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Published By Your City Hall |
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 Being an elected official has been a very rewarding experience for me. I first ran for a seat on the Coos Bay City Council back in 1986 because I saw the potential for this community, and I wanted to help guide the City forward to becoming a better Coos Bay for us all. I have served as a City Councilor from 1986-1990, Council President from 1992-1996, and Mayor from 2000-2006. I reran for Mayor in 2016, due in part to overwhelming concerns about the City’s failing infrastructure (wastewater and streets). I have been proud to serve as your Mayor for nearly seven years. Collectively with the rest of the Council, much has been done to upgrade the wastewater utility which serves us all and more street improvement projects have been undertaken than was done in previous decades. Without a doubt, there is so much more to do.
Currently, we have an opening for the City Council. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to be part of a team of elected officials who, together, have the ability to shape city policy governing the future of Coos Bay! I should share that it is not all roses. The person selected will spend a lot of time attending meetings and preparing for those meetings. The Council meets three times a month; twice in regular session and once for a work session. The Council makes decisions on everything from who to hire as the next city manager, to accepting bids for paving roads, capital wastewater improvements, approving budgets, land use decisions, working with regional partners on issues in our region such as homelessness and housing and much more.
The number of people willing to run for elected local office is relatively small and for good reason. It’s not an easy job if you want to do it right. If you’re looking for a way to use your knowledge, experience, and wisdom to help make your community a better and more functional place, you may find that stepping into local government is one of the most rewarding endeavors you’ve ever undertaken.
I would urge those interested to apply for the open Council position. To qualify, applicants must be a registered voter and have resided within the Coos Bay City limits for at least one year. Applicants must submit a completed application and letter of interest. The letter of interest should include a summary of the work and community experience, education, and the reason(s) for the motivation to serve on City Council. An attached resume is acceptable. Letters of interest and applications will be accepted in the City Manager’s Office until 5 p.m. on Thursday June 8, 2023. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview with the City Council. For more information, contact City Manager Rodger Craddock or Assistant City Manager Nichole Rutherford at 541-269-8912. Interviews will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2023, prior to the City Council meeting.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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Firefighters Partner with Salvation Army
 Last Saturday, members of the Coos Bay Fire Department (CBFD) partnered with the local Salvation Army to cut and split roughly three cords of firewood. The Salvation Army has a program that provides firewood to low income families and individuals in need. When the City’s Public Works crew needs to remove trees for a project, due to disease, or as the result of winter storm damage, the logs are given to the Salvation Army for the firewood project. Captain David Kaufman of the Salvation Army said that that they rely on volunteers and partnerships with community minded organizations, like the CBFD, to cut, split and deliver the firewood.
For more information about the program or the qualifying requirements, please contact the Salvation Army at 541-888-5202.
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Time to Glow During Low Summer Flow
It is summertime! That means it's the time of year for Coos Bay’s Water Quality Team to do maintenance on the wastewater treatment plants. Due to low flows during this season, the Team can take down basins and perform routine maintenance and inspection. This week the Team took down one of the two basins at Plant Two located at 490 Fulton Avenue. These basins are where the main biological treatment process occurs.
 At the bottom of the basins are diffusers (these diffusers will inject micro bubbles of air into the waste which provides oxygen to the good microbes that eat the sewage. After the aeration cycle, the air is turned off and the solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of the tank. The clean water is then slowly decanted off the top of the basin into a large storage chamber, the equalization basin. After decanting, the air cycle starts again as fresh wastewater is mixed with the colony of good microbes that remain in the basin.
This year, members from the Water Quality Team including Treatment and Maintenance Operators entered the basin and cleaned out the remaining solids. They also inspected and cleaned each diffuser to ensure that it is functioning properly. This annual maintenance is vital for preventative maintenance and ensuring that the equipment is properly maintained.
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On May 4, 2023, the Budget Committee approved the proposed budgets for City of Coos Bay and Urban Renewal Agency (URA), completing one step in the annual budget process. Meetings will be held on June 6, 2023, starting with the City Budget discussion with Coos Bay City Council at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) budget meeting. These public meetings will be held in the Coos Bay City Hall, Council Chambers, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay.
Copies of the budgets may be inspected or obtained on the City's website at the Budget & Audit Records section or at City Hall between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by contacting the City Manager's Office at (541) 269-8912 or administration@coosbayor.gov. These budgets are for an annual budget period and were prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year.
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Final Days of Call to Artists for Empire
 The Community Coalition of Empire (CCE) is pleased to once again be working with the City of Coos Bay and the Coos Art Museum to bring art to the Empire District. The City has identified 13 utility boxes in need of local artists to develop and hand paint their visions of our nautical theme, “Historic Empire with a Focus on the Waters”.
Artists may use the completed Empire Mural to draw inspiration, or they are free to use their imagination. The color palette will be blue, red, white, black, and yellow, and can be mixed according to the artist’s discretion. This project will happen in two phases with an estimated completion date of July 23, 2023. Artists will be given all supplies necessary to make their vision a reality. In addition, each artist will receive a stipend of $100 and will be honored at a reception upon completion of the project.
This project is open to ALL artists. Submissions must be original and may be submitted via:
1) mailed to CCE P.O. Box 3452 Coos Bay, OR 97420
2) emailed via pdf format to moss_joanne@yahoo.com, or
3) dropped off at Star of Hope Activity Center 657 Newmark, Coos Bay, OR 97420
PHASE II artist design submission deadline is May 31, 2023. Questions may be directed to louanndewater@sohoregon.org.
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  If you're looking for a fulfilling career that makes a difference in your community, consider a career in building safety! There are many paths to becoming a building safety professional and many roles within the industry:
- Building Officials
- Inspectors - electrical, mechanical, plumbing
- Fire Marshals
- Permit Technicians
- Plans Examiners
If you’re new to building safety, consider taking advantage of our Safety 2.0 Program that helps students and professionals who are interested in career development and assistance. No two building safety careers are the same – here's a look at some of their many responsibilities:
- Building Safety Professionals assist design professionals, contractors, building owners and the public to understand how to design, construct, operate and occupy buildings in conformance with the International Codes and technical standards adopted by local and state jurisdictions.
- Code officials have opportunities to serve as building safety generalists, but also to become experts in specific code specialty areas.
- Project opportunities span private businesses, residential applications, and public works initiatives across a regional jurisdiction.
- Jurisdictions vary greatly, and can encompass state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
- Inspectors have a dynamic workday – working both indoors and outdoors between office settings and construction sites
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Annual BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay
Save the Date: May 27-28, 2023
 BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay will be back at The Mill Casino/Hotel & RV Park on May 27-28, 2023! For two days, enjoy non-stop fun, music, craft brews, and of course, delicious BBQ. Now in its tenth year, BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay, has become one of the most popular annual food festivals on the Oregon Coast. Competitors from all around the Pacific Northwest, and other regions of the US and Canada, will be vying to be crowned Grand Champion. Plus, there will be 20+ breweries in the beer sample garden.
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Full Moon Kayaking Trip with South Slough Estuary Reserve
 Come experience the South Slough Estuary Reserve as the sun slips behind the horizon and the near full moon climbs into the evening sky on Friday, June 2 from 6-10 p.m. Awaken the senses as light and shadows play on the water and the evening air is filled with a chorus of creatures. During the four-mile paddle, experienced guides will show you areas of the Reserve rarely seen by visitors. Bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one from us! 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. Programs may be cancelled due to low enrollment or hazardous weather.
For question, contact the South Slough Reserve at 541-888-5558, ext. 121. Please register here.
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 Engineering Services Coordinator
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Engineering Services Coordinator. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the Finance Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov or at the bottom of this job posting.
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Type: Full Time
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Salary/Pay Rate: $5259 - $6556 DOQ
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Deadline to Apply: 06/05/2023 at 5 p.m.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs professional engineering administrative work; directs the planning, designing, and construction of street, sanitary sewer, and storm drain projects. Maintains an organization through which these projects may be properly planned, designed, and constructed. Provides technical support for all department activities and performs related work as required.
Project Engineer/Administrator I or II
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Project Engineer/Administrator I or II. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the Finance Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings.
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Type: Full Time
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Salary/Pay Rate:$7059 - $9009 DOQ
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Deadline to Apply:06/05/2023 at 5 p.m.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Manage major capital improvement projects related to treatment plants, pump stations, pipeline projects roads, culverts, sidewalks, and ADA improvements. This includes but is not limited to managing consultant and construction contracts. Review plans and monitor construction schedules and submittals, conduct onsite observations, review contractor’s work. Provides support to the Operations Division as needed (wastewater, stormwater, transportation, and facilities).
Water Quality Superintendent
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Water Quality Superintendent. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the Finance Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings.
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Type:Full Time
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Salary/Pay Rate:$5784 - $7382/month DOQ
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Deadline to Apply:05/22/2023, 5 p.m.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES; Assist Water Quality Supervisor: Plan, coordinate, direct, and supervise, under the direction of the water quality supervisor, all operations and programs relating to the city's wastewater treatment plants, collections system, biosolids program, pretreatment program and the laboratory in a safe, continuous, and cost-effective manner, in compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations. Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the treatment, collections and maintenance groups, performs related work as required.
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