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DOI ~ Feds Finally Pay Up $30.1 Million In Payments to Rural Schools in OR Counties

5/16/2019

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​INTERIOR ANNOUNCES $30.1 MILLION IN PAYMENTS TO RURAL SCHOOLS IN WESTERN OREGON COUNTIES
News Release from Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash.
May 15th, 2019 9:26 AM

​WASHINGTON – U .S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced today the issuance of $30.1 million to 18 counties in western Oregon as a part of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self-Determination Act extension. The funding will go directly to the counties, supporting investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, health services, and other critical expenditures made by these jurisdictions.

“The money appropriated to these communities through the Secure Rural Schools Act is critical to their continued prosperity and the vibrancy of our public lands,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “At the Department of the Interior, we are committed to being a good federal partner and neighbor, and this program is one way we help these local economies.”
 
“This announcement is welcome news for Oregon counties that rely on this program,” said U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (OR-02). “I worked closely with the last two Republican Speakers of the House to secure SRS funding for our schools and counties. I applaud the Trump Administration for prioritizing rural Oregon and promptly issuing these payments. While we are all pleased the checks are getting written, what we really need is reform of forest management so we can reduce the size and severity of wildfires and produce good paying jobs and tax revenues in our forest counties. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and his team to achieve that goal.”
Background
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the SRS program in Oregon and California Railroad Revested Lands, known as the O&C Lands, in concert with the U.S. Forest Service. The O&C Lands lie in a checkerboard pattern through 18 counties of western Oregon. These lands contain more than 2.4 million acres of forests with a diversity of plant and animal species, recreation areas, mining claims, grazing lands, cultural and historical resources, scenic areas, wild and scenic rivers, and wilderness. SRS payments are made to over 700 counties across the United States, including the 18 counties containing O&C Lands, according to a formula set by Congress.
​
The O&C Lands Act and Coos Bay Wagon Road (CBWR) Act require 50 percent of receipts collected from the sale of timber on O&C lands to be distributed among 18 counties in western Oregon. The payments follow a formula established by these laws, both of which authorize timber receipt-based payments to western Oregon counties, and both of which remain in effect following the expiration of the SRS and Community Self-Determination Act. 

Contact Info, for media use only:
Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov


Comments

The City of Bandon Purchased Face Rock Golf Course for $225,000 of Public Money

5/3/2019

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I made a public records request back in January about some land that the city of Bandon had purchased and wanted to post it.  Many of us suspect the city was looking at this property as a possible place to put the pool.  The city has backed off the idea, but that does not mean they are not working on this project behind the scenes.  
​The following is the response the Bandon city manager sent back....Rob T. 
From: Rob Taylor 
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2019 9:30 AM
To: Denise Russell <drussell@ci.bandon.or.us>;
​Robert Mawson <citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us>
Subject: Inquiry
Hello,
Could you please send me all the info on the recent purchase of the Face Rock golf course next to best western?
What money source was used to purchase this land?
What are the city's intentions for this property?  
How much will the city lose in property taxes?  
Sincerely,
Rob Taylor

Robert Mawson <citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us>
Tue 1/22/2019 3:46 PM
  • You;
  • Denise Russell
Hello Rob

The City of Bandon purchased the former Face Rock Golf Course property for $250,000 on a five-year privately carried note from the seller. General fund money was used to make the purchase costs and initial payment. We will be looking for grant opportunities to assist with the completion of the purchase.
This property is just over 37 acres in size and is almost completely zoned Natural Resource (NR). There is one small portion that is zoned CD-1. The City will go through the process to determine exactly what will happen with the property in the coming years, beginning with discussions at the Parks and Recreation Commission level. The general intent is to make it a part of the City park system and utilize it for walking, hiking, exercise, education and similar activities. The initial concept and final design of the park will be determined during the public processes, as mentioned above. If things work out on the calendar we may introduce the discussion during the February Parks & Rec meeting. The property is identified in the Parks Master Plan.
The 2018 property tax assessment was $2,058.64.   
Robert J Mawson
​City Manager
City of Bandon
Robert Mawson <citymanager@ci.bandon.or.us>
Tue 1/22/2019 4:18 PM
  • You;
  • Denise Russell
Sorry Rob.  I gave you the incorrect purchase price. The purchase price was $225,000, not $250,000.
Robert J Mawson
City Manager
Related Posts:
Bandon City Council Meeting ~ Discussion on Pool in City Park December 03, 2018
City of Bandon ~ Ballot Measure 6-172 Pool Funding ~ Voting YES Means No Pool
Bandon City Council Mulling Amendment Officially Separating the City from the Pool
Bandon Planning Department Informally Platting a Pool that the Voters Rejected
LTE ~ No Pool for this Self-admitted Nimby
LTE ~ Why Does the City of Bandon Do What it Does?
LTE ~  Bandon Pool Supporter Making Presumptions Receives a Response
LTE ~ Bandon Mayor Confronting Citizens for Making Public Comment on Pool

Comments

Federal Register ~ JCEP Notice of Draft EIS Available for Public Comment

4/5/2019

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​Jordan Cove Energy Project LP, Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project

The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) with the participation of the cooperating agencies listed below, has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Jordan Cove Liquefied Natural Gas Project proposed by Jordan Cove Energy Project LP (Jordan Cove) and the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline Project proposed by Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline L.P. (Pacific Connector) (collectively referred to as the Jordan Cove Energy Project or Project). Under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), Jordan Cove requests authorization to liquefy at a terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon up to 1.04 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day for export for to overseas markets. Pacific Connector seeks a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under Section 7 of the NGA to construct and operate an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline providing about 1.2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from the Malin hub to the Jordan Cove terminal, crossing portions of Klamath, Jackson, Douglas, and Coos Counties, Oregon.

The draft EIS assesses the potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of the Project in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As described in the draft EIS, the FERC staff concludes that approval of the Project would result in a number of significant environmental impacts; however, the majority of impacts would be less than significant because of the impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures proposed by Jordan Cove and Pacific Connector and those recommended by staff in the draft EIS.

The United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM); U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service); Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation); U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard; the Coquille Indian Tribe; and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation participated as cooperating agencies in preparation of this EIS. Cooperating agencies have jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to resources potentially affected by the proposal and participate in the NEPA analysis. The cooperating agencies provided input into the conclusions and recommendations presented in the draft EIS. Following issuance of the final EIS, the cooperating agencies will issue subsequent decisions, determinations, permits or authorizations for the Project in accordance with each individual agency's regulatory requirements.

The BLM, with the concurrence of the Forest Service and Reclamation, would adopt and use the EIS to consider issuing a right-of-way grant for the portion of the Project on federal lands. Other cooperating agencies would use this EIS in their regulatory process, and to satisfy compliance with NEPA and other related federal environmental laws (e.g., the National Historic Preservation Act).

The BLM and the Forest Service would also use this EIS to evaluate proposed amendments to their District or National Forest land management plans that would make provision for the Pacific Connector pipeline. In order to consider the Pacific Connector right-of-way grant, the BLM must amend the affected Resource Management Plans (RMPs). The BLM therefore proposes to amend the RMPs to re-allocate all lands within the proposed temporary use area and right-of-way to a District-Designated Reserve, with management direction to manage the lands for the purposes of the Pacific Connector right-of-way. Approximately 885 acres would be re-allocated. District-Designated Reserve allocations establish specific management for a specific use or to protect specific values and resources. In accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 36 CFR 219.16, the Forest Service gives notice of its intent to consider amendments of Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) for the Umpqua, Rogue River and Winema National Forests. Proposed amendments of LRMPs include reallocation of matrix lands to Late Successional Reserves and site-specific exemptions from standards and guidelines and other LRMP requirements to allow construction of the Pacific Connector pipeline. Exemptions from standards and guidelines include requirements to protect known sites of Survey and Manage species, changes in visual quality objectives at specific locations, limitations on detrimental soil conditions, removal of effective shade at perennial stream crossings and the construction of utility corridors in riparian areas. Further information on Forest Service LRMP amendments is included below.

The Commission mailed a copy of the Notice of Availability of the draft EIS to federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Indian Tribes; potentially affected landowners and other interested individuals and groups; and newspapers and libraries in the Project area. The draft EIS is only available in electronic format. It may be viewed and downloaded from the FERC's website (www.ferc.gov), on the Environmental Documents page (https://www.ferc.gov/​industries/​gas/​enviro/​eis.asp). In addition, the draft EIS may be accessed by using the eLibrary link on the FERC's website. Click on the eLibrary link (https://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​elibrary.asp), click on General Search, and enter the docket Start Printed Page 13649number in the “Docket Number” field, excluding the last three digits (i.e., CP17-494 or CP17-495). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502-8659.

Any person wishing to comment on the draft EIS may do so. Your comments should focus on the draft EIS's disclosure and discussion of potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. To ensure consideration of your comments on the proposal in the final EIS, it is important that the Commission receive your comments on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5, 2019.
​
For your convenience, there are four methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission.[1] The Commission will provide equal consideration to all comments received, whether filed in written form or provided verbally. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are properly recorded.

(1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. This is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments on a project;

(2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to Documents and Filings. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on “eRegister.” If you are filing a comment on a particular project, please select “Comment on a Filing” as the filing type; or

(3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the following address. Be sure to reference the Project docket numbers (CP17-494-000 and CP17-495-000) with your submission: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426

​(4) In lieu of sending written or electronic comments, the Commission invites you to attend a public comment session that will be held in the Project area to receive comments on the draft EIS. The dates, locations, and times of these sessions will be provided in a supplemental notice.


Any person seeking to become a party to the proceeding must file a motion to intervene pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedures (18 CFR 385.214). Motions to intervene are more fully described at http://www.ferc.gov/​resources/​guides/​how-to/​intervene.asp. Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing or judicial review of the Commission's decision. The Commission grants affected landowners and others with environmental concerns intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding which no other party can adequately represent. Simply filing environmental comments will not give you intervenor status, but you do not need intervenor status to have your comments considered. Subsequent decisions, determination, permits, and authorization by the cooperating agencies are subject to the administrative procedures of each respective agency.
​Questions?

Additional information about the Project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at (866) 208-FERC, or on the FERC website (www.ferc.gov) using the eLibrary link. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings.

In addition, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription that allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​esubscription.asp.

Dated: March 29, 2019.

​Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
Footnotes

1.  The contents of your comment including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information may be made available to the public. While you may request that your personal identifying information be withheld from public view, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Back to Citation [FR Doc. 2019-06715 Filed 4-4-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P

Comments

OREGON EMPLOYER COUNCIL SPRING CONFERENCE 2019 ANNOUNCEMENT

3/27/2019

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OREGON EMPLOYER COUNCIL SPRING CONFERENCE 2019 ANNOUNCEMENT
News Release from Oregon Employment Department
March 26th, 2019 2:30 PM

Downloadable file: Oregon Employer Council Spring Conference 2019

THE MILL CASINO  – The Oregon Employer Council Spring Conference, an annual event, will be held on Monday and Tuesday, April 29th and 30th at The Mill Casino in North Bend.

The Fall Conference offers keynote speakers and breakout sessions on human resources, labor law, and business topics, as well as opportunities to network with businesses from around the state. SHRM credits will be available.

Early bird registration is $299 and standard registration after April 1st is $349. Booths are available for exhibitors for between $600 and $800. To register or for more information, contact Greg Ivers gregory.e.ivers@state.or.us. Agenda and more information are available at www.oec.org.

The Oregon Employer Council is a nonprofit organization with chapters throughout Oregon.  OEC chapters create bridges between business and government, and provide low cost, local training for businesses. Membership is open to all Oregon businesses.


Contact Info:
Greg Ivers, 503-947-5403,
​gregory.e.ivers@state.or.us 
Comments

LTE ~ Pool Survey Should Be a Legal Pool Vote on a Legitimate Ballot

3/14/2019

Comments

 
The editor of the Bandon Western World refused to print this letter to the editor, but we will print it here on Coos County Watchdog.  Anyone is welcome to submit their letter to the editor....Rob T.  
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​LEGAL POOL VOTE
 
Mrs. Lawson, the only part of your letter that is not propaganda is these four words:  "It needs city utilities."
 
Our utilities exist because of 100+ years of tax dollars paid to establish and maintain them.  The rightful owners of our utilities are all the citizens, all the taxpayers of Bandon.  These rightful owners must have the final say on whether your private corporation, with its outsized water needs, gets access to the services.
 
This permission must be granted via a formal, legal ballot--a ballot mailed to us under the signature of the County Clerk, a secret ballot that is opened and counted only by legally appointed and sworn election workers. 
 
You claim that your  project is for "everyone" in Bandon.  Prove it, by 1) ceasing your back-room collusion with the Mayor and two Councilors, and 2) directing your energy toward a legal ballot measure which asks:
 
"Do you want to allow a private corporation to locate its swimming pool in City Park for the purpose of taking city utilities?"
 
In a world where you can be anything, be honest!
 
 
William Hand
PO Box 1353

Related Posts:
LTE ~ Response to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin for Comments on the SAPO
LTE ~ Premise of Columbia County Rejection is False and Ideologically Driven
LTE ~ Letter Requesting The Mayor OF Coos Bay to put Smart Meters on Agenda
LTE ~ What I learned from the 2018 Oregon Midterm
LTE ~ Curry County State of Jefferson Meetings Now Elections are Over
LTE ~ JCEP Expanding its Slick PR Campaign
LTE ~ Once upon a time in Tyrannical Oregon
LTE ~ No Pool for this Self-admitted Nimby
LTE ~ Why Does the City of Bandon Do What it Does?
LTE ~  Bandon Pool Supporter Making Presumptions Receives a Response
LTE ~ Bandon Mayor Confronting Citizens for Making Public Comment on Pool
LTE ~ Some Questions for Pembina on the Jordan Cove Energy Project

Comments

Press Release: Pacific Power Offers New Equal Payment Plan Opt-out Option

3/14/2019

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​PACIFIC POWER OFFERS NEW EQUAL PAYMENT PLAN OPT-OUT OPTION


News Release from Pacific Power
 March 12th, 2019 3:07 PM

Media Contact:                                                          
March 12, 2019
Pacific Power media line                                           
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
800-570-5838


Pacific Power offers new Equal Payment Plan Opt-out option
Customers choosing to opt-out of the statewide meter upgrade can now select a new plan to reduce monthly fees

PORTLAND, Ore. — As part of a statewide metering upgrade designed to improve service to customers through shorter outages and hour-by-hour energy usage information, Pacific Power is providing an additional offering for customers who wish to opt out. As part of a final filing to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Oregon on Monday, March 11, Pacific Power will now offer a commission-approved Equal Payment Plan Opt-out option to help reduce monthly fees starting March 13.

“We’ve heard from customers that the fee to opt out of a smart meter is burdensome, and we have continued to look for new options,” said Pacific Power Vice President of Regulation, Etta Lockey. “This has been a collaborative process with the PUC and the Citizens’ Utility Board, and we are pleased to offer this new option to customers.”

Smart meters wirelessly deliver hour-by-hour energy usage information to customers via their online account, eliminating the need to wait for a manual meter read and a monthly bill. While only around one percent of customers are opting out of the meter upgrade, choosing to do so adds a cost to continue manual meter reads.

The Equal Payment Option reduces opt-out fees for customers from the current $36 a month to $9 a month, by reducing the number of manual reads to three times per year ($36 per reading, spread across 12 months). It also allows customers to pay a level or equal monthly amount based on a historical average of their previous bills.

The standard opt-out plan will continue to be available as well and provides monthly manual $36 meter reads and bills based on monthly usage.

Customers must select the new option by calling 1-866-869-8520. All residential customers with non-standard meters are eligible to participate. Residential customers with net meters, time of use meters or demand registers would not qualify because it is necessary for the company to obtain routine meter reads to bill customers under those circumstances accurately.

Pacific Power’s upgrade of 590,000 meters began in January 2018 and continues through 2019. Installs are already complete for more than two-thirds of Pacific Power customers in Oregon. An opt-out option was made available during the upgrade to customers who choose to opt-out. In August, Pacific Power removed a $137 fee covering a future replacement of a non-communicative meter with a smart meter to help address the upfront financial impact of the program. This new Equal Payment Plan Opt-out option is part of Pacific Power’s continued review of opt-out fees, to ensure costs are fair for all customers.

Additional information on smart meters, including installation updates, are available at
www.pacificpower.net/smartmeter.
​Customers can also call 866-869-8520 for help with any questions.


-###-
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington, and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.9 million customers in six western states Information about Pacific Power is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.

Contact Info:
Media hotline: 800-570-5838

Comments

Coos Bay, North Bend & Coquille Indian Tribe Impose Another Tax on the People

2/15/2019

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The City of Coos Bay, along with the City of North Bend and the Coquille Indian Tribe, recently adopted an ordinance to increase the local Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) (also known as the Hotel Occupancy Tax) by 2.5%.
 
Beginning April 1, 2019, lodging facilities within the city limits of Coos Bay or North Bend will begin collecting 9.5% tax per overnight stay in a commercial lodging facility, including hotels/motels/B&B inns, RV parks, and vacation rentals. This applies to check-ins on or after April 1, 2019.
 
State Law now allows lodging properties collecting local TLT to keep 5% of the total amount of local TLT collected as an administrative fee. New reporting forms will be made available for use when remitting TLT and will provide instructions for retaining this administrative fee.
 
The increase to the TLT will allow the Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau to increase their advertising, marketing and promotions efforts to bring more tourism to the Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston area, collectively known as Oregon’s Adventure Coast. This will allow our area to compete for the tourist dollars against our neighbors on the Central and North Coast.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City of Coos Bay’s Finance Department at 541-269-8915. ​


Comments

Community Enhancement Plan Workgroup Meeting Thursday, December 06, 2018

12/3/2018

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AGENDA
Community Enhancement Plan Workgroup

December 6, 2018 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Coos Bay City Hall City Council Chambers
2:00 Welcome and Introductions Melissa Cribbins
2:15  Presentation on history of CEP discussions and EZ Agreement
 
2:45 Review of proposed EZ Agreement between Jordan Cove and Sponsors
 
3:00 Review of proposed CEP Agreement between Zone Sponsors
 
3:15 Discussion of EZ Agreement and CEP Agreement
Workgroup Members
 
Public Comment will be taken at the end of the meeting.  Workgroup Members are not approving either agreement, but may make a motion to recommend passing the agreements to their respective governing bodies.  Both Agreements (the EZ Agreement and the CEP) must be approved by all four Zone Sponsors at a duly noticed public meeting.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/569e6f1176d99c4f392858c4/t/5c01abc74fa51ac22714df29/1543613387743/CEP+Presentation+12+06+18.pdf
  • Agenda
  • CEP Overview
  • CEP: Community Advantage
  • Enterprise Zone Agreement
  • Property Tax Example
Related Posts:
Coos County Commissioners Approve Tax Free Living in Bay Area Enterprise Zone
Coos County Planning Approves Extension Request for LNG Natural Gas Pipeline
Coos County Regular Board Meeting Tues 9:30am Dec. 5, 2017 ~ LNG on Agenda
FERC Notice of EIS for JCEP Public Comments & Meetings ~ Coos Bay June 27, 2017
Coos County Grants One Year Extension Approval for LNG Pipeline for the JCEP
BOC ~ Notice of Deliberation on JCEP Tuesday August 16, 2016
Public Meeting for Coos County April 19 & North Bend April 26, 2016 on JCEP
Open Letter to the Coos County Board of Commissioners Concerning the JCEP
LTE ~ Leshley Don't Know Dick About the JCEP Work Camp
Jody McCaffree Appeals LNG Road Construction Coos County Planning Oct. 9, 2015
Do Enterprise Zones Work? ~ An Ideopolis Policy Paper February 2011
Educational Enterprise Zone Workshop Roseburg OR Thursday, September 17, 2015
Coos County Planning Decisions on LNG & Effected Roads
LTE ~ CEP appears to be great for Canadian Veresen / JCEP
LTE ~ LNG Pipeline Man and His Bag of Money  
LTE ~ Should We Be Worried Dealing with Veresen and the LNG
LTE~ A Package of Rancor for Coos County Commissioner John Sweet
Critique of the BOC Town Hall in Bandon---"PUT IT ON THE BALLOT"
BOC---MGX---Jordon Cove Made Commitment to Pay $30M Annual Taxes Despite EZ  
Public Meetings on South Coast Community Foundation "Put it on the Ballot"
BOC---Public Meeting for Vote on South Coast Community Foundation April 1, 2014
Letter to Editor---South Coast Community Foundation Scam will Top All Past 
MGX---Geddry Slams Koch over Forced Cooperation & Jordon Cove Funding 
League of Oregon Cities Class of Slanted View on History of Urban Renewal in OR 
City of Bandon---Expanding Government Cheese
Urban Renewal---King Hales of Portland Master of Government Development
FBI Press Release on Charges Against Local Bandon Developer Michael Drobot
Urban Renewal---Read How Schools suffer to Support Wealthy Foreign Companies
City of Bandon---Local Developer Michael Drobot Admits to Bribery & Conspiracy 
Preserving the American Dream:  Lessons in Beating Boondoggles
Agenda 21---Sustainable Development & Regionalism
City of Bandon---Votes on the renewal of City Manager's Contract

Comments

Coos County Press Release ~ Tax Bill in the Mail ~ Tax Repeal on the Ballot

10/16/2018

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Feel-Good Tax Repeal on the Ballot in Coos County ​

Repeal the Empire Urban Renewal Tax Debt Meeting Friday Oct. 19, 2018 ​

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Comments

Repeal the Empire Urban Renewal Tax Debt Meeting Friday Oct. 19, 2018

10/14/2018

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Has the government taxed you enough already?
 
Do you want to fight back against the Taxman?
 
Are you tired of government wasting your money?
 

It is time for the people to take it back.
 

Join other concerned citizens to
Repeal the Empire Urban Renewal Tax Debt
​
GOP Headquarters
Friday, October 19, 7:00pm
201 Central Ave.
Downtown Coos Bay Oregon
​The city council of Coos Bay is going to vote to increase and extend the indebtedness of the Empire Urban Renewal Plan and we plan to file a referendum. 

There will be petitions to sign and copies available for anyone who would like to help gather signatures.   The GOP is giving out signs for candidates and ballot measures.  

 There will be discussions on how we are going to get the signatures and how we are going to run the campaign.  There will be updates on Measure 6-168 and the Coos County Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance.

If the politicians of CB cannot put it on the ballot for the voters to decide then we will have to do their job for them. 
 
​
Here is a link to the CB city council meeting on Tuesday October 16, 2018.
​Coos Bay City Council Votes to Extend Empire UR Tax Debt Plan October 16, 2018
Related Posts:
Feel-Good Tax Repeal on the Ballot in Coos County
Press Release ~ Coos Bay Considers Amending Empire Urban Renewal Tax Scheme
Registered Sex Offender Who Received UR Money Threatens Legal Action
Coos Bay Gave Urban Renewal Money to a Registered Sex Offender
Coos Bay Pays Around $406,000 to Repair Mingus Park Pool
Coos Bay Considers Eliminating Voter Approval for the Sale of Revenue Bonds
Coos County Public Hearing on Extending the Urban Renewal Tax Debt Dec. 13, 2017
The Excesses of Tax-Increment Financing & Urban Renewal
Coos Bay URA Spends $300,000 on North-South Gateway While Streets Deteriorate
Coos Bay Street Action Plan Open House Thursday, June 8, 2017, 5:30pm
Coos Bay Legally Steals from Average Citizens to Decorate a Private Business
Coos Bay Taking from the Poor to Give to the Privileged Using Urban Renewal
Coos Bay Gives $97,000 of Public Money to the Local Drama Club
Coos Bay Redistributing Money to Owners of Historical Places
Coos Bay Giving Away Public Money to a Private Business Using Urban Renewal

Comments

Feel-Good Tax Repeal on the Ballot in Coos County

8/20/2018

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Every election seems to come with the promise of more tax increases.  The government never seems to have enough.  Even with record revenues, the Oregon state government finds itself with shortfalls and more unfunded liabilities left for the repayment of future generations.
 
Our own Coos County commissioners are always mulling over new taxes.  The museum tax, the transient tax, the road tax, the marijuana tax and of course the urban renewal tax they are insatiable in their appetite for the people’s money. 
 
In late March of this year, the commissioners bypassed the people and voted unanimously to renew the county’s North Bay Urban Renewal plan, which has the potential of going into thirty-two million dollars of debt.
 
The commissioners give the same cheesy excuse that only the people living in the UR area are paying the UR tax, but that is a half-truth.
 
It is true that only the property owners in a UR area pay their property taxes directly to that area’s UR agency over the frozen tax base.  Anything over the frozen base is the increment of taxes that goes to finance the UR agency, hence the term tax-increment financing. 
 
However, those tax dollars were supposed to go to several other overlapping taxing districts to cover the cost of the services provided by those districts. 
 
Everyone in the county uses the services provided by those districts, including the owners of the properties inside the UR area.  When taxpayers of the property inside the UR taxing area do not pay for the services they are using because the system has redirected the money to the UR agency, other taxpayers in the other overlapping countywide districts have to cover the cost of those expenses.  Therefore, everyone who pays property taxes in Coos County pays taxes directly or indirectly for the debt accrued by all seven urban renewal areas that exist in the county through this process of tax increment financing. 
 
Otherwise, property owners would not see UR taxes listed on their tax bill. 
 
The county loses $3 million annually in tax revenue to urban renewal, which represents 5% of the total amount of property taxes collected in the county.  Multnomah County, which is essentially Portland, dedicates about 25% of their total annual property taxes to urban renewal, and their number one complaint is affordable housing, which is partially due to TIF. 
 
There is no such thing as free money. 
 
Since the politicians are going to use most of this money to facilitate the development of private corporations, it then comes down to a simple question.
 
Should the government use public tax dollars to gamble on private development or should corporations gamble with their own money?
 
Politicians are neither lucky nor skillful enough to be rolling the dice with the people’s money, and that includes the three political hacks currently serving on this county’s Board of Commissioners.  
 
People rarely get a chance to rescind an ordinance that continues a tax, and once the government enacts a tax, it is impossible to stop.  In the November election, the people will have a chance to repeal the county’s urban renewal plan and the tax debt that goes along with it. 
 
The voters of Coos County should take advantage of this possibly once in a lifetime experience and vote yes to repeal. VOTE YES for Measure 6-168 and feel-good about repealing a tax because it is the right thing to do. 
 
Anyone interested in finding out more information on urban renewal and tax-increment financing can go to www.CoosCountyWatchdog.com.  

Oregon Catalyst: Feel Good Tax Repeal on the Ballot
Related Posts:
Coos County Commissioners Approve Tax Free Living in Bay Area Enterprise Zone
Coos County Clerk Certifies Petition to Repeal the North Bay Urban Renewal Plan
Commissioners Cribbins & Sweet Deserve Public Reprimand for Deception
Commissioner's URA Vote Triggers Tax Referendum ~ Meeting on Friday the 13th
Coos County Considering Ordinance to Extend UR Tax Debt March 27, 2018
Board of Commissioners Postpones Vote on Coos County Urban Renewal Agency
​Update on The Campaign to Shut Down the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency
Coos County Public Hearing on Extending the Urban Renewal Tax Debt Dec. 13, 2017
The Continuing Saga of the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency
​Coos County Board of Commissioners FINAL VOTE on Extending the URA Debt
Information on the Campaign to Shut Down the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency
Coos County Proposed Ordinance Adopting North Bay UR Plan ~ FOREVER
Coos County Commissioners Hearing on Extending the Debt of the North Bay URA
Cribbins & Sweet Utilize Voter Suppression on Urban Renewal Extension

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Press Release ~ Coos Bay Considers Amending Empire Urban Renewal Tax Scheme

7/29/2018

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PictureBill Roberts worked for the Cleveland Press and in this 1965 editorial illustration he depicts the backlash against Urban Renewal.
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. ​

Related Posts:
Registered Sex Offender Who Received UR Money Threatens Legal Action
Coos Bay Gave Urban Renewal Money to a Registered Sex Offender
Coos Bay Pays Around $406,000 to Repair Mingus Park Pool
Coos Bay Considers Eliminating Voter Approval for the Sale of Revenue Bonds
Coos County Public Hearing on Extending the Urban Renewal Tax Debt Dec. 13, 2017
The Excesses of Tax-Increment Financing & Urban Renewal
Coos Bay URA Spends $300,000 on North-South Gateway While Streets Deteriorate
Coos Bay Street Action Plan Open House Thursday, June 8, 2017, 5:30pm
Coos Bay Legally Steals from Average Citizens to Decorate a Private Business
Coos Bay Taking from the Poor to Give to the Privileged Using Urban Renewal
Coos Bay Gives $97,000 of Public Money to the Local Drama Club
Coos Bay Redistributing Money to Owners of Historical Places
Coos Bay Giving Away Public Money to a Private Business Using Urban Renewal

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Coos County Commissioners Approve Tax Free Living in Bay Area Enterprise Zone

6/20/2018

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2018 Bay Area Enterprise Zone
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Related Posts:
Coos County Planning Approves Extension Request for LNG Natural Gas Pipeline
Coos County Regular Board Meeting Tues 9:30am Dec. 5, 2017 ~ LNG on Agenda
FERC Notice of EIS for JCEP Public Comments & Meetings ~ Coos Bay June 27, 2017
Coos County Grants One Year Extension Approval for LNG Pipeline for the JCEP
BOC ~ Notice of Deliberation on JCEP Tuesday August 16, 2016
Public Meeting for Coos County April 19 & North Bend April 26, 2016 on JCEP
Open Letter to the Coos County Board of Commissioners Concerning the JCEP
LTE ~ Leshley Don't Know Dick About the JCEP Work Camp
Jody McCaffree Appeals LNG Road Construction Coos County Planning Oct. 9, 2015
Do Enterprise Zones Work? ~ An Ideopolis Policy Paper February 2011
Educational Enterprise Zone Workshop Roseburg OR Thursday, September 17, 2015
Coos County Planning Decisions on LNG & Effected Roads
LTE ~ CEP appears to be great for Canadian Veresen / JCEP
LTE ~ LNG Pipeline Man and His Bag of Money  
LTE ~ Should We Be Worried Dealing with Veresen and the LNG
LTE~ A Package of Rancor for Coos County Commissioner John Sweet
Critique of the BOC Town Hall in Bandon---"PUT IT ON THE BALLOT"
BOC---MGX---Jordon Cove Made Commitment to Pay $30M Annual Taxes Despite EZ  
Public Meetings on South Coast Community Foundation "Put it on the Ballot"
BOC---Public Meeting for Vote on South Coast Community Foundation April 1, 2014
Letter to Editor---South Coast Community Foundation Scam will Top All Past 
MGX---Geddry Slams Koch over Forced Cooperation & Jordon Cove Funding 
League of Oregon Cities Class of Slanted View on History of Urban Renewal in OR 
City of Bandon---Expanding Government Cheese
Urban Renewal---King Hales of Portland Master of Government Development
FBI Press Release on Charges Against Local Bandon Developer Michael Drobot
Urban Renewal---Read How Schools suffer to Support Wealthy Foreign Companies
City of Bandon---Local Developer Michael Drobot Admits to Bribery & Conspiracy 
Preserving the American Dream:  Lessons in Beating Boondoggles
Agenda 21---Sustainable Development & Regionalism
City of Bandon---Votes on the renewal of City Manager's Contract

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The Coos County Three Stooges are Looking for a New Parks Advisor

5/4/2018

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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
250 N. Baxter Street,
Coquille, Oregon 97423
 (541) 396-7535 FAX
(541) 396-1010 / TDD (800) 735-2900
E-Mail:  bbrooks@co.coos.or.us
 The Three Stooges:
   Robert “Moe” Main, John Sweet,  Melissa Cribbins

May 1, 2018 
 
PRESS RELEASE- 
 
The Coos County Board of Commissioners is now accepting applications from anyone interested in applying for a position on the Coos County Parks Advisory Committee.  There are several positions available and commissioners are looking for interested persons from all of the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county.  
 
There are four vacant positions, and two of the successful candidates will be completing vacant terms.
 
Interested parties must send a completed county application to:
 
Coos County Board of Commissioners Office 250 N. Baxter Coquille, Oregon 97423
 
Applications are available on the county’s website at www.co.coos.or.us and click on “county boards and committees” or by contacting the Board’s office.  Deadline for submitting an application is Friday, May 25th at 12:00 PM. 

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Study on Generating Funds for Oregon Common School Trust Lands

4/16/2018

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Cascade Policy Institute recently commissioned economist Eric Fruits, Ph.D. to do a comparative analysis of nine Western states with large Common School Trust Land portfolios to determine under what circumstances it might make sense for states to sell these lands and invest the net proceeds into stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.

Management of Oregon’s 1.5 million acre portfolio of Common School Trust Lands has long been a contentious issue. Twenty-five years ago, Oregon Attorney General Charles S. Crookham issued an opinion clarifying that Common School Trust Lands must be managed primarily for revenue maximization.

But environmental groups have repeatedly lobbied and litigated to eliminate revenue generation from the Trust Lands, claiming that commodity production is an outdated concept. They finally succeeded during 2013-15, when Oregon’s Trust Land portfolio lost $360,000/year in net operating income. Those losses had to be paid for by Oregon public school students.

In his report, A Proposal to Generate Adequate Returns from Common School Trust Lands, Dr. Fruits concluded that revenue generated for schools by the Oregon Common School Trust Lands likely would go up by 600% if the lands were sold and the net income were invested in the existing Common School Fund.


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Coos Bay Considers Eliminating Voter Approval for the Sale of Revenue Bonds

2/20/2018

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On February 20, 2018, the Coos Bay City Council will be voting on a Resolution to put a measure on the May ballot that would add an amendment to change three sections of the city charter.  One of the changes would eliminate the ability of the voter to approve the sale of Revenue Bonds returning that authority to the city councilors to decide. 
 
The city officials are making the argument that the city should not have to ask the voters permission to sell Revenue Bonds because this type of bond has existing revenue sources to repay the debt, so it does not require the enactment of a new tax.  However, the city has to repay the debt with public money, so it is a tax nonetheless.    
 
The voters in 1996 chose to establish voter approval for the sale of certain bonds because the people knew the local politicians would continue to spend public money on wasteful projects with little regard for the concerns of the citizens.
 
The most disturbing thing about this agenda item is that the city recorder has already filled out and predated the SEL802 document that the city has to submit to the county clerk for a ballot measure.  It is almost as if the city officials already know how the council and mayor will vote before the meeting has occurred….Rob T. 

CITY OF COOS BAY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 20, 2018 - 7:00 PM
Council Chambers - 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, OR
 
Those changes will affect these sections of the city charter: 
(1) Section 4.1 Meeting requirements of the Council;
(2) Section 9.11 Funds for Police Officers and Firefighters;
(3) Section 9.12 Sales of Bonds and Warrants.
2018-02-23 CB Charter Aamendeent SEL802
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2018-02-20 CB Resolution 18-06 Charter Amendment
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2018-02-20 CB Charter Aamendment
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2018-02-20 CB Agenda Item 15 Proposed Charter Amendment
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Background:

On February 18, 2017, the Council held a work session to discuss priorities for 2017-2019. The work session was facilitated by consultants from Solid Ground Consulting. Based on a consensus of the Council, priorities were categorized into five areas: (1) Wastewater; (2) Street Maintenance; (3) Library facility; (4) Economic Development; and (5) City Charter. On April 4, 2017, the Council approved the attached goals which included possible amendments to the City Charter. 
  • Section 4.1 of the Charter requires in part that the "...Council shall hold a regular meeting at least twice each month..." Currently the Council meets and has traditionally met on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays evening of each month for their "regular meetings." There have been times when such regular meetings were not necessary and where the business of the Council could have been conducted during one monthly meeting rather than in two. The following is the proposed amended Section 4.1 language in its entirety: Section 4.1 Meetings. The Council shall hold regular meetings as the business of the City requires, at a time and at a place in the City which it designates and may adopt rules for the government of its members and proceedings. The mayor, manager, or three members of the Council may, by giving notice to all members of the Council then in the City, call a special meeting of the Council.
  • The City Charter was amended by the voters in 1988 by adding Section 9.11 Funds for Police Officer and Firefighters. Section 9.11 requires mandatory minimum staffing for public safety personnel. Under Oregon's current taxing structure the City is unable to and has been unable for more than a decade to fund all of the required positions. Section 9.11 was deemed unconstitutional in 2003. As the language is not enforceable and unattainable, it should be deleted from the City Charter.
  •  The Charter was amended in 1996 by adding Section 9.12 of the Charter precludes the City from the selling of all bonds or warrant without an approval of the voters. The intent of the Charter amendment was to stop the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency from issuing bonds to undertake for a library expansion project. While the voters approved the ballot measure which precluded the City from issuing bonds and warrants, it was not and is not legally binding on the Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency which under Oregon law is a separate corporate political entity.
Most cities find it necessary to borrow money from time to time (e.g., to buy a fire truck or build a new wastewater treatment plant). Oregon cities can borrow money in a wide variety of ways and from a variety of sources. The choices a city makes in how to borrow can have a significant effect on the cost of the borrowing and the speed at which the borrowing can be done. A city might be able to borrow money for a project from a state agency, from a commercial bank, or through an underwriter who will sell the city’s bonds in the public securities markets. That city might be able to use general obligation bonds, full faith and credit loans, notes or revenue bonds to finance the project. Market conditions can change, and a method of financing that was ideal for one city project may be inappropriate for another project.

For many borrowings, an Oregon city can choose to do any of the following kinds of borrowings:

  • GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS pledge the "full faith and credit" of the city, and permit the city to levy an additional property tax that is sufficient to pay the bonds. Because these bonds are secured by this additional property tax, voter approval is required. General obligation bonds are usually the most secure form of borrowing available to a city, and therefore usually have the lowest cost.
  • REVENUE BONDS are secured by a pledge of a specific revenue source or tax source, typically do not require voter approval and are usually subject to referral. The interest rates and other costs of revenue bonds are usually higher than for general obligation bonds, and depend greatly on the type of revenues that are pledged to pay the bonds.
  • Local improvement district or "Bancroft" bonds are bonds that are issued to finance the costs of local improvements that are assessed against neighboring property. Assessed property owners are entitled to pay the assessment, with interest, over at least ten years. Cities use those payments to pay the local improvement district bonds.
  • CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION (sometimes referred to as COPs) on which annual debt service payments are subject to annual appropriation. Borrowings that are subject to appropriation usually have higher interest rates than borrowings that are not. Recent changes in Oregon law allow most cities to do general fund obligations, and certificates of participation have become relatively uncommon.
  • GENERAL FUND OBLIGATIONS, OR LIMITED TAX OBLIGATIONS, which are similar to COPs but are a binding obligation payable from all resources of the general fund rather than to annual appropriation. Some city charters do not permit this kind of borrowing.
  • LOAN AGREEMENTS are often used when a city borrows from a bank.
 

Since the inclusion of Section 9.12, the City has secured funding (loans) from federal and state agencies, from banks, and by the sale of bonds (approved by the voters for the building and equipping of the Fire Station). Given that the time process involved in securing voter approval for revenue bonds combined with the reality that the financial market is in constant flux, the City has chosen not to avail itself to this funding possibility. As is stated above, revenue bonds do not typically require approval of the voters as cities have existing revenue sources to repay the debt (doesn't require enactment of a new tax). While revenue bonds generally don't require voter approval, they are generally subject to referral to the voters through the referral process.

As Section 9.12, as currently worded limits financing options, staff recommends amending the language. Financing options, such as GO Bonds and other bonds which require the implementation of an additional tax should require voter approval. Amending the language would provide the City greater flexibility, without the ability to impose additional taxes, for financing the business of the City.

In addition, the City Attorney had reviewed the current City Charter and is suggesting that the Council consider additional amendments which would remove langue referencing consolidation and consolidation continuances.

The follow Section is part of the new amendment giving the councilors of CB the authority to create more debt in the name of the taxpayers.
 
 Section 2.4 Utilities. The City, acting by and through its Council, is authorized and empowered to acquire, construct, purchase, own, lease, operate and maintain, within, without, or partly within and without the corporate limits of the City, public utilities and other public utilities and other public enterprises and properties which may be deemed by the Council to be in the public interest, including, but not limited to, airport, roadway, dock, wharf, sewer, and water system facilities; and the Council may, by ordinance, authorize the issuance and sale of self-liquidating revenue bonds and self-liquidating notes or contracts payable only from the pledged revenues of public utilities, enterprises and properties for the acquisition, purchase, construction, reconstruction, improvement, extension or repair of any such utility, enterprise or property or any part thereof; provided that such obligations, and any part thereof, shall not be payable from taxes or general fund revenues and shall not be deemed general obligations of the City unless specifically authorized at election of the legal voters of the City, nor shall such self-liquidating obligations be debts of the City within the meaning of any constitutional, statutory or charter limitations.
Related Posts:
Coos Bay Pays Around $406,000 to Repair Mingus Park Pool
Coos County Public Hearing on Extending the Urban Renewal Tax Debt Dec. 13, 2017
The Excesses of Tax-Increment Financing & Urban Renewal
Coos Bay URA Spends $300,000 on North-South Gateway While Streets Deteriorate
Coos Bay Street Action Plan Open House Thursday, June 8, 2017, 5:30pm
Coos Bay Legally Steals from Average Citizens to Decorate a Private Business
Coos Bay Taking from the Poor to Give to the Privileged Using Urban Renewal
Coos Bay Gives $97,000 of Public Money to the Local Drama Club
Coos Bay Redistributing Money to Owners of Historical Places
Coos Bay Giving Away Public Money to a Private Business Using Urban Renewal
CATO Policy Analysis #676 ~ The Case Against Tax-Increment Financing
Public Comment Due BY December 1, 2017 on Coos County Urban Renewal Agency
The Continuing Saga of the Coos County Urban Renewal Agency
Coos County Board of Commissioners FINAL VOTE on Extending the URA Debt
Information on the Campaign to Shut Down the North Bay URA
Coos County Proposed Ordinance Adopting North Bay UR Plan ~ FOREVER
Coos County Commissioners Hearing on Extending the Debt of the North Bay URA
Cribbins & Sweet Utilize Voter Suppression on Urban Renewal Extension  
PERS Task Force Recommends Exempting School Districts from Urban Renewal
List of Coos Bay’s Urban Renewal Expenditures from 2006 - 2012
LTE ~ Coos Bay Urban Renewal Giving Away Public Assets Paid for by The Public
#CoosBay Urban Renewal Monies Siphoned from Public Basic Services 
Port of #CoosBay Blowing Through Your Tax Dollars Like Drunken Sailors 
Commissioners Campaign Contributors are Champions of Corporate Welfare

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Press Release - Bill to Limit Regional Closures of Crab Harvest Due to Domoic Acid

2/19/2018

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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Sunday, February 18, 2018 
CONTACT:  Shelia Megson   
Chief of Staff 
503-986-1401   
Shelia.Megson@oregonlegislature.gov                           

Click Here for the Bill                                                

SALEM – A bipartisan bicameral piece of legislation; introduced and Chief Sponsored by Senator Roblan (D-Coos Bay) and Representative David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) looks to better track crab and other marine base food susceptible to domoic acid and other food related issues that could pose a threat to human consumption.

“We have an ever-increasing frequency of domoic acid test results that have a negative impact on our coastal industries,” said Senator Roblan. “This is evident in the delay of this year’s crab season, as well as the recent closure on Friday due to high levels of domoic acid found in Brookings,” he said. “We have been working with our industries and agencies to come up with a better solution to protect our consumers, without having such a wide impact on our producers”.

SB 1550 looks to the location of the seafood caught and if a problem is discovered in one location, product data can be tracked to check nearby locations for a similar issue. If one is not found, area closures can be isolated and much smaller rather than have larger, regional closures like the current crab harvest closure that occurred last week from Cape Blanco to the border.

“Our crab fishers are struggling and so are their families,” said Representative David Brock Smith, whose District is affected by the recent closure. “With the delay in opening of the Crab Season due to elevated levels of domoic acid, and now the regional closure off southwest Oregon, our fishers are being hit extremely hard and this bill couldn’t come soon enough for them,” said Brock Smith. “This tracking and data collection will help isolate the affected areas and allow more certainty to ODA on localized closures,” he said. “This legislation will also allow for more flexibility in evisceration orders, while keeping the public safe and helping our fishing industries continue to be successful.”
SB 1550 is expected to pass the Senate Floor on Monday and move to Representative David Brock Smith’s House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on Wednesday to be worked on his side of the Capitol.   

Rep. David Brock Smith represents House District 1, which includes Curry, Coos, Douglas and Josephine counties. This press release and an archive of previous press releases issued by Rep. David Brock Smith’s office are available on the web at: www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd.

Related Posts:
ODFW ~ Commercial Crab from South Coast Must be Eviscerated to Protect Public
ODFW ~ Meeting to Discuss Coos Mountain TMA Public Trails November 30, 2017
ODFW ~ Crab Harvesting Reopens on a Portion of Oregon Coast
ODFW ~ Commercial Dungeness crab season delayed
ODFW ~ Entire Oregon Coast Reopened for Mussel Harvesting
ODFW ~ "Pounder" trout stocked in Coos Bay area Lakes
ODFW ~ One Species on the Verge of Causing the Extinction of Another Species
NOAA Antibusiness Plan for Coquille River ~ Public Private Property Partnership
ODFW ~ Commercial Crabbing Closed From Coos Bay North Jetty to Heceta Head
ODFW seeks Landowner Representatives for Access & Habitat Program – by Jan. 30
OR State Land Board Public Meeting December 13, 2016 ~ Sell the Elliot Forest
ODFW ~ Deer virus confirmed in Coos County
ODFW ~ Hosts Town Hall On Proposed 2017-19 budget North Bend May 4, 2016
ODFW ~ Commission Meeting in Bandon Friday April 22, 2016
ODFW ~ Harassing Cormorant to Protect Salman but Still a Crime for the People
ODFW ~ Public Meeting Coquille Valley Wildlife Area Discussion Wed. March 2, 2016

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ODFW ~ Commercial Crab from South Coast Must be Eviscerated to Protect Public

2/16/2018

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Commercial crab from south coast must be eviscerated to protect public health
February 16, 2018


SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have announced the establishment of a biotoxin management zone from Cape Blanco to the California-Oregon border, effective immediately. To protect consumers, all crab landed from this area must have the viscera (guts) removed by a licensed processor.

Dungeness crab internal organs (viscera) sampled from the area have biotoxins above the alert level, indicating that crab harvested from the biotoxin management zone must be eviscerated (gutted) before it is safe for consumption. Traceability measures that were put in place at the start of the season (Dec. 1, 2017) will be used to ensure that whole crab are eviscerated.

Crab meat remains safe for consumers who purchase it in retail markets or at restaurants. Domoic acid levels are elevated only in crab viscera, or the guts, of crab sampled and tested from this area of the Oregon coast.
Because of Oregon’s precautionary management of biotoxins, crab and shellfish products currently being sold in retail markets and restaurants are also safe for consumers.

ODA and ODFW will continue monitoring biotoxins in crab and shellfish to ensure that the concentrations of harvested products from all of Oregon remain below the alert level.

Domoic acid is a naturally occurring biotoxin produced by marine phytoplankton or algae that grow and bloom during certain seasons. When the algae are in high numbers, the biotoxin they produce is eaten and concentrated by crabs and other species.

Eating shellfish that is contaminated with domoic acid can cause illness in humans within minutes to hours resulting in cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, consumption can result in memory problems or even death. The toxin cannot be destroyed by cooking, adding baking soda, or any other method. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after eating seafood should contact a physician immediately.

Fortunately for crab consumers, the majority of domoic acid resides in the internal organs– not the meat– and is effectively removed through “evisceration” (also known as “backing”) of the crab, to remove the internal organs. For this reason, it is recommended that crab always be eviscerated prior to cooking, which includes removal and discard of the internal organs and gills.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page at: http://ODA.direct/ShellfishClosures

For notices to the commercial crabbing industry visit ODFW commercial crabbing webpage at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/shellfish/commercial/crab/news_publications.asp
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Contact:
Rick Swart (971) 673-6038

Recreational crabbing closed along southern Oregon coast

February 16, 2018

SALEM, Ore.--The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the immediate closure of all recreational crabbing on the southern Oregon coast from Cape Blanco to the California border due to elevated levels of domoic acid. This includes Dungeness and red rock crab harvested from the ocean as well as in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties.

Recreational crab harvesting from Cape Blanco north to the Columbia River remains open in the ocean, bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties.

Meanwhile, for commercial crabbing, ODA and ODFW are requiring that all crab harvested from Cape Blanco to the California border be eviscerated (gutted) before it can be deemed safe for consumption. Domoic acid levels are elevated only in crab viscera, or the guts, of crab sampled and tested from this area of the Oregon coast.

For recreational crab harvesters, it is recommended that crab always be eviscerated prior to cooking, which includes removal and discard of the viscera, internal organs, and gills.

Because of Oregon’s precautionary management of biotoxins, crab and shellfish products currently being sold in retail markets and restaurants are safe for consumers.

Domoic acid or amnesic shellfish toxin can cause minor to severe illness and even death. Severe poisoning can result in dizziness, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe cases can result in memory loss and death. Shellfish toxins are produced by microscopic algae and originate in the ocean. Toxins cannot be removed by cooking, freezing or any other treatment. ODA will continue to test for toxins in the coming weeks. Removal of the advisory requires two consecutive tests in the safe range.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures webpage at http://ODA.direct/ShellfishClosures
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Contact:
Rick Swart (971) 673-6038
Related Posts:
ODFW ~ Meeting to Discuss Coos Mountain TMA Public Trails November 30, 2017
ODFW ~ Crab Harvesting Reopens on a Portion of Oregon Coast
ODFW ~ Commercial Dungeness crab season delayed
ODFW ~ Entire Oregon Coast Reopened for Mussel Harvesting
ODFW ~ "Pounder" trout stocked in Coos Bay area Lakes
ODFW ~ One Species on the Verge of Causing the Extinction of Another Species
NOAA Antibusiness Plan for Coquille River ~ Public Private Property Partnership
ODFW ~ Commercial Crabbing Closed From Coos Bay North Jetty to Heceta Head
ODFW seeks Landowner Representatives for Access & Habitat Program – by Jan. 30
OR State Land Board Public Meeting December 13, 2016 ~ Sell the Elliot Forest
ODFW ~ Deer virus confirmed in Coos County
ODFW ~ Hosts Town Hall On Proposed 2017-19 budget North Bend May 4, 2016
ODFW ~ Commission Meeting in Bandon Friday April 22, 2016
ODFW ~ Harassing Cormorant to Protect Salman but Still a Crime for the People
ODFW ~ Public Meeting Coquille Valley Wildlife Area Discussion Wed. March 2, 2016

Comments

Coos Bay Pays Around $406,000 to Repair Mingus Park Pool

2/10/2018

Comments

 
PictureNot an actual picture of Mingus Pool!!!
The City of Coos Bay had to do a necessary repair on the Mingus Park Pool, which will end up costing the city approximately $406,000.   The taxpayers of Bandon were very wise to vote down a public pool when their city put the question on the ballot, because they saved themselves a huge expense.  
 
During the development, the city planners of CB surmised that people living in the surrounding area would travel to CB to swim in their public pool.  The residents of Bandon were part of those statistics, because the city did not have a public pool at the time, and that holds true through today.   A pool in Bandon would be a financial loss for the pool in Mingus Park, because it takes more customers to support that pool than are available in the entire city of Coos Bay and they knew this when it was built.  North Bend made those same estimations when their city constructed the NB public pool.  
 
Each new public pool in Coos County draws revenue from all previously constructed pools, so at some point these projects will over saturate the county costing the taxpayers millions.  The people from the cities without pools have to except the reality of the situation and reside in the fact they will have to travel to do their swimming……Rob T.

The following information is from official city documents and public inquiries

From: Rob Taylor
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2018 2:31 PM
To: Susanne Baker
Subject: Official Inquiry on Mingus Park Pool

Hello,
The following is an inquiry on the city council meeting for January 23, 2018 about the Mingus Park Pool, Agenda Item 2.E.   
The item is in the attachment.  
What was the total cost of the repair project? 
From: Jim Hossley <JHossley@coosbay.org>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2018 11:00 AM
To: Susanne Baker; Rob Taylor
Subject: RE: Official Inquiry on Mingus Park Pool

Mr. Taylor:
Thanks for your inquiry.  The total cost of the Mingus Pool project is $406,704.04.  Staff requested authorization to spend up to $408,000 in case another invoice from the project plumber or electrician was to come in late.  The $406,704.04 amount includes $276,000 paid to Anderson to provide the equipment.  Anderson was not used to perform any of the other work or items they bid on (shown in the list of values you provided below).  Plumbing and electrical materials and work were provided by local plumbing and electrical firms.  Their costs are also included in the total Mingus Pool project cost, as are equipment rental and other minor work provided by other firms.

I trust this answers your questions.
Regards,  
Jim Hossley
Public Works and Community Development Director
City of Coos Bay
From: Rob Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2018 11:32 AM
To: Jim Hossley <JHossley@coosbay.org>
Subject: Re: Official Inquiry on Mingus Park Pool

The funding for the current project for Mingus Park Pool is coming from the Parks Improvement Fund and The Major Capital Fund, and I know how the city spends the Parks Improvement Fund. 
 
However, what is the purpose of the Major Capital Fund?
Hi Rob: 
I answered your questions below in red.
Regards,
Jim Hossley
Public Works and Community Development Director
City of Coos Bay

 Revenue for this fund comes from sale of timber on City property and grants for capital projects.  The fund is used to pay for making purchases of heavy equipment, rolling stock, and major repairs to City owned facilities.
 
How much does it cost annually to operate and maintain the Mingus Park Pool? The City does not operate the pool, a non-profit organization manages the day-to-day operations.  They charge fees to swimmers, swim teams, and for tournaments. They provide basic management services, operation, maintenance, and life guard services for the pool.  The City pays utility costs, which includes heating the pool, minor maintenance repairs, and the City pays chemical costs.  This fiscal year $91,000 is budgeted for the City’s portion of “Pool Operations” which is a single budget line item within the City’s General Fund Parks budget.  Through the first six months of the fiscal year the City has spent $23,243 on pool operations.   I do not know the pool management organization’s revenues and expenditures.
 
Is this current project just a repair or is it part of regular maintenance? This project is a repair and refurbishment of the pool mechanical system and not part of regular maintenance.

 
Would you be able to send me the pool budget from the last FYE? Last FYE 2017, the “Pool Operations” budgeted amount was $70,000.   Actual cost was $72,413.  
 
Thank you for all your help and I hope to use this info for the benefit of both cities and especially the tax payer.   
Jim Hossley
Public Works and Community Development Director
City of Coos Bay

CITY OF COOS BAY JOINT CITY COUNCIL / URA WORK SESSION
Agenda Staff Report
This item was previously discussed at Joint URA/Council Worksession on 7/25/2017
MEETING DATE December 12, 2017
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 2.b.

TO:  Mayor Benetti and City Councilors
FROM:  Randy Dixon, Operations Administrator
THROUGH:  Rodger Craddock, City Manager
ISSUE:  Request for Additional Funding - Mingus Pool Project
 
SUMMARY: Mingus pool mechanical rehabilitation project is completed. The improvements made to the facility will allow the community many more years of pleasure, and it will allow efficient operation! Anderson Pool Works supplied mechanical equipment, and City staff and service contractors provided the labor for the project. The plumbing portion was estimated to be around $6,500, (T&M) time and material; however, there were a few design changes to the plumbing configuration that affected plumbing cost. The actual plumbing cost came in at $23,869.61. At the August 1, 2017 Council meeting, Jim Hossley requested the project budget not to exceed $328,350.00 including 10% contingency. Given the change order for the pluming portion of the project, the actual overall cost of the project is $347,451.27.
 
ACTION REQUESTED: If it please the Council, revise the Mingus Pool mechanical project budget not to exceed $347,451.27 which includes the additional plumbing expenses.
 
BACKGROUND: April 2016, the City applied for a Government Grant (LGGP) through Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to improve Mingus Park Community Pool.  September 2015, the City was informed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that the City was awarded the LGGP 40/60 grant for a total grant amount of $371,770.00. The project was broken into two phase; Phase 1.) Dressing/Restroom Rehab. Phase 2.) Mechanical Operations Rehab. Last year the dressing/restroom were rehabilitated which cost $96,601.67 of the $371,770 which left $221,774 for Phase 2.
 
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: The City will be partially reimbursed for this project from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant Program and the Energy Trust of Oregon. Matching funds come from in-kind labor and equipment plus cash from Fund 17 Parks Improvement.

CITY OF COOS BAY CITY COUNCIL Agenda Staff Report
This item was previously discussed at
Joint URA/Coucil Worksession on 1/23/2018

MEETING DATE February 6, 2018
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 9.

TO:  Mayor Benetti and City Councilors
FROM:  Randy Dixon, Operations Administrator
THROUGH:  Rodger Craddock, City Manager
ISSUE: 
Request Additional Spending Authority for the Mingus Pool Repair Project
SUMMARY: Staff presented to the Council on December 19, 2017 a staff report regarding expenses on the Mingus Pool Project, which at that time, we had thought all material invoices were accounted for. Not so, All Coast Plumbing who is the City service contractor for plumbing did not turn in all the material invoices. The actual plumbing cost T&M (time and material) came in at $63,938.43. It should be noted, Anderson Pool Works bid the plumbing portion for $406,000. Below is breakdown of bid items by Anderson Pool Works on the project before the City self-performed the project. The City accepted bids to rehab the Mingus Pool facility, and we received one bid: $890,650 from Anderson Pool Works. Once the City received only one bid, which was 60% over budget, staff recommended to self-perform using City labor and service contractors plumbing & electrical. Council approved of self-performing the work; therefore, staff requested T&M estimates from service contractors. However, staff only received labor cost not material. Service contractors thought the City was supplying material, so they never provided those cost to the City. This was not realized until about 40% into the project. In an effort to prevent this from ever happening again clear communication and understanding with our service contractors will be established to ensure we have accurate labor and material cost. Additionally, due to the unknowns associated with most of our self-perform projects, project budgets will be crafted to include total cost including 25% contingency.
On December 19, 2017, Council approved project cost of up to $385,000; however, the project is over that amount by $21,704.04. We will need to be adjusted from $385,000, not to exceed $408,000.
 
ANDERSON POOL BID: Equipment Cost: $276,000 Building Mech: $102,000 Pool Plumbing Mech: $406,000 Pool Shell: $106,650 Total Bid Cost: $890,650
 
SELF PERFORM: $406,704.04 OPRD Grant: <$163,728.93> City Out Pocket Cost: $242,975.11 The City will also be reimbursed by the Energy Trust of Oregon. At this time staff expects the reimbursement to exceed $10,000.
 
ACTION REQUESTED: If it please the Council, revise the Mingus Pool mechanical project budget not to exceed $408,000. BACKGROUND: April 2015, the City applied for a Government Grant (LGGP) through Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to improve Mingus Park Community Pool. September 2015, the City was informed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that the City was awarded the LGGP 40/60 grant for a total grant and City match amount of $371,770.00. The project was broken into two phase. Phase 1.) Dressing/Restroom Rehab. Phase 2.) Mechanical Operations Rehab. Last year the dressing/restroom was rehabilitated which cost $96,601.67 which left grant funds of approximately $164,000 for Phase 2.
 
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: The City will be partially reimbursed for this project from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant Program and the Energy Trust of Oregon. Matching funds come from in-kind labor and equipment plus cash from Fund 17 Parks Improvement and Fund 34 Major Capital Reserve.The project would need additional Council approval for a total project cost not to exceed $408,000, approval of a supplemental budget to transfer funds to the Parks Improvement Fund from the Major Capital Fund, and Council approval of the increased dollar amount of the task order/contract with All Coast Plumbing from $25,000 per occurrence to $63,938.43 due to the final plumbing costs.
2017-12-12 Agenda item 2.e Mingus Park Pool
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2018-02-06 CB Agenda Item 9 Mingus Park Pool Repair
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Comments

Measure 101 Passes Statewide by Large Margin ~ Fails by Narrow Margin in Coos

1/25/2018

Comments

 

State and local Unofficial Tallies for Measure 101, the health care tax, but it should remain the same due to the large margin statewide.  However, this ballot measure and the recent school bond vote shows that the voters of Coos County are divided on taxes.  The ballot measure failed to pass countywide even though it won the state. 

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http://sos.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx
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The Excesses of Tax-Increment Financing & Urban Renewal

12/4/2017

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The Excesses of Tax-Increment Financing & Urban Renewal
 
Sex scandals aside, taxes are the biggest issue on the table right now, which is understandable when most families are spending more on taxes than they do on housing, food, and clothing combined.  Most people think they are paying too much due to the overspending of government, so it makes sense to shrink the budget.
 
There never seems to be enough revenue for education, infrastructure, and public safety, so eliminating the process of tax-increment financing would stop Urban Renewal Agencies from siphoning money from those and other overlapping taxing districts that provide those services. 
 
According to data collected from the “OR Property Tax Annual Statistics FY 2016-2017” found on the Oregon Department of Revenue’s website, there are 77 Urban Renewal Agencies in the state that manage 113 areas/districts.  Those UR agencies received $223.3-million from the “Revenue from Excess,” while others received an additional $21.1-million from special levies totaling $244.4-million that was diverted from other various taxing districts or directly from the taxpayers.  The revenue from property taxes going to Urban Renewal through the TIF process in FY 2009-2010 was $182-million.
 
“Revenue from Excess,” is the property tax revenue generated by increased property values inside the UR area over the frozen increment when the authorities enacted the plan for the district.  Without the TIF process, the other districts that overlap the UR area would retain that money.  
 
Statewide in FY 2016-2017, Public education lost $87.2-million in potential revenue because of urban renewal activity. Cities lost $73.3-million in that same fiscal year, and counties lost $41.5-million, which includes the $28.2-million taken from Multnomah County alone.  Other districts, including Fire Districts, lost $21.3-million. 
 
Those totals do not include the maintenance of the unfunded projects built with the redirected money.  
 
Politicians use urban renewal funding as seed money to create new taxing districts, or they use tax dollars from existing districts to maintain unnecessary projects at the expense of necessary amenities. Those projects include auditoriums, carousels, conservation easements, convention centers, decorations, estuaries, murals, racetracks, swimming pools, sports stadiums, sculptures, street art, and theaters, which take money directly from colleges, roads, schools, police and fire departments.
 
The idea of redevelopment is to increase the assessed values of property surrounding and within the urban renewal area by artificially inflating the local tax base using public money---all to generate new economic activity that most likely would have taken place with or without public incentives.  It just may not have happened in the area desired by the urban renewal planner but in a place chosen by the private business owner, which alleviates the taxpayers of the financial risk. 
 
Some independent studies have found little evidence that municipalities with Urban Renewal Agencies developed any faster than cities without these programs did.  In fact, one study titled “The Effects of Tax Increment Financing on Economic Development” written in March of 1999 by two professors of economics, Richard F. Dye, and David E. Merriman, it found TIF areas grew slower than areas without it did.  Quote, “If the use of tax increment financing spurs economic development that would not have happened but for the public expenditures, we would expect (after controlling for other growth determinants and for self-selection) a positive relationship between TIF adoption and growth. If the use of tax increment financing merely moves capital around within a municipality, relocating improvements from non-TIF areas of the town to within TIF district borders without changing the productivity of that capital, we would expect (after appropriate controls) to find a zero relationship between TIF adoption and growth. What we find, however, is a negative relationship between TIF adoption and growth. This is consistent with the hypothesis that government subsidies reallocate property improvements in such a way that capital is less productive in its new location.
 
A Senior Fellow at the CATO Institute made the case against urban renewal and tax-increment financing in a policy analysis titled, “The Case against Tax-Increment Financing” by Randal O’Toole.  In the paper, he states, “There are two problems with any attempts to reform TIF. First, no matter how much legislatures may try to focus TIF on genuine examples of blighted neighborhoods, cities will find ways to get around such safeguards. Second, there is little evidence that city gov­ernments are better than private developers at determining the type and location of new development that cities need, and plenty of evidence that they are not as good. Instead of reforming TIF, state legislatures should sim­ply repeal the laws that give cities and coun­ties the authority to use it and similar tools to subsidize economic development.”
 
The politicians intentionally design these types of development schemes to centralize power and money for the utilization of government planners.  Oregon legislators both Democrat and Republican ignore the annual loss of revenue, especially to education, so they can continue the excessiveness of constructing nonessential boondoggles of the future because it benefits the special interest of both parties today.    
 
About the author: 
Rob Taylor is the tentative Chief Petitioner for the “Committee to Shut Down the Coos County URA.”  Go to CoosCountyWatchdog.com for more information.

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Comments

Coos Bay URA Spends $300,000 on North-South Gateway While Streets Deteriorate

12/4/2017

Comments

 

South Gateway Project on Highway 101

Estimated Completion Date on Dec. 30, 2017

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Coos Bay’s Urban Renewal Agency has a desire to improve the eye appeal of the Highway 101 streetscape within the City limits. In 2016, the Agency engaged the services of GreenWorks, a Portland-based landscape architectural and urban design firm, to prepare renderings for streetscape concepts throughout the Highway 101 corridor in Coos Bay. The streetscape concepts were presented to the Agency in 2016. The ideas included both a basic concept for landscaping along with the fence railing theme that matches the recently completed railing project between the rail museum and Front Street.  

While there are a number of areas identified for streetscape improvements along Highway 101, the Agency chose to start with improvements to the two-existing City entry monument locations. The north entry is near the existing "Welcome to Coos Bay" monument sign on the west side of Highway 101 (just north of the ACE Hardware store). The south entry project area involves the "island" on Highway 101. just south of the Shell service station and across the street from Fred Myers. The Agency has entered into a contract with Clean Rivers Erosion Control, a local company, to undertake the designed streetscape improvements. Work was started on the south entrance project area. The contractor has completed the site prep and they are now installing new curbs and gutters, planter divider walls, signposts for the new “Welcome to Coos Bay” sign, and fence posts, etc. 


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Urban Renewal Agency Minutes - January 5, 2016
Consideration of Approval of Highway 101 Streetscape Renderings
Public Works Director Jim Hossley stated over the last several months the Urban Renewal
Agency had reviewed various ideas and renderings for the Highway 101 streetscape. The City engaged the services of Greenworks to prepare the renderings for the streetscape along Highway 101 throughout the City. The rendered options were geographically grouped into the South, Central, and North. The latest renderings included the addition of the "is land" near the south entry into the City. The renderings also carried the fence railing theme that matched the recently completed railing project between the Railway museum and Front Street. Board Member Shoji suggested the Agency needed to set a plan to involve the public on the "Welcome to Coos Bay" signs; expressed concern about new expenditures noting the flag project was unfinished. City Manager Craddock advised deficiencies on the Boardwalk needed to be addressed before the flag poles were replaced; suggested the Agency could set a plan to include the public. Board Member Vaughan suggested streetscape six was not realistic; should incorporate plants to help stabilize the hillside and combat invasive species; was not in favor of including "rotten logs" along the highway. Board Member Kramer moved to approve the concept renderings. Board Member Brick seconded the motion which passed with Chair Groth and Board Members Brick, Kramer, Shoji, and Vaughan voting aye. Board Members Daily and Leahy were absent.

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Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency Minutes - September 19, 2017
Approval of Streetscape Construction Bid

Public Works and Community Development Director Jim Hossley stated over the past two years, the Urban Renewal Agency reviewed various ideas and renderings for the Highway 101 streetscape. The goal was to improve the appeal of the Highway 101 streetscape from the south to north city limits. The streetscape improvements would be restricted to Highway 101 right-of way (ROW) and City owned property. Due to funding constraints, efforts on the project focused on the two existing entry monument locations.
 
Based on early cost estimates, staff budgeted $175,000 in this year's Downtown Capital Projects Fund Urban Renewal budget for the streetscape projects at the entry monument locations. After completion of the construction documents, the design consultant estimated the total construction cost to be $225,071. The project was advertised for bid, and the City received one bid from Clean Rivers Erosion Control for a total cost of $249,999. Mr. Hossley noted there was a $75,000 shortfall in the budget relative to the bid price, but there were adequate funds in the Urban Renewal Downtown Capital Projects Fund to cover the bid price plus a contingency.

Urban Renewal Agency Minutes - September 19, 2017 21 
Mr. Hossley advised the proposed bid only covered the streetscape improvements and did not include the two entry signs and rockscaping . The estimated cost for signs was $32,000 and rockscaping was $10,000. Vice-Chair Marler expressed concern about the increased costs for the project.
 
Board Member Groth moved to award contract to Clean Rivers Erosion control for a cost of $249,999 plus a 10% contingency of $25,000 for a total cost of $274,999. Board Member Kilmer seconded the motion which carried. Ayes: Benetti, DiNovo, Farmer, Groth, Kilmer, Marler. Absent: Kramer.
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BACKGROUND:
Over the past nearly two years, the Urban Renewal Agency has reviewed various ideas and renderings for the Highway 101 streetscape. The goal is to improve the eye appeal of the Highway 101 streetscape from the south to north City limits. The streetscape improvements would be restricted to Highway 101 right-of-way (ROW) and City owned property. City staff provided initial ideas for improvements. The City then engaged the services of Greenworks, a Portland based landscape architectural and urban design firm, to prepare renderings for streetscape concepts along Highway 101. After initial consideration of the first renderings, the Agency asked that efforts be focused on the two existing entry monument locations due to funding constraints. Additional areas would be addressed as funding becomes available. The north entry is in the vicinity of the existing “Welcome to Coos Bay” monument sign on the west side of Highway 101. The south entry concept includes the “island” in Highway 101 just south of the Shell service station. Greenworks presented ideas for the two entry monument locations to the Agency in early 2016. Their renderings provided a basic concept for landscaping and included the fence railing theme that matches the recently completed railing project between the rail museum and Front Street.

The Urban Renewal Agency then approved a contract with Greenworks to develop specific landscape plans for the City’s two gateway sites. The scope consisted of two tasks. Task 1 was preliminary design which resulted in a site plan. This plan depicted all new areas to be landscaped and included proposed locations for trees, plant beds, and ornamental pedestrian fence in a simplistic graphical format for review and approval by the Agency. Task 2 was for development of the construction documents. The consultant fee for completing both tasks was $27,016.50. The Agency reviewed the results of the Task 1 effort at a Work Session earlier this year

At the same time the streetscape activity was occurring, the City Council also considered a new City entrance monument logo. Council’s direction to the Logo Advisory Committee was to create a welcome sign logo including a tall ship theme. The current City Council stopped the new logo design effort in late 2016.

Based on early cost estimates, staff budgeted $175,000 in this fiscal year’s Urban Renewal Downtown Capital Projects Fund budget for the streetscape project. The design consultant, after completion of the construction documents this summer, estimated the total construction cost to be $225,071 (not including new monument signs). The project was advertised for bid, and the City received one bid. The bid was from Clean Rivers Erosion Control for a total cost of $249,999 (does not include monument signs). Note, the rock work behind the fence railing on the north entry is proposed to be done by separate contract. Due to the $75,000 shortfall in the budget relative to the bid price, it will be necessary to discuss possible alternatives or courses of action.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
Based on early cost estimates, staff budgeted $175,000 in this year’s Urban Renewal Downtown Capital Projects Fund budget for the streetscape project. The design consultant, after completion of the construction documents this summer, estimated the total construction cost to be $225,071 (not including new monument signs). The project was advertised for bid, and the City received one bid. The bid was from Clean Rivers Erosion Control for a total cost of $249,999 (does not include monument signs). Note, the rock work behind the fence railing on the north entry is not in the bid and is proposed to be done by separate contract with a different contractor. There are adequate funds in the Downtown Project Fund (Fund 57) to cover the overage.

2016-01-05 Coos Bay URA Minutes
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2017-09-19 Agenda URA Meeting
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2017-09-19 Minutes URA Meeting
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Comments

Public Comment Due BY December 1, 2017 on Coos County Urban Renewal Agency

11/27/2017

Comments

 
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November 22, 2017:  The Port is to post their Final Coos County Urban Renewal Agency Amendment on the Port’s website: http://www.portofcoosbay.com/ccura It would be good for people to look this latest CCURA Amendment over.  The words that have been taken out have a line through them and the words that have been added are in italics
 
December 1, 2017:  All written testimony is due to the Coos County Commissioners via the Coos County Planning Department: Planning@co.coos.or.us
 
December 13, 2017: Continued Hearing at 3:00 p.m. at the Coos County Owen Building in Coquille.
 
·       The first hearing that was held on August 31st is available for viewing here:
https://coosmediacenter.viebit.com/player.php?hash=COouDtEQJUqy
 
·       The second hearing was held on September 25, 2017 is available for viewing here:
https://coosmediacenter.viebit.com/player.php?hash=H1rPhV2VF0Fd
 
·       No video of Oct 30, 2017 continued hearing.
 
·       Recent World article about all this here: Tax payers fund 'rising tide'
 
NOTE: The whole point of the Coos County Urban Renewal District is basically to use our tax dollars to essentially “build it and they will come” ( meaning infrastructure ).  This is so the Port’s idea of industry will come and create jobs…jobs…jobs.  We can all see how well that has worked for the last 30 to 40 years.  The problem with the CCURA Amendment at first was that these guys wanted us tax payers to pay even more while at the same time they would be giving industries that are, or that are proposed to be operating out on the North Spit, an enterprise zone tax exemption for 3 or more years.  In the case of Jordan Cove this amounts to a 15-year tax abatement.  Their definition of “blighted areas” is simply just “undeveloped land.”  No thought to the North Spit being a high habitat Coastal Shoreland area or that the property is located in a natural hazard zone.  I thought several of our people including JC hit the nail on the head at this last hearing held on October 30th which was not videotaped.  “We the People” are essentially paying for the roads, sewer, water, natural gas lines, etc, on the North Spit so some industry will come in here and enjoy all those benefits and then NOT PAY TAXES.  Such a deal for them, eh? 
THIS INFO IS FROM: Jody McCaffree

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ODFW ~ Crab Harvesting Reopens on a Portion of Oregon Coast

11/23/2017

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November 22, 2017

The Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the reopening of recreational and commercial bay crabbing from the north jetty of the Coquille River to the north jetty of Coos Bay. The reopening includes crab harvested in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties. Crab samples taken from the area indicate levels of domoic acid have dropped and remain below the alert level.

The recreational crabbing season in the ocean closed coast-wide on Oct. 16.

Crab harvesting remains closed from the California border to the north jetty of the Coquille River (including the Coquille estuary), and from Tahkenitch Creek (north of Winchester Bay) to Cape Foulweather (north of Newport). Crabbing north of Cape Foulweather to the Columbia River remains open in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties.

Today’s test results and health advisory come at a complicated time of year for Oregon’s crab fisheries. By rule, Dec. 1 is Oregon’s earliest annual start for ocean crabbing, for both commercial and recreational fisheries. However, this year, due to low crab meat yield and elevated levels of biotoxins in some areas, much of Oregon’s ocean area remains closed to crabbing after Dec. 1. Additional testing for meat yield and biotoxin levels will continue at least through the end of December.

For both recreational and commercial crab fishermen, below is a simple guide for what is currently open and closed. Before you go crabbing, please confirm the status of ODFW/ODA harvest areas relative to concerns about elevated biotoxins at the website below.
  • Recreational crabbing – Currently open in all bays and estuaries that are not under the health advisory; opens after Dec. 1 in ocean areas where biotoxins are below the alert level.
  • Commercial ocean crabbing – Delayed in all areas until at least December 16.
  • Commercial bay crabbing – Commercial bay crabbing is re-opened in Coos Bay on Monday, Nov. 27; commercial bay crabbing remains closed from the California border to the north jetty of the Coquille River (including the Coquille estuary), and from Tahkenitch Creek to Cape Foulweather. Commercial bay crabbing remains open at this time in bays and estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties within the areas that are not under the health advisory.
  • All commercial bay crabbing will be closed as of Dec. 1 along with the delayed season for the commercial ocean fishery, according to existing ODFW rules. This year, the commercial ocean fishery is delayed from Dec. 1 until at least Dec. 16.
Despite the closure, crab and shellfish products sold in retail markets and restaurants remain safe for consumers.

For more information, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx

###

Contact:
ODA / Alex Manderson at (503) 842-2607

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Related Posts:
ODFW ~ Commercial Dungeness crab season delayed
ODFW ~ Entire Oregon Coast Reopened for Mussel Harvesting
ODFW ~ "Pounder" trout stocked in Coos Bay area Lakes
ODFW ~ One Species on the Verge of Causing the Extinction of Another Species
NOAA Antibusiness Plan for Coquille River ~ Public Private Property Partnership
ODFW ~ Commercial Crabbing Closed From Coos Bay North Jetty to Heceta Head
ODFW seeks Landowner Representatives for Access & Habitat Program – by Jan. 30
OR State Land Board Public Meeting December 13, 2016 ~ Sell the Elliot Forest
ODFW ~ Deer virus confirmed in Coos County
ODFW ~ Hosts Town Hall On Proposed 2017-19 budget North Bend May 4, 2016
ODFW ~ Commission Meeting in Bandon Friday April 22, 2016
ODFW ~ Harassing Cormorant to Protect Salman but Still a Crime for the People
ODFW ~ Public Meeting Coquille Valley Wildlife Area Discussion Wed. March 2, 2016

Comments

LTE ~ School Tax Sacrifices Property Owners

11/23/2017

Comments

 
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The Coos Bay Best Bond finally passed today by a very narrow margin of twenty-eight votes. I voted against the measure both times, not because I do not care about the children (as those on the other side accuse us of), but for two reasons.
 
One, our legislators and school administrators have proven time and time again they cannot be trusted to spend the money they have already been given properly.
 
Two, I am tired that as a property owner, I am being forced to pay for the education (or miseducation if you will) of every child in Coos Bay.
 
If education was so important to them, why didn't people who have children in Coos Bay schools volunteer to pay more property taxes?
 
They could have funded this bond themselves and not stolen from the rest of us, but that is not how things work today.  Everyone has their hand in the pocket of the person next to them.
 
Parents who have children in our schools but do not own property will not pay one red cent of this bond. People like me, who own property but do not have children, are forced to subsidize them. Wealthier property owners will not only have to subsidize them but then most likely pay again for private school for their children.
 
Will they receive a kickback because their children are not in public school? Well, of course not.
 
Frankly, I am sick to death of subsidizing others with schooling, welfare, housing, etc. then being accused of being a miser when I complain about being forced to pay their way at the point of a gun because that is what this measure is, a legislative gun.
 
I have no way of avoiding this new tax.  The authorities will add it to my property taxes with or without my consent.  Twenty-eight people have now decided that thousands of others MUST pay, or else. 
 
As the adage goes, "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch." Property owners in Coos Bay have just become the lamb, and I, for one, will not stand for it.
 
Matthew Wilbanks / Coos Bay

Related Posts:
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LTE ~ Coos Bay Low Ranking Public Schools Vestiges of a Failed System
LTE ~ School Bond is NOT About Education
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