Friday Update-September 1, 2023

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Published By Your City Hall

September 1, 2023

As many of you may know, our City is unique as it has two sanitary sewer treatment plants. Plant 1 is located at 680 Ivy Avenue and serves the east side of Coos Bay and portions of Bunker Hill. Plant 2 is located at 490 Fulton Avenue and serves the west side of Coos Bay and Charleston. Plant 2 was completely upgraded in 2018 and will need the normal preventative maintenance but will serve the City for many years to come.

Plant 1 was originally constructed in the 1950s and has been upgraded twice; once in the 1970s and once again in the 1990’s. Since the 1990s, there have been minor improvements but there is need for another major upgrade. Planning efforts determined that the upgrades need to be split into phases. This first phase of upgrades will include constructing a new secondary clarifier, a new chlorine contact chamber, a new generator, upgrading yard piping, along with electrical and telecommunications.

Many people may not know what a secondary clarifier or chlorine contact chamber does for treating wastewater. I will admit I was one of those who did not know its functions prior being on the City Council. A secondary clarifier is a large basin that allows holding time for the wastewater to settle. This allows the microbiology (bugs that eat the wastewater) and the remaining human solids to separate from the rest of the water, sink down to the bottom, and discharge to the digesters for further treatment. The cleaner water at the top of the clarifier is sent to the chlorine contact chamber for disinfection prior to discharging to the bay. The chlorine contact chamber is the last form of treatment for wastewater. It provides a designated space for the water to be mixed for a specific amount of time with chlorine for proper disinfection to take place. Once this water is disinfected with chlorine, it is then neutralized with sodium bisulfite prior to discharging to the bay.

The treatment plant will have to operate and meet permit during all upgrades. This can be challenging when the plant is actively undergoing a major upgrade, but our wastewater treatment operators have many tests that they perform at each step of the treatment process. These tests confirm that human waste has been successfully removed from the water and meets the federal and state limits for discharging to the bay.

After the first phase is complete, planning efforts for the remaining phases will begin, The next phases can take the next 5-10 years. Currently, the remaining upgrades for this treatment plant include:

• Aeration Basin upgrades (the aeration basin is where the bugs are most active in processing human waste)
• Blower upgrades (a blower gives the aeration basin oxygen for the bugs to stay active)
• Digester upgrades (a digester is where the removed human waste is heated and mixed for additional final treatment)
• SCADA improvements (SCADA is computer programming for equipment and operator information)
• WAS thickening (the process prior to flows going into the digester)
• Grit removal (the process to remove all “non-human” items from the wastewater)
• Additional disinfection improvements, pumping and outfall upgrades

This first phase of the upgrades for Plant 1 will cost approximately $24 million and take two years. While this is a considerable sum of money, it is necessary so the plant can continue to comply with the federal and state limits for discharging wastewater. The project is funded through a loan from the Department of Environmental Quality’s State Revolving Fund. Throughout the duration of construction, information will be published in the Friday Update newsletter keeping the citizenship informed of construction progress, completion of major milestones, and upcoming events. 

If you would like to learn more, please call the Public Works and Community Development Department at 541-269-8918. 

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay 

Sunset Bay Trail Run is next month on Saturday September 2. The even has a 1/2 Marathon, 15K, Four-Mile trail run, and a One-Mile Beach Fun-run! This race is a hilly and scenic trail along the scenic Oregon Coast. A very challenging course for the longer distances and the views will take what breath you have left away. Seriously, this race has it all, killer hills through the woods, an amazing mostly flat cliff section where you’ll see sea lions, ocean rocks, the deep blue sea, and if you’re very lucky, a passing whale. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Pregnancy Resource Center in Coos Bay.

Please come support Morgan Creek and Millicoma Hatcheries and Education Centers to put more Chinook in the river by participating in our awesome Oral and Silent auctions. Bring your family, employees, fishing friends and non-fishing friends to join us in this party event. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Call ahead to reserve a group table 541-404-3071. If you are participating in the Salmon Derby, buy your derby tickets. Pick up your Boat Captain’s packets with derby ribbon rules, free South Coast Anglers membership, derby info and derby ribbon plus brochures and information on our sponsors.

Coos Bay – North Bend Water Board is looking for the right person to fill an immediate opening for a Utility Worker position. This important position is the first step in a career-path that has potential for further advancement both within the Water Board and the water industry in general. As a Utility Worker you will obtain knowledge of how a water distribution system functions and why it is essential in serving the needs of our communities.

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain an understanding how to operate and maintain the water distribution system. This includes learning about pumps, storage tanks, piping, and wells.
• Learn how to construct and install water distribution system components such as water mains, water services, valves, and fire hydrants.
• Train in the operations of powered equipment such as backhoes, cranes, tapping machines, and boring machines.
• Work as an important and valued team member.
• Interact with and serve members of your community.

The minimum requirements of the position are:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Ability to obtain an Oregon Class A Commercial Driver License within six months of appointment (paid for by the Water Board)
• Ability to obtain Oregon Health Authority Distribution Level 1 certification within two years of appointment (paid for by the Water Board)

The Utility Worker position wage range is $21.14 - $30.94 and includes a generous benefits package. First consideration of applications: September 29, 2023 – position is open until filled.

Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board is an EOE.

Download an employment application from our website at www.cbnbh2o.com.  Applications should be emailed to Karen Parker at karen_parker@cbnbh2o.com

For additional information please contact Karen Parker at karen_parker@cbnbh2o.com. 

Executive Director of 
South Coast Development Council, Inc.

South Coast Development Council, Inc., a non-profit organization fostering communication, collaboration, and partnership among various public and private entities on Oregon’s South Coast, is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and motivated individual to fill the position of Executive Director.

The primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to facilitate and promote organized economic growth to improve the quality of life and create jobs through innovative and conventional programs.

Key Responsibilities

* Administer and manage SCDC

* Develop short and long-term strategies with the SCDC board and partners

* Oversee financial management and budgeting

* Liaise with local, state, and federal allies

* Research, assess, and report on existing economic/business opportunities

* Continue and expand the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP)

* Partner with South Coast Chambers of Commerce and area visitor bureaus to promote regional tourism

* Maintain a comprehensive and updated database and web presence to provide crucial information

* Seek and apply for grants that promote the regional economy

* Actively participate in various economic development conferences, workshops, and seminars

Qualifications

* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Public Administration, or Political Science

* Extensive experience in business, economic development, or local government

* Solid understanding of business practices, accounting, marketing, and general business operations

* Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills

* Familiarity with internet searches, email, and Microsoft Office Suite

* An acceptable driving record and Oregon driver’s license or ability to obtain one

Preferred Qualifications

* Master’s Degree in a related field

* Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) designation or ability to earn within 24 months

* Two+ years of experience in a sales or marketing environment

* Two+ years of experience owning or managing a successful business or non-profit organization

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include assistance with health insurance, limited 401K match, auto mileage reimbursement, and professional organization memberships and conference attendance, as provided in the organizational budget.

All applicants must successfully pass a background check process, including reference checks, credit history check, education verification, and driving record check.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 27, 2023, and will be accepted until the position is filled.

The South Coast Development Council is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Qualified Candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience to SCDC, Inc., Attention: Board Chair, Box B, 835 California Ave., North Bend, OR 97459 or dmilliron@northbendcity.org

This is an exciting opportunity to impact the South Coast’s economy significantly. We look forward to hearing from you!

View the full Job Description below:

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

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