Insurance Requirements) of Chapter
10.20 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Fort Bragg Municipal Code and Consider Adoption of Resolution Regarding Locations for Mobile Vending Units in Central Business District Right of Way; CEQA Exemption 15301, 15304, and 15311
Mayor Godeke recessed the meeting at 7:52 PM; the meeting was reconvened to open session at 8:07 PM.
Mayor Godeke introduced Item 8B. Economic Development Manager Sarah McCormick presented staff report. City Manager Isaac Whippy and Consultant Marie Jones shared additional information. Council asked clarifying questions and received additional information from Staff and Consultant. Council requested to revise Resolution to add fourth location on Alder Street and to include reference of Resolution in the Ordinance.
Public Comment: Megan Caron, Abraham Cohen, Simon Smith and Marie Jones.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Rafanan, seconded by Councilmember Hockett, that the Resolution as amended be adopted and Ordinance 1033-2026 as amended be Introduced. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
Enactment No: RES 5061-2026
7. PUBLIC HEARING
7A. 26-379 Receive a Report, Hold a Public Hearing, and Consider Adopting Coastal Land Use and Development Code Amendments (Ordinances) to Implement "Friendly Modifications" Requested by the California Coastal Commission for City of Fort Bragg Page 4 Printed on 10/7/2026
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the City's ADU Ordinance (17.42.170) and Tiny Home and Tiny Home Communities Ordinances (17.42.175) and a Resolution Notifying the Coastal Commission of the Above Action; CEQA Exemption 15265(c) Mayor Godeke introduced Item 7A. Consultant Marie Jones presented report. Council asked clarifying questions. Consultant Marie Jones replied.
Mayor Godeke opened public hearing at 9:04 PM.
Public Comment: Paul Clark.
Mayor Godeke closed the public hearing at 9:10 PM.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Rafanan, seconded by Councilmember Hockett, to introduce Ordinance 1034-2026 as amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Rafanan, seconded by Councilmember Hockett, to introduce Ordinance 1035-2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
A motion was made by Mayor Godeke, seconded by Vice Mayor Rafanan, that Resolution 5062-2026 be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
7B. 26-365 Receive Report, Conduct Public Hearing, and Consider Amending the Fort Bragg Inland and Coastal General Plan and the Inland and Coastal Zoning Codes to meet Regional Housing Needs
Assessment Requirements for the 2027 Housing Element Cycle; CEQA Exemption 15061 (b)(3) and 15265(c); Addendum to EIR 15164
Mayor Godeke introduced Item 7B. Consultant Marie Jones presented report. Council asked clarifying questions. Consultant Marie Jones replied.
Mayor Godeke opened public hearing at 9:32 PM.
Public Comment: Paul Clark, Shelley Green, Andrew Jordan and Simon Smith.
Mayor Godeke closed the public hearing at 9:42 PM.
8. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
A motion was made by Councilmember Albin-Smith, seconded by Mayor Godeke, that the meeting may continue after 10:00 PM. The motion carried by a 4-0-1 Vote. Absent: Councilmember Peters.
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8C. 26-364 Receive Report and Consider Approving City Council Resolution Adopting the City of Fort Bragg Planning Partner Annex of Mendocino County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2026
Mayor Godeke introduced Item 8C. Economic Development Manager Sarah McCormick presented staff report and Police Chief Swift was available on ZOOM to provide additional information.
Public Comment: Andrew Jordan.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hockett, seconded by Councilmember Albin-Smith, that the Resolution be adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Godeke, Vice Mayor Rafanan, Councilmember Albin-Smith and Councilmember Hockett
4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Peters
Enactment No: RES 5064-2026
9. CLOSED SESSION
N/A
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Godeke adjourned the meeting at 10:12 PM.
________________________________
JASON GODEKE, MAYOR
_______________________________
Diana Paoli, City Clerk
IMAGED (___________)
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