Friday Update-February 3, 2023

City of Coos Bay sent this bulletin at 02/03/2023 05:59 AM PST

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Published By Your City Hall

February 3, 2023

I know it’s not always convenient for members of our community to come to City Council meetings in person. The City has and continues to take steps to improve the ways in which residents can engage with their local government. That includes how our community can participate in public meetings, including, but not limited to those of Coos Bay City Council.

For years, the City has worked with Coos Media Center, the area’s local Public Education and Government (PEG) broadcast channel to film and broadcast City Council and Urban Renewal meetings. During the last couple of years, we added livestreaming of our meetings, first through the City's Facebook Page and more recently on our YouTube channel. In addition, virtual attendance has been made possible using Microsoft Teams.

Unfortunately, at times the sound quality was not always great for both those attending online or in-person. Some have had trouble navigating Microsoft Teams when attending meetings virtually. This was as frustrating for us as it was for our attendees. Although it was better than nothing, it was not the best experience for those who attended meetings in-person or virtually.

I am happy to report that we are taking steps to improve the attendee experience at our public meetings. We have taken down the plexiglass barriers which were installed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This should help with sound amplification within the Council Chambers. We are in the process of upgrading our sound system, which is more than 30 years old and wasn’t designed for the digital age we live in. New microphones, a sound board, and speakers have been ordered. The sound board and speakers should be in and installed within the next few weeks. The new omni-directional microphones will take a bit longer to receive due to reported supply chain issues. We are also moving from Microsoft Teams to Zoom for those who choose to attend the meetings from the comfort of their homes or via their mobile devices. In addition, we have adopted a new online agenda software that will improve ease of navigation for those wishing to follow not only the meeting of the City Council and Urban Renew Agency, but the Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Library Board, Tree Board, etc.

The City’s webpage was recently updated and the enhancements have made meetings, agendas, past meeting minutes, etc. easier for citizens to find. The website will be home to agenda packets and users will be able to sort meetings by governmental body, meeting date, and type of meeting.

Having online access to meeting agendas and minutes as well as easy remote access to live meetings are important elements of a transparent government. You can find the link to attend meetings remotely on every agenda and also posted on our Facebook page. We encourage residents to tune in and check out this new technology in action during an upcoming meeting.

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

More Information Here

New Administrative Coordinator Adds to City Team

The City of Coos Bay is excited to announce Christine Sylvester joined the team on February 1, 2023, as the Administrative Coordinator within the City Manager’s Office. Sylvester moved to Coos Bay in 2017 from Western Montana and enjoys all the Southern Oregon Coast has to offer. She comes to us with over 20 years of administrative experience in professional executive and governing body support with the last five years serving as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.

Please join us in welcoming Christine Sylvester to the Coos Bay team!

Library Launces Updated Website

Check out Coos Bay Public Library’s newly redesigned website! New features include a resource page for Spanish speakers and a Community Resources page for individuals seeking local assistance. The site makes it easier than ever to access and request information about library services, events, and more. Users are now able to submit online forms through the website for services, including requesting technology help, 3D printing orders, scheduling test proctoring, and applying for a library card. The site also provides access to all the online resources the Library offers including library card applications, meeting room reservations, and much more. Explore all the fun, new changes at coosbaylibrary.org!

Boardwalk Gangway/Access Ramp Repair

The City of Coos Bay has contracted with Coast Metal Works Inc. to repair the gangway and access ramp at the Coos Bay Boardwalk. The metal is fatigued and there are multiple broken welds causing a safety issue. Access will be limited depending on the stage of work taking place. We anticipate the work starting on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, lasting through Monday, February 13, 2023. Please use caution in this area and comply with signage.

Should you have questions, please feel free to contact Transportation and Facilities Superintendent Dave Wagoner at (541) 269-1181, ext. 2241 or email: dwagner@coosbay.org.

First Downtown Wine Walk of 2023

Oregon Coast Culinary Institute for Sweethearts

Whether you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day or just curl up with a good book, let us help you make February 14 special! Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) is offering a prepared take-home dinner and chocolates and other sweet treats for your indulgence. The dinner must be pre-ordered by February 10. Pick up for dinner and the treats will be on February 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at OCCI on the Southwestern Oregon Community College Campus. Call 541-888-7309 or email lapatisserie@socc.edu to place an order.

Menu and Details

Firefighter/Engineer

The City of Coos Bay is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Firefighter/Engineer. Interested parties should go to the National Testing Network website www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and register as a firefighter candidate. Candidates should then complete and submit the National Testing Network (NTN) application, complete the Fire Team test, and have a valid Professionally Recognized Physical Ability Test dated no earlier than March 3, 2022. All testing must be complete prior to an applicant being considered for the application pool.

The deadline for receiving completed test scores at the National Testing Network is 5 p.m., March 3, 2023. Scores received after the March 3, 2023 deadline will not be considered. Coos Bay Fire Department will select a limited number of candidates from the list provided by the National Testing Network. Selected candidates will be invited to complete a City of Coos Bay employment application and participate in a competitive selection process.

Lateral Candidates: Lateral candidates with at least two years of full-time paid firefighting experience are not required to complete the National Testing Network Fire Team test or physical abilities test. Lateral candidates must contact Battalion Chief Jeff Adkins at jadkins@coosbay.org prior to the close date of March 3, 2023 to obtain a City of Coos Bay Fire Department employment application and to verify experience.

City of Coos Bay 500 Central Ave. Coos Bay, OR 97420

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