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Published By Your City Hall

May 24, 2024

CBFD Provides Professional Example Used Across the United States

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Coos Bay resident Rick Cooper. He shared that he recently attended an Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) session for his role as a DPSST instructor assigned to Southern Oregon. This training was a nationally recognized Strategy and Tactics course for development of fire department officers, led by seasoned fire professionals from urban areas such as Chicago and Los Angeles. A portion of the training included a 90 second video of Coos Bay firefighters properly employing a technique called “conditioning” or “softening.” This utilizes a fire stream from outside of the building to slow the fire growth and reduce temperatures before firefighters go inside the building.

This short video tells a significant story. Our community is protected by dedicated and experienced first responders. The Coos Bay Fire Department (CBFD) currently has 16 full time staff members (career) providing emergency fire and medical response from either the downtown fire station or the Empire fire station. Of these 16-career staff, nine are Paramedics and seven are EMTs. In addition to these career staff, the CBFD has a long history with a successful student program, currently with six students (four are EMTs) residing at the downtown fire station while they complete fire science coursework at Southwestern Oregon Community College, as well as five volunteer firefighters (one is EMT). Collectively, the career staff have 186 years of experience.

It is remarkable that a fire department from a small, rural Oregon community is setting the training example for fire professionals across the United States. This demonstrates the quality of the individuals serving our community through their role as a fire/medical professional at CBFD. Coos Bay, and the surrounding areas, are very fortunate to have this level of service at the ready in our community.

Thank you to the men and women who are protecting Coos Bay through their service as a member of the Coos Bay Fire Department.

-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

The City of Coos Bay is seeking volunteers to fill positions on the Library Board and Tree Board.  Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, by calling 541-269-8912, or on the City’s website. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5 p.m. on June 12, 2024.

Library Board

The Library Board, Coos Bay Municipal Code 2.25, was established by Ordinance No. 57 and consists of seven members.  The term of office is four years. Up to three board members may at any one time reside in Coos County within the boundaries of School Dist. 9 but outside the city limits of Coos Bay. Members shall be limited to serving no more than two full consecutive terms; however, any person may be reappointed after an interval of one year. There is currently one opening on the Board.

Tree Board

The Tree Board, Coos Bay Municipal Code 8.30, was established by ordinance No. 181 for the purpose of providing regulations for the planting and protection of trees and shrubs within the city of Coos Bay. The Board consists of up to eight members appointed by the City Council for four-year terms and meet on an as needed. All members shall be city residents. Members residing outside the city, but who own property within the city, shall be considered to have such residential status basis. There are currently two at-large openings (citizens with an interest in trees) on the Board and one position that shall be a parks commissioner.

The City applied for and received a grant from the Judith A. Mogan Foundation for a “Rewilding Project” in the southern section of Mingus Park. The project is comprised of several components. The first project component proposes to relocate the kiddie playground area near the older kids’ playground around the corner making it more centrally located. The playground equipment will be upgraded as well. Once the kiddie playground is relocated, the area will be regraded and have drainage installed to alleviate the historic flooding this area has experienced. The project will also include native and natural plantings (rewilding) and installing new walking paths and educational signage. The City is partnering with the Coos Watershed Association on the native plantings and educational signage. 

Another component of the project will include the repurposing of the picnic pavilion into a storage area for city parks. The picnic pavilion is past its useful life and is no longer being utilized for its original intent. 

All work will be managed by the City’s Operations and Water Quality Divisions and commence in June. This area will be closed to the public during this time. Please take caution when in the area and watch for equipment and workers. The project is expected to take place over the next several weeks.

The City wants to thank the Judith A. Mogan Foundation for this incredible grant and opportunity to improve one of the City’s most popular park. If you have any questions, or want more information, please contact the Public Works office at (541) 269-8918.

City Public Works and Community Development Counter Hours Adjustment 

To better serve our community, the City of Coos Bay Public Works and Community Development Department is temporarily adjusting its counter hours. This change will ensure our dedicated staff can process applications efficiently while we work through a period of restaffing. Starting immediately, the counter at City Hall will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you need to meet with our staff outside of these hours, please call 541-269-8918 to schedule an appointment.

For building inspections, our inspectors are available at the City Hall counter from 8 to 9 a.m. daily. Inspections are conducted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

Thanks to the thriving development activity in our community, we estimate an initial plan review timeline of three weeks from the date of a complete submittal for building, public works, and planning permit applications.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to enhance our services for you.

Senator Ron Wyden Announces Four Town Halls in Southern Oregon

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will hold in-person town halls in Josephine, Curry, Coos and Douglas counties on May 28-29.

Heading into these four town halls, Wyden will have held 1,081 town halls throughout Oregon – including 16 so far this year -- in fulfillment of his pledge to hold at least one town hall each year in each of our state’s 36 counties. The town halls in these four counties originally had been scheduled for April but had to be postponed because of Senate votes in Washington, DC.

“I’m glad to be able to reschedule these town halls so quickly. I’ll always keep my promise of annual open-to-all town halls in each of our state’s 36 counties because it’s crucial that all Oregonians get the opportunity in their community to ask questions, offer suggestions and share ideas,” Wyden said. “As I approach my 1,100^th town hall, these direct town hall discussions remain vital, and I very much look forward to the upcoming discussions with Oregonians in Josephine, Curry, Coos, and Douglas counties.” 

• Josephine County, 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, South Middle School gym, 350 W. Harbeck Rd., Grants Pass 
• Curry County, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, Gold Beach Jr/Sr. High School gym, 29516 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach
• Coos County, 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, North Bend High School gym, 2323 Pacific Ave., North Bend (Parking available in lot behind football stadium)
• Douglas County, 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, Reedsport Community Charter Jr/Sr. High School, Pacific Auditorium, Reedsport (Enter at the Pacific Auditorium entrance. Please park on Longwood Drive as school will be in session.)

Building Safety Month May 2024 – Week 4

We all have a part to play in making sure the places where we live, work, and play are safe for not only ourselves, but our family, friends, and neighbors, too. Be the change you'd like to see in your community by speaking up about building safety. From reaching out to your local media to advocating for building safety to local leadership, even the smallest action can ultimately save lives.

By spreading the importance of adopting modern building codes and standards with public officials, you can contribute to preventing disasters such as structural collapse or fires, and help mitigate the potential damage caused by events such as hurricanes or floods.

Here we’ve outlined five steps you can take to help make sure the places where we live, work, play and learn are safe:

• Identify the adopted building safety codes where you live.
• Determine if your community has currently adopted up-to-date codes.
• If improvements are needed, get ready to take action based on if the codes in your state are adopted at the state or local level.
• Ask for change and include a few talking points on why adopting and enforcing modern building codes is important.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort. The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) will be participating in the national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday and runs from May 20 - June 2, 2024.

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said CBPD Captain Tom Lindahl. “It’s not just a safe thing to do—it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, the CBPD will be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented.”

The national seat belt use rate in 2023 was 91.9%, which is good, but it can be better. The other 8.1% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development Holding Coastal Community Meetings on Proposed Offshore Wind Leases

The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) will be hosting a series of community meetings along the Oregon coast related to a proposal by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to lease areas of the ocean off Oregon’s coast to explore possibilities for wind energy development.

The proposed BOEM leases would authorize companies to study the areas off Oregon’s coast for potential offshore wind energy development projects. After obtaining leases, companies would perform activities in the ocean that may include placement of scientific buoys and collection of data about seafloor conditions, ocean habitats, and wildlife.

More information on the proposed leasing actions can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OCMP/Pages/Offshore-Wind-Energy-Leasing.aspx.

During the community meetings, OCMP staff will provide information about the proposed activities that are being reviewed and the applicable state policies and authorities related to a consistency review. Community members are encouraged to provide comments on the consistency review during the 45-day comment period, which ends on June 15, 2024.

DLCD Community Meetings

May 29, 2024 (Wednesday) from Noon to p.m.         
Virtual – join information will be available on our web page.

June 3, 2024 (Monday) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.           
Brookings-Harbor High School, 8293, 625 Pioneer Rd., Brookings

June 4, 2024 (Tuesday) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.           
Sunset Middle School, 245 S Cammann St., Coos Bay

June 6, 2024 (Thursday) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.         
Siuslaw Middle School, 2525 Oak St., Florence

June 7, 2024 (Friday) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Newport High School, 322 NE Eads St., Newport

All ages and families are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

Comments will be accepted through June 15, 2024.

Email or written comments: Please be sure to address the enforceable policies you believe are relevant in your comments. OCMP staff may review comments on proposed actions for alignment with enforceable policies and potential conditions to enhance consistency. For more information on the federal consistency review and how to comment, visit https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OCMP/Pages/Offshore-Wind-Energy-Leasing.aspx

Online comments: Comments may be submitted online through a webform here: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OCMP/Pages/Federal-Consistency-Review.aspx

In-Person comments: Community members wishing to comment in person should plan to limit comments to three minutes per person. If many people wish to comment, staff may need to limit comment time further as we want to hear from as many community members as possible.

It's game night! Join us at the Library tonight, May 24, from 6-9 p.m. for fun and games. Bring your own games or borrow some of ours. Teens and Adults are welcome to participate.

The Coos Bay Public Library is holding its second monthly program for neurodiverse adults on May 28 at 2-4 pm. Join us for a fun craft project (lava lamps!), snacks, and camaraderie. Neurodiverse adults aged 19+ and their caregivers are welcome.

Marshfield Sun Printing Museum Open This Summer: Thursdays-Saturdays

Why do we call capital letters “upper case” and the other letters “lower case”? Why do we call it “typing”?

Find the answer to these and much more any Thursday through Saturday summer afternoons when you visit the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum on Coos Bay’s historic waterfront.

The Sun's original—and now historic—printing presses and other fascinating equipment can be viewed up close as skilled volunteers interpret and demonstrate how they work. Printing Museum volunteers also answer questions about the Museum’s exhibits on printing and office technology, as well as on the life of the Sun’s founder, Jesse Luce.

Combine a visit to the Marshfield Sun with a visit to the nearby Coos History Museum for a jam-packed afternoon of interesting local history.

The Marshfield Sun Printing Museum is a unique printing museum located in that building at the north end of Front Street on Coos Bay’s historic waterfront. The unusually shaped building was built as the home for the Marshfield Sun newspaper and print shop in 1911. The Marshfield Sun was a working newspaper office and print shop from 1891 to 1944—and is today essentially as it was left in 1944, with additional exhibits on the walls and upstairs.

The Marshfield Sun Printing Museum’s regular summer hours begin the day after Memorial Day and go through Labor Day: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Admission is free, although donations are encouraged.

Find the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum on Facebook for photos and more!

The South Coast Equity Coalition in partnership with the Juneteenth Celebration Committee is hosting Coos and Curry County’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 18-June 21, 2024. This year’s event has expanded to include multiple locations on the Southern Oregon Coast including Coos Bay, Bandon, and Brookings!

Our annual theme is Family Reunion. We chose this theme because, for Black communities, family reunions have centered around resilience through storytelling, visibility, joy, and food.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas finally learned that they had been freed from bondage. President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, but Texas slaveholders hid that fact from the people they kept in chains. Since then, generations of Black Americans have celebrated the anniversary of that liberation as “Juneteenth.”

The South Coast Equity Coalition is honored and delighted to bring this FREE celebration to Coos and Curry County for three days of fun, education, entertainment, and activities for all!

Experience West African drumming provided by Gansango African Music and Dance Company. Teaching artists will engage participants in learning basic West African rhythms with hands-on use of drums, bells, shakers and clapping. These fun and interactive workshops will entertain and educate all ages. Come one, come all - no prior music or drum experience required!

Beware the Ides of March! Coos Bay’s own Shakespeare in the Park brings us Julius Caesar! Performed in the outdoor amphitheater of Mingus Park, the production features a brilliant cast of one of Shakespeare’s most revered plays. Shows will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, June 22 - 23 and June 29 -30 at 3 p.m. Green Show begins at 2:30 p.m. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on the amphitheater’s hillside overlooking the stage.

9-1-1 Dispatcher

The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of 9-1-1 Dispatcher.  To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, police supplemental application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the City Manager’s 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:$4503 - $5742/Month DOQ *Salary may increase dependent on Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Deadline to Apply:06/21/2024 5 p.m.

Deadline to apply for position is June 21, 2024 at 5 p.m. Please include a valid email address where you can be contacted.  All notifications regarding your status in the selection process will be made via electronic mail. NOTE:  Applications without an attached personal resume will not be considered. It should also be noted that preference will be given to a certified dispatcher applying for this position.  In addition to preference, Certified applicants would be eligible for a $5,000 hiring bonus ($2,500 after being hired and $2,500 after successful completion of probationary period) as well as the possibility of up to $1,000 moving expense reimbursement.

The City of Coos Bay is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, handicap or any other non-merit factor. If reasonable accommodation is required to complete the application process, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 269-8912 during normal business hours.

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Performs a variety of radio communications for police, fire, and EMS units. Answers business and emergency telephone calls and performs clerical and receptionist work in the operation of the Police Department.  Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Works under the supervision of the Communications Supervisor and/or the shift supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  Supervision of other employees is not a normal responsibility of an employee in this class.

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

1.   Operates two-way radio, teletype, telephone, data processing, voice logging, Computer Aided Dispatch, and computer equipment in the dispatch center; receives and transmits messages to the Coos Bay Police and other contracted police and fire agencies; maintains records of on duty police officers, fire, and EMS location at all times. Completes CAD entries on types of calls, reporting party, subjects contacted and arrested, and disposition of the case.  Monitors all radio traffic from police, fire and medical agencies served by Coos Bay Police/Coos Bay 9-1-1 Center.

2.   Responds to requests and inquiries for record checks:  DMV, CCH, NCIC, warrants, vehicles, persons, property, registration and miscellaneous information.

3.   Receives all incoming business telephone calls for the Police Department.  Answers after-hours phone calls for other city departments. 

4.   Maintains files and records of arrests, cases, and information such as licenses, stolen cars and car registrations.  Codes, logs and tallies statistical reports.

5.   Provides appropriate information to other law enforcement agencies as may be required.

6.   Monitors building security and wastewater alarm systems and notifies proper personnel when activated. 

7.   Provides pre-arrival medical instructions to callers on the phone until EMS services arrive on scene.

8.  Monitors activity in city hall via video camera.  Provides information, directions and resources to subjects in the police lobby by telephone or intercom.         

9.  Conducts background record checks as approved by Coos Bay City Ordinance.

HIRING PROCESS

Applicants must complete and submit the required application forms and personal resume by Friday, June 21 at 5 pm as specified in this job posting. All applicants will be notified of the final status of their application.

• Application Period: ................................. May 13 - June 21, 2024 at 5 p.m.
• Review of Applications: .......................... Will be reviewed upon reception
• Testing…………………………………….............. TBA occurs in-person at CBPD- Testing is for entry level applicants only.
• Interviews with Selected Candidates:  ...TBA
• Follow-up Interview (as needed) ............TBA
• Projected Start Date: ............................... August 2024

Codes/Planning Specialist

The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for a Codes/Planning Specialist position.  To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the City Manager’s 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

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs a variety of technical and non-technical tasks related to the intake and processing of building code and non-building code related permits and forms as well as planning applications and actions. Informs the public on land use and building code processes and standards. Performs a variety of secretarial tasks related to planning and codes implementation work. Composes, transcribes, edits and types correspondence, monthly reports and special projects; takes minutes at hearings and meetings; serves as receptionist for the department.  Performs other related duties as required.

• Type: Full Time
• Salary/Pay Rate:$3840 - $4788/month DOQ
• Deadline to Apply:06/05/2024 5 p.m.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Office Administrator who assigns and reviews work for conformation to instructions and standard practices.  Performs routine work with minimum supervision.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May coordinate the training of or assignment of work to administrative temporary or volunteer staff.

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

1. Explains technical information to applicants and the public concerning the requirements of the Land Development Code, Specialty Codes and other City ordinances.
2. Performs counter reviews with customers to ensure permits and applications are complete prior to final submittal for departmental processing.
3. Composes and prepares correspondence, data, reports, and routine forms. Types letters, reports, minutes, specifications, agendas, research projects, memos, statistical information, and other varied correspondence.
4. Sets up and maintains a variety of records using various computer software and manual systems.
5. Acts as receptionist for the Public Works and Community Development Departments, taking calls, answering inquiries, sorting mail, making appointments, scheduling inspections, and applying knowledge of ordinances and procedures of the Public Works and Community Development Departments to assist the public.
6. Serves as administrative support for various boards and commissions. Attends meetings, takes minutes and records meetings. Prepares final minutes for approval.
7. Operates standard office machinery such as personal computers, adding machine, fax, copy machine and postage machine.
8. Performs related duties and secretarial work as required.

Hiring Process:  Applicants must complete and submit the required City application packet by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, as specified in this job announcement. All applicants will be notified of the final status of their application via email.

Application Acceptance Period: ................................... May 15 – June 5  

Review of Applications: ................................................. June 6 

Interviews with Selected Candidates: ......................... June 10-11

Probable Date for Offer of Employment: ................... June 12

Projected Start Date: ..................................................... June 27

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

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