Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Published By Your City Hall

January 5, 2024

Save the Date: 2024 marks the 150th birthday of Coos Bay, or Marshfield as was the City’s original namesake. This sesquicentennial celebration is a great opportunity to recognize where we’ve been over the last fifteen decades. An event such as this will require some planning and community involvement to ensure we capture the rich history and culture of our community, possibly through a series of festivities which could include live music, local art installation, spotlight on local cuisine, captivating exhibits, walking tours, interactive displays, collage of memorable stories, photos and videos, and diverse community activities. There will be opportunities for participation in planning and implementation, so be watching for more information. 

Some background to assist with getting creative ideas flowing, Marshfield was founded in 1853 and incorporated on October 24, 1854. Marshfield was named after the Massachusetts hometown of the City’s founder J. C. Tolman. In 1944, residents voted to change the City’s name to Coos Bay due to the community’s most prominent geographic feature. Though officially founded as a city in 1853, the area was inhabited by members of the Coquille Indian Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians for time immemorial. The name “Coos” is derived from Tribal language, meaning lake and place of pines.

In 1964, the city of Empire was merged with Coos Bay in December 1964 following a vote of the citizens and approval of Coos Bay City Council. This merger was followed by the merger of Eastside with Coos Bay in December of 1983, following the November vote and approval of Coos Bay City Council. These mergers established Coos Bay as the largest city on the Oregon Coast.

This rich history brings the importance of a proper celebration into focus and may provide a stepping off point for planning the 150th birthday celebration. Stay tuned!

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

City Budget Committee Openings

The City of Coos Bay is seeking volunteers to fill positions on the Budget Committee. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall by calling 541-269-8912 or on the City’s website at www.coosbayor.gov. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5 p.m., January 31, 2024. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews with the City Council. Applicants must be a resident of the City of Coos Bay and they are appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The meetings are held in April at 7 p.m. There are two terms expiring on December 31, 2023, on the Budget Committee.

With Christmas 2023 in our past and the new year just hours away, many in our community will spend this weekend un-decking the halls and putting holiday decorations back into storage. But what do you do with the old Christmas tree? In an effort to rid homes within the community of a potential fire hazard, both the Coos Bay and North Bend Fire Departments will again be picking up Christmas trees within the city limits of Coos Bay and North Bend (respectively) on Saturday January 6, 2024. The fire departments request that you place your tree near the curb before 8 am. There is no need to call and request removal of your tree as fire department members will pick up all trees that are placed near the curb.

The collected trees will be brought to Les’ Sanitation. Most of the trees will be ground into mulch, but some will be utilized by ODFW for stream enhancement, bank stabilization and improving fish habitat.  

The fire departments are providing this service at no cost but would appreciate a canned food donation. Donations received this year will be passed along to the South Coast Gospel Mission to further their work with individuals and families in our community that need assistance.

The Coos Bay City Council public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2024, has been POSTPONED to Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

A Coos Bay City Council, North Bend City Council, and Coos County Board of Commissioners joint work session is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 10, 2024m at 6 p.m. in the Coos Bay City Hall Council Chambers located at 500 Central Avenue in Coos Bay Oregon in advance of the public hearing. The Coos Bay City Council public hearing will follow the joint work session.

The purpose of the joint work session and public hearing is to consider the proposed CBEMP Phase I Updates including proposed amendments to the text of the City of Coos Bay Comprehensive Plan and Development Code and multi-jurisdictional Joint Resolution committing to pursue additional future updates.

The Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP) Phase 1 revision represents Coos County’s first step towards improving the plan’s ability to meet the needs of the communities and local governments encompassed by the plan.

CBEMP Phase 1 revisions are intended to:

   1) improve plan usability

   2) digitize the zone plan map

   3) improve coordination between jurisdictions

   4) update the 40-year-old plan with current agency names, laws, and regulations.

CBEMP Phase 1 revisions do not include any changes to zoning or management unit designations—those will be addressed in subsequent phases.To review the current draft CBEMP Phase 1 updates, go to:

https://www.co.coos.or.us/community-dev/page/am-22-005-coos-bay-estuary-management-plan.

To review the City of Coos Bay record to-date on Land Use Application #187-23-000165-PLNG, go to: https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/city-departments/public-works-community-development-department/pwcd-planning.

Written testimony can be sent to Chelsea Schnabel, City of Coos Bay Planning Administrator, at cschnabel@coosbayor.gov. Written testimony is DUE January 3, 2024, by 5 p.m. Oral testimony presented at the meeting will be limited to three (3) minutes.

For more information about how to participate in these proceedings or if you have questions, please contact the City of Coos Bay Planning Division at (541) 269-8916 or email cschnabel@coosbayor.gov

Coos Bay and North Bend are coming together for another opportunity to Walk with the Mayors. Mayor Benetti and Mayor Engelke are encouraging community members from both cities to join them on their next session for conversation in the fresh air:

Monday, January 22 at noon
Coos Bay City Hall

Come join both Mayors on a short walk, followed by a respite at Coos Bay City Hall to allow for further discussion.

For further questions, contact Coos Bay administration at 541-269-8912 or email North Bend administration at jengelke@northbendcity.org.

In January, Coos Bay Fire Department (CBFD) Battalion Chief (BC) Steve Takis celebrates 20 years of employment with the City of Coos Bay. Steve was hired as a Firefighter/Engineer in 2004. He became licensed as a Paramedic in 2006 and then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in December of 2016. Steve was promoted to the position of Battalion Chief in April of 2019 where he currently directs the operations and staff assigned to C-Shift.

BC Takis is the administrator for the Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team, the City’s Drone Team, Fire Prevention Program, Information Technology (IT) and Incident Reporting, Peer Support, and several other essential CBFD programs.

Before starting his fire service career, Steve served four years in the US Marine Corps. BC Takis has an associate degree from Rogue Community College in Fire Science, an associate degree from Umpqua Community College in Paramedicine, and a dual major Bachelor of Science degree from Waldorf University in Business Administration and Fire Service Administration.

We are fortunate to have Steve Takis with his experience and qualifications, serving in a leadership role within the CBFD. The fire department staff would like to express their gratitude to BC Takis for his dedication to the community that we serve.     

Economic Revitalization Administrator

The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Economic Revitalization Administrator. 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.

• Type: Full Time
• Salary/Pay Rate:$6,746 - $8,609/Month DOQ
• Deadline to Apply:01/31/2024 5 p.m.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  The City’s Economic Revitalization Administrator performs professional work in the administration of economic development programs and related initiatives in the City.  They work closely with business owners and operators of the Downtown and Empire Urban Renewal Districts and act as a liaison to community boards and committees. Assists with urban renewal projects and planning.  Administer the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Improvement Grant program.  Develop marketing strategies to attract and retain new businesses to the City.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Works under the general direction of the Community Development Director who outlines broad policies and objectives, and reviews work on the basis of results obtained.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May exercise supervision over support or clerical staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties. These examples do not include all the specific tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Assist the management team with urban renewal projects and planning.
2. Administer the URA Improvement Grant program.
3. Research and identify grants that will assist the city, URA, and business community and further the goals of city council. Draft and submit compelling and persuasive, completed grant proposals detailing the needs, objectives, budget, and anticipated outcomes; ensuring adherence to specified guidelines and deadlines.
4. Act as a City liaison to community boards and committees such as Coos Bay Downtown Association, South Coast Development Council, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Housing Action Team, and other regional and state stakeholders involved with economic development.
5. Serve as City staff representative and support to assigned committees and public events, including coordinating projects and activities, preparing for and attending meetings, managing day-to-day functions, implementing goals, etc.
6. Work with the Planning Division to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Ordinance are consistent with long term goals.
7. Develop and maintain a system and inventory of City vacant lots and buildings viable for business development.
8. Engage with Oregon Economic Development Association to obtain membership and credentialling and participate in ongoing education to maintain credentials.
9. Perform research and analytical support to the City Manager and Department Heads in the management of the programs and projects as established in the Downtown and Empire Urban Renewal Plans.
10. Lead amendments to the City’s Urban Renewal Plans.
11. Work with economic development partners to promote and drive investment and create strategies to recruit and retain businesses.
12. Create marketing materials for print, website, and social media emphasizing the benefits to developing and locating business in Coos Bay.
13. Operate a motor vehicle safely and legally.

Other General or Auxiliary Functions:

• Have the ability to read and interpret complex regulations.
• Multi-task and complete work in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work independently.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Establish effective working relationships.
• Reasonable understanding of laws governing municipalities.
• Must be able to develop and maintain positive cooperative team-oriented relationships with coworkers, supervisors, managers, and others encountered.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and techniques of economic development, project management, contract management and record keeping systems; Small business’s needs, issues, and economics; Group coordination and management; Principals, practices, and techniques related to professional internal and external communications s; Use of electronic apps and platforms associated with or supportive of economic development endeavors; federal, state, and local funding sources for economic development;  Principles and practices of journalism and researching, interviewing, composing, and editing public information materials; the operations, services and activities of a local municipal government, and principals and practices of public administration, the principals and practices of Urban Planning.

Skill in: Implementing policies and procedures for the effective management of the division, programs, and activities assigned; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; Developing, coordinating and maintaining documentation standards and practices, reporting, and tracking procedures and administrative activities; Effectively presenting plans, programs, and recommendations to the City Manager, the City Council, City committees, City departments, special interest groups, and the public; Effectively applying public relations skills and public speaking techniques; Prepare and deliver oral presentations; Interpreting, understanding, and applying technical reports, statutes, rules and regulations; Evaluating work priorities, procedures, and processes to determine their effectiveness and efficiency.

Ability to: Work with variety of business groups to achieve Council goals, and present informative material to large groups; Market the City and region to recruit small business enterprises to our City; Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, laws and regulations relating to assigned activities; Prepare clear, concise administrative and financial reports; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;  Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goal; Work independently with little direction; Effectively plan, organize, prioritize, schedule, and perform work to meet applicable timelines; Good professional judgment and ability to maintain discretion in business negotiations; Prepare and administer State and federal grants; Maintain records and prepare reports; Ability to use confidentiality in managing sensitive communications projects and to maintain composure, utilizing tact and diplomacy when working under stressful conditions and emergency situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Six years of increasingly responsible experience in local government work including Urban Planning, Economic Development and Revitalization, and Public Administration. Completion, or the equivalent, of a job-related four-year college degree program, plus related work experience in public administration.  Demonstrated success in researching, identifying, and matching grant opportunities to meet specific organizational objectives. One year of supervisory experience required.  Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:  Possess or obtain a valid Oregon Driver's License within 90 days of hire date.  Must have and maintain a safe driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Completion, or partial completion, of Oregon Economic Development Association certification program.  Experience creating print and digital media materials.  Experience in designing and updating content for websites and social media platforms.

Hiring Process:  Applicants must complete and submit the required City application packet by 5 pm on Wednesday, January 31 at 5 p.m., as specified in this job announcement. All applicants will be notified of the final status of their application via email.

Application Acceptance Period: .................................. January 2^nd – January 31^st  

First Review of Applications: ....................................... February 1^st – February 2^nd      

First Interviews with Selected Candidates: ............... February 5^th – February 9^th

Second Interviews as Needed ……….………………….…. February 12^th – February 14^th     

Earliest Offer of Employment: ................................... February 15^th        

Projected Start Date: .................................................. March 4^th, 2024

Note: The city reserves the right to conduct additional interviews, and this may affect the projected date for offer of employment. 

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

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list