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Published By Your City Hall |
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Giving in Celebration of What We Have
 Christmas is a joyful time of year. It is when we share special moments with our families, loved ones, and friends. Charles Schulz, a cartoonist, and the creator of the comic strip Peanuts, once said that “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” It is that and of course much, much more. It is the perfect time to not only celebrate what we have been given but to show appreciation for others in our life.
It’s become a tradition during this time of year for the members of the Coos Bay City Council to take time away from their Council duties and their daytime employment to allow them some time in their kitchens where they collectively make homemade treats. All of which are prepared to show our appreciation to City staff for all they do for the Council and the great citizens of Coos Bay. Early this week, Council President Miles, Councilor Kilmer, and I had the pleasure of delivering seven trays of homemade treats to City employees at the Coos Bay Police, Fire, Finance, Library and Public Works departments. I believe we are fortunate to have such a wonderful group of hardworking employees at the City.
 This past Tuesday, several Coos Bay Council members also attended the North Bend City Council meeting where we presented them a token of our appreciation: two trays of homemade treats. While there is certainly a good amount of “hometown pride,” and no doubt a hometown school rivalry between Coos Bay and North Bend, we are one community. As I shared with the North Bend City Council, I appreciate the working relationship we are able to enjoy between our two cities, our collective staff, and the two city councils.
I look forward to a prosperous new year for both Coos Bay and North Bend.
-Joe Benetti, Coos Bay Mayor
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  The Coos County Historical Society is excited to announce the completion of Phase II of its waterfront property improvements. In July 2022, Executive Director Marcia Hart announced the approval of its Coos Bay Urban Renewal Grant request for Phase II of the multi-phased project, to improve the Coos History Museum’s exterior space. The Museum’s grant request included costs for the construction of the boardwalk, which extends the concrete walkway from Coos Bay Village to the southern edge of the property; an ADA compliant slope near the front and back edges of the Museum, and an ADA ramp with stairs to connect to the Coos Bay Village walkway/Pier area to the north. Legendary Enterprises completed the work, and the walkway is now open to the public to enjoy.
In the fall of 2021, the Coos History Museum received a grant from the Judith Ann Mogan Foundation for Phase I improvements to include a new reader board monument sign at the entrance along Front and Greenwood streets, landscape design work for improvements around the Alonzo Tucker Memorial, and recycle areas to include new seating areas, restriping the parking lot, and painting the Museum. The monument sign is currently under construction through local sign company, Art Signs, and is scheduled to be installed later this month. Work will continue on landscaping and seating areas once additional funding is secured.
Currently on hold, Phase III, improvements to the south Plaza area will include areas for an outdoor classroom/exhibit area, outdoor extension from the Sprague Gallery space, storage, and an entertainment area. The Museum is looking for donors, sponsors, and grants to help build a fund for Phase III improvements.
For more information on how to support the Museum’s plans and operations please contact Marcia Hart at director@cooshistory.org.
Established in 1891, the Coos County Historical Society is an Oregon 501(c)3 not for profit organization and the second oldest historical society in the State. For more information about the Society and the Coos History Museum, visit cooshistory.org or email info@cooshistory.org.
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The City welcomes Terry Konrady as the new Code Inspector.
Konrady grew up in Southern California before moving to Oregon during his high school years. He was an art major in college before going to work for his dad in construction. Following suit, he ran his own construction business for about 15 years. Konrady enjoys all phases of construction and happily transitioned to the inspection phase.
Konrady comes to us with seven years of experience as a building inspector. With family in Bandon and a passion for surfing, he is excited to be here in Coos Bay. In addition to surfing, Terry enjoys time on the beach and hiking the scenic areas of Cape Arago. Welcome aboard, Terry Konrady!
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Academy Graduates Collier and Lyon
 PHOTO- (right to left) Officer Bobbie Collier, Officer Nathaniel Lyon, and Chief Chris Chapanar
Please join the Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) in congratulating CBPD Officers Bobbie Collier and Nathaniel Lyon on graduation from the 16-week Basic Police Academy in Salem, Oregon on Friday, December 9, 2022. During the ceremony, Officer Collier received the Excellence in Marksmanship Award as she was recognized as the top firearms marksman in her class.
Officers Collier and Lyon will be returning to CBPD to complete their Field Training and Evaluation program before heading out to patrol on their own.
Congratulations and welcome back Officer Bobbie Collier and Officer Nathaniel Lyon.
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 Coos Bay City Council’s 2022 goals included an update to the 2013 Parks Master Plan. Work has been underway to achieve this goal through community outreach and ongoing work of the Coos Bay Parks Commission. The update is drafted and named the “2023-2033 Parks, Recreational and Cultural Facilities Plan” with focus on existing recreational and cultural facility needs, sustainable funding options for maintenance and enhancement, public/private partnerships for grant and foundation funding and opportunities for community collaboration. The draft Plan will be available after 5 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022 at www.coosbayor.gov by scrolling to the “News” section on the City’s web page.
Your attendance is encouraged at the Council public hearing on the 2023-2033 Parks, Recreational, and Cultural Facilities Plan on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 500 Central Ave. In advance of the meeting, written and oral comments can be provided to Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson@coosbay.org or 541-252-2861.
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Share Your Thoughts on Coos Bay Housing Production Needs
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A primary goal of the Coos Bay City Council is to expand housing opportunities in Coos Bay, especially housing types that may be smaller-scale and less expensive than single unit homes. Consistent with state requirements, the Council has directed work on a Coos Bay Housing Production Strategy (HPS). The work includes a request for your feedback on housing strategies by filling out a short questionnaire. Share your thoughts on housing needs and opinions on City programs and policies that could be considered to ensure or incentivize production of needed housing by price point for rent and ownership. This questionnaire should take about 10 minutes. Responses will be kept confidential and reported in aggregate. Please complete the survey by December 30, 2022.
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 Work on a community art project by painting a tile at the Coos Bay Public Library! During the last two weeks of the year, participants are invited to paint a tile for the Library. Tile painting focus will be on hopes and dream for our community in the future and/or what the Library means to you. Tiles will remain the property of the Library, will be put on display at the Library, and may be used in a future art installation. All ages are welcome to attend.
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Historic Gravestones To Be Restored |
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Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery in Coos Bay Receives $15,000 CLG Grant
On December 6, 2022, the Coos Bay City Council unanimously authorized a $15,000 historic preservation grant for the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery that will fund repair work on 101 of the cemetery’s most critically damaged gravestones. This Certified Local Government grant, administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and the National Parks Service, supports preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration projects at sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Cemetery History
Founded and initially operated by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery was the Coos Bay region’s primary burying ground from 1888 until the early 1920s. The cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 1,960 people who represent all socio-economic classes and reflect the region’s diverse population. In 2012, in recognition of its historic integrity and local importance, the cemetery became one of only 27 cemeteries in Oregon currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Preservation Project
“Partners in Preserving our Pioneer Cemetery” is a multi-phase project to tackle years of vandalism and deferred maintenance. Of the 1,100 gravestones in the cemetery, 340 are in need of some level of stabilization and repair. Phase one of the project – preserving the 101 most at-risk gravestones – will be completed during the spring and summer of 2023 by an Oregon firm that specializes in historic preservation work in cemeteries. The total project cost will be approximately $30,000, with half of funds coming from the $15,000 CLG grant. Cemetery volunteers are currently in the process of seeking additional grants to meet the required 1:1 match, and are also looking for community support – particularly from descendants of those buried in the cemetery – to make this project a success.
How to Help
For more information, including how you can contribute directly to this project and help to ensure the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery’s preservation for future generations, please contact cbcemetery@gmail.com or 541-435-1177. All donations to the cemetery are tax deductible and can be made through either the City of Coos Bay or Marshfield High School.
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 Join the Coos Bay Downtown Association (CBDA) for our Reindeer Roundup now through December 21. Our Downtown Reindeer, Ruckus, has convinced Santa's reindeer not to go back to the North Pole. Instead, the reindeer are exploring all the Downtown, Front Street, and Coos Bay Village businesses. When you do find a reindeer, enter to win at those locations. You might win a reward in the form of gift basket with donated items from the Coos Bay Downtown businesses. Participating businesses hours may vary.
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 Looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift? Want to support local artisans? Stop by the Front Street Waterfront Heritage District and check out the vendors at Coos History Museum's Winter Holiday Market and the 999 building's Holiday Art Market for a local artisan filled shopping day Saturday, December 17 and the Coos History Museum on Sunday, December 18! Museum admission not required.
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Transportation and Facilities Superintendent
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of full-time Transportation & Facilities Superintendent. 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 Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420, by email at administration@coosbay.org.
For full announcement and application packet, click button below.
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Planner I
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of full-time Planner I. 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 email at administration@coosbay.org or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings. This job will be opened until filled. To be considered for first application review, submit complete application by December 5, 2022 at 5 p.m. For full announcement and application packet, click button below.
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