Mason Matters June / July 2014
Inside This Issue: 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 6
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City Manager Column – Out is In Tip2Clip – Vacation House Checks Bicentennial News Junk Motor Vehicles Building Inspections Business News Around Town New Ladder Truck
Mason Partners for a Better Environment
rea residents can help with a new environmental effort in Mason that began earlier this year, thanks to a new partnership with Community Options, Inc. Community Options, Inc., is a Masonbased, certified residential, vocational, and transportation agency that offers a broad spectrum of services for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout southern Ohio. Partnering with the City of Mason will allow Community Options to further their mission of providing opportunities for employment and job training in a work environment that focuses on task completion, problem solving, and social interaction. Area residents are encouraged to bring their empty soft drink cans to collection barrels that have been placed at Mason Community Center, Mason Municipal Center, Lou Eves Municipal Pool, and in city
Mayor David Nichols (4th from right) and Vice Mayor Victor Kidd (3rd from right) welcomed residents and staff of Community Concepts, Inc., to a Mason City Council meeting to introduce the new can collection program.
parks. You are also encouraged to use the collection barrels for your soft drink cans when you picnic at Mason parks. Community Options clients will receive job training as they attend to the collection barrels. The trainees will empty the barrels when necessary and take the cans to their —see PARKS on pg. 6
“Meaningful work has significant benefits for all working age adults, including people with developmental disabilities.” - Employment First Taskforce Common Principles
Have you Visited your Parks Lately? In honor of the “Out is In” celebration of National Parks & Recreation Month, take this quiz and see how much you know about the parks in your hometown. Bring your completed quiz to Mason Community Center by August 1. All correctly answered quizzes will be entered into a drawing for an outdoor-themed prize. Answers will be posted at www.imaginemason.org after August 1. One entry per family, please. Your Name: _____________________________ Your e-mail or phone number: _____________________________ 5) Do you need a fishing pass to fish if you are a Mason resident? a) Yes b) No
9) Which feature is found only in Mason Sports Park? a) Children’s playground b) Nature trails c) A Frisbee golf course
2) Which is the newest Mason park? a) Mason Sports Park b) Frank Hosea Woods c) Heritage Oak Park
6) What is the pet policy in the parks? a) They are welcome if kept on a leash b) All dogs are allowed, but no cats, please c) Parks are for people
10) Are there tennis courts available in Mason parks? a) Yes, at Mason Sports Park b) Yes, at Heritage Oak Park c) No
3) Where can you buy a season pass to the outdoor pool at Corwin M. Nixon Park? a) Mason Community Center b) At the pool whenever it’s open c) All of the above
7) Does Mason have any picnic shelters that seat large parties of 30 or more? a) Yes – by the lake at Pine Hill Lakes Park b) Y es – 2 each at Heritage Oak and Pine Hill Lakes Parks; 1 at Mason Sports Park c) N o – just a few small ones
11) Which park would you visit to play basketball at night? a) Corwin M. Nixon Park b) Heritage Oak Park c) Meadows Park
4) Which park would you go to if you wanted to fish? a) Meadows Park b) Pine Hill Lakes Park c) Corwin M. Nixon Park
8) Where is the Merten Natorp Arboretum? a) At Pine Hill Lakes Park b) In Frank Hosea Woods c) At Thomas P. Quinn Park
12) Are concessions available at the parks? a) Yes, at the parks with ball fields b) Yes, at all parks c) No www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
1) What is Mason’s largest park? a) Pine Hill Lakes Park b) Heritage Oak Park c) Mason Sports Park
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From the City Manager Dear Mason Resident, You can’t miss it. “Out is In!” This combined issue of Mason Matters and CenterPoint has plenty of reminders that this is the theme for National Parks and Recreation Month in July. The city is proud to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for residents of Mason and their guests. Many of these would not be possible without the tax revenue generated by Mason businesses. Last year, 82% of the income tax revenue received by Mason came from businesses in Mason. Put differently, for every dollar paid by a resident, approximately $4.55 is generated by businesses. Residents pay a relatively small portion of what it takes to provide a variety of city services, including parks. Mason has 291 acres in seven city parks. Opportunities for outdoor fun range from swimming at Lou Eves Municipal Pool to tennis and basketball at Heritage Oak Park to baseball games at several of our parks—and more. If you prefer a quieter adventure, sit on one of the benches in Pine Hill Lakes Park and enjoy the birds, or take a stroll on the paved path through Frank Hosea Woods. Most of our parks have paved paths, which makes it easy for those on foot or wheels. I encourage you to visit our parks or check the web at www.imaginemason.org/things-to-do/parks.cfm to learn more about the opportunities available at Mason parks. Eric Hansen One of the next parks to be developed may be Common Ground. Efforts are currently underway by the Mason Parks & Recreation Foundation to raise funds for this active park that will accommodate people of all abilities. City Manager For information, visit www.masonparksfoundation.org. One of their fundraising efforts is through the sale of the MasonOpoly game being developed for the city’s bicentennial. See page 3 of this newsletter for information. In addition to parks, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor entertainment. Look through CenterPoint for free outdoor concerts and a park scavenger hunt. Try a round of golf or some lessons at the city-owned Golf Center at Kings Island. Join the Great Mason Chase in August, where you and a partner bike through the city and try different challenges at local businesses. Speaking of bikes, bike paths are also part of our outdoor opportunities. Mason has 20.5 miles of bike paths and I expect that to grow in the not too distant future when the Tylersville Road bike path is connected with Kings Island Drive. This summer, the bike path from Mason-Montgomery Road along Nixon Park Drive will be extended into the park, providing a safer entry to the park for walkers and bicyclists. Opportunities for outdoor fun are abundant in Mason. See you outdoors! Before closing and on behalf of City Council and city employees, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of Ken Murowski and Frances Gilbert. Ken was an architect of the city’s growth, having served for 18 years as a member of Mason’s Zoning Board of Appeals and then Planning Commission. His expertise in commercial real estate was invaluable in his desire to guide development to create an attractive community. He was also a founder of the Race to Anyplace, an event held each year at Mason Community Center to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Frances Gilbert was nearly a life-long resident of downtown Mason and never tired of community service. She was a long-time member of Mason Grange—many of you may have known her through the sale of the Grange’s famous peanut brittle at Christmastime. I will always be grateful for her keen interest in the community. 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 513.229.8555
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 June / July 2014
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
Vacationing Away? If you are leaving town for a few days or more, sign up for a Vacation House Check. They are provided as a courtesy by the Mason Police Department. By submitting a Vacation House Check form, you let officers patrolling your area know when you are away and provide them with contact information. While you are gone and as patrol duties permit, officers will check for suspicious activity during the day and overnight periods, meaning you have one less thing to worry about while you are away. Forms may be found online at www.imaginemason.org/ services/police/faqs-police-services.cfm. You may also fill one out at the police administrative office at Mason Municipal Center. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except on holidays).
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Celebrating Mason’s Birthday
o help the City of Mason celebrate its 200th birthday in 2015, the 2015 Mason Bicentennial Committee is working on a variety of events. The committee is a three-member team of Council consisting of Barbara Berry-Spaeth, Rich Cox, and Chairperson Char Pelfrey. The committee, along with a very talented group of city staff, has been assigned to lay the foundation for our upcoming 200year celebration. Committee members will manage a calendar and logo for bicentennial events sponsored by community groups and organizations, ensuring that proceeds from city-endorsed activities will be used to benefit the Common Ground playground. The Mason Parks and Recreation Foundation is currently raising funds to build an inclusive playground designed to encourage children and adults of all levels and abilities to play together. Common Ground will be an educational and interactive environment unlike any other in the region. The Bicentennial Committee’s mission is to “oversee and facilitate an all-inclusive year of creative celebration that will honor the legacy of the past, the thriving prosperity of the present and the bright future of the city.”
The Bicentennial Committee of Council is already working on plans for a year-long celebration of Mason’s establishment in 1815. The committee is comprised of Council Members Barbara Berry-Spaeth, Char Pelfrey (committee chair), and Rich Cox.
Committee members extend an invitation to you to be a participant in this exciting, historical year. As plans begin to form, the committee will share with you opportunities to get involved and welcomes your input. Some events currently being considered include a Council Kickoff, Salute to Mason’s Veterans and Current Military, Faith Day, and Historical Community Unity Days. The
city’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is planning a Bicentennial Invitational Ball Tournament, Mason Schools and Mason Historical Society History Day, Community Service Day, and a signature event including live bands, games, rides, food, and other festival activities. Watch for more information in future issues of Mason Matters and at www.mason2015.org.
MasonOpoly is Coming to Game Night
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Businesses are Invited to Sponsor Properties
ason residents will have a whole new activity for “game night” in 2015. In celebration of Mason’s bicentennial, the city, along with the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, will be producing a unique custom-made MONOPOLY game to celebrate this 200th birthday. The Hasbroproduced game will feature local businesses and civic organizations throughout the board’s properties and its many game features. Mason’s MONOPOLY will be available for purchase beginning this year at Christmas in Mason and throughout 2015, and is projected to be a huge hit as
ason’s Police Department has noticed that complaints about junk vehicles are generally highest during the spring and summer. Changes in enforcement and penalty provisions of the junk motor vehicle ordinance should allow the Mason Police Department to more effectively facilitate the removal of these vehicles or to have them covered with car covers. A junk motor vehicle must meet two of the following qualifications before enforcement action can be taken: • The vehicle is three years old or older.
made MONOPOLY begins July 1. The deadline for reserving space on the board is June 23. Any party interested in this unique advertising opportunity should contact the NEC Chamber at 513.336.0125 for additional information and space availability.
Junk Motor Vehicles • The vehicle is extensively damaged. Missing wheels, tires, engine, or transmission qualify as extensive damage, as may some other conditions. • The vehicle is not operable. If two of the above listed requirements are met and the vehicle is within the City of Mason, Mason Police Department may be able to help with enforcement action. Violations of the Junk Motor Vehicle Ordinance are considered a minor misdemeanor offense. Violation of the ordinance more than once within a one year period is now a misdemeanor of the fourth or third degree,
depending on the number of violations. If a vehicle is stored inside a garage, or if it is covered with a tarp or car cover in good repair, it is considered in compliance with the junk motor vehicle ordinance and does not merit enforcement action. If you have any questions regarding the junk motor vehicle ordinance, please contact the City of Mason Police Department at 513.229.8560. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. www.imaginemason.org
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Christmas, graduation, and corporate gifts. Although exact retail pricing has not yet been set, the game is anticipated to sell at a family-friendly price point, with all profits earmarked for the Mason Parks & Recreation Foundation’s anticipated new Common Ground playground. The city’s Bicentennial Committee and the NEC Chamber have been working closely with local businesses and organizations to include all that are interested in staking a claim for a property space on this limited edition game set. Hasbro’s four-month design and production schedule for this custom-
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What do Building Department Inspectors Do?
any homeowners know that part of their construction or remodeling project includes building permits and inspections. The City of Mason’s Building Department often gets questions about the inspection process. This process is an attempt to review many of the most significant life and safety-related compliance items in the Residential Code in a manner that is efficient for both the builder and the city staff.
Greg Nicholls, Chief Building Official
• R ough framing - a review of the structural, firestopping, electrical, and mechanical systems prior to the installation of the insulation. City inspectors also verify that the county has approved the rough plumbing. • Insulation - a review of any leftover framing issues and installation of the insulation and vapor retarder prior to the application of interior finishes (drywall). • Electrical - the incoming service is checked before the utility provides electrical power. Inside the house, the electrical wiring is inspected before it is covered by drywall. • Final - this is the city’s last opportunity to review compliance for electrical safety at the receptacles and in the main panel, and to check handrails and guardrails, site drainage, smoke alarms, and general conditions related to code compliance. The inspectors also verify that final approval has been received from Warren County and look for the installation of a water meter. If all items are satisfactory, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, meaning the house or addition is ready for residential occupancy.
What inspections are required?
Mason Matters
In general, the common inspections are done at specific stages in the construction or remodeling process to allow viewing of as much of the work as possible before it is covered by the next phase of work. The City of Mason inspects all aspects of code compliance except for plumbing, which is the jurisdiction of Warren County’s Plumbing Division of the Health Department. The basic inspections of a single family house or home addition are listed below. Remodeling projects such as finished basements, kitchen and bathroom renovations, decks, covered porches, and similar projects may require some, all, or different inspections depending on the extent of the project. The Building Department is happy to help you determine the stages and the different types of work for which inspections should be scheduled for your project. • Soil inspection - prior to the installation of the concrete footings and/or foundations. • Sewer taps - connections to the city’s sewer system are checked prior to being backfilled. • Floor Slab or Crawl Space - a check for the appropriate base gravel course, vapor retarder, and insulation before the slab is poured. City inspectors also verify that Warren County has approved the under-slab plumbing.
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June / July 2014
Lorenzo Adam, Building and Electrical Inspector
Who is responsible for compliance with City Codes?
Inspections can never cover all materials in the construction of a house. Some construction, such as siding, interior finishes, brick veneer, and roofing, would require the inspectors to watch the contractor while the material is being installed because the contractors cover up the work as it is installed. When the house is complete and the Certificate of Occupancy is in hand, it means that the house has satisfactorily passed the minimum inspections. It does not mean that the house is free from any violations. Only the owner can be responsible for guaranteeing compliance, and this is usually the builder during the construction process. The owner/ builder is responsible for compliance even if an item is somehow missed during city inspections. Once a homeowner closes on the house, he and/or she becomes responsible for compliance. Many times, the city will attempt
to work with homeowners and their builders to resolve conflicts on code-related items after occupancy. However, the building department does not have the authority to direct the builder at that point.
Bill Barnett, Building and Zoning Inspector
The importance of obtaining building permits
With the increased use of private home inspection services for houses ready for sale, we receive a number of calls based on reports from home inspectors. Many times, the report is for work done without a permit, and we work with the homeowner to help them with the steps needed to make the work compliant with the current residential code. It is very important to obtain permits for home improvements prior to the work being done, as it is difficult to inspect and correct items after they are covered up. Obtaining a permit ensures that your project will be completed in accordance with the Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), both of which are in place to protect the homeowner and to give you peace of mind that the work will be done in a safe manner. Having the permits in-hand also helps with the sale of your house and with insurance claims. The Building Department can assist homeowners and contractors through the permit process for all residential projects. Information sheets are available online at www.imaginemason.org/city-government/ engineering-planning/building-documents. cfm. These documents are there to assist you with the requirements and necessary plans for finished basements, decks and swimming pools. You can also visit the Building Department to discuss your project and get a quick review of your drawings. In that way, if any information needs clarification, we can let you know right away, giving you a chance to find the additional information needed before the official review of the plans a few days later. If you have any questions about your project or the inspection process, please call the Engineering & Building Department at 513.229.8520.
Mason Hosts OCEA Conference at Great Wolf Lodge
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Exploring the voice of employers and educators to highlight the benefits of the co-op program
diverse group of students, academics, and employers from across the State of Ohio gathered here in May for the 3-day 2014 Ohio Cooperative Education Association Annual Conference. It was hosted in partnership with the City of Mason and the University of Cincinnati. The Ohio Cooperative Education Association (OCEA) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1971. OCEA members are employers, educators, and those interested in cooperative education in Ohio. Traditionally, the organization president for the year is charged with hosting the statewide group in his or her home region. In 2014, the University of Cincinnati’s OCEA representative is serving as president and looked to their relationship with the City of Mason Economic Development Office as an opportunity to showcase experiential learning case studies in the Mason industrial and corporate community. Making the conference story even stronger is the historical connection of the co-op program at the University of Cincinnati. Cooperative education is a structured method of combining academic education with practical work experience. Research indicates that one of the attributes employers value most in newly hired employees is work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a “co-op,” provides academic credit for career work. Cooperative education is taking on new importance in school-to-work transition, service learning, and experiential learning
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initiatives. Here are some fast facts: • The co-op program was founded at the University of Cincinnati by Dean Herman Schneider in 1906 • The first co-op class had 27 students in 13 companies • In the second year, there were over 400 inquiries from prospective students • The first co-op program in business began in 1919 • The first mandatory co-op program in the USA was in 1920 in the College of Engineering • The first women were admitted to the co-op program in 1920 • The UC co-op program split into three colleges in 1946 • Currently, UC has approximately 3,500 students in the co-op program each year • Nationwide, there are approximately 600 co-op programs with 241,000 students participating This year’s conference agenda was developed through an effort between the colleges, Mason’s industry, and city leaders, and resulted in exceptional feedback and energy from the group. An estimated 150 or more people attended the conference. Two such global companies headquartered in Mason, Intelligrated and Assurex Health, offered to students and college administrators their version of why this method of learning toward future employment is so important to them. Intelligrated offered tours of their intelligent material handling systems
and Assurex took attendees through their genomics lab. Statistics show that as many as 90% of former co-ops may become future employees in these highly successful companies. Mason employers have a strong hold on students in the several disciplines, including engineering, software development, and biohealth. TedX Cincinnati, through a partnership with the City of Mason, also participated in the event. Streaming “TedX” talks provoked thoughtful discussion that was appreciated by the young workforce and student population that attended the conference. Talent development continues to be a significant topic of conversation among companies in Mason and across the country. As the strategy to grow Mason’s innovation sector evolves, a focus on talent is critical to success. The Economic Development Office believes this was a unique opportunity to leverage key growth strategies while also supporting Mason’s corporate portfolio. The City of Mason was proud to work with the OCEA and provide visibility to a significant resource: co-op students. We thank our corporate partners for all the support! For more information on the history of the first United States co-op program at UC, visit magazine.uc.edu/issues/1205/success1.html. For more information on the co-op program as a benefit to your company, visit www.ohioco-op.com.
Bio Science Ohio Career Fair On Mason Campus consecutive year as the preferred location to represent all of Southwest Ohio. This selection is due to the growing cluster of bio health portfolio companies and the strength of the unique partnership between Assurex Health and the City of Mason. Both the city and Assurex were able to showcase the campus environment, Assurex headquarters and state-of-the-art bio technology facilities, quality of life amenities at Mason Community Center, and progressive public sector partnering in the City of Mason. This made for an impressive combination for visiting companies and job seekers. Founded in 1987, BioOhio is a key strategic partner for the City of Mason and many private sector companies as a trade association with 420 members. BioOhio is the lead organization for the bioscience community and is the Ohio affiliate for global bioscience associations AdvaMed, BIO, MDMA and PhRMA.
BioOhio Career Fair Attendees 2014
For more information, visit www.bioohio.com, www.assurexhealth.com, and www.imaginemason.org/business. www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
etting the right talent is a key ingredient to economic growth. Because both the City of Mason and Assurex Health understand how critical this objective is for company and city success, the city has partnered with Assurex for the second year to host the annual BioOhio Regional Career Fair. Held at the Mason Community Campus, the 2014 event matched industry professionals with Ohio bioscience companies. It was coordinated by BioOhio, the state’s association for accelerating bioscience industry growth, research, and education. Aerotek Scientific, Alkermes, AtriCure, Medpace, Mound Laser & Photonics Center, and Nitto Avecia joined Assurex Health at the fair to seek qualified bioscience talent. Now in its eighth year, the BioOhio Career Fair continues to raise awareness of the growing biohealth sector and the strength of the talent pool locally. Its organizers chose the Mason Campus for the second
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Book Sale
The Mason Veterans Committee is looking for volunteers to sit on the committee and help with some of the new projects for the Mason Veterans Memorial. The outdoor memorial is located near the southwest corner of Mason Municipal Center. The committee meets for about an hour once a month. Meetings are at 1 p.m. on the last Monday of the month at Mason Municipal Center. Please contact Tom Britton, chairman of the Memorial Committee at tbritton@fuse.net, Don Prince, John Looker at jclooker@embarqmail.com, Charlene Pelfrey, or Betty Davis if you are interested in volunteering.
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Avid and casual readers, collectors, educators, homeschoolers, and all other readers are invited to a book sale at Mason Public Library. The Volunteer Friends of Mason Library will have fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, hard covers, children’s, craft, cookbooks, classics and more for you to choose from. CDs and DVDs will also be for sale. All items are 50 cents to $3. Cash and checks are accepted. Stop by the Mason Public Library at 200 Reading Road from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, or from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7. If you haven’t been to the library in a while, take a walk through the expanded stacks and the new reading room.
Veterans Memorial Committee
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New Aerial Ladder Truck Replaces Aging Equipment
Mason Matters
ason Fire Department recently accepted delivery of a new 100-foot aerial ladder truck that improves the department’s ability to serve Mason residents and businesses. The new truck was manufactured in Ocala, Florida. In addition to the 100-foot aerial ladder, it carries a complete complement of ground ladders, 500 gallons of water (over two tons!) and over 1600 feet—almost a third of a mile—of fire hose. The new truck allows the current 100’ ladder truck, built in 1997, to be placed on “reserve” to prolong its service life and minimize maintenance costs. It will remain on standby and be called into service as necessary. A 1999, 61-foot aerial ladder truck, though newer, has been heavily used and is incurring higher maintenance costs as a result. It will remain with the department as an emergency backup. Fighting fires is only one part of the new truck’s capability. It also carries the latest Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment and is staffed by certified paramedics who can initiate lifesaving procedures to the critically ill or injured. Other equipment on the truck includes a 10,000-watt generator to provide power at emergency scenes. The generator also supports a hydraulic system that includes extrication tools for freeing trapped individuals at serious auto accidents or other entrapments. An array of water rescue and high angle rope rescue equipment
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Parks from pg. 1 work center to be crushed, weighed, and prepared for recycling. In addition, Community Options clients will help maintain the parks. Once a week, each of the city’s parks will be visited by a job training coach and several Community Options clients who will remove litter in the June / July 2014
adds to the lifesaving capabilities of the truck. The truck is staffed with an officer, a driver/ operator, and one or two firefighters, all of whom must obtain and maintain certifications in emergency medicine, firefighting, and various types of rescue disciplines. Training is a critical element in delivering the highest quality service to the citizens of Mason, so firefighters train daily to keep their knowledge, skills, and abilities fresh. Making training a top priority for the department not only helps protect the lives and property of the citizens, it enhances the safety of those sworn to that duty. Each piece of equipment requires specific skills, and driver/operators of the new truck will receive special training to prepare for its use. Each year, the Safety Committee of Council works with Fire Department staff to evaluate maintenance costs and reliability for each vehicle, adjusting the replacement schedule as necessary. For the past several years, Mason has been fortunate to have equipment with manageable repair costs, allowing the purchase of new equipment to be delayed for several years.
Prior to ordering the new ladder truck, the past five years of fire department responses were studied to establish a hazard analysis of the community. The equipment used at those incidents, the future needs of the community, the total cost of ownership, and the reliability of the vehicle to perform as required in an emergency all factored into the study. The new vehicle was specifically chosen to best match the future needs of the department. The new truck is expected to have a service life of 20 years with average use. It will be located at Mason’s Station 52 on Cedar Village Drive. You will start to see it around Mason as it comes into full use when training is completed sometime in June.
park and parking lot, sweep out the picnic shelters, and clean the picnic tables. Their service will improve the appearance of the parks and the enjoyment of the picnic shelters. It also relieves parks maintenance employees of these tasks so they can attend to other necessary maintenance tasks. As a result of the partnership, recycling in Mason not only helps conserve environmental resources, it enhances lives.
“We love these win-win partnerships,” said Assistant City Manager Jennifer Heft. She says the partnership is a cost-effective solution that provides a higher level of beautification in the city parks and promotes an opportunity for meaningful work for adults in our community. “I am excited about these initial programs and anticipate future opportunities to partner with Community Options, Inc., and their resources,” she added.