Town Hall Meeting Considers Amending
Empire Urban Renewal Plan

The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (Agency) will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting next Tuesday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss amending the Empire Urban Renewal Plan (Plan). The City of Coos Bay adopted the Empire URA Plan in 1988. This Plan allows for the expenditure of funds within the Empire Urban Renewal Area (Area). The City (also the Urban Renewal Agency) has completed numerous projects in the Area. These projects include assistance in the renovation of the Dolphin Theater, the Newmark Widening Project, South Empire Improvements, Hollering Place Wayside, Boat Building Center Improvements, Storefront Improvements (Empire Mercantile, Subway, and several others) a bathroom complex at the Empire Boat Ramp and other projects. 
 
The Agency and City Council have been evaluating the Empire Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) over the last year. In 2018, they adopted a minor amendment to update the projects in the Plan. The projects identified for the future are the Hollering Place Development, a Façade Program, street improvements, library assistance, and signage. As part of the minor amendment process, the financial projections were updated, and the City determined they would like to proceed with a substantial amendment to the Plan to increase the maximum indebtedness of the Empire URA District. This increase would allow financial capacity to undertake a number of capital street projects within the Empire URA District. 
 
The Town Hall meeting will be held at the Dolphin Theatre, located at  580 Newmark Avenue. ​

Coos County Board of Commissioners
 
250 N. Baxter St., Coquille Oregon 97423 (541) 396-7535 FAX (541) 396-1010/TDD (800) 735-2900 e-mail: bbrooks@co.coos.or.us
 
  JOHN SWEET  MELISSA CRIBBINS    ROBERT "BOB" MAIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
July 27, 2018
 
COOS COUNTY FOREST FIRE DANGER
  The Coos County Board of Commissioners wants to remind everyone that it is fire season, and it is necessary to take appropriate precautions to avoid causing a fire when you are on the Coos County forest.  Even though the coast is cooler than the inland valleys, winds and low humidity have increased our risk of fire.
 
With no rain in the immediate forecast, Coos County Commissioner John Sweet wants to remind people that we have already had two human-caused fires on the Coos County forest this year, and it is still relatively early in the fire season.  "The forest is dry this year, and we don't want to close it to recreation.  However, if people aren't careful and we have a fire, I don't think we will have a choice."  The Coos County forest is a significant contributor to the County budget, and the income received from timber harvests provides public services such as Sheriff's deputies and jail beds.
 
Appropriate precautions include not smoking outside of vehicles, no campfires, and carrying a fire extinguisher and tools.  
 
For questions, please contact Commissioner John Sweet at jsweet@co.coos.or.us or 541-396-7541.

Great News Please sign!
Please Share:
From: Press Release
Date: July 26, 2018 at 2:23:57 PM PDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Constitutional Measure Protecting Access to Firearms, Self-Defense Rights Cleared for Signature Gathering

For Immediate Release:                             Contact: commonfirearms@gmail.com
July 26, 2018
 
The “Don’t Take Away My Right To Defend My Family Committee” proudly announces that an Oregon constitutional amendment “The Common Firearms Act” (IP-8) has been filed with the Oregon Secretary of State and has received clearance to begin gathering the required 1,000 valid signatures of registered Oregon voters to obtain a ballot title for the November 2020 general election.
 
This proposed constitutional amendment is a direct result of IP-43 (since withdrawn) which would have allowed among other things the unconstitutional confiscation of legal firearms. A 117,000 member Facebook group was quickly organized to fight IP-43 and out of that group came the effort to put forward “The Common Firearms Act”.
 
The two chief petitioners of “The Common Firearms Act” are Sharon Preston of Redmond, a member of the Facebook group and Carlyan Castellano of Portland, one of the creators and administrators of the Facebook group.
 
“Evil doesn't ask who you voted for before it crosses your threshold. Many women choose a firearm as their tool for personal defense. As a Certified Instructor, I've trained thousands of women in Oregon from all walks of life” said Preston. “I know first hand how important it is for these women to be able to choose from a wide variety and purchase firearms that suit their needs. IP-43 would have made that nearly impossible.”
 
“The Common Firearms Act” is based on the late US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s majority opinion in the Heller decision that used the term “Firearms In Common Use” and held that the heart of the Second Amendment is the right to self-defense. Oregon’s Constitution states that the citizens have the “right to bear arms for the defense of themselves” and this proposed amendment protects the right to own  firearms that were commonly available for civilian purchase under Oregon law as of July 1, 2018. It does not change any existing Oregon firearm regulations, but it prevents new regulations from placing unreasonable burdens on the right to defend yourself or your loved ones with a common firearm.


“As a young woman I am passionate about my right, and the rights of my peers, to own firearms. In opposition to IP43 we created the Facebook group (Oregonians Against the "Assault Weapons" Ban now referred to as) Oregon Firearm Advocate” said Castellano. “Our private group grossed over 100k members in the first week. This was a clear representation that the right to defend ourselves with a firearm crossed party and ideological lines and must be protected in the Oregon Constitution.”
 
IP-8 website: www.commonfirearms.com ​

Initiative Petition

On July 11, 2018, the Elections Division received Initiative Petition
2020-006, proposed for the November 3, 2020, General Election.




Subject Provided by Chief Petitioners
School Gun Safety Act


Chief Petitioners
Jerrad Robison 311 SW Antler Ridge Court, Redmond, OR 97756
Ston McDaniel 7401 SE Gentian Way, Prineville, OR 97754








To begin the ballot title drafting process, chief petitioners must submit 1,000 sponsorship signatures. If submitted, the Elections Division will process sponsorship signatures in accordance with the Statistical Sampling Procedures for State Petitions adopted under administrative rule
OAR 165-014-0030.


More information, including the text of the petition, is contained under
2020 Initiatives, Referendums and Referrals link available at www.oregonvotes.gov.

Submitted by Fred Kirby,

​Dear Mr. Editor: 
 
Apparently Pembina / Jordan Cove Energy is reporting that the proposed LNG factory will employ 6,000 (different) temporary workers (not all concurrently) and 200 permanent workers – “many” expected to be Coos County job seekers.  That’s enormous growth from JCEP 2005 numbers of less than 1,000 and 50.  Apparently JCEP currently estimates a total of $10 billion (current year) US dollars will be spent to construct the LNG factory and pipeline; that number has grown from less than $2 billion.  The US BLS reports that about 35% of the growth is inflation related.  We Oregonians who are neutral or supporting the LNG project deserve to know the verifiable facts.  Perhaps you will task your investigative journalist to provide answers to the following questions in a soon to be published paper.  Certainly, after 14 years of effort, answers in excruciating detail are immediately available for the public.   
 
01 Why should we believe JCEP numbers?  How did JCEP scientifically arrive at its numbers? 
 
02 Please publish the JCEP graph that shows planned labor build up and decline.  When is the peak? 
 
03 Oregonians have relied on 14 years of JCEP promises.  Which elected Oregon official holds the JCEP written legally enforceable document covering its contractual obligation to employ (first) all local temporary workers seeking employment?  What written legally enforceable promises have been made to local labor unions to employ their members?  Who will determine a “qualified” job seeker?  What are the significant penalties if JCEP does not honor its contractual obligations in this matter? 
 
04 There are probably no experienced LNG factory workers in Coos County who are seeking employment.  Describe the 200 full time positions.  How many positions are expected to be LNG experienced scientists and technicians from elsewhere?  What has JCEP done to train locals for “skilled” permanent jobs? 
 
05 Apparently there will be many months of 24/7 noise from placing thousands of piles followed by years of factory construction.  How will JCEP mitigate years of noise? 
 
06 What prevents Canadian company Pembina from selling the LNG effort to a Chinese, Russian, or other foreign company when FERC approves its application? 
 
07 When did the people of Coos County approve the fees in lieu of taxes concept that is being reported by JCEP as being in place? 
 
08 Some day the LNG factory will be abandoned.  What safeguards protect local taxpayers from paying many tens of millions to demolish? 
 
Fred Kirby 
Coos Bay ​

Groups aim to boost non-lead ammo for ecosystem health Wildlife agencies and sportsmen’s groups join coalition encouraging hunters to choose non-lead ammo when hunting

July 9, 2018

The North American Non-Lead Partnership — formed late last year by the Oregon Zoo, The Peregrine Fund and the Institute for Wildlife Studies — seeks to expand the coalition of hunters, anglers and other conservationists dedicated to improving ecosystem and wildlife health by choosing non-lead options. 

“This is a long-term, multi-organization effort to help North America’s wildlife,” said Leland Brown, the Oregon Zoo’s non-lead hunting education coordinator and a lifelong outdoorsman. “Many of us are hunters ourselves, so we have a personal connection to this project. We’re proud of the contributions we’ve made to conservation, and we hope to inspire more outdoor enthusiasts and organizations to lend their support and help realize this vision in the months and years to come.”

Three state wildlife agencies — the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife — have recently joined the partnership, and at least five sports groups have pledged their support. One, the Arizona chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, even committed to an annual donation to support the efforts.

“ODFW supports a voluntary strategy to increase the use of non-lead ammunition among hunters in Oregon,” said Curt Melcher, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director. “We’re pleased to join the North American Non-Lead Partnership so we can increase our efforts to educate and encourage hunters to voluntarily switch to non-lead ammunition.”

“We're excited about the partnership and confident that working with stakeholders — on all sides of the lead issue — is necessary to ensure the long-term health of Utah’s wildlife and their habitats," said Mike Fowlks, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Director.  "We recognize the role that stakeholder engagement has in wildlife management and look forward to working cooperatively with the program partners.”

“The Arizona Game and Fish Department is committed to conserving and protecting Arizona’s diverse wildlife, which is why we are lending our support to the North American Non-Lead Partnership,” said Jim deVos, Arizona Department of Game and Fish Assistant Director for Wildlife Management. “Our department has placed non-lead ammunition into the hands of our hunters and worked to inform the public to consider switching to non-lead ammunition to better protect our wildlife and human health.”

Since the 1980s, people have worked to remove lead from paint, gasoline and plumbing, but it still can pose a threat to wildlife. When scavenging birds and mammals eat the remains of carcasses shot with lead ammunition, tiny fragments of the heavy metal can be ingested and then absorbed into their bloodstream, often causing long-term side effects and sometimes even death. Non-lead ammunition options, such as high performance solid copper bullets, help prevent lead poisoning in scavengers like bald eagles, golden eagles and other birds of prey.

The North American Non-Lead Partnership works to engage hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts by:

• Designing and promoting voluntary measures to increase the use of non-lead ammunition
• Supporting the continued long-term viability of scientifically managed hunting and the associated conservation culture by providing programs that encourage sports-men and -women participation in conservation actions
• Supporting continued efforts to conduct scientific research into the relative risk associated with specific lead exposure pathways between use of lead ammunition and wildlife
• Using scientific evaluation to assess and improve programs

“Voluntary lead-reduction programs in Arizona and Utah have been very successful,” said Chris Parish, The Peregrine Fund’s director of conservation. “We want to see these voluntary efforts expanded across North America. We are confident that as this partnership expands, more hunters and organizations will join.” 

The three founding organizations that launched the new partnership were inspired by the success of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, recognizing a long tradition of conservation among America’s outdoor sports enthusiasts.

###
​
Media contacts:
Oregon Zoo: Hova Najarian | 503-220-5714 | hova.najarian@oregonzoo.org
Institute for Wildlife Studies: David Garcelon | 707-822-4258 | garcelon@iws.org
The Peregrine Fund: Chris Parish | 928-606-5155 | cparish@peregrinefund.org
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Michelle Dennehy | 503-947-6022 | michelle.n.dennehy@state.or.us
Arizona Game and Fish Department: Tom Cadden | 623-236-7392 | tcadden@azgfd.gov
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: Mark Hadley | 801-538-4737 | markhadley@utah.gov

The following information was submitted by Jody McCaffree and it concerns public comments for government agency. 

-----------------------------------------------------

July 9, 2018:  6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Rogue Climate has a Clean Water Joint Permit Application commenting workshop scheduled at the Coos Bay library, Myrtlewood Room (525 Anderson Ave).  See OTHER Commenting Workshops and Guidelines from Rogue Climate here: www.noLNGexports/write-comments


----------------------------------------------------
 
July 13, 2018: 1:30 p.m.  Hearing at the Owen Building, 201 N. Adams Street, Coquille, on the Pacific Connector Extension Applications under Coos County File Nos AP-18-001 and AP-18-002.  This concerns extensions under Coos County File Nos EXT-18-001 and EXT-18-003 for the Pacific Connector OLD Pipeline Route Conditional Land Use Permits.  Find more info on the current extension applications here: http://www.co.coos.or.us/Departments/Planning/PlanningDepartment-Applications2018.aspx


----------------------------------------------------
 
July 21, 2018  5:00 p.m. (unless an extension is granted)  Important Comments are due to U.S. Army Corps and DEQ on Jordan Cove’s Clean Water Joint Permit Application:
 
**Please ask that we are given more than 60 days to review this massive document
 
ARMY CORP PUBLIC NOTICE / INFO:
https://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20180522-5077


[I am currently in the process of trying to obtain a current electronic copy of this 401/404 Clean Water Joint Permit Application of the Jordan Cove/Pacific Connector project and also a listing of where people can access hard copies and criteria regulations for the permit.  The North Bend library does not have any copies of this application as of 6-16-2018.]


Hard copies of the Clean Water Joint Permit Application are supposed to be available in the following locations: 
(Do not know if these are current versions of the application or not?)


Coos Bay Public Library: 525 Anderson Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420
Sutherlin Library/City Hall: 210 E Central Street, Sutherlin, OR 97479
Jackson County Library Services Central Library: 205 S Central Avenue, Medford, OR 97501
Klamath County Library: 126 South Third Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601


A December 2017 version of the Jordan Cove Clean Water Joint Permit Application and Supplemental Information was filed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by the Jordan Cove Energy Project L.P. and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline and can be found here:
https://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20171211-5172


The Jordan Cove Energy Project L.P. and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, LP also uploaded their - Applicant Prepared Draft Biological Assessment under CP17-494 here:
https://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20171222-5173
 
CLEAN WATER JOINT PERMIT CRITERIA


·       Section 10 of the Rivers & Harbors Act


·       Section 14 of the Rivers & Harbors Act


·       Section 401(State Water Quality Certification) https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action;JSESSIONID_OARD=JIcFD-wJ44xoPbHoatJS2XTN_KwuJl5WldxTykUjonYyWGJsWIxx!568786841?selectedDivision=1465  and


·       Section 404 (Removal-Fill) which regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/clean-water-laws-regulations-executive-orders#laws


·       Section 408 (Permission) The proposal will be evaluated for impacts of the proposed alteration to flood conveyance, structural integrity, operation and maintenance, NEPA requirements, and flood fighting capabilities as well as meeting Corps policy and criteria.


NOTE:  Despite the above reference to the Clean Water Act it is actually officially titled the FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT  https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/laws_regulations/docs/fedwaterpollutioncontrolact.pdf
 
COMMENTING GUIDELINES:
 
·       Is there an alternative to the project that is less environmentally damaging?
·       Will the nation’s waters be significantly degraded?
·       Will private or public water sources be negatively impacted?
·       Were steps taken to avoid wetland impacts?
·       Did the applicant minimize potential impacts on wetlands?
·       Did the applicant provide compensation for any unavoidable impacts?
·       Is the alteration in the public interest?
·       Will the project violate state water quality standards? (See 401 link above)


·       Link to additional commenting guidelines below from Rogue Climate and Rogue Riverkeeper:


Here is the comment writing guide for organizations and folks who want to write very in-depth comments (10 pages).


Here is the comment writing guide for the general public.


Here is the comment writing guide for impacted landowners.


It's updated on the website too, so please feel free to continue sharing: www.noLNGexports/write-comments


Thanks to Sarah W, Allie R, Stacey D, Robyn J, Maya and Dan S for helping write these guides and companion materials. 


Looking forward to *thousands* of high-quality comments!


Send 404/408 Clean Water Joint Permit application comments to:
 
Corps Email: NWP-2017-41@usace.army.mil
-or-
Corps Postal Mail: 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
North Bend Field Office
2201 North Broadway, Suite C
North Bend, Oregon 97459-2372


Send 401Clean Water Joint Permit application comments to:


·       Link to more info on the Jordan Cove DEQ 401 application here:
http://www.oregon.gov/deq/Programs/Pages/Jordan-Cove.aspx  


DEQ Email: JCEP401PublicComment@deq.state.or.us
-or-
DEQ Postal Mail:
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
165 E. 7th Ave, Suite 100
Eugene, Oregon 97401
Attn: 401 Water Quality Certification Project Manager, Chris Stine


----------------------------------------------------
 
July 25, 2018  Comments due to the FERC under Docket PL18-1-000 concerning their NOI.  (See link below)  FERC is seeking information and stakeholder perspectives to help the Commission explore whether, and if so how, it should revise its approach under its currently effective policy statement on the certification of new natural gas transportation facilities to determine whether a proposed natural gas project is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity, as that standard is established in section 7 of the Natural Gas Act. 


·       Federal Register Notice here:  https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-05-30/pdf/2018-11527.pdf?utm_campaign=subscription%20mailing%20list&utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email   


·       Read entire FERC Notice of Inquiry regarding Certification of New Interstate Natural Gas Facilities under PL18-1 here:
http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20180419-3060  


The Commission seeks input on whether, and if so how, the Commission should adjust:
(1) its methodology for determining whether there is a need for a proposed project, including the Commission’s consideration of precedent agreements and contracts for service as evidence of such need;
(2) its consideration of the potential exercise of eminent domain and of landowner interests related to a proposed project; and
(3) its evaluation of the environmental impact of a proposed project.


The Commission also seeks input on whether there are specific changes the Commission could consider implementing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its certificate processes including pre-filing, post-filing, and post-order issuance.


PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND WEIGH-IN


----------------------------------------------------
 
July 27, 2018  1:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time Comments due to U.S. Dept of Energy (DOE) on new LNG Export Study: “Macroeconomic Outcomes of Market Determined Levels of U.S. LNG Exports.” Comments are to be filed using procedures detailed in the Public Comment Procedures section no later than 4:30 p.m., Eastern time (1:30 Pacific time) See Federal Register Notice here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/06/12/2018-12621/study-on-macroeconomic-outcomes-of-lng-exports


Of course they are not documenting ALL the costs of exporting LNG.  We need to be flooding these guys with all the data they missed on climate impacts and costs from continuing to use and “increasing” the use of fracking and fossil fuels.  Particularly when we can prove renewable energy is far cheaper, cleaner and in the public interest.  


----------------------------------------------------
https://www.lnglawblog.com/2018/06/doe-releases-2018-lng-export-study/?utm_source=vuture&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=vuture-emails
DOE Releases 2018 LNG Export Study
Posted on Jun 13, 2018

Historic Bandon Scenic Boat Tour – South Coast Tours
www.southcoasttours.net
Step aboard the Fun Sway and let Captain K take you on a historic tour of the Lower Coquille River. From Old Town Bandon, you will leisurely cruise through exceptional scenic beauty, catch glimpses of wildlife, and learn about the once-thriving commerce that operated along the river.

 Secretary of StateElections Division
oregonvotes.gov
Contact: irrlistnotifier.sos@oregon.gov | 503-986-1518 | Toll Free 1-866-673-VOTE


Initiative Petition



On July 2, 2018 the chief petitioners withdrew Initiative Petition 2018-043.




Subject Provided by Chief Petitioners
Promote Public Safety for All Through the Reduction of Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines


Chief Petitioners
Walter John Knutson 4526 NE 27th Ave Portland, OR 97211
Michael Z. Cahana 3139 SW Fairmount Blvd. Portland, OR 97239
Alcena E. Boozer 5256 NE 48th Ave. Portland, OR 97218




More information, including the text of the initiative, is contained in the IRR Database available at www.oregonvotes.gov.