Mason Matters August / September 2011
Inside This Issue: 3 4-5 5 6-7 8 8-9 10 10
Outdoor Fires Business News Driving Ranges Open Resident Safety Road Construction Updates Around Mason Sidewalks, Brush Chipping Small Business Awards
2010 Financial Review
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Where the Money Goes
ach year, the City of Mason prepares a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This detailed report is over 150 pages long and presents a complete financial picture of the city. It is available on the City of Mason’s web site, www.imaginemason.org. While this report is significant to the governmental and financial community, many residents do not have the time to study it in its entirety. As a result, the Government Finance Officers’ Association encourages governments to produce a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) that is a quick summary of information in the detailed report. The data included in the Popular Annual Financial Report below provides a summary of the city’s governmental activities for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The two-year comparison below for the city’s governmental expenditures shows a 7% decrease in operating expenditures ($27.4 million for 2009 compared to $25.5 million for 2010). Despite reduced operating expenditures, the City of Mason was able to continue its investment in capital improvements to improve the city’s transportation system, parks, and assets that benefit its residents and businesses.
Where the Money Comes From
The City of Mason receives the funding it needs to provide services to the community from a variety of sources. The table below presents a summary of the city’s revenues by primary type for 2010 and 2009. Even though revenue was up 2% due to one-time capital grants for road improvements, operating revenue was down due to the economy and tax reductions. However, Mason continues to be a community with stable revenue sources for providing services to the community. 2010
2009
Taxes
$25.9
$28.0
Fines, Licenses, and Permits
2.2
2.0
Charges for Services
2.0
2.2
Investment Earnings
0.2
0.2
Intergovernmental
7.8
5.7
Other Revenue
2.0
1.4
TOTAL REVENUES
$40.1
$39.5
2010
2009
Public Safety
$11.1
$11.3
General Government
7.7
8.5
Transportation and Streets
2.7
3.2
Leisure Time Activities
1.8
2.4
Community Development
2.0
1.8
Utility Service
0.2
0.2
Operating Expenditures
25.5
27.4
Capital Outlay
9.3
7.3
Debt Service
2.8
4.1
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$37.6
$38.8
Expenditure Type Definitions
The pie charts above depict the significance each source of revenue has to the city’s overall financial health. The first chart shows that taxes are the largest source of revenue for the governmental funds. For 2010, the second largest source of revenue was intergovernmental funds from the State of Ohio. The second pie chart shows the breakdown of the tax revenue. 70% of the total tax revenue comes from the city’s 1% income tax. The second largest source of tax revenue is the 5-mill property tax levy for fire and emergency services. The 16% attributed to other property taxes is from multiple smaller property tax sources.
· P ublic Safety – Police, Fire, EMS, Disaster Services, and Street Lights · General Government – functions serving the entire city including City Council, Administration, Finance, Tax Collection, Court, and Engineering · Transportation and Streets – Public Works activities to clean, repair, and maintain public streets, traffic signals, traffic signs, and right-of-way · Leisure Time Activities – Parks, Park Maintenance, Recreational Programs, and Lou Eves Municipal Pool —see FINANCIAL REVIEW on pg. 3 www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
REVENUES (millions)
EXPENDITURES (millions)
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From the City Manager
Eric Hansen, City Manager We appreciate your calls, visits and e-mails to the Mason Municipal Center to discuss what is going on in the city. I encourage you to call 513.229.8500 or stop in any time during business hours if you need information or assistance.
Dear Mason Resident, I am pleased to report that the City of Mason’s high bond rating has been renewed. In late spring, we received word that Moody’s confirmed the city’s Aaa rating for its General Obligation bonds. This is the highest rating available. The rating’s reflection of the city’s efforts to budget conservatively and spend wisely means that Mason will pay lower interest rates for long-term debt. Further, the city can avoid the expense of bond insurance since the companies that issue bond insurance have a lower rating. City Council and staff use a variety of tools to ensure that the fiscal health of the city and our residents is protected. Challenges from declining revenues have been addressed through cost savings, carefully considered service reductions, and cooperation with other local governments. Some of the initiatives undertaken in the last few years to control expenses include management employees volunteering to forgo merit increases, merit increases for non-union employees being sharply reduced or eliminated, increased cross-department coordination for many services, more aggressive use of in-house resources for many projects, reconfiguring the mix of which services were contracted and which were provided by in-house staff, deferring equipment and vehicle replacement as well as many training and operating needs, and cancelling future road improvements despite the availability of grant funding. Mason has also been on the leading edge of private-public partnerships to improve service delivery and enhance revenues. We are leasing available office space to private business ventures and have entered into a long-term partnership to combine our Community Center with medical office space, generating nearly $1 million dollars in rent a year as well as improving the financial performance and services available at the center. More recently, we renegotiated our contract with the management of the city-owned Golf Center at Kings Island to a stronger business approach that motivates higher levels of revenue performance and cost containment, thereby reducing the city’s expenses associated with managing the course. A combination of the full income tax credit, the state’s elimination of local tax sources, the economy, and the reduced financial support from the state have significantly affected city revenues. City Council and staff will continue to be vigilant in identifying opportunities to contain expenses in order to continue the highest level of service in these challenging times. On behalf of the city, I would like to thank everyone who expressed their support for Mason Police Officer John Cullen after his accident in May. John and his family were very gratified by the love and prayers sent John’s way.
Mason Matters is published by the City of Mason. For information about this publication, or if you are a Mason resident and do not receive this newsletter, either through OurTown magazine or mailed separately with the CenterPoint program guide, please contact the City of Mason at 513.229.8510.
City Of Mason - Contact Information
6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org Main Number 513.229.8500
Parks & Recreation 513.229.8550
City Hotlines 513.229.8502
Police Department Administration 513.229.8560
Administration 513.229.8510
Mason Matters
Community Center 513.229.8555
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Emergency 9.1.1 Engineering & Building 513.229.8520 Finance 513.229.8530 Fire Department Administration 513.229.8540
August / September 2011
Public Utilities 513.229.8570 Public Works 513.229.8580 Tax Office 513.229.8535 Utility Customer Service 513.229.8533 Utility Billing Questions Greater Cincinnati Water Works 513.591.7700
Utility Service Questions: Sewer Service and Emergencies 513.229.8570 (nights, holidays & weekends, emergencies only)
513.925.2525 Stormwater 513.229.8570 Waste Collection and Recycling 513.229.8533 Water Service and Emergencies Greater Cincinnati Water Works 513.591.7700
Tree Watering Bags Available
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ost trees need an inch or more of water each week during the summer. If this moisture is not available through Mother Nature, your trees—especially young trees—could be in trouble. To help you keep up with watering, try a tree watering bag. The City of Mason purchases watering bags in bulk and is pleased to pass along the savings to residents. They are available for $16.50 each at the Mason Municipal Center.
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Outdoor Fires
utdoor fires are popular summertime options, whether for a barbeque or for relaxing around a fire pit with friends and family. Knowing some important rules and safety tips before you start will help keep you and your property safe. The standards below should be followed for every fire, both for safety and to adhere to city ordinances. · Keep all fires at least 25 feet from any structure. If the fire is in an approved container or in a fire pit, the fire should be a minimum of 15 feet from a building. · Fires must be less than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Fires larger than this size fit into the “bonfire” category and require a permit.
· Th e only permitted material to be burned is clean, seasoned firewood. Outdoor fires should not be used for waste disposal or brush removal in the City of Mason. · Keep a means to extinguish the fire readily available. · An adult must be present at the time of any outdoor fire. An important Mason Fire Department goal is to reduce injury and property damage through education. If you have questions about outdoor fires or any Fire Department activity, please contact the department at 513.229.8540. A firefighter will be glad to talk with you and answer all your questions. Have a safe summer!
Need stamps? Mailing packages? Looking for shipping containers? Visit the U.S. Post Office contract postal unit at Symbiosis Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (mail pickup: 3:00 p.m.)
Governmental Funds 2010 Revenue By Source
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (mail pickup: 12:00 p.m.)
Other Revenue 5%
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (no mail pickup)
Intergovernmental 19%
Located in Mason Community Center • 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road Open to the public
Investment Earnings 0% Charges for Services 5%
Financial Review from pg. 1
Taxes 66%
· C Licenses, ommunityFines, Development – Community Planning, Building Permits 5% Inspections,and and Economic Development · Utility Service – Expenditures for city utilities paid by governmental funds · Capital Outlay – Investment for the city’s capital improvements such as road improvements and equipment replacement · Debt Service – Payment of debt principal, interest, and other financing costs Governmental Funds 2010 Expenditures by Type Utility Service 1% Community Development 8%
Public Safety 43%
Transportation and Streets 11%
General Government 30%
The pie chart above provides a view of operating expenditure types (excluding debt service and capital outlay). Public Safety (such as Police and Fire services) continues to be the largest share of the city’s operating expenditures.
More Information
This quick review of the sources of revenue and the city’s expenditures of governmental funds belies the thoughtful planning by City Council and staff as they plan each year’s budget. For a more in-depth picture, please visit www.imaginemason.org/city-government/ financial-accountability. You will find more information as well as links to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the 2011 Budget, both of which include revenues and expenditures for other funds as well as governmental funds.
www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
Leisure Time Activities 7%
Capital Projects
The following are major capital projects completed in 2010 that are included in the 2010 capital investment. (Some of the costs of completed projects were paid in 2008 and 2009.) · Community Center Expansion - $19.5 million · Mason Road Widening - $4 million · Fire Station 51 Relocation - $3.5 million · Mason Road Roundabout - $0.8 million · First Avenue/South Forest Street Storm Sewer - $0.8 million · Sports Park Irrigation Effluent System - $0.8 million · U.S. 42 Trunk Sewer Phase III - $0.6 million · U.S. 42/Tylersville Road Intersection Improvements $0.4 million · Parkside Sewer Lift Station Elimination - $0.3 million
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Mason Businesses in the News
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Rhinestahl Hosts Governor Kasich
ason’s Rhinestahl Corporation hosted Governor John Kasich in May at their facility on Innovation Way. The governor addressed about 200 people as he spoke about his proposed state budget and other issues. Rhinestahl was named General Electric Aviation’s OEM authorized provider of tools for its aircraft and gas turbine engine customers. GE’s Customer Tooling Solutions business was transferred to Rhinestahl in May 2009, which resulted in the relocation of operations to their new Mason facility. They celebrated the opening of their Mason facility in July 2010. For more information about Rhinestahl Corp., visit www.rhinestahl.com.
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AssureRx receives $11 million in funding
n March, AssureRx announced it received an $11 million infusion from two California venture funds to help market GeneSightRx. The financing was led by California-based Claremont Creek Ventures and Sequoia Capital. AssureRx plans to use the funds to expand direct sales and marketing for GeneSightRx and for second-generation product development activities. GeneSightRx uses a cheek swab to measure and analyze genetic variants that determine how a patient’s unique genetic make-up affects the ability to tolerate or respond to psychotropic medications. James S. Burns, President and Chief Executive Officer, indicated sales are expected to top $4 million, up from $1 million last year. AssureRx has been located in Mason at 7264 Columbia Road since 2008. They plan to double their staff in 2011 and are currently working on plans for an expansion to accommodate the employee growth. To learn more about AssureRx and GeneSightRx, please visit www.assurerxhealth.com.
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Cintas’ Everhart Receives Honor
ongratulations to Robin Hirsch Everhart, Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications at Cintas Corporation, on her selection as one of eight YWCA Career Women of Achievement in 2011. Everhart has oversight of compliance, communications, and government affairs for over 30,000 Cintas employee-partners at more than 400 locations in five main business divisions worldwide. In 2005, she became the youngest woman to hold an officer level position at Cintas. Ms. Everhart represents the strength of our business community in her accomplishments and achievements. To learn more about Cintas, visit www.cintas.com.
Business Courier’s “Fast 55” Recognizes Two Mason Businesses
he City of Mason would like to congratulate Intelligrated Inc. and Top Gun Sales Performance for being chosen as two of the “Fast 55” by the Business Courier. This award program is Greater Cincinnati’s premier program for recognizing the fastest growing private companies in the 15-county region. We appreciate the investment these two Mason companies have made in our community and acknowledge their efforts to grow and develop their clients and customers.
Intelligrated Inc., 7901 Innovation Way
Mason Matters
When it started in 2001, Intelligrated had 17 employees. Today, that number is up to an astounding 1,500-plus worldwide. Intelligrated is an automated material handling company with operations in various sectors, such as retail and wholesale distribution, food, beverage, apparel, postal, and pharmaceutical. In addition to its headquarters in Mason, Intelligrated now operates in ten states, Canada, and Mexico. Revenue has also skyrocketed, from $38 million in 2005 to $264 million in 2009. Even with the worldwide success, Intelligrated has committed to its original home in Ohio, seeking to retain 537 full-time jobs and create 267 more over the next three years. “Our ability to service the customer remotely through software products makes it advantageous for companies to purchase from Intelligrated,” says Jim McKnight, Vice President of Systems Sales and Marketing. For more information about Intelligrated, visit www.intelligrated.com
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August / September 2011
Top Gun Sales Performance, 6402 Thornberry Court
Steve Osborne, Founder and President of Top Gun Sales Performance Systems, has more than 20 years of sales training expertise along with a passion to motivate and strengthen sales professionals. His company has shown this drive by consistently increasing their growth by 40% each year. Top Gun provides specialty services in sales training, sales support, and selling systems support (IT infrastructure) to medium to large organizations. Top Gun provides all of the things that make sales work, minus the sales person. The company assesses the customer’s specific, unique needs and develops a program that provides success and growth to the business. “When you bring great value to your client in an area they have a strong need in, that’s what fields the growth,” said Mr. Osborne. Top Gun also appeared on the “Fast 55” list in 2008. To learn more about the company, visit www.topgunsps.com.
Mason Companies are Growing Stress Engineering
Rhinestahl
5380 Courseview Drive Stress Engineering Services offers analysis, data acquisition, design, field services, fitness for service, floating systems, forensic engineering, materials/metallurgy, measurement and control, process technology, and testing services. They are breaking ground for a new 53,000 square foot facility on Stress Engineering Way. www.stress.com
7687 Innovation Way Rhinestahl, an OEM of GE Aircraft Engine tooling, has signed a short-term lease with an option to purchase at 1111 Western Row Road. The building has 12 acres that could house a future Rhinestahl building. The city is working with Rhinestahl to help secure their long-term growth in Mason. www.rhinestahl.com
Lindner Family Tennis Center
Sinclair Community College Courseview Campus
Lindner Family Tennis Center recently completed the construction of their new ticket building, restrooms, storage buildings, and four new tennis courts as a part of a major two-year expansion of their facilities. www.cincytennis.com
7490 Easy Street Ashley Ward has grown to be one of the largest machine shops in the United States, with multiple locations and a global reach. They recently received a new contract with Whirlpool that allowed them to expand operations and add a minimum of 10 new jobs to the facility. www.ashleyward.com
5386 Courseview Drive In May 2010, Sinclair Community College announced the purchase of 32 acres on Courseview Drive and Kings Mills Road. The $2 million land investment is targeted for the future expansion of the Mason campus. Since opening in Mason in 2007, enrollment has increased to 1,000 students, well beyond the original target of 800. The college is now using other facilities to meet the demand. Sinclair is working closely with the the city’s Economic Development and Planning Departments on a master plan for the area that is in alignment with the city’s Comprehensive Plan. www.sinclair.edu
Cedar Village
Mason Christian Village
Ashley Ward
5467 Cedar Village Drive Cedar Village Retirement Community features 105 independent and assisted living apartments and 162 healthcare beds. They are renovating three stories of their facility to house new physical/occupational therapy areas and new patient rooms. www.cedar-village.org
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411 Western Row Road Mason Christian Village, a continuing care retirement community, is located on 75 acres of ground. They have renovation plans that include raising the ceiling height of their cottages, increasing rehabilitation facilities, and increasing resident accommodations to house up to 460 individuals. www.masonchristianvillage.com
New Driving Ranges Open at Golf Center
6402 Thornberry Court Top Gun Performance is a diverse company focusing on sales, sales training, and sales team enablement; sales/distribution channel enablement; lead generation and sales team support; information technology and customer relationship management support; call centers; and the support of highly complex products and solutions. The company has seen significant growth, with 400% more employees in the last four years and recently doubling their footprint on Thornberry Court. www.topgunsps.com
K&K Precision
5001 Mason-Montgomery Road K&K Precision is a machine shop that makes items to their clients’ exacting specifications. In 2010, the company expanded into its current 27,000 square feet of space and has the ability to expand on six acres. They recently obtained a contract for fold and carry firearms, further diversifying their business operations.
Free golf! Buy a bag of balls for just $4 and play 9 holes on the Bruin after your practice No cash value. Limit 1 coupon per person. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Expires September 30, 2011. Not valid with any other offer.
www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
he offerings at The Golf Center at Kings Island have gotten better! This spring, two new driving ranges were opened to complement the list of offerings already in place at the city’s championship golf course on Fairway Drive. The North Range, adjacent to the Lindner Family Tennis Center, is used on a daily basis for golf outings, daily fee players, and the golfer who wants to hit a quick bag of balls. The South Range is a complete practice facility. In addition to the 275-yard driving range, it includes a putting/chipping/pitching green and the adjacent 4-hole Academy course. The South Range is available only on an annual fee basis. Individual bags of practice balls for the North Range are $4 or unlimited balls for the season can be purchased for $500. You can also package unlimited balls on the North Range with unlimited play on the 9-hole Bruin for $600. Membership packages for the South Range, which also includes unlimited play on the Bruin and 4-hole Academy courses, are $700. Additional family members can be added to any package for $200 per person. For more information on The Golf Center at Kings Island, please contact the Pro Shop at 513.398.7700 or visit www.thegolfcenter.com.
Top Gun
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Follow Safe Practices on Your Bicycle, Too
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Enjoy Your Walk With These Tips
s part of its commitment to a healthy community, the City of Mason encourages residents to walk to their destination whenever possible. Whether you or your children are running errands, headed off to school, or just enjoying the outdoors, knowing some basic crossing rules will help keep you safe. Practicing good safety means always following these steps when crossing a street: · Look for a pedestrian crossing area. · Before crossing, stop at the curb, edge of the road, or corner before proceeding. · If there is a traffic signal, wait for the light to turn green for the direction in which you are traveling. · Look left-right-left, and if it’s clear, begin crossing, looking over your shoulder for turning vehicles. · Continue to check for traffic while crossing.
Traffic Signal Messages and Their Meanings
Mason Matters
· A t intersections with traffic lights and pedestrian signals, it’s important to follow the signals carefully. · Some intersections with signals have a button to push if you wish to cross. This will activate the pedestrian crossing cycle and allow you adequate time to cross. · Wait until you see the WALK signal, following, again, the basic rules for crossing listed above. · A flashing DON’T WALK signal indicates you shouldn’t start to cross the street. If you are in the middle of the street and the DON’T WALK signal starts flashing, continue walking. You have time to complete the crossing.
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August / September 2011
· I f you see a steady DON’T WALK signal, don’t begin to cross the street! Wait for the next WALK signal. · The WALK signal and the green traffic light indicate that it’s your turn to cross the street, but they do not mean it is safe to cross. · The WALK signal and the green light mean look, and then—if it’s safe—go. · Remember to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Don’t take a walk signal, a green traffic light, or a driver for granted.
Walking the Dog
Follow good safety practices when out walking. If you take your dog, keep it on a short leash and under control. Don’t let it roam the entire width of the sidewalk. Walking a dog to your right will help avoid accidents and help keep the dog from being alarmed by people overtaking and passing you.
Drivers Have Responsibility, Too
· D rivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. · Note that not all crosswalks are at intersections with signals. In Mason, there are unsignaled crosswalks in the downtown area and on the streets within the community campus (where Mason Municipal Center, Mason Community Center, and Mason High School are located). · If you see someone who wishes to cross in a crosswalk that has a traffic signal, use caution. The pedestrian should wait for the appropriate green signal, but be alert to the possibility that he or she will step out early.
ason has over 18 miles of bike paths connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, downtown, and other areas of interest. For the safety and enjoyment of all, it’s important to follow a few simple rules while using them. · Just as a car does on the road, stay to the right when you’re on a bike path. When passing someone going in the same direction you are, pass on the left. Try to let the person know you are coming with some type of sound or warning so you don’t startle someone. You can call out “passing on your left” or use a bicycle bell. Be especially vigilant when passing small children on bicycles or someone walking a dog. · M usic and audiotapes are very popular. Be careful when using headphones. It is illegal to ride your bicycle with earplugs in or earphones covering both ears. It’s great to tune everyone out at times, but not while riding your bike! It can be hazardous to yourself and others if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings. · W hen cycling, please take other safety precautions such as wearing a helmet and bright-colored clothing. Make sure you have the proper amount of air in your tires and your brakes are working properly. · If you are cycling at night, you are required to have a white light on the front of your bike, and a red light and reflector (or a combination light and reflector) on the rear of your bike. · Be observant to what is going on at all times, especially when crossing roads. Remember, walk lights and crosswalks are designed for the safety of pedestrians, not necessarily cyclists. Watch for cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Wait for the traffic lights to change and obey traffic laws. Make eye contact with oncoming traffic, walkers, joggers, and bikers so you know you have been seen. The city’s expanding network of bike paths is a wonderful asset to the Mason community. Please enjoy it safely!
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Tornado Sirens Alert People Outdoors AT WORK OR SCHOOL: Stay away from large open rooms like auditoriums and gymnasiums, and rooms with windows. Lie low with your hands covering the back of your head to reduce neck injury. IN A SHOPPING MALL: Go to a designated shelter area or to the center of the building on a low level. Stay away from large open rooms and windows. Never seek shelter in cars in the parking lot. ON THE ROAD: Never try to outrun a tornado that is posing an immediate threat. Park your vehicle and seek shelter. If a sturdy structure is not readily available, find a ditch or low spot in the ground. Stay away from cars and trees, which may become airborne. IN GENERAL: Always be mindful of the unbelievable force of high winds. Even small objects can become deadly missiles. Stay away from windows or exterior walls. Try to locate yourself next to a sturdy structure or object which could provide structural support to protect you from heavy falling debris. Lie down and use your hands to cover your head and neck to minimize injury. THE AFTERMATH: Emergency help usually arrives within minutes. Keep family members together. If possible, wait for help to begin rescue efforts. Stay out of damaged buildings, which may collapse without warning. Be mindful of a potential gas leak, even in buildings without heavy damage. Never use a match or open flame device; instead, use a flashlight.
Siren Locations in Mason:
· M ason Meadows Park · U.S. 42 north of Tri-Way Drive · Western Row Road east of MasonMontgomery Road · Mason Heights School · Cox-Smith Road east of S.R. 741 · Mason-Montgomery Road at Crooked Tree Golf Course · Tylersville Road at Butler-Warren Road · Mason Road near Heritage Club
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Be Prepared
ere are some tips on being prepared in case a tornado or severe weather should strike: 0 Have a tone-alerting weather radio. 0 Know the difference between a severe thunderstorm or tornado “watch” (conditions are right) and a “warning” (severe weather has been sighted nearby.) 0 Have a plan. ·K now where to go in your house. The basement or a windowless interior room will provide shelter from severe weather. ·D esignate a contact person, preferably an out-of-town family member, in case family members are separated when disaster strikes. 0 Place an emergency supply kit in your chosen shelter room. Include the following items: ·B attery-powered AM/FM radio ·F lashlight ·E xtra batteries ·F irst aid supplies, including a three-day supply of critical medications ·A three-day supply of nonperishable food items and bottled water ·C an opener · S upplies for your pets, if any. 0 Copies of your homeowners insurance policy and photographs of your furnishings and valuables in case they are destroyed. www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
n Ohio, the peak tornado season runs from April through mid-July, but tornados can occur anytime. To help keep loss of life and injuries at a minimum, the National Weather Service recommends that citizens take the time to make a tornado plan for family and coworkers. Planning ahead will lower the chance of injury—or even death—in the event that a tornado strikes. In developing a tornado plan, it might be helpful to know that the City of Mason has eight early warning sirens. You can hear these sirens from almost any outdoor location in Mason. There is a misconception that the sirens should be heard indoors throughout the city. They are meant to be outdoor warning devices, as it is nearly impossible to compete with indoor noise like air conditioners, televisions, and stereos. The sirens are intended to alert residents to seek shelter and put their tornado plan into effect. When activated, the sirens will sound for about three minutes. Stay in a safe location and listen to a weather station on television or radio, to the National Weather Service channel, or to local news and weather information to hear when the warning is lifted. For your safety, the sirens are tested each month on the first Wednesday at noon. In case of threatening weather, the test is canceled so as not to alarm anyone needlessly. Activation of the sirens is controlled by Warren County’s Emergency Management Division. They are activated only when the National Weather Service issues a tornado WARNING for the Warren County area or if a funnel cloud is sighted by a reliable spotter. A warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted or is indicated on radar. If the sirens are activated, TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! AT HOME: Go to the basement and seek a sturdy object, such as a workbench, to sit under. If there is no basement, a small room in the middle of the house (a closet or bathroom) is best. Always stay away from outside walls and windows.
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Road Construction Updates
Reading Road Improvements Underway
Construction of improvements to U.S. 42/Reading Road in Mason started in June and is expected to be complete by the end of October 2012. Reading Road will be widened to three or five lanes between ButlerWarren Road and Tylersville Road. A center turn lane or median, curbs and gutters, storm sewers, water main work, street trees, sidewalks on the west side, and a bike path on the east side of the road are included in the project. Two-way traffic on Reading Road is being maintained. Appropriate detour routes may be posted if needed. Please allow a few extra minutes of travel time when you are traveling through the area this summer.
Bethany Road
The Warren County Engineer’s Office has begun work on the Bethany Road Improvement Project, starting with utility relocations. Bethany Road will be widened to three lanes (one lane in each direction with a center turn lane) between Butler-Warren Road and Mason’s western corporation limit about 1.5 miles east of ButlerWarren Road. Please visit the county engineer’s web site at www.wceo.us for updates on the project, construction information, and closures and detours as the information becomes available.
Bethany Road
The Warren County Engineer’s Office continues to improve the intersection of Columbia Road and Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road just outside of Mason. Work began in June and is expected to last through September. The closure of Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road west of Columbia Road is expected to continue into late August, when the entire intersection will be closed for the final phase of construction. The full closure is expected to last about four weeks. For construction updates, please visit www.wceo.us. When the project is complete, the old roadway bridge will be turned over to the City of Mason for possible future use as part of a bike trail to connect to the southwest Ohio regional trail system.
Mason - Mon
Intersection Work on Columbia Road Continues
Ohio 741
he City of Mason and the Warren County Engineer’s Office thank you for your patience as work continues on the following road projects to reduce congestion and improve safety and mobility in and around Mason.
tgomery Road
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Widening to three lanes and the straightening of the curve near Pinnacle Drive on Bethany Road is part of this summer’s road improvement project by the Warren County Engineer.
Muddy Creek Restoration Project
The Muddy Creek Restoration Project is currently under preliminary design. Because of the hard winter and very wet spring, field work for this project was delayed. Look for construction to be postponed until late fall or early winter.
he Southern Ohio Soccer Marrowthon, presented by Jewish Hospital - Mercy Health Partners in cooperation with the City of Mason, brings soccer enthusiasts together to raise awareness and funding for Be The Match Foundation® as well as your individual soccer team. A free pre-event celebration will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 5, at Heritage Oak Park. Come back to the park from noon through midnight on Saturday, August 6, for some fun soccer games for ages 5 and up. A Be The Match donor drive will be held in conjunction with the event. Be The Match helps patients receive the marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they need. Every year, more than 10,000 patients are diagnosed with lifethreatening diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma for which a marrow or cord blood transplant from an unrelated donor may be their best or only hope for a cure. Most patients (about 70 percent) in need of a transplant do not have the matching donor in their family.
They depend on the Be The Match Registry® to find an unrelated donor or cord blood unit. The registry is the largest and most diverse in the world and is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP). Since 1987, the NMDP has facilitated more than 43,000 transplants. Be The Match Foundation® supports the NMDP and raises funds to grow the registry. Donations gained through Soccer Marrowthons will directly fund the process of adding donors to the registry, increasing the chances that more patients find their match. For more information, visit BeTheMatchFoundation.org or call 1.800.507.5427. To create a team or register to play in the Marrowthon, please visit www.bethematchfoundation.org/site/TR?fr_ id=1770&pg=entry Questions regarding this event may be directed to Diane or Audrey at marrowthon@yahoo.com. Register today to “PLAY SOCCER. SAVE LIVES.”
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Soccer Marrowthon
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August / September 2011
Mason Heritage and Bicycle Festival
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estivals of Mason is proud to announce the 2011 Mason Heritage and Bicycle Festival on Saturday, August 20, 2011. It starts off with one of the area’s largest parades, followed by a day of on-stage entertainment and activities for the whole family. Check out the vintage and custom automobiles at the Mason Historical Society Car Show right after the parade. The eighth annual Mason Idol finals competition will once again be live on stage. Preliminary rounds will take place in the weeks leading up to the festival. Cash prizes will be awarded for first place winners in each age category. Visit the Mason Idol page on the festival web site for details.
Bicycle Days
This year marks the return of Bicycle Days—the name by which the festival was known for much of the 1970s. There will be a bicycle parade and plenty of other bike-related activities all day long.
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New Date
The festival’s date has moved! For several years it has been held on the fourth Saturday of August. This year it moves up one week to August 20. Bring your appetite and bring your bike!
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Sponsors and Participants Needed
Sponsorship information and applications for the parade, booth space, Little Miss Heritage, and Mason Idol are all available on www.festivalsofmason.com. You may contact the festival committee through the web site or at 513.229.8534. Festivals of Mason is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing quality family events for Mason, Ohio, and the surrounding area.
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6th Annual Mason Arts Festival
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he Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance (MDAA) will present the 6th annual Mason Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2011, at Mason Municipal Center. Featuring over 100 local and regional artists, the event showcases a variety of fine arts and crafts including ceramics, fiber arts, glass, graphic/print, jewelry, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture, and wood. Outside, guests will be entertained by various performing artists and can enjoy great food. The kids’ art tent provides free arts activities for the entire family. Guests can also enjoy the many artists who demonstrate their crafts throughout the day. Indoors, the Mason Municipal Center will be transformed into a beautiful “City Gallery” featuring over 80 paintings. Guests will also enjoy the performing artists inside. The Mason Arts Festival is free to the community. Parking is also free. If you’re interested in volunteering for this wonderful event, please contact the MDAA at 513.309.8585 or masonarts@gmail.com, or visit www.masonarts.org.
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he Mason Historical Society is located in the Alverta Green Museum, 207 West Church Street. The museum is open every Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. To schedule a tour, call the museum at 513.398.6750; for more information visit www. masonhistoricalsociety.org. Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month. The program for August will be presented by Terry Banker of the Lebanon Conservancy Foundation. She will speak about Mary Haven’s past and prospects for the future. This program will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, at the Gathering Place behind the museum. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, John Odell, better known as “Digger Odell,” will be the speaker for this popular subject. John writes books on collecting antique bottles. Find them online at www.bottlebooks.com. Also in September, the Historical Society will participate in the Mason Arts Festival with a display inside the Mason Municipal Center.
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East Main Sidewalks Repaired
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he annual sidewalk program got underway in June as city crews began repairing sidewalks in downtown Mason. City employees repaired or replaced sidewalks on the north side of Main Street/U.S. 42 between MasonMontgomery Road and Kings Mills Road. The south side of this section of Main Street was repaired last year. The annual sidewalk program began in 2007. Each year, city sidewalks are evaluated in a process similar to the street evaluations used in the street maintenance program. Sidewalks most in need of repair are selected for replacement that year. Sidewalks within the public right-of-way on these streets are being replaced at no cost to the property owner. In addition, all curb ramps in the project area that do not meet ADA requirements are being replaced.
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Place Brush For Chipping At Curb By Monday
rush collection takes place each month beginning on Monday of the second full work week of each month. Collection continues until all neighborhoods have been visited. The city has begun rotating the starting location to provide a more balanced pickup service for residents. This may mean that brush in your neighborhood is collected earlier or later than you are used to. Please place your brush at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the Monday of collection week. Depending on the amount of brush, equipment availability, and weather, collection may run into the following week. Occasionally, pickup crews may be out before the scheduled week to get a head start on the collection. If crews are in your neighborhood before the scheduled pickup week, they will return as part of the normal collection schedule. Curbside brush chipping is one of the many residential services supported by the city’s income tax revenue.
For the Best Service Please help with brush collection by: 0 placing your brush at the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday of the second full work week of the month. 0 stacking brush with the cut ends toward the curb. 0 spreading the pile out so the limbs don’t become entangled. Towering piles of branches are difficult to separate for the chipper. If you have a lot of branches, please place them in a row of small piles. 0 cutting branches to 4 to 12 feet in length. 0 not putting out the following items, which cannot be safely handled by the chipper: · small branches · g rasses · twigs · v ines · railroad ties · l eaves · landscape timber · y ard waste · lumber · r oot balls · brush in containers · s tumps
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Small Businesses Recognized
ive Mason businesses received Small Business Recognition Awards during Small Business Recognition Week in June. Honored for their entrepreneurship, successes, and commitment to the Mason community were (left to right): Family Business: Pom Tongdangjoue, owner of Banana Leaf Modern Thai restaurant along with his wife Dana (not shown); Green Business Practices: Jeff Heger of Nixco Plumbing; Retail: Diane and Brad Sheltrown, owners of Campioni's Pizzeria; Professional/Service: Nicole Foreman, Ann Troescher, Dr. David Berring, Jen Ramsey, and Christy Rush of Dr. Berring's practice, Everybody's Health. Steadfast Studios, owned by Mike Stretch (not shown), received the award in the Emerging Small Business category.
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ethesda Physical Therapy at Mason Community Center is pleased to announce the addition of Carol Lenert, Senior Physical Therapist, to their staff. According to Patty Fisher, PT, and clinical supervisor, “We are excited to add our fourth physical therapist to our growing clinic. Carol’s vast knowledge and skills in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation will be a great asset for our patients.” Carol has been with Bethesda for 29 of her 30 years as a physical therapist. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University College
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City Partner Adds Physical Therapist
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of Allied Medicine where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy. Bethesda Physical Therapy is part of Partners in Wellness, a collaboration between TriHealth and the City of Mason to provide enhanced medical and wellness services to residents of Mason and the surrounding communities. The street-level clinic is located within the Mason Community Center. For information regarding Bethesda Physical Therapy, please call 513.204.6490 or stop in for a quick tour.