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Published By Your City Hall

January 19, 2024

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, we had a “Back to the Future” announcement: starting with next week’s work session, we will return to holding work sessions at Fire Station #1 on Elrod Street in downtown Coos Bay.  We looked back to a past practice to guide us in future ways to engage more community involvement. 

Many of you may remember that prior to the pandemic, the City Council held all work sessions at the Fire Station. During the pandemic many things evolved, one of which was expanding access to the government process, through requiring remote attendance options at all public meetings. This was a large undertaking to prep our public meeting spaces to accommodate a remote attendance opportunity and our initial focus was on Council Chambers within City Hall. Over the last several months, staff have been prepping the Fire Station’s community meeting room to be ready for City Council work sessions. We will transition back to the Fire Station starting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Work sessions are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. and are intended to be conversational in nature, to allow more time for longer discussions with challenging topics, or as a place to introduce new material that will come before City Council for action at a later date. Like all City Council meetings, work sessions are open to the public and provide for both an in-person attendance option, as well as remote attendance via Zoom. During work sessions, no formal City Council action is taken, rather used as a ‘listen and learn’ for all items on the agenda. Work session agendas and the related documents are available on the City’s website: https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/agendas-and-minutes.

We are excited to step back into a meeting experience we previously enjoyed and doing so for the first work session of 2024 feels appropriate in setting the stage for the rest of the year. We hope to see you there!

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

Notice of Findings and Final Decision

of the City of Coos Bay City Council

Land Use Application (187-23-000165-PLNG), Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan Phase 1, and Related Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan & Development Code

On July 11, 2023 (continued to August 8, 2023), the Planning Commission conducted the first public hearing in consideration of the City of Coos Bay land use application for CBEMP Phase I related amendments (187-23-000165-PLNG) and recommended the City Council approve the proposal and adopt a joint resolution evidencing the City’s commitment to work with Coos County and the City of North Bend to pursue further plan updates. On January 10, 2024, after three joint work sessions with Coos County and the City of North Bend, the City of Coos Bay City Council conducted the second public hearing on this matter during which time they considered the recommendation of the Planning Commission and that of the other governing bodies and all public comment received to-date.

The Mayor and Council moved to APPROVE Land Use Application 187-23-000165-PLNG and to ADOPT the recommended findings as presented as the draft Findings and Final Decision of the City of Coos Bay City Council in the mater of Record No. 187-23-000165-PLNG, dated January 10, 2024.The motion passed, with one Councilor abstaining (4-0). On January 10, 2024, the Mayor and Council moved to ENACT Ordinance Numbers 572 and 573 and to ADOPT Resolution 24-01, confirming Land Use Application 187-23-000165-PLNG approval. The motion(s) passed unanimously (5-0).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Applicant: City of Coos Bay

Case Type: Type IV Land Use Review, Legislative Amendments

Appeal Procedure: Legislative land use decision with appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA)

Proposal: Repeal Volume III of the Coos Bay Comprehensive Plan; adopt the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP) by reference only in Volume I of the Coos Bay Comprehensive Plan; repeal and replace in its entirety Chapter 17.352 CBDC, Estuarine and Coastal Shoreland Uses and Activities to align with the CBEMP; amend CBDC 17.360.020, Initiation of amendments, to allow the Director the opportunity to initiate amendment applications.

Findings: Refer to the Findings and Final Decision of the City of Coos Bay City Council in the matter of Record No. 187-23-000165-PLNG, dated January 10, 2024, Attachment B to Ordinance Numbers 572 and 573, incorporated herein by reference.

CITY COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS

Based on the above findings, the City of Coos Bay City Council concluded that the land use application for Legislative Amendments (187-23-000165-PLNG) is substantially consistent with the Coos Bay Comprehensive Plan and applicable Statewide Planning Goals and complies with the approval criteria set forth in the Coos Bay Development Code for Legislative Amendments.

CITY COUNCIL DECISION

The City Council (5-0) hereby:

• ENACTS Ordinance No. 572, including the findings as presented in the Findings and Final Decision of the City of Coos Bay City Council in the matter of Record No. 187-23-000165-PLNG, dated January 10, 2024, in support of the City Council’s decision to APPROVE amendments to the Coos Bay Comprehensive Plan.
• ENACTS Ordinance No. 573, including the findings as presented in the Findings and Final Decision of the City of Coos Bay City Council in the matter of Record No. 187-23-000165-PLNG, dated January 10, 2024, in support of the City Council’s decision to APPROVE amendments to the Coos Bay Development Code.
• ADOPTS Resolution 24-01, evidencing the City’s commitment to coordinate with Coos County and City of North Bend to pursue further comprehensive updates to the CBEMP.

City Manager: Nichole Rutherford

Community Development Director: Chelsea Schnabel

City Legal Counsel: Nate McClintock

Ordinance Number 572 and 573 including findings and conclusions in the matter of Record No. 187-23-000165-PLNG were passed and enacted by the CITY COUNCIL on January 10, 2024.

Resolution 24-01 was adopted by the CITY COUNCIL on January 10, 2024.

Additional meeting information and case related materials may be found online at: https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/projects#CBEMP

Storm Drain Care at Home

Help keep leaves and other debris out of the streets and storm drains

The City of Coos Bay is asking for your help in keeping our roadways and storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. The City is comprised of over 65 miles of paved streets, over 1,900 storm catch basins and over 40 miles of storm drain mainlines.

During this time of year, our street sweeper is running full time to help remove leaves and debris in the streets. The City can use your help.

How can you help?

The storm drains in your street catch and move rainwater to the Bay and away from your property. If leaves and other debris cover the catch basins the system can simply not be effective in moving water as designed. Flooding occurs in these areas and can cause very unsafe roadway conditions.

Please do not rake (or blow) leaves and other yard debris into the streets where they can get into the storm drain system.

Also, if you hire landscaping companies, please contact them and make sure that they are not disposing of your leaves and yard debris into the storm drain system.

The City is constantly cleaning out catch basins and when it rains there is multiple places that experience flooding. Free flowing storm drain systems help convey the water to the Bay as designed.

Boiler Issue Closes Mingus Park Pool

On January 11, City of Coos Bay staff updated the Mingus Park Pool Board on the condition of the pool’s boiler that has been out of commission for the past several weeks. The replacement cost is anticipated to be $115,000. The Pool Board, in conjunction with the City of Coos Bay, will need to seek grants/donors to fund this capital improvement and bring the pool back online. 

North Bend Pool is honoring Mingus Pool patrons for which we all are grateful. However, the Board decided, in light of a long-term closure, that it is only fair to our sister city to begin to pay for use at North Bend Pool beginning February 1. The suspension of monthly and annual passes will be reinstated and extended once the Mingus Pool opens again.

Should you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the City of Coos Bay Deputy Public Works Director Jennifer Wirsing at 541-269-1181, ext. 3521.

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.

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. 

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 on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings.

• Type: Full Time
• Salary/Pay Rate: $5469 - $6818/month DOQ
• Deadline to Apply:02/07/2024 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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Works under the general direction of the Project Engineer/Administrator or City Engineer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK:  An employee in this classification may perform any of the following tasks.  However, these examples do not include all the specific duties which an employee may be expected to perform.

1. Supports the Project Engineer/Administrator with day-to-day operations of wastewater facilities.  Prepares or assists in preparation of wastewater permit applications, reports, ordinances, regulations, and contracts. 
2. Supports the Project Engineer/Administrator with activities related to forest management and timber harvesting.
3. Coordinates activities of consulting engineers and surveyors. Performs development reviews of plans and specifications for public street, water, sewer, and drainage projects to be done by the City or by a privately financed project. Reviews and coordinates privately engineered public improvement projects for conformance to City specifications and standards. Performs construction project inspections and contract administration of publicly funded infrastructure and facility projects.
4. Provides technical services related to floodplain management, various permit/application/development reviews, and maintenance operations. Computes assessments for construction projects undertaken by the City. Checks new plats for accuracy and completeness.
5. Prepares cost estimates and legal notices. Performs inspections of street, sanitary, and storm sewer projects; assists in the preparation of plans and specifications; drafts as‑built projects, street and property vacation maps, sewer sketches, and miscellaneous maps. Prepares technical and administrative reports and studies requested. Assists the Project Engineer/Administrator in the creation, maintenance, and revision of City engineering development standards and engineering specifications for public works.
6. Responds to citizen inquiries as they relate to engineering services or other Public Works Department divisions including decisions on the interpretation of City code and engineering policies and procedures. Works with the other Public Works Department staff to resolve problems and specification changes between contractors and the City.
7. Coordinates with GIS Coordinator to ensure the maintenance of City infrastructure maps including new subdivisions, local improvement districts, and City projects. Draws plans, profiles, and cross sections for sewer lines and roads that are being designed from survey notes and legal designs. Draws utility permit maps showing location, size, and installation instructions.
8. Attends appropriate meetings to present technical material when required.
9. Other duties as assigned.

HIRING PROCESS:  Applicants must complete and submit the required city application packet, including resume and letter of interest by Wednesday, February 7 at 5 p.m. as specified in this job posting.  All applicants will be notified of the final status of their application via email.

Application Acceptance Period: ............................... January 11^th – February 7^th

First Review of Applications: ....................................February 8^th – February 9^th

First Interviews with Selected Candidates: ............February 12^th – February 16^th

Second Round of Interviews: ................................Week of February 19^th

Earliest Offer of Employment: .................................February 19^th

Projected Start Date: .................................................To Be Determined

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

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

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