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Published By Your City Hall

January 26, 2024

I had the opportunity to attend Oregon Bay Area Beautification’s Volunteer Appreciation event on Saturday. For those of you who may have missed an opportunity to learn about the great work this group is doing in our community, Oregon Bay Area Beautification (OBAB) is a volunteer organization that hosts the Second Saturday Clean-Up events in Coos Bay and North Bend. This group has accomplished some amazing things and continues to grow. I’ve attended a clean-up in John Topits Park and was really happy to see the number of community members connected to this group. Though I’ve been impressed by their work, I was shocked to learn they were much larger than originally believed. The way this group of volunteers has rallied the community (individuals, families, employee groups, businesses) is inspiring. Their work directly impacts the livability of our community and I am grateful for their effort. 

Some 2023 details I learned at the volunteer appreciation event: 

• 2500 total hours of volunteer service to the community
• Removal of over 300 cubic yards of trash from public spaces, including 10 mattresses, 6 sofas, and 20 shopping carts
• Removed ivy from over 400 trees in public spaces
• Participated in the United Way Day of Caring, helping over 30 individual households with projects and chores
• Repaired / painted over 20 park benches, picnic tables, and information kiosks in public spaces
• Provided over 600 hours of service to the community through summer youth employment program, partnering with Alternative Youth Activities
• Picked up litter over 350 miles of roadway and trails in the community
• Helped clear over 100 overgrown plots at the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery
• Helped spruce up CASA’s (Court Appointed Special Advocates) yard for kids and families to enjoy

They were able to do this work with the help and support from the following businesses and organizations:

• Les’ Sanitation
• USCG Station – North Bend
• Sea Cadets – Coos County-Marcus Luttrell Division
• Coos Watershed Association
• Alternative Youth Activities
• United Way of Southwestern Oregon
• Coquille Indian Tribe
• Bigfoot Beverages
• Star of Hope
• Coast Life Church
• LDS Church
• Ziply Fiber
• Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau
• Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
• Builders First Source
• SeaCoast Gardens

• Southwestern Oregon Community College
• South Coast Shopper
• The World Newspaper
• KMTR – Gold Meadows
• Bicoastal Media
• Cre8ive Cat Designs
• Alpha Dog Construction
• Leo-Taurius Creations
• Eastside Neighborhood Watch
• Radar Hill Neighbors
• Airport Heights Neighbors
• Seabreeze and Pirate Court Neighbors
• UTV Takeover
• City of North Bend
• City of Coos Bay

Beyond their work beautifying our community, they are also engaging our youth in a way that is creating a sense of community. These kids, our future leaders, are getting experience working side-by-side with community members, putting hard work into our public spaces for the enjoyment of all. Above is a photo of awards given to the Sea Cadets – Coos County-Marcus Luttrell Division.

OBAB is a 501(c)3 organization and you can connect with them for more information at the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oregonbayareabeautification. Better yet, join them at the next Second Saturday Clean-Up on February 10, 2024, at John Topits Park. 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”  This group is doing just that. Thank you for your service.

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

Pool's Boiler Needs Replacement 

On December 15, 2023, the boiler, which heats the water for the Mingus Park Pool, failed.  With no way to heat the pool, there was no choice but to close the pool until a repair could be implemented. Because this pool serves such a large population of this community, there is an urgency to quickly address this issue so the pool can be reopened to the public. City staff brought in a company that specializes in boiler repair and after investigation it was determined that the boiler was beyond repair and needed to be replaced. Several replacement options were proposed, but this is a capital cost not planned by either the City or the Pool Board. 

Currently, the City and Pool Board are working together to determine the best path forward for the replacement while considering budget, lead times, and technology. They are also investigating funding sources and grant opportunities.

At a recent Walk with the Mayor event, it was asked if private donations could be submitted to help fund this boiler replacement project. On behalf of the Pool Board, the City has set up an account to accept tax deductible donations. If there are interested parties, these donations can be submitted to the Finance Department either in person or via mail at 500 Central Avenue. It is anticipated the cost for replacement will be approximately $115,000. There will be more information to come on how, and most importantly when, this replacement will take place.

For questions, please can contact the City’s Operations Administrator Greg Hamblet at ghamblet@coosbayor.gov or 541-269-8916.

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, February 12 at noon
North Bend 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.

Coos Bay Public Library Librarian
Part of National Award Committee

Each year the American Library Association (ALA) honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book awards guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians along with other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.

Jennifer Knight, Coos Bay Library’s Children’s Librarian, had the honor of serving on the Newbery Committee. Knight and fellow committee members read hundreds of books throughout the year to determine the winners. If you are interested in Newbery or other award-winning books, please stop by the Library for more information.

Wastewater Treatment Plant 1
Upgrade Project Status

Progress with the Phase 1 Upgrade to Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 1 has been ongoing. Ordering of major equipment components for this upgrade has occurred as some equipment has very long lead times that can take five months to one year to build and deliver. The contractor has completed a remodel of the City’s current chemical storage building.

Installation of bypass piping has been completed along with temporary electrical connections and controls being installed. The bypass piping and temporary electrical will be in-place for two years while new piping and electrical is constructed and installed.

Installation of monitoring devices have been installed on the existing tanks to monitor any movement while excavating and driving piles nearby. Movement of these existing tanks could be catastrophic to the infrastructure therefore the monitoring devices can identify any potential construction activity that may cause damage and be able to stop the construction activity in a timely manner.

The contractor plans on commencing with excavation and ultimately pile driving efforts over the next few months.

The City of Coos Bay has two Urban Renewal districts: Downtown and Empire. Each district has an adopted plan, focused on economic development and curing blight, which is done through tax increment financing. Tax increment financing is used in areas where private development has stagnated or is not feasible without public sector investment and partnership. Public investment through urban renewal is one way to change those conditions. The types of urban renewal activities undertaken generally include land assembly and development of infrastructure and public amenities, as well as façade improvement grants. As the result of publicly funded efforts, investment becomes feasible for private developers. Developments consistent with the City’s Urban Renewal Plan then gain forward momentum and stagnated areas become renewed.

Urban renewal, as a mechanism to jump-start area growth and improvement, starts with a point-in-time freeze of the assessed value within the designated urban renewal area. As the improvements and growth happen, the assessed property values within the urban renewal area increase above that frozen base, creating “incremental revenue,” which is entirely distributed to the urban renewal agency. Urban renewal agencies use debt to fund the improvement projects as part of their plan. This debt, either through standard bank/financing options or through Du Jour financing (a short “daily” internal loan), is then repaid from the incremental tax revenue. As the urban renewal agency sunsets, this incremental value is then distributed, along with the frozen base revenue, to the overlapping government units.

The creation of an urban renewal agency does not result in assessment of an additional tax. Instead, during the urban renewal agency’s lifespan, overlapping taxing districts “forego” a portion of their permanent rate. Once the urban renewal area is terminated, the taxing jurisdictions receive their full permanent rate of taxes, plus the incremental tax revenues generated by the urban renewal area improvements. The School District and Education Service District are funded through the State School Fund on a per pupil allocation. There is no direct impact of urban renewal on their funding. The State School Fund is funded through property tax allocations, but also through other state resources.

The City of Coos Bay established the Downtown Urban Renewal District in 1988 and the Empire Urban Renewal District in 1995. The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency Board (Agency) is comprised of the City Council; and through bi-annual goal setting and the budget process, it is determined what projects will be funded. Urban renewal funds benefit Coos Bay through the projects and programs that play a major role in revitalizing and curing blight within the urban renewal areas.

As required by ORS 457.460, an urban renewal agency must prepare a statement for the governing body and citizens. This statement, or report, must include a financial recap of the preceding year, the budget for the current fiscal year, and an analysis of the impact of carrying out the urban renewal plan on each of the overlapping governmental units within the urban renewal area. The City’s report is meant to meet that requirement, as well as expand upon the minimum requirement and provide the reader more detailed information about the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Coos Bay and its activities during the period July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023 (FY23). The report can be found on the City’s website, 2022-2023 URA Annual Report. 

Questions regarding the Annual Report or Urban Renewal can be directed to the City Manager’s office at 541-269-8912.

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.

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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