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Published By Your City Hall

January 12, 2024

Earlier this week I visited the Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD), on behalf of the full City Council, to show our appreciation of the ongoing dedication of every member of the Department. On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is celebrated across the nation. This day was selected in 2015 to celebrate and thank law enforcement members for the daily sacrifices they make to their communities to ensure safety and livability for the citizens. 

This visit also allowed me to see the nearly completed upgrade of the North Coos 911 Emergency Dispatch Center. The newly updated center will accommodate the increased staffing needed to provide the additional services for North Bend Police and Fire Departments. The renovation included replacement of aged equipment including workstation consoles. Six new consoles with adaptable configuration were added to the Emergency Dispatch Center. This new equipment ensures each Dispatcher can efficiently maintain swift workflows during their 12-hour shifts of answering emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate response agencies.

Thank you to the many law enforcement individuals performing service to Coos Bay, along with those across Coos County, Oregon, and the United States.

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

What is Recreational Immunity?

Mingus Park Pond and Trails (left) and Choshi Bridge at Mingus Park (right) are examples of recreational areas the City of Coos Bay has deemed it necessary to advise the public that the use of paths, trails, recreational areas, and all other access ways at the sole responsibility of the user due to limitations in the ORS 105.

Oregon law (ORS 105 is known as recreational immunity) states that a landowner is not liable for injury, death, or property damage when their land is used for recreational purposes at no charge. This statute provides some protection to owners of recreational land. However, on July 6, 2023, the Oregon Court of Appeals limited the scope of the Legislature's recreational immunity statutes, which has increased liability exposure to recreational landowners. Faced with the loss of this protection, recreational landowners like the City of Coos Bay may have to make some difficult decisions.

After seeking advice from the City’s Insurance provider and City Attorney, the City of Coos Bay has deemed it necessary to advise the public that the use of paths, trails, recreational areas, and all other access ways to recreational areas are done at the sole responsibility of the user. At this time, the City is not proposing closure of any trail or path associated with the Park System, but that decision may change after the 2024 Legislative Session convenes in February. 

If  you are concerned about accessing outdoor trails and paths, not only within City parks but outside of the city limits, you are encouraged to contact your local state representative regarding legislative changes they can implement to restore recreational immunity. 

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.

Storm System Repairs on S. Fifth Street

On Tuesday, January 16, City staff will be repairing the storm system on South Fifth Street. The street will be closed to through traffic between Kruse and Johnson avenues. Work will start at 8:30 a.m. and end no later than 5:30 p.m. Repairs are expected to continue through Thursday, January 18.

Should you have questions, please contact Public Works at (541) 269 – 1181, extension 3565.

Join Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAB) and the Coos Bay Parks Department for a fun and rewarding volunteer event at John Topits Park on Saturday January 13, 2024, from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. You'll get to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park while helping to improve the park, trails, and remove invasive plants.

We'll be doing a variety of tasks to beautify the park, such as:

• Trail maintenance: clearing debris and anything else the Parks Department has planned
• Invasive plant removal
• Litter removal: picking up trash along the trails and water

Please dress appropriately for working outdoors in rain or shine. Bring work gloves, cutting tools for shrubbery, trash grabbers if you have them, water, and sunscreen.

We'll provide trash bags and other supplies. There are projects for every safety and comfort level, so don't worry if you're not an expert or have physical limitations. We'll make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience.

We'll meet at the park's main entrance located at 350 Hull Street, Coos Bay. Sign in and orientation begins at 12:45 p.m.

Youth aged 15 and up can participate with a release form signed by a parent or guardian. Children 14 and under need adult supervision.

If you have any questions, email volunteer@4obab.org.

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.

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

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