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Published By Your City Hall |
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 After many months of planning, our community is finally able to welcome David’s Chair! This was a collaborative effort between City staff, the Visitor & Convention Bureau, American Legion, Lions Club and the David’s Chair team. The chair was installed at the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, providing for visibility within the community and ease of access right off of Hwy 101 in downtown Coos Bay.
David’s Chair is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and has several mobility track chairs across Oregon, providing access to Oregon’s great outdoors for those with mobility challenges, free of charge for the user. Coos Bay has a wide range of outdoor activities that previously would have been inaccessible or extremely difficult for those with limited mobility to fully enjoy. The addition of this resource in our community brings a level of accessibility not previously available, expanding access to the many natural amenities in the Coos Bay area.
 Janice Langlinais, Executive Director of the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau, has long been a champion of outdoor accessibility and had connected with David’s Chair numerous times. Coupling that with contact made by Kevin Owens of the American Legion and Lions Club, the effort gained momentum, supporting City staff in finalizing an agreement with David’s Chair, resulting in a track chair stationed in Coos Bay. The chair stationed in Coos Bay is a ‘Tow and Go’ chair, easily connected to a vehicle for transport to a recreational location of choice, such as Sunset Bay or Millicoma Marsh trails (as examples).
The chair will be available for reservation on David’s Chair website in the coming days (https://davidschair.org/). The American Legion and Lions Club have volunteered to coordinate the pick-up and drop-off of the chair, as well as minor maintenance and upkeep following each use.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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City Visits with the Consular Office
of Japan Representatives
 Left to right: City Manager Nichole Rutherford, Consul General Yoshioka, Coos Bay City Councilor Drew Farmer, Consul Shigehisa.
During a recent visit to Coos Bay, Councilor Drew Farmer and City Manager Nichole Rutherford welcomed representatives from the Consular Office of Japan in Portland. Consul General Yoshioka and Consul Shigehisa traveled to the coastal city to engage in discussions about Coos Bay, its sister city relationship, and the City's unique characteristics, attractions, and future plans. In a gesture of goodwill, the Consul General and Consul presented a gift of Japanese sake, while the Coos Bay representatives reciprocated with sweets from local Cranberry Sweets. The meeting was characterized by warm and productive conversations, strengthening the ties between Coos Bay, the Consular Office of Japan in Portland and Choshi, our sister city in Japan.
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Revised Council Meeting Dates
On June 4, the City Council discussed and approved a revised summer meeting schedule for July - August for both City Council and the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Board meetings:
- July 2, 2024 – CANCELLED
- July 16, 2024
- July 23, 2024 (work session)
- August 6, 2024
- August 20, 2024 – CANCELLED
- August 27, 2024 (work session) – CANCELLED
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Meeting dates are also available by viewing the City of Coos Bay Events Calendar on the homepage: https://www.coosbayor.gov/home
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Invitation to Join the City’s Project Management Team for the Safe Routes
to School Planning Grant
 The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for volunteers to be part of the Project Management Team (PMT) for the planning effort for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS).
This year the City of Coos Bay, at the direction of the Parks Commission, City Council, and in partnership with the Coos Bay School District #9, applied for and received a Planning Grant for the SRTS for the following schools: Sunset Middle School, Destinations Academy and Marshfield Senior High School. The grant will focus on planning assistance which will analyze a two-mile radius around each of the schools to identify barriers and hazards that impact walking and rolling opportunities. It will also set goals for increasing the number of students choosing to walk and roll.
As a member of the PMT, you will provide valuable insights to the team and make a positive impact for the children and young adults who attend these schools. This is an 12-18-month commitment with at least 4-5 meetings and some site visits. Interested persons should bring ideas and enthusiasm to the group as well as the ability to work in a group type setting.
Applications can be obtained by clicking the button below:
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Citation Honors Coos Bay Firefighters
 Eight Coos Bay firefighters were awarded with a Unit Citation medal for their life-saving effort at a house fire in May of this year. A Unit Citation is considered for a team that displays extraordinary heroism, meritorious service, or performance of marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission.
In the early morning hours of May 2, 2024, the fire department responded to a house fire in the Eastside neighborhood. Firefighters found two people trapped within the home, threatened by the growing fire and unable to escape on their own. The team successfully rescued victims and extinguished the fire. Despite receiving burns and smoke inhalation, both victims have made a full recovery.
Given that the premier mission of the fire service is the protection of human life and, as each member of the first-arriving crew had a role in the successful rescue and care of both victims, it was determined that these personnel are deserving of the Unit Citation for their life-saving efforts.
Those being honored for their actions are: Lt. Anthony Saccente, Engineer Clinton Cook, Firefighter Rory Eck, Firefighter Craig Edera, Firefighter Fernanda Gonzalez, Firefighter Jacob Galdston, Firefighter Mia Knight, and Firefighter Lexi Wagoner.
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 With fireworks now on sale, “Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon State Fire Marshal. The 2024 fireworks retail sales season began on June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon. The state fire marshal would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use, where fireworks can be used, and how to use them safely.
“We ask Oregonians to be responsible if they plan to use fireworks as part of their celebrations,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “Every year, we see fires and injuries because of improper use of fireworks or illegal fireworks. Our message is simple: keep it legal and keep it safe.”
Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used, including public lands and parks. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. Fireworks are also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
For those who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
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Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
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Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
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Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak spent fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal.
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Be aware: use only legal fireworks in legal places.
Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the state fire marshal. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
For more information on retail fireworks within Oregon, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/pages/default.aspx
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The Coos Bay Downtown Association and the City of Coos Bay would like to extend an invitation to participate in 4th of July in the Park. Spend the day with family and friends in Coos Bay’s beautiful Mingus Park. Events include the Boy Scouts Hamburger Stand fundraiser, Smokey the Bear with the Coos Forest Protective Association, ODFW’s fishing pond, art, furry friends, and more from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Plus, Free Swim at Mingus Park Pool from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
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 Join fellow runners and walkers on July 4, 2024 at Mingus Park for the annual Firecracker Run! There will be a 1/2-mile kid’s run and the 4K for grown-ups. Kid’s run is 1.5 times around the lake. The 4K is three times around the lake followed by a huge hill in the park. You will then run on city streets, down another Mingus Park dirt trail, and finish on the paved path by the lake.
10 a.m. – 1/2 mile kid’s run – Free!
10:15 a.m. (or whenever the kid’s run is over) – 4K Grown-up Run/Walk
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 Notice of election November 5, 2024, for positions of Mayor and four (4) Councilors. Citizens can file their declaration of candidacy at City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, in the City Manager’s office from June 5, 2024 - August 27, 2024. Candidates filing by petition are to file before 5 p.m. on August 20, 2024. Citizens must be a registered voter and have resided within the city limits for one (1) year preceding election date. Questions can be addressed to Christine Sylvester, City Recorder, at 541-269-1181, ext. 3103.
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 The City is currently upgrading the wastewater treatment plant located at 680 Ivy Avenue. The upgrade will include a new secondary clarifier and chlorine contact chamber. Both of these structures will need to be on piling. In total approximately 280 piles will be installed.
The contractor started driving the piles this week. They plan on installing up to 20 piles a day which means they will be doing this activity Monday through Friday for the next three to four weeks. The contractor is installing the piles with a drop hammer which uses a falling weight to create the impact. While this is a common method it can be loud and repetitive. The decibel level was measured onsite during the pile driving activity and the highest reading was measured at 88 decibels. This can be compared to a food blender, garbage disposal, or heavy freeway traffic.
If you live or work near the wastewater treatment plant you will be subject to this repetitive noise for the next three to four weeks and the City thanks you in advance for your patience and understanding. Should you have any concerns or questions, please contact City Hall Public Works at 541-269-8918.
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Stay Up to Date on Local Tourism!
Are you interested in the impacts our tourism industry is having on our local community? A great way to stay up to date on the travel and tourism industry in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston is to SUBSCRIBE to the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitors & Conventions Bureau's (VCB) Industry newsletter! You can do this by filling out the form by clicking here.
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CBPD Promotes Summer Safety
 As summer approaches, the Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members. We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to enjoy the season while staying safe. Here are some essential tips:
- Traffic Safety:
- Obey speed limits and traffic rules.
- Buckle up, use child safety seats, and avoid distractions while driving.
- Be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists.
Outdoor Recreation:
- If you’re camping, hiking, or exploring the outdoors, be prepared:
- Bring a first aid kit.
- Know the location of the nearest clinic or hospital.
- Have a backup plan in case your chosen area is crowded.
Water Safety:
- Whether you’re swimming, boating, or enjoying the beach, always follow water safety guidelines.
- Supervise children closely near water and ensure they wear life jackets.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while swimming or operating watercraft.
Community Engagement:
- CBPD officers actively engage with the community during events and outreach programs.
- Report any suspicious activity promptly.
Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s work together to make Coos Bay a safe and pleasant place to live, work, and visit.
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Mingus Park Rewilding Gets Rolling
You may have noticed the construction that began in the southern section of Mingus Park. This is part of the Mingus Park Rewilding Project funded by the Judith Ann Mogan Grant Foundation. The project includes a new walking path, improved drainage system, relocating the kiddie playground, planting the area with natives and naturals (“rewilding”), and educational signage. The City has successfully demolished the old walkway and moved the kiddie playground near the older kids’ playground earlier this year. The project has been paused as the City finalizes the design. Last week, City staff reached 90% completion of the design and are currently making final revisions. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2024.
A crucial step in the design process for every project is a review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). As part of the materials sent for review, City staff scanned the As-builts of the Mingus Redevelopment Project from 1962. Look at this piece of history compared to the new design below!
 Figure 1. The image above was cropped from the planting plan in the Mingus Redevelopment Project As-builts dated 1962. (Descriptive Text: The yellow and black image shows a bird’s eye view map depicting a planting plan. Rectangles for children’s playground equipment and sandboxes are surrounded by asphalt pavement in an approximate kidney bean shape. There are a variety of plants on the other side of the pavement.)
 Figure 2. A plan view of the 90% complete Mingus Rewilding design. (Descriptive Text: The black and white image show’s a bird’s eye view of the new Mingus Rewilding design. It depicts a grassy kidney bean shape with a man-made gravel swale in the center, smaller swales feed into the center swale. The grass is surrounded by a path that loops around.)
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City Requests Development Proposals
 The City of Coos Bay is seeking development proposals for the former municipal fire station site at 150 South Fourth Street. Approximately 0.22-acres m/l of readily available land, ideally suited for Mixed-Use development in Oregon’s largest coastal city.
The property is intended to provide the community with a mix of mutually supporting retail, service, office, and residential uses. The property’s location within the Downtown Parking District means that off-street parking is not required for development. Multiple public parking lots are near the property and available for public use.
Economic development and revitalization are a primary goal of the City of Coos Bay. The City envisions a new development on the property that provides a mix of uses to further revitalize and enhance the economic vitality of the Downtown area. Development proposals for the property should complement the surrounding Downtown both functionally and aesthetically.
The City seeks Letters of Interest from interested development teams. City staff will review Letters of Interest to make a recommendation to the City of Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (URA). Presentations will be scheduled with top applicants and the URA. Selection of the preferred development proposal is anticipated thereafter.
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Happenings at Your Coos Bay Library |
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 Saturday, June 29 from 11:45-3 p.m. there will be a LEGO building competition at the Library. Teams can have up to four members who will build a mystery LEGO set. Six teams maximum, first come, first served. All ages welcome.
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 Come join us for Yoga on Monday, July 1 at 6 p.m. at the Coos Bay Library. Open to teens and adults. Register online or call the Library.
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 The 2024 Summer Reading Program is here! Open to all ages; join online or at the Library to win prizes.
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 https://www.coosbayor.gov/visit/150th/Celebrate the Coos Bay Sesquicentennial!
Wednesday, July 24: “The Empire Builders”
7 p.m. at the Hales Center, Southwestern Oregon Community College
Thursday, July 25: “No Brass No Ammo”
12 p.m. at the Coos Bay Waterfront
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 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 Saturday and Sunday, 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.
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