I want to know: About John Topits Park hosts

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By Alexander Rich, Staff Writer
Thursday, May 15, 2008 | 6 comment(s)

Hosts help reduce vandalism at city parks

Q: Why do the John Topits Park hosts have expired plates on their recreational vehicle? Are they permanent park hosts? If so, do they pay for space rent plus utilities?

A: The city of Coos Bay has hosts at two of its parks, two of its boat ramps and at the city docks. In exchange for providing year-round surveillance and, in some cases, keeping nearby restrooms clean, the city supplies its hosts with free rent and utilities, said Operations Administrator Steve Doty. The city does not provide living quarters, however, so hosts must arrange for their own.

“Having hosts prevents a lot of vandalism,” Doty said. “If they weren’t there, those restrooms would be trashed.”

Whenever the city is between hosts, Doty said, there is a marked increase in the number of criminal mischief incidents.

In addition to the John Topits host, the city has arrangements with volunteers at the Empire and Eastside boatramps, and the Scout cabin in Mingus Park.
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Who Cares wrote on May 16, 2008 8:32 AM:

If the RV isn't driving on public roads, who cares if the tags are expired or not?? Let's move on to more important issues.

i cant believe this wrote on May 15, 2008 9:17 PM:

Along with my coworkers, I frequently submit questions to this forum, none of which have yet to be published. Things related to public safety, education - issues that affect all of the citizens of Coos County, yet THIS is what gets published? Give me a frigging break.

Just An Observer wrote on May 15, 2008 7:59 PM:

Notice how the expired plates issue was never mentioned by Doty. Just another bit of administrative slop that typifies how things are done these days!

Joe Sixpack wrote on May 15, 2008 5:00 PM:

Send them a 1099 for their taxes!

why wrote on May 15, 2008 4:37 PM:

of all the questions to post to a newspaper you ask why a park host's license plates are expired??

ononomous wrote on May 15, 2008 3:57 PM:

Go back an re-read the question that was asked.....about expired tags on the host's motorhome. I see nothing in the answer that addresses the direct question about tags. A lot of beating around the bush, here.
I have also wondered why expired tags are allowed,when we visited the park last week. My camper has to have current tags to be on public land.

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