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Mason Matters February / March 2012
Inside This Issue: 2-3 3 4 5 6-7 7 8 8
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Intelligrated Chooses Mason for New Engineering Center
ntelligrated, a leading North Americanowned automated material handling solutions provider with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, announced in late 2011 that it will double ated its Mason, Ohio, io: rbring hand O headquarters 200 new jobs to the , n o s Maover region the next three years. Intelligrated h t 4 E C executives 2 madePthe announcement with A L Ohio Governor John R. Kasich and Mason’s E BEST V LI Nichols. 2011 Mayor Nichols TO David current mayor, azine g a m ney and the chair of Council’s was Vicey M Mayor b o Economic Development committee at the time of the announcement. “We aim to be the most technologicallyadvanced player in the material handling industry,” said Chris Cole, CEO of Intelligrated. “To achieve this, we need space to house the best mechanical, software, and systems talent in the world.” “Intelligrated is yet another excellent example that Mason knows how local, regional, and state partnerships should work and then commits the time and resources to build them,” said Mayor Nichols. “We have had
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Council Approves 2012 Budget Tax Information Introduction to Council Members Poster Contest Winners Mason Business News Kitchen FOG Can Clog Pipes Around Mason Extending Pavement Life
Then-Mayor Don Prince, Intelligrated CEO Chris Cole, Governor John R. Kasich, Intelligrated President and COO Jim McCarthy, and current Mayor David Nichols celebrate the announcement of Intelligrated’s expansion in Mason.
several successes recently. For Intelligrated, Mason Council worked through the Mason Economic Development Office, our Mason Port Authority, partners at Cincinnati USA regional chamber, and the State of Ohio to leverage more than $15 million in state investment to foster their growth.” Construction plans are being finalized for the new 60,000 to 90,000 square-foot facility,
which will support the company’s strategic growth in the material handling industry. Intelligrated currently employs close to 800 people in Ohio and will bring the region an additional 200 new technical and engineering positions in research and development, system design, and customer service. Visit the company at www.intelligrated.com. For other business news, please see pages 6–7.
Major Joins Police Department late last year to teach Major the additional skills necessary for local police work. They will be ready for official assignments in February. The Mason Police Department’s K-9 program began in 2004. Since that time, Zicco (handled by Sgt. Matt Hayes) and Timber (handled by Officer Brad Walker) have assisted officers in Mason and neighboring departments countless times in front line operations. Their efforts help keep the officers and community safe. In addition, both dogs have made numerous appearances at community events and festivals. They also play a role in the D.A.R.E. program. After seven years of active duty, Zicco will retire this spring. It is through generous donations from local organizations that the department was able to acquire and train Major. The city is very grateful to
Major will join Officer Michael Bishop and the Mason Police Department for active duty in February.
the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Lebanon, which donated $5,000, and to the Matt Haverkamp Foundation for their donation of $7,500. Their partnership has made the continuation of the city’s highly regarded K-9 program possible. www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
new member of the Mason Police Department traveled about 4,500 miles to join the force. Major, a trained police dog, is from Eichendorf, Germany, near Munich. He was born on August 18, 2009, and lived in Germany under the name of Jasso Vom Eichendorf. That name was a bit too long for Ohio and he was renamed “Major” after his arrival in Mason last October. In Germany, Major was trained in Schutzhund, which means “protection dog.” Schutzhund is a sport that includes training in obedience, tracking, and protection. Major received a title in Schutzhund training, having successfully performed and passed an official test of his skills and abilities. Officer Michael Bishop will be Major’s handler. The duo began police K-9 training
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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 hope you will join me in welcoming our new City Council members and our returning members. I invite you to learn a little more about each member elsewhere in this edition of Mason Matters. I look forward to working with Mayor David Nichols, Vice Mayor Victor Kidd, and Council Members Barbara Berry-Spaeth, Rich Cox, Tom Grossmann, Char Pelfrey, and Don Prince for the next several years. I am confident that the council members will continue to work with staff to monitor the city’s revenues and expenses. As the term of the previous Council drew to a close, members approved a General Fund budget that was 4% lower than the 2011 General Fund budget. Passing a smaller budget in the face of rising expenses and fewer revenue dollars as the result of state cutbacks and other factors was accomplished through keeping personnel vacancies unfilled, delaying new equipment purchases, having a workforce committed to cost savings and efficiency, and other initiatives. While I am proud of the staff for identifying ways to save, I understand that such reductions may come at a cost. Across all departments, the resulting decreases will mean reduced flexibility and responsiveness to changing circumstances, creating concerns that in some cases the budgeted amounts will not be adequate for the expected service levels. Please be assured that staff and council are committed to providing the best level of service possible while maintaining fiscal responsibility. One way that cities try to offset declining revenues is through the attraction of new jobs, which bring new income tax revenue to the city. Through partnerships with Mason Community Center, Tri Health, and the Golf Center at Kings Island, the City of Mason is able to offer a wellness package as part of corporate recruitment packages. Mason is rapidly developing a unique model to leverage these amenities to attract progressive, highgrowth corporations. This strengthens the viability of these assets and expands the local tax base with job creation. Recently, AssureRx’s and Rhinestahl’s commitments to this model have generated the foundation for strong partnerships that will benefit the entire community. In closing, I would like to extend condolences to the family of Bev Salatin, who passed away unexpectedly last November. Since 1992, employees have been grateful to Bev for making sure that they got paid every two weeks. Bev was also instrumental in creating the city’s awardwinning Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports and in creating and implementing the city’s records retention policies. The city will continue to remember and benefit from her efforts for a long time.
Council Approves 2012 Budget
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ason’s 2012 budget was approved by City Council during one of the last council meetings in 2011. The budget is a guide to spending for the year. Revenue estimates, capital project lists, service levels, fuel and supply costs, benefits, and a host of other factors figure into the budget. While careful thought is put into the budget as it is created, it is a semi-flexible plan that allows for changes to be made as needs, priorities, or revenues change. At the same time, it is firm enough to provide the city staff with a basis on which to schedule projects and services.
Mason Matters
Changes for 2012
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For 2012, extremely limited investments in new equipment and capital projects will be made. Only one vehicle is scheduled for replacement (a medic transport vehicle) and a contingency amount was included in case other vehicle replacements become unexpectedly necessary. Significant capital projects have been reduced to the annual street maintenance program, the annual sidewalk program, repairs and reserves for the aging Public Works Garage, and the annual street tree replacement program. Work on major road projects will decline February / March 2012
significantly as the U.S. 42 improvement project comes to a close. Right-of-way for the Bethany Road roundabout will be acquired, and some wastewater projects and a project to improve drainage in Mason Heights are budgeted. It is likely that at least 21 vacant positions will remain unfilled in 2012.
Long-Term Outlook
The city’s history of aggressive capital investment coupled with inflationary costs, allowing the fleet to age, and rising costs for commodities such as road salt and fuel will continue to place pressure on operating expenses. New parks and roadways are important to the quality of life and development of Mason, and are relatively inexpensive improvements. However, the continuing annual operating expenses they represent will play a large part in whether improvements are prudent in any given year. The many cost reductions made in the last three years may not be sustainable indefinitely. Reductions can lead to greater expenses in future years or unacceptable exposures in service levels. For example, delaying the replacement of vehicles means
rising maintenance costs and increases the possibility of total vehicle failure. Service levels may fall as fewer employees are available to assist with inquiries, documents, projects, and routing tasks. Future budget years face the challenge of prioritizing and addressing these dilemmas. Despite the current economic conditions and concerns with service level expectations, Council has approved a 2012 budget that represents a fiscally prudent approach to municipal finances. Coupled with a workforce that is committed to cost savings, efficiency, and sound investment in growing businesses, the City of Mason is well positioned to maintain its ranking as Money magazine’s 24th best place to live.
2011 Tax Filing Deadline is Approaching
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lease remember that even though you did not receive a city tax form in the mail, your 2011 tax return or extension request must be postmarked or dropped off at Mason Municipal Center on or before Tuesday, April 17, 2012. For the first time, Mason tax packets were not sent to residents in the mail. Instead, you should have received a notice in January, either by mail or e-mail, that included your account number and instructions for finding the online tax tool. You may use either the online tax tool or your tax preparer’s generic form to complete your return. You may also use a blank paper form, available online and at Mason Municipal Center, Mason Community Center, and Mason Public Library.
your account that were received prior to February 1. Most taxpayers will also be able to file their form and payment (if due) online.
Online Tax Tool with E-filing
Help from the Tax Office
For most residents, electronic filing and payment are available using the online tax tool. Beginning February 15, 2012, you can enter all your income information online and the tax tool will calculate the correct tax due. The online tool also gives you the opportunity to view the total of all payments applied to
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Credit for Taxes Paid to Other Cities
Online tax information and tax tool: www.imaginemason.org/ residents/tax-information
Mason residents who are employed in another city that has an earnings tax can receive a maximum credit of up to one hundred percent (100%) of the Mason tax due on the portion of their earnings taxed by the city where they are employed. Even if you owe no tax to the City of Mason because of this credit, you are still required to file a return. More information can be found online or by calling the Mason Tax Office.
Mason Tax Office First Floor, Mason Municipal Center 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road 513.229.8535
regular business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
The tax office will gladly prepare your City of Mason income tax return free of charge. To take advantage of this service, please bring all 2011 tax documents to the customer service counter in the Mason Municipal Center during regular business hours or during our tax season extended hours.
The Budget Process
8:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 14
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 16
General Fund Budget Income Tax Other Revenue Revenue Personnel Operating Transfers Expenditures
2008 $20.7 7.0 $27.7
2009 $20.7 5.9 $26.6
2010 $19.5 5.1 $24.6
2011 $19.5 5.0 $24.5
2012 $19.5 3.8 $23.3
$12.7 8.3 3.6 $24.6
$13.6 9.1 3.5 $26.2
$12.8 8.9 4.1 $25.8
$12.9 7.6 3.7 $24.2
$12.5 7.1 3.7 $23.3
City of Mason General Fund (in millions)
$30.0
$25.0 $20.0 2008
2009 Revenue
2010
2011
2012
Expenditures
distribution of Local Government Funds to municipalities. Anticipating these changes, income tax revenues were budgeted to remain at 2007’s estimated level and state supported revenue was not included in the budget at all. www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
ork on the budget begins long before it is brought to Council for consideration. Cost savings efforts are a continual effort in all departments and expenditures are reviewed monthly to ensure that spending is in line with budgeted amounts. When the budget process for the next year begins, multiple staff meetings are held to review expenses, anticipated projects, fleet and tool replacements, staffing levels, and more. Council committees also meet throughout the year and work with staff to determine the needs for the coming year. These committees may reconvene during the budget process to review the requests before they are incorporated into the final budget request. Prior to the 2012 budget legislation, the Safety Committee met to review the fire department’s vehicle needs, the Employee Relations Committee met to review compensation, the Golf Course Committee reviewed the business plan submitted by the management firm, and the Equipment Committee met to discuss fleet replacement practices. Once staff makes adjustments based on the committee meetings, the budget is discussed with the Finance Committee of Council. If any changes are necessary, they are made before a draft budget document is distributed to all of Council. To finish the process, the budget is considered at a public Council meeting. The many layers of review of the budget, coupled with the city’s long history of conservative budgeting, have kept the city on sound financial footing even in the face of declining revenues in the past few years. The decline is attributable to the nationwide economic situation, to the implementation of a full tax credit for residents who live in Mason and are taxed where they work, and to recent changes in state policies regarding
tax season extended hours
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An Introduction to Your Council Members
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ayor David F. Nichols was appointed to Council in the fall of 2008 and was elected to a 4-year term in 2009. He was Vice Mayor for the past two years. David was President and Mayor 513.754.1632 Chief Executive Officer of a highly successful publicly-traded company until he retired in 2003. The company was relocated to Mason in 1999. Under his leadership, the company was recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in Ohio and named four times to the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s list of Ohio’s top performing stocks. In 2000, the Cincinnati Business Courier recognized the company as the top performing stock in the tri-state area. The company was also named to Fortune magazine’s list of “Top 100 Small Businesses in the U.S.” David has served in Kentucky state government, during which he held the
David Nichols
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ouncil member Tom Grossmann was first elected to Council in 2001 and served eight years, including two years each as vice mayor and mayor. After a twoyear absence from Council, he was reelected this past fall to a 4-year term. 513.754.8660 Tom graduated in 1979 with a B.A. in Political Science from Miami University. In 1982, he earned a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He has practiced law since 1992 and is now Hamilton County’s Assistant Prosecutor. Tom is a past chairman of the Warren County Republican Party and is currently on its Central and Executive committees. He has been on the boards of Citizens for Community Values and the Boy Scouts and is on the board of the Atrium Medical Center. Tom is a member of Area Progress Council and Grace Chapel, where he has served as an elder and Sunday school teacher. Tom enjoys skiing, cycling, chess, and reading, particularly political and religious works. He and his wife Kathy have six children.
Mason Matters
Tom Grossmann
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February / March 2012
positions of Executive Director of the Board of Tax Appeals, Principal Assistant to the Secretary of Finance, and Principal Assistant to the executive director of the State Office of Social Security. David graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Kentucky. He and his family have been Mason residents for more than 12 years. He and his wife Christa have a daughter, Cari, and are members of Christ’s Church at Mason. Mayor Nichols is a lifetime enthusiast of the outdoors with extensive interest in boating, golf, hunting, and competitive shooting sports, including trapshooting and archery. He is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association and of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. David is also an NRA certified firearms instructor and a certified diver. David has been involved with Athletes in Action, Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, Indiana University Oncology/Hematology Center, Wounded Warrior Project, and St. Jude Hospital. “I consider it a real honor to be in a position to offer my services for and on behalf of the citizens of this very special community,” noted David.
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ouncil member Rich Cox is in the middle of his first term on Council, having been elected in 2009. A Mason resident since 1968, he graduated from William Mason High School in 1979. He earned an Associates Degree in Applied 513.398.7921 Mechanics from ITC of Cincinnati in 1982. Rich is an EPA Universal Technician and a State of Ohio licensed HVAC contractor. He has been president of Al’s Heating and Cooling for 27 years. Rich is a board member for the Downtown Mason Association and Kiwanis. He is Vice President of Mason Historical Society and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. His hobbies include Bengals football, poker, and traveling. Rich’s family includes his wife and best friend, Judy, four sons (Ryan, Nathan, T.R., and Chris), two daughters-in-law (Kim and Kela), and grandchildren Quinn and Skylar. “I appreciate this opportunity to serve the citizens of Mason,” Rich said. “I am mindful of the trust that has been placed in me. I welcome all ideas and suggestions for impacting Mason’s future.”
Richard H. (Rich) Cox
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ice Mayor Victor Kidd returned to Council after a little more than a 2-year absence. He was first elected in 2001 and was reelected in 2005. He served until early 2009 when he resigned to take a temporary Vice Mayor position in Hawaii. 513.229.8500 Vice Mayor Kidd was educated at Trevecca University in Religion/Philosophy and the University of Cincinnati in Judaic Studies. He opened Kidd Coffee in downtown Mason in 1999 and the franchise has now grown to five locations. He is a church volunteer and is involved in various charities. Victor has three grown children and three grandchildren. His hobbies include running, writing, and photography. “It is an honor and a pleasure to serve the citizens of Mason,” said Victor.
Victor Kidd
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ouncil member Don Prince was appointed to Council in December 2007 and was elected to a 4-year term in 2009. He served as mayor for the past two years. Don’s professional 513.229.8500 career experiences are diverse, having worked in multiple business units during his 41-year career at Procter & Gamble, from which he is retired. His assignments included electrician, instrument technician, training manager, control systems engineer, and power and controls technology leader in food products, laundry products, Swiffer brands, and corporate engineering. He and his family lived in Malaysia while building and starting up a new P&G manufacturing site. Just prior to retirement, he developed and implemented the P&G global electrical safety program. Don is a US Navy veteran, having served from 1966 to 1969. His favorite pastimes include fly-fishing, shooting sports, and other outdoor activities. Don and his wife, Linda, have been married 44 years and have three children, all married, and two grandchildren.
Don Prince
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Fire Department Honors Poster Contest Winners
he City of Mason Fire Department selected 13 finalists from around 900 posters submitted by Mason Intermediate School students for the annual Fire Safety Poster Contest. The competition is spearheaded by art teacher Maggie Moschell. Each year, she asks her fourth grade students to design a poster that contains a message regarding fire safety. The posters are then sent to the fire department for judging. The firefighters, together, review each poster for its message and design. The difficulty
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Barbara BerrySpaeth
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ouncil member Char Pelfrey is in her third term on Council. She served for eight years beginning in 1999 before stepping aside for two years due to term limits. During those eight years, she was vice mayor for two years and 513.398.7208 mayor for two years. She was reelected in 2009 for a 4-year term. Char is an education major from B.B.C., Springfield, Missouri, and has taught piano for 26 years. A 26-year Mason resident, she was vice mayor from 2003 to 2005 and mayor from 2005 to 2007. Char is a member of Mason Kiwanis Club, secretary to the Mason Veterans Memorial Committee, and secretary/ board member for the Warren County Republican Central Committee. She plays keyboard for the Grace Baptist Praise Band and is director of the Grace adult choir. Her hobbies include scuba diving, travel, hiking and piano. She is a writer and conference speaker on women, family, and Christian living topics. Char has been married for 32 years to Jerry, lead pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a chaplain for the Mason Police and Fire Departments. They have four daughters (Tiffani, Stephanie, Brittany and Whitney), four sons-in-law (Cal, Aaron, Joseph, and Kyle), seven grandchildren, and are looking forward to the eighth grandchild’s arrival in May. “Mason is a very blessed community and my husband and I count it a privilege to live, work, and raise a family here. I am honored to serve and am committed to working honestly, fairly, and diligently for the residents of our beautiful city.”
Anirudh Bali, Sankarshan Chaudhari, Ana d’Hyver, Kaylee Galloway, Katie Kummer, Draven McQuinn, Olivia Mueller, Jack Roe, Megan Rubsam, Hannah Simmons, Yo Suzuki, Callie Witmer-Gautsch, and Sowmya Yaddanapudi. At the pizza party, Chief Hoying told the young artists how important their posters are. “By learning the simple rules of fire safety, you are teaching others, and by that you might be saving someone’s life,” he said. This year’s final winner was Yo Suzuki. Yo’s message was “Stop, Drop and Roll.” Her poster shows a person doing each of these three important safety steps. Congratulations to all the winners.
Charlene A. Pelfrey
Mason Intermediate School student Yo Suzuki and Mason Deputy Fire Chief Joe Hoying proudly show Yo’s winning fire safety poster.
Stop, Drop and Roll
If your clothes should ever catch fire…
STOP!
Don’t run or wave your arms or dance up and down.
DROP!
Drop to the ground and lie down. Unless it would bring the fire closer to your face, cover your face with your hands.
ROLL!
Roll over and keep rolling until the flames are extinguished. If there is a rug or blanket, roll it around you. WHEN THE FIRE IS OUT...call 9-1-1 for help.
www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
ouncil member Barbara BerrySpaeth was elected this past November to her first term on Council. She graduated from Mason High School in 1978 and went to Eastern Kentucky University for a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She holds a Master’s 513.754.2331 in Social Work from University of Kentucky. She has been a caseworker at the Boys Group Home for the Christian Appalachian Project and a counselor at the YWCA Domestic Violence Center. During her 20 years for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, she served in a variety of positions that included field coordinator for the Foster Care Review Board, victim’s advocate, and caseworker and special needs adoption specialist. Her work has put her in contact with volunteers, judges, attorneys, doctors, nurses, social workers, accountants, educators, blue collar workers, and others. Barbara retired in 2005 to spend more time with her then first-grade daughter, which led her to become a room mother, PTO committee member, PTO board member, and Brownie Girl Scout troop leader. She continues to work part-time in the Mason City Schools in the Child Nutrition Department. She is a member of Mosaic Gospel Community Church. Barbara’s husband, John Spaeth, is also a Mason graduate. She is very proud of her daughter, Tori, and her stepchildren: Rebecca and her husband Chris, Dan, and Brittany. She enjoys her two cats, gardening and yard work, traveling to new and different places, and crafts. She is interested in making a T-shirt quilt someday. “I appreciate the confidence given to me by the citizens of Mason,” she said. “I am honored and will work hard and do my best for all citizens. I will listen to you and ask that all citizens contact me with your concerns and questions.”
of this task is to reduce the total number of submitted posters down to just a few. The 13 final posters are reviewed by the firefighters once again to determine one final winner. The final winner’s poster is then submitted to the statewide competition by the State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s office. The top 12 statewide finalists will have their posters printed into a fire safety calendar. The City of Mason Fire Department honors all of the finalists and their families with a pizza party each year. The finalists were
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Mason Businesses Expand L-3 Cincinnati Electronics to Add 50 Employees in Mason
Then-Mayor Don Prince, center, congratulated L-3 Cincinnati Electronics on the company’s expansion as well as their contributions to national security. Larry Annear, VP Human Resources, left, and Russell Walker, President of L-3, accepted a proclamation on behalf of the company.
Rhinestahl Corporation Grows Again
Members of the 2009-2011 Mason City Council thanked Rhinestahl Corporation for helping Mason become the Top 24th City on Money magazine’s list. The company’s success, marked by their expansion into a Western Row Road facility, has contributed to Mason’s success. From left: Council members Char Pelfrey and Tony Bradburn, Vice Mayor David Nichols, Tom Johnston, Director, Corporate Strategic Projects for Rhinestahl, Mayor Don Prince, and council members Christine Shimrock, Mike Gilb, and Rich Cox.
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new state-of-the-art semiconductor processing facility opened in Mason late last year, adding new manufacturing capacity and up to 50 additional employees. Ohio congressional representatives and local leaders attended the official opening ceremony of a 15,400 square foot facility added by L-3 Cincinnati Electronics. L-3 is an established pioneer in infrared thermal imaging, space exploration, and military/ defense technology. The new facility was designed to meet the demand for nextgeneration infrared imaging arrays used on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Wide Area Aerial Surveillance programs. The eight new class 100 (ISO5) chase and bay clean room manufacturing spaces were added to the company’s existing 230,000 square foot facility. The new space will allow for increased manufacturing demands for the
semiconductors used in the manufacture of thermal imaging sensors. L-3 Cincinnati Electronics first opened in the City of Mason in 1987 with a 90,000 square foot facility and a staff of 200 employees. Over the past 24 years, L-3 has expanded twice and now occupies a modern manufacturing facility with a professional staff of 620 employees. The company expects to add 50 new high-tech employees by the end of 2012. Then-Mayor Don Prince presented L-3 with a proclamation at the November 28, 2011, City Council meeting in recognition of the recent expansion and the company’s significant contributions to national security as well as the City of Mason. Congratulations to L-3. To learn more about L-3 Cincinnati Electronics, please visit the company’s web site at www.L-3com.com/ce.
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for future growth. Several locations within the region were considered. The Mason location was selected as the preferred location based on competitive incentives, consistent businessminded leadership, the city’s established relationship with the company, and the highly attractive quality of life in the community. The quality of life factor in Mason allows Rhinestahl to nationally recruit the corporate talent needed to meet the company’s growth targets. Community amenities both in wellness and recreation, such as Mason Community Center, Tri Health, and the Golf Center at Kings Island, were a strong deciding factor in the future success of the company. The new building will allow the privately held company to consolidate advanced machining operations that are currently located in four smaller Blue Ash locations. Mr. Moeller said the company expects to complete the relocation to the new building over the next few months. To learn more about Rhinestahl Corporation, visit www.rhinestahl.com.
hinestahl Corporation, the Masonheadquartered supplier of aerospace tooling and high-tech machining expertise, is more than doubling the size of its Advanced Machining Group with the acquisition of a 120,000 square foot building located at 1111 Western Row Road just a few miles away from their Mason headquarters in Mason. Dieter Moeller, chief executive officer, said the expansion was triggered by growing demand for advanced manufacturing skills from a variety of markets. The project includes a renovation investment of approximately $2 million and bringing in an immediate 85 employees with a payroll of $8.5 million. The company expects employment to grow over the next three years to a staff of 155 employees and a payroll of $12.75 million. This employment is in addition to the existing business operations and employment of 100 located at the company’s Innovation Way headquarters. This past spring, the city began discussions with Rhinestahl leadership regarding their needs
Business Anniversaries
stable business community is a great asset to any community. Supporting these businesses in their efforts to be successful benefits the city and its residents over the long term. Those marking significant milestones in Mason include: · Cunningham Dance Studio (50 years in Mason) www.cunninghamdancestudio.com · Security National Automotive Acceptance Corporation (17 years in Mason, 25 years in business) www.snaac.com · Intelligrated (10 years in Mason) www.intelligrated.com · Everybody’s Health (5 years in Mason, 10 years in business) www.everybodyshealth.us *If we have missed your special date or have you listed incorrectly, please contact our office to ensure we have the most accurate information regarding your anniversary dates. Please call 513.229.8510 or e-mail ecodev@masonoh.org. February / March 2012
Congratulations to Mason Businesses Absolute Machine Tool, Inc.
Cutting the ribbon for Absolute Machine Tools’ new 44,000 square foot facility are Absolute Machine’s Courtney Ortner, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt’s District Director Gertrude Whitaker, Absolute Machine President Steve Ortner, AccuteX EDM Taiwan President Ray Liang, and Mason’s mayor at the time, Don Prince.
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he City of Mason welcomed Absolute Machine Tools, Inc., at their Grand Opening celebration last October. The event was held at their new 40,000 square foot technical center at 7944 Innovation Way. Steve Ortner, President of Absolute Machine Tools and AccuteX EDM, thanked the over 40 company employees, as well as the City of Mason, the company’s international partners AccuteX Technologies, Tongtai Machine and Tool Co., Ltd., Johnford Roundtop Machinery Industries Co., Ltd., and You Ji Machine and Industrial Co., Ltd. Several representatives from those companies traveled from Taiwan to participate in the grand opening. Information about the company can be found at www.absolutemachine.com.
Arloi Dee Thai Bistro
itchen FOG is a menace to sewer pipes. What’s kitchen FOG? It’s liquefied animal Fats, vegetable Oils, and Greases. When any of these are poured into drains, they eventually solidify and clog pipes, becoming a serious maintenance problem for both the city and private property owners. When kitchen FOG washes down the sink, it sticks to the inside of your sewer pipes. The build-up restricts flow and can eventually block your pipes completely, causing raw sewage to back up into your home or overflow into streets and streams. Home garbage disposals don’t keep kitchen FOG out of sewer pipes. Products that claim to dissolve grease may dislodge a blockage in one place but may cause problems further on down the line. This could be in your household sewer lines, where you are responsible for maintenance, or in a city line, maintained by the city through your sewer fees. The City of Mason maintains over 100
Clearing the FOG in the Kitchen
Here are some guidelines to keep your drain pipes clean and help avoid plumbing backups. Never pour kitchen FOG (Fats, Oils, or Greases) down sinks or toilets. Scrape food scraps into a can or the trash. Catch food scraps with baskets or strainers in sink drains and throw the scaps in the garbage. If you have a frying pan of FOG (such as from frying onions or cooking burgers or bacon), here’s how to dispose of it: • If it’s grease, let the frying pan sit until the grease hardens. Then you can simply wipe it out with paper towels and throw the paper towels in the garbage can. • You can also pour the warm grease into an old can (say from vegetables or tomato sauce) and let it harden. Don’t use a plastic container unless you are sure it won’t melt. Once the grease has hardened, simply throw the can away. • If you have used frying oil (such as vegetable oil), let the oil cool. Then place it in a clean glass bottle and save it for the next time you are frying. If it’s dirty and ready to be disposed of, just toss the glass bottle in the trash.
miles of underground pipes that carry wastewater away from homes, businesses, and schools. The waste flows by gravity to lift stations located in strategic areas throughout the city. Pumps in the lift stations lift the water to a higher elevation where it again flows by gravity through pipes that eventually lead to the city’s Water Reclamation Plant on Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road. Many times, the only remediation to a blocked sewer line is the use of a pressure jet washer. The city spends thousands of dollars a year to remove grease from the interior of the main trunk sewer lines. Once the grease is broken lose, it must be vacuumed out of the system and hauled away for disposal. Quite often the grease makes it to the lift stations, where it coagulates and floats to the top of the wastewater in the lift station basin, often causing odor problems. The only way to remove this grease is again by using a pressure jet washer and vacuum. For the proper way to dispose of kitchen FOG and keep things clear, please see below.
Restaurant and Building Owners
Recycle grease and oil. Don’t pour grease or oil into sinks, floor drains, or onto a parking lot or street. Use a grease trap or interceptor that is designed, installed, and maintained correctly. Never put solids into grease traps or interceptors. Check and maintain grease traps and interceptors regularly.
Formation of Sewer Blockage The start of a blocked pipe begins when kitchen FOG (fats, oils, grease, and solids) collect on the top and sides of the pipe’s interior. The build-up increases over time as kitchen FOG and other debris are washed down the drain. Excessive accumulation will restrict the flow of wastewater and can result in a sanitary sewer backup or overflow. www.imaginemason.org
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ason’s Arloi Dee Thai Bistro was named a top 10 Thai restaurant in metropolitan Cincinnati in a recent reader’s choice award prepared by Metromix Cincinnati. Located just off Mason-Montgomery Road at Socialville-Fosters Road, Arloi Dee provides fine Thai dining suitable for every occasion from formal business lunches to friendly outings and family dinners. Congratulations to Arloi Dee for your continued success and recognition as one of the best Thai restaurants in our region. Visit www.arloidee.com for information.
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Kitchen FOG Can Clog Pipes
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Mason Historical Society
he Mason Fire Auxiliary will hold its annual fish fry fundraisers every Friday in March beginning March 9. Dinners will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mason Fire Station 52, 5500 Cedar Village Drive. Stop in for your choice of fish, shrimp, fish sandwiches, and corn dogs. Homemade macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, French fries, and applesauce are also on the menu. Desserts, soft drinks, and free coffee will be served, and children’s meals and carryout will be available. The Fire Auxiliary is a non-profit organization supporting local fire personnel by providing food and drinks during fires and other emergency situations. The organization serves both the City of Mason and the Deerfield Township Fire Departments. The group raises its funds solely through fundraisers held throughout the year.
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Dog Licenses
tate law requires all dogs more than three months of age to be licensed each year by January 31. Licenses purchased after January 31 will have a $15 penalty added. A regular tag is $15 and can be purchased at the Warren County Auditor’s office at 406 Justice Drive in Lebanon, at Mason Animal Hospital and Mason Family Pet Hospital, and at other selected locations in the county. For an additional $5 donation to the Humane Association, bone-shaped tags may be purchased at the Warren County Humane Association and the Warren County Auditor’s office. Kennel tags for multiple dogs are available only at the Warren County Auditor’s office. More information, including the license application, is available online at www.co.warren.oh.us. Select “Auditor,” then “Dog License Information.” To speak with someone in the auditor’s office, call 513-695-1235.
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t is very rewarding to see the interest on a child’s face as they learn what an ice box was and why bedrooms at the turn of the century had something called a chamber pot. Through the year, there are many Scout troops and other groups who learn about these strange terms and other “oldfashioned” items through special tours of the Mason Historical Society’s museum. We attempt to fill all requests, but some of our longtime guides are retiring. For that reason, we are planning a training session early in 2012 to train more guides. We would love to have your help. The training isn’t hard; anyone interested in passing on their love of history or Mason can do it. Our goal is to train enough guides so that you won’t be called on too often. If you are interested, please call the museum at 513.398.6750. Everyone is invited to join the Mason Historical Society on the third Tuesday of the month for an interesting presentation. Please visit www.masonhistoricalsociety.org or call the museum for details.
Fire Auxiliary Fish Fries
Mason
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Extending Pavement Life Means Lower Costs
Mason Matters
everal years ago, the City of Mason began using a product that is formulated to extend the normal life of pavement on roads. Results have indicated that the city will achieve significant savings by increasing the length of time between road surface replacements. Reclamite is a preservative sealant that restores and preserves the binder in asphalt. Normally, as the binder that holds the pavement together ages, it becomes brittle. Once asphalt stops flexing, it cracks or breaks. This not only means small pieces are breaking off, it allows water to get into the asphalt and cause further damage through erosion and freeze/thaw. Reclamite works best when it is applied within the first two years of the pavement being laid. The liquid penetrates the pavement, sealing the surface from air and water and keeping the asphalt flexible, thus reducing cracking and road fatigue. Once applied, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the product to penetrate the surface. A light coating of sand or limestone is then applied to allow traffic back on the road. A day or two later, the sand is swept up and the treatment is complete. Last summer, the product was applied on Alliance Drive, Aspen Drive, First Avenue, S. Forest Avenue, Indianwood
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February / March 2012
Drive, MacDonald Court, Morris Court, Mustang Trail, Tradewind Drive, and Wooded Vista Court. These streets were paved in 2010 or 2011. Based on experience, we anticipate that as a result of using Reclamite, crack filling, resurfacing, and other treatments will be delayed and the life of the pavement will be extended by as much as five to seven years. The application of Reclamite is included in the city’s annual street maintenance program. At the beginning of each year, the city’s engineering staff inspects the city’s public streets, alleys, and municipal pavement areas to determine where repairs are needed. Several characteristics are considered during this review. Pavement cracking, weathering, curbs, rideability, and drainage are each awarded points based on their condition. The total points awarded becomes the “PCI” or Pavement Condition Index, and is how streets are ranked for repairs. This pavement management system provides a consistent mechanism for determining the streets eligible for the city’s resurfacing program. Together with the pavement preservation efforts described above, the city is working to get the maximum possible life out of the streets. Lengthening the time between major repairs will achieve significant cost savings over the long run.