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Published By Your City Hall |
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Making Room for Greater Collaboration and an Action Plan on Homelessness
Oregon has the dubious distinction of being among the top four states in the nation with high homeless rates. As many of you may witness, there are visual examples of homelessness throughout our community. While first glance might suggest that this current situation has gone unnoticed by those who should act, that is quite far from the case. A court case called Martin v. Boise has definitely impacted the ability of communities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Washington and here in Oregon to respond to street homelessness. In a nutshell, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit) ruling essentially says that imposition of criminal penalties for sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property for homeless individuals who cannot obtain shelter is unconstitutional. While the case was appealed to the Supreme Court, they declined to take up the case, thus the original Ninth Circuit Martin v. Boise decision will stand.
Following that decision, the Oregon State Legislature followed the steps of the Ninth Circuit by enacting state legislation, Oregon House Bill 3115 (HB 3115), which will continue to impact local governments’ ability to limit resting (camping) on public properties. Although HB 3115 did not put an outright ban on local anti-camping ordinances, it did make most if not all unlawful (as did the current Martin v Boise decision) and it requires local governments around the state to adopt regulations that are “objectively reasonable” to establish when, where, and how people can live outdoors on public owned land which includes streets, sidewalks, and public right-of-way, etc.
Homelessness is a major and growing concern for our community and has been identified as one of the City Council’s top priorities. Unlike a public works project or an economic development initiative, homelessness is a complex social issue with many contributing factors that cannot be easily or quickly solved by a single agency or organization. Solutions require both immediate and long-term strategies, and partnerships with county agencies, nearby cities, community organizations and individuals in the community. The Council created a Homeless Work Group several years ago, comprised of members from various agencies, governmental entities, non-profits, and interested citizens, to discuss how best to assist the homeless individuals living in our community. From this group, several action items have been recommended to the City Council. Some of those recommendations resulted in new programs, ordinances and / or action steps which include, but are not limited to the following:
- A partnership with a local non-profit organization for a Homeward Bound Program which provides travel assistance to homeless individuals back to a community where they have confirmed support and housing waiting for them.
- Development of a Warming Center Policy.
- Regulations to Allow Temporary Lodging Facilities on Faith-Based Properties.
- Development of an Urban Camping Site (Coalbank Village).
- Revisions to the City’s Development Code to Allow Accessory Dwelling Units (aimed at increasing housing in the community).
- Development of a Community Resource Officer position (a police officer who works directly with homeless individuals and resource agencies).
- Enacting a Vacant Property (home) Registration ordinance.
- Enacting an Exclusionary Ordinance (an ordinance which provides the police the ability to temporarily trespass individuals from the parks, public facilities, etc. for repeated law or rule violations).
- Development of a Property Watch Program for commercial properties through our police department.
- Revisions to the City’s Towing Ordinance.
- Revisions to the City’s Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance.
- Revisions to Regulations to Allow for Vacant Land On-Site Security Living.
- Revisions to the City’s Camping Ordinance which meets with HB 3115 as it provides “objectively reasonable time, manner and place” restrictions on where resting / camping can occur.
 While these efforts have produced positive results and provided tools to City staff, there is still work left to do to address homelessness and its impacts in our community. It’s time to take it to the next level and I believe we can do that with the recent grant award under Oregon House Bill 4123 (HB 4123) for a Coordinated Homeless Response Pilot Project which Coos County was awarded, in collaboration with the cities of Coos Bay and North Bend. To focus on this coordinated effort, the City Council made the decision to dissolve Coos Bay’s Homeless Work Group at last week’s Council meeting. As a part of HB 4123, Coos County will be establishing a new advisory committee which will work throughout Coos County including Coos Bay and North Bend.
I want to thank all those who have served on Coos Bay’s Homeless Work Group and City Councilors Stephanie Kilmer and Drew Farmer who co-chaired the committee. Collectively you have accomplished much. It might surprise you to know that Coos Bay is one of only a handful of cities in Oregon which has an HB 3115 compliant “time manner and place” camping ordinance. Our Homeless Work Group helped in paving the path for our next steps as we continue to address and respond to homelessness in Coos Bay.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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Strength and Courage of the Fallen
Photo by Jenni McClelland National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Firefighters from all over the world traveled to pay their respects and to offer their condolences and support to the families of 148 fallen firefighters that were honored on Sunday October 9, 2022. The flags at Coos Bay City Hall, fire stations, and Firefighter Memorial among other public locations were flown at half-staff on Sunday in tribute to America’s fallen fire heroes who died in the line of duty. These heroes were honored at the 41st Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, October 8-9, 2022. The names of 148 firefighters became a permanent part of the National Memorial in honor of their sacrifices. Of the 148 firefighters memorialized, 108 died in 2021 and 40 names were added to those that died in previous years.
As the 20th anniversary of the loss of three of our own; Captain Randy Carpenter, and Volunteer Firefighters Jeff Common and Chuck Hanners; Coos Bay Fire Department, family, and friends of our fallen brothers will never forget their ultimate sacrifice for our community.
Although this is a time to remember the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters, it is also a time to honor the courage and strength of their loved ones. For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, go to www.firehero.org.
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Kayaking the Estuary
 Come experience the rich cultural and natural history of the South Slough on a trail that flows with the tide on Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the five-mile paddle, experienced guides will show you areas of the Reserve rarely seen by visitors. Bring your own kayak, canoe and gear or rent one of our sit-on-top kayaks, PFD, and paddle. Feet and legs may get wet and muddy at launch points. Driver and shuttle will be provided. For your safety and the safety of others on the water, please leave your pets at home. Meet at the Distant Water Fleet Parking Lot in Charleston next to Qualman’s Oysters. (There is a 48 hour cancellation policy in order to receive a FULL refund.) Programs may be cancelled due to low enrollment or hazardous weather.
For questions, contact South Slough Reserve at 541.888.5558, ext. 121. [Min-3 boats / Max-16] ($15 / boat or $45 with kayak rental)
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The City of Coos Bay would like to thank the Oregon Bay Area Beautification members who with City staff organized and volunteered to help clean up the Coos Bay Boardwalk. On October 8, a group of 24 volunteers were able to clean up 20 bags of trash from the boardwalk areas and railroad tracks, paint tables, and complete some landscape work. The City is so grateful for this hard work and this showing of genuine community pride.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Operations Administrator Greg Hamblet at 541-269-1181, ext. 2201.
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Confined Space Rescue is No Small Feat
 Several Coos Bay Firefighters participated in a three day, nationally recognized training on Confined Space Rescue Operations. The Confined Space Rescue Operator (CSRO) course provides the knowledge and skills required by personnel to operate safely and effectively during confined space rescues and be an active part of a confined space rescue team. This training helped to reinforce the knowledge that many of the firefighters already have from their experience on the hazardous materials team and being rope rescue technicians. It has greatly increased their comfort level in responding to rescues within a small, confined space. The firefighters trained using a rope rescue prop at North Bend Fire, a drafting pit at Coos Bay Fire Station, and a dry well at one of the water treatment pump stations in Coos Bay.
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Dig in and lend a hand in the fresh air—then join the party!
Join the Coos Watershed Association (CWA) board and staff members to remove invasive plants and raise funds to support their important mission in a special “pool party”! This year’s annual event takes place in Mingus Park, Coos Bay, Saturday, October 22. The outdoor activity starts with an ivy pull and native species planting, 12-4 p.m. and continues with an after-party and fundraiser, 4-7 p.m. at the Mingus Park Pool deck (though not in the actual pool).
The After Party will feature live music with T-Bird and the Demarzo Trio, as well as food and drink available through 7-Devils and The Plate food trucks, plus information about the Coos Watershed—and a raffle!
In addition to having a great time and helping remove invasive plants and planting natives in our community, participants can ask questions of CWA board and staff, will have access to more information about the CWS’s wide variety of programs and benefits.
Please bring your gloves, and water bottle, and dress for the weather. Please also bring your favorite loppers or pruners, if you like.
The Coos Watershed Association is a 501(c)(3) organization that helps watershed residents work together to improve the health of the Coos Watershed. These efforts are rooted in science and driven by the belief that balance between economic and environmental interests is possible. The CWA does that by creating a local, non-governmental network and funding resource so that landowners can easily communicate their issues and opportunities and can explore ideas and techniques for land management and watershed health. Visit https://cooswatershed.org/ for more information about the CWA.
For more information about CWA events, visit https://cooswatershed.org/#events
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Trick or Treat with CBDA
 Can you believe it? Halloween is just around the corner. The Coos Bay Downtown Association (CBDA) would like you and your children to join us for our annual Trick or Treat in Downtown, Front Street and Coos Bay Village. It is held on Monday, October 31 from 3-5 p.m. Just look for the large orange pumpkin poster (above) and there will be candies for the children. For more information, click button below. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
WQ Treatment Operator
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for a Treatment Operator position. This position can be filled as a Treatment Operator-in-Training, I, or II, depending upon qualifications of selected applications. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org. This job will be opened until November 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. All information must be submitted for the application to be accepted.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Planner II
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of full-time Planner II. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or by email at administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, by email: administration@coosbay.org or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org For complete announcement and application packet, click button below.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Code Inspector I or II
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of full-time Code Inspector I or II. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a City application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or email to administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, by email request to administration@coosbay.org or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website www.coosbay.org. The City may consider filling the position at the Code Inspector I level (salary range $4,809 - $5,996) depending upon qualifications of applicants. This position will be opened until filled. The first review of completed applications is October 21, 2022. For complete announcement and application packet, click button below.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Code Enforcement Officer
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a City application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or email to administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website. This position will close on October 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. For complete announcement and application packet, click the button below.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Water Quality Engineer / Administrator I or II
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Water Quality Engineer / Administrator I or II. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the City Manager’s Office or by email at administration@coosbay.org. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by telephone 541-269-8912, or listed under Government, Job Openings on the City’s website. The deadline for receiving completed applications is 5 p.m., October 13, 2022. For complete announcement and application packet, click the button below.
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