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Parks Commission hears project updates, grant status and options for new revenue
Summary
Staff reported progress and delays on three park capital projects (community hall foundation stabilization, restroom builds, rewilding), noted the city ended its contract with a private grant writer, and commissioners discussed creating a parks foundation and pursuing a food-and-beverage tax or parks district.
City staff updated the Coos Bay Parks Commission on Nov. 7 about three capital projects and current grant activity, and commissioners discussed alternative revenue options including a parks foundation and a possible food-and-beverage tax.
Staff reported work on the Mingus Park community hall foundation stabilization is ready to begin and that the city has secured enough grant funding "to go ahead and move forward with the foundation stabilization," though additional work (roof, windows, chimney) will require further funds. On restrooms, staff said they had "been successful in being awarded a grant from the LGGP folks" but had not yet received the agreement, so the award is not yet fully secured.
The rewilding project has completed storm drainage work, relocation of a playground and enclosure of the picnic area, but final grading and trail installation have been delayed by weather and an archaeological review with the State Historic Preservation Office; staff said those finishing tasks will proceed on a weather-dependent schedule.
Commissioners asked for numbers on available capital improvement funds (a $400,000 figure was referenced as the subject of a question) and requested staff return with a clearer accounting of what is encumbered vs. available. One commissioner said cost estimates for foundation stabilization had been in the range of about $95,000–$98,000, with a potential stone-masonry contingency of roughly $5,000 for chimney work.
Separately, staff confirmed the city has parted ways with its contractor, the Intuitive Group, which had been providing grant-writing services; staff said much of the grant drafting had been done internally and the city is weighing whether to hire another contractor or develop in-house capacity. "We did separate our ties with the Intuitive Group," staff said, and cautioned that grant management (reporting and compliance) is distinct from writing and requires staff time.
On funding options, commissioners discussed forming a parks foundation (a 501(c)(3)) to pursue foundation grants that sometimes require nonprofit status, and debated a food-and-beverage tax modeled on other Oregon cities that could capture tourist spending but may face political resistance and intercity competition. Several commissioners volunteered to act as "champions" to gather examples, outreach plans and costs; staff proposed returning with more specific information at a future meeting to begin the public-education and planning process.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to bring detailed capital-fund balances and matching-fund obligations to the November 21 meeting and to return with an initial outline for the foundation and the food-and-beverage tax by a subsequent meeting date.
