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Mason’s City Council will meet at 7 p.m. this evening at the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.

Among the issues to be discussed at tonight’s agenda are a proposed retail development that would begin with a 4,000-square-foot convenience store with gas pumps and a city ordinance on internet cafes.

The convenience store would be the project’s first phase, followed by a 15,000-square-foot retail center second phase by developer Bunnell Hill Development Co. Inc. at the northwest corner of Bethany and Mason-Montgomery roads.

• Read: Mason residents fight gas station development

Internet cafes sell prepaid phone cards for customers to use at game terminals where they play to win more web time and points that can be used for chances in a sweepstakes to win money.  Mason previously issued a six-month moratorium on internet cafes earlier this year.

A complete City Council agenda is available after the jump.  The meeting is open to the public.  For more information, call the city at 513-229-8500.

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Posted in: Board of Trustees, Business, News |

Tags: Tags: agenda, ban, bethany road, bunnell hill development co. inc., council meeting, development, gas station, internet cafes, mason city council, mason-montgomery road, moratorium, sweepstakes

While leaders in Washington are scrambling to vote on a debt ceiling deal that would head off a default on the nation’s debt, the city of Mason’s bond rating remains steady.

Moody’s Investors Service, which gave the city its highest bond rating of Aaa in May, has notified city officials that Mason will not be included in its pending review of local governments as the nation faces a downgrade of the federal debt rating.

The rating agency announced Thursday that 162 local governments across the country would have their bond ratings reviewed for a possible downgrade.

Mason has “healthy financial operations supported by sound reserves and a diverse income tax base, and a manageable debt burden with limited future borrowing expected, ” according to documents received by city officials from Moody’s.

The rating will help reduce the city’s overall debt service cost through lower rates, saving Mason around $250,000 a year, or up to $2.3 million in savings over the life of the debt, said Jennifer Trepal, Mason’s public information officer.

Trepal points to action taken by City Council on significant debt transactions to improve the city’s overall debt structure. In March, council authorized the city to:

• Refinance existing bonds and convert short-term notes into long-term bonds. This action secured a low 3 percent interest rate for an extended period and will save the city at least $260,000 over the next eight years. The bonds are for the U.S. 42 Widening Project, the Mason Road Widening Project, and Stormwater Improvement projects.

• Convert short-term notes for the golf course acquisition. The city locked in a 3 1/4 long-term rate for the next 12 years. The bonds retain the flexibility to allow the debt to be paid as early as 2016.

• Re-issue a 1-year bond anticipation note for city-owned property on State Route 741. The effective rate of less than 1 percent secured an historically low rate while maintaining needed flexibility. This property is targeted for eventual use as a business park and financing options must retain some flexibility to retain the attractiveness of the property to potential developers.

According to Trepal, the above actions and the city’s aggressive debt reduction strategy will decrease the city’s debt of $99.5 million by $4.2 million in 2011 and another $4.4 million in 2012.

Only 7 percent of the city’s outstanding debt is exposed to rising rates and refinancing risk, she said.

More than half of the outstanding debt is secured by revenue-generating operations such as utility fees and other non-tax sources. The remainder is paid through the city’s General Fund. Income taxes make up about 80 percent of the General Fund, according to Trepal.

“We are paying down our debt in a big way and we’ve got some excellent locked-in long term rates,” said Mason Mayor Don Prince.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Business, News |

Tags: Tags: aaa, bonds, city of mason, credit ratings, debt ceiling, default, don prince, general fund, investments, jennifer trepal, mason, mason public information officer, mayor, moody's investors service

City Council won’t ask voters to approve an increased fire levy this year. An extension of the levy, a renewal that did not increase the tax, was last approved in 2008. It expires in 2013.

Mayor Don Prince said the city will continue to look for cost savings through such practices as bulk purchasing, though he noted expenses are beginning to eat into reserves. Funding from the state of Ohio has also decreased, he said.

There will be no staff reductions, city officials said.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Community, News |

Tags: Tags: city of mason, fire levy, mason, mason fire department, mayor don prince, taxes

Budget concerns have fizzled Mason’s annual “Red, Rhythm and Boom” Independence Day celebration.

In the past, the popular event attracted well-known musical acts, including Huey Lewis And The News in 2009.

“The decision to cancel the July 3 event was made during the budget process for 2011,” said City Manager Eric Hansen. “It is one of many cutbacks made as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve basic services,” he said.

The action was part of council’s approval of the city’s 2011 budget at its Dec. 13 council meeting.

One Mason resident has stepped up with hopes of rekindling the spirit of the event.

Mason resident Kevin Shew, president of Prestige Fireworks in Mason, is planning a scaled-down version this year on July 4 at Corwin Nixon Park. Shew said this year there will not be any bands and just snack vendors. The fireworks display won’t be as grand either.

“The fireworks display itself is going to be scaled back unless we get some more support between now and then,” he said.

For information or to support the effort, go to www.savemasonfireworks.org.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Community, Events, News |

Tags: Tags: corwin m. nixon park, fireworks, fourth of july, independence day, july 4, kevin shrew, mason, prestige fireworks, red rhythm and bom, save mason fireworks

Community interest may save Mason’s old downtown firehouse from becoming a parking lot, reports Enquirer contributor Shaun Elliot Zetzer.

The city will hold a public hearing on May 11 to discuss the future of the firehouse after City Council votes on whether to rezone the property from residential to a business district.

City officials are currently deciding between private investment and demolition, according to City Manager Eric Hansen. The building has been vacant since completion of the city’s new firehouse in late 2010.

• Old Mason firehouse’s future up in the air

Rezoning the property to a business district, as recommended by the planning commission, would give the city added flexibility, according to Service Director Richard Fair.

“There would be several uses (for the property) now if (the rezoning) is approved by city council,” he said.

The city has also begun putting together a request for proposals from possible buyers.

Zetzer reports on the details of the building and its history:

A city appraisal done in January valued the building and property at $340,000, but the unused building needs substantial upgrades and modifications. Due to a line-of-sight obstruction, the Church Street wall will have to be scaled back 10 feet. That project alone is estimated to cost $40,000. “That will all be listed in request for proposals when they are sent out,” Fair said.

The firehouse was built in 1964 as the city’s original volunteer fire station. There has been some dispute over the historic value of the property. “All by itself, it does not have historical value,” said City Manager Eric Hansen, although he conceded it has sentimental value. In 1974, it was damaged when tornados swept through the city.

The city has received multiple proposals to save or retool the building. One Mason native, Teri Shields, submitted a 13-page proposal in March to remodel the 4,116-square-foot firehouse into an artistic business hub.

She offered a $250,000 commitment to retool the property, and $1,000 to buy it, hoping the city would find value in added tax dollars, as well as saving the cost of would-be demolition. She has gotten little feedback from the city since her proposal, she said.

The city originally planned to demolish the building when improvements were done to Mason-Montgomery Road, Hansen said. “We did a road improvement around it knowing that in the future we would demolish that building,” he said.

The community interest shown in the building caused city officials to reconsider its plan to make the property a temporary parking lot.

“There was some interest by the community to use the building and that is why city council is going forward with a proposal,” Fair said. “If we get something that fits (our requirements), then I guess the building will stay.”

“I think the people of Mason should have a say in if we want to see this building demolished,” Shields said.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, News |

Tags: Tags: business, business district, downtown, firehouse, historic, mason, parking lot, redevelopment, residential, rezone, zoming commission

Mason City offices will be closed on Friday, April 22 in observation of Good Friday.

Trash collection services will not be affected.

The Mason Community Center will remain open from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. The center will be open with limited services from noon – 4 p.m. on Easter, Sunday, April 24. Only the fitness center, gym, walking track and locker rooms will be open that day.

For more information, call the city at 513-229-8500 or the Community Center at 513-229-8555.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Mason Community Center, News |

Tags: Tags: city of mason, council chambers, easter, good friday, mason city council, mason city offices, mason community center, mason municipal center, meetings, summer

Mason City offices will be closed on Friday, April 22 in observation of Good Friday.

Trash collection services will not be affected.

The Mason Community Center will remain open from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. The center will be open with limited services from noon – 4 p.m. on Easter, Sunday, April 24. Only the fitness center, gym, walking track and locker rooms will be open that day.

In other administrative news, Mason City Council has revised its summer meeting schedule. The second meeting in May on May 23 has been changed to a work session and second meetings in June, July and August have been canceled.

Regular council meetings take place on the second Monday of the month in May through August. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road. For more information, call the city at 513-229-8500.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Mason Community Center, News |

Tags: Tags: city of mason, council chambers, easter, good friday, mason city council, mason city offices, mason community center, mason municipal center, meetings, summer

The Enquirer’s Paul McKibben reports that residents of an upscale Mason subdivision are trying to block a proposed retail development that would begin with a 4,000-square-foot convenience store with gas pumps.

The convenience store would be the project’s first phase, followed by a 15,000-square-foot retail center second phase by developer Bunnell Hill Development Co. Inc. at the northwest corner of Bethany and Mason-Montgomery roads.

McKibben spoke with residents, the developer and city officials about objections to the project.

Residents’ main concerns include traffic, noise, light, odors and visual ones, according to Mayor Don Prince.

“They’re concerned about their property values and everybody is when something like this goes in next to them,” he said. “I had that happen to my house. I have a commercial building behind my lot.”

Michelle McNally’s home borders the proposed gas station. She wants council to deny the request.

“There are inherent hazards and disturbances associated with putting a gas station this close to family residences,” she said. “At this time, I have not been shown adequate evidence that these hazards and disturbances can be mitigated.”

Prince said the developer wants to meet the neighborhood’s needs. He said the developer is willing to put in whatever level of screening that is required to make the development acceptable.

Joe Kramer, executive vice president with Henkle Schueler & Associates, real estate brokers on the project, said there are substantial screening and trees already there and they’ve been talking to the city about the possible need for some additional screening. Bunnell Hill is a Henkle Schueler company.

Mason City Council conducted a lengthy hearing about the development on March 28 that will continue this evening. Council could vote on the project at tonight’s meeting.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Community, News |

Tags: Tags: bunnell hill development co. inc., city council, commercial, crooked tree subdivision, gas station, mason, mayor don prince, residents, zoning

Mason held its first city council meeting of the year last night.  Here are the highlights:

The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor Don Prince recognized Mason High School sophomore Joshua Vonderhaar, who had been selected as the honorary Mason Mayor that day.

Prince noted that Joshua is active in the school marching band, participates in mock trials and will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in March with the Mason High School Symphonic Band.

“He was rather quiet,” said Prince of Joshua’s day as mayor.

Mason Mayor Don Prince, right, reads a proclamation declaring the Mason High School sophomore to be honoary mayor for the day in Mason. Josh's parents and brother, left, attended the event.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

Kevin Shew of Prestige Fireworks asked council members about funding sources for Mason’s “Red, Rhythm and Boom” event.   Mason City Council last month approved suspending the popular summer festival as a way to save money.  The action was part of council’s approval of the city’s 2011 budget at its Dec. 13 council meeting.

The move to eliminate the festival happens as city officials are predicting a 4 percent drop in general fund revenues next year. Next year’s general fund budget is down by 5.5 percent from 2010.

“We’re not at all opposed to having an event, but we’re not funding it this year,” said Mayor Don Prince.

“It has nothing to do with our patriotism,” added Council member Char Pelfrey.  “It was totally monetary, which does not preclude to say that Mason can celebrate our Independence Day independently.”

AGENDA ITEMS

• Res. 2011-01 Requesting the County Auditor to make Tax Advances during the year 2011 pursuant to Section 321.34 of the Ohio Revised Code: Unanimously approved

• Ord. 2011-01 Approval of the replat for Lots 25, 26, 29 and 30 of Carmelle Subdivision, Section One: Unanimously approved

• Ord. 2011-02 Approval of the reissuance of Bond Anticipation Notes related to the purchase of the Golf Center at Kings Island: Unanimously approved

• Ord. 2011-03 Authorizing payment in the not to exceed amount of $4,000 to the Warren County Humane Association, a private non-profit organization; Ord. 2011-04 Authorizing payment of $4,000 to the Mason Historical Society, a private non-profit organization; Ord. 2011-05 Authorizing payment of $4,000 to the Mason Area Arts Council, a private non-profit organization: Approved (Council member Rich Cox abstained from voting on payment to the Mason Historical Society, citing membership on the society’s board)Assistant City Manager Jennifer Heft explained that funding to the above groups had been reduced by 50 percent in the city’s 2011 Budget, approved at the Dec. 13 meeting.

• Ord. 2011-06 Authorizing payment of $25,000 to Festivals of Mason, Inc. in support of the 2010 Heritage Festival and Christmas in Mason: Unanimously approvedFunding for Festivals of Mason, Inc. was cut by $25,000 at the council’s Dec. 13 meeting.  City Manager Eric Hansen explained that since the city entered into an agreement with Festivals of Mason in 2004, the city has been the major financial backer of the event.  The city provides in-kind support, such as police staffing and other labor, but the festival also relies on sponsorships, vendor fees and other revenues.

• Ord. 2011-07 Authorizing Agreement #23879 with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the purpose of constructing the U.S. 42 Improvement Project: Unanimously approved

• Ord. 2011-08 Authorizing a contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one (1) 2011 Case Loader in the amount of $138,519: Unanimously approvedHeft noted the city’s current case loader was purchased in 1997 for $91,000.  It was expected to last 15 years at the time of purchase.  The city has spent $38,000 in repairing the loader, which suffers from rust and corrosion.  She noted that by purchasing a new loader now and not in August, the city will save $13,000 on its purchase.

Hansen concluded with the city manager’s report in which he discussed the success of the Mason Hope for the Holidays program, which provided food to 39 local families in need and toys to more than 60 needy children, and the Mason Community Center renovations.

“It’s too early to declare victory, but it’s a very good start, said Prince on the community center.

“I think that these numbers are impressive,” said Council member Christine Shimrock.  “I am going to declare a small victory just not for the center but for the city.  I am optimistic that we will be able to sustain the success.”

Council then entered into an executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Community, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: city budget, city council, don prince, heritage festival, mason, mason area arts council, mason historical society, mayor for the day, red, rhythm and blue, spending, warren county humane society

Mason City Council will meet at 7 p.m. this evening at the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.  Here’s what’s on the agenda:

1. Call to Order
2. Prayer: Chaplain Rick Huff
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
5. Minutes: December 13, 2010 Council Meeting
6. Recognition of Joshua Vonderhaar, Honorary Mayor for a Day
7. Recognition of Visitors
8. Res. 2011-01 Requesting the County Auditor to make Tax Advances during the year 2011 pursuant to Section 321.34 of the Ohio Revised Code
9. Ord. 2011-01 Approval of the replat for Lots 25, 26, 29 and 30 of Carmelle Subdivision, Section One
10. Ord. 2011-02 Approval of the reissuance of Bond Anticipation Notes related to the purchase of the Golf Center at Kings Island
11. Ord. 2011-03 Authorizing payment in the not to exceed amount of $4,000 to the Warren County Humane Association, a private non-profit organization
12. Ord. 2011-04 Authorizing payment of $4,000 to the Mason Historical Society, a private non-profit organization
13. Ord. 2011-05 Authorizing payment of $4,000 to the Mason Area Arts Council, a private non-profit organization
14. Ord. 2011-06 Authorizing payment of $25,000 to Festivals of Mason, Inc. in support of the 2010 Heritage Festival and Christmas in Mason
15. Ord. 2011-07 Authorizing Agreement #23879 with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the purpose of constructing the U.S. 42 Improvement Project
16. Ord. 2011-08 Authorizing a contract with Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of one (1) 2011 Case Loader in the amount of $138,519
17. City Manager’s Report
18. Committee Reports
19. Old and New Business
20. Recognition of Visitors
21. Executive Session: Personnel
22. Adjourn

All meetings are open to the public.  For more information, call the city at 513-229-8500.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, News |

Tags: Tags: mason, mason city council, meeting, ohio