Mason MattersMason MattersDecember 2011 / January 2012

Mason M

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Inside This Issue:

Mason Community Center Partners with AssureRxA dynamic entrepreneurial company that

was being courted by locations across the nation has selected Mason Community Center as the location for its new corporate headquarters.

In October, the City of Mason and AssureRx Health were pleased to announce the relocation of AssureRx to the center. AssureRx is a rapidly growing biotechnology firm that has outgrown its current space in Mason. When the company began looking for a larger space, it looked at several attractive locations. With the support of the State of Ohio, CincyTech, several venture capitalists, and the City of Mason, the company will move into the empty tenant space at Mason Community Center at the beginning of 2012.

“The partnership with AssureRx is a win for Mason, a win for the region, and a win for the state of Ohio…to achieve this, given this economy, we are required to look at out-of-the-box approaches to encourage economic development,” noted Mason Vice Mayor David Nichols when the announcement was made.

AssureRx specializes in helping physicians determine the right drug for individual patients suffering from neuropsychiatric and other disorders. The company has developed GeneSightRx, a test that helps doctors understand the way a patient’s unique genetic makeup may affect certain psychiatric drugs.

“Our goal is to transform the practice of psychiatry—more specifically, to help change mental illness to mental wellness,” said Jim Burns, CEO of AssureRx.

Financial BenefitWhile the attention has deservedly been

on the jobs and economic win that AssureRx represents for the entire state (the company expects to grow to more than 100 employees by 2014), their move also helps the Community Center’s business plan. Similar to Tri-Health, AssureRx will be responsible for all direct costs of the space they occupy, such as utilities, interior walls and finishes, etc. They will also help share some of the common expenses of the Community Center, including parking,

snow removal, lobby utilities, etc. In addition to the lease revenue that will help the center’s revenue goals, AssureRx will purchase premier memberships for all of their employees, helping to grow the membership base of the center. Finally, the city will own the finished space for future use/revenue generation.

Assure Rx’s move fulfills the vision of the original community center expansion with partners that further community wellness and the financial viability of the center.

“We did not anticipate reaching this point so rapidly,” said Eric Hansen, Mason City Manager. “To find a partner that furthers our own business model and expands the community’s tax base while recognizing and expanding the corporate benefits of wellness in the community was a real eye-opener to the economic development potential of the center,” he added.

Community BenefitThe City of Mason’s strategy of partnering

with local businesses to benefit the Mason community was accelerated in 2010 with the opening of the expansion of Mason Community Center. The new area of the center included medical office space leased to Group Health Associates (GHA) and Bethesda Physical Therapy (BPT).

The partnership has created an opportunity for the city to partner with TriHealth (which includes GHA and BPT) to offer wellness opportunities and education to the community in addition to the obvious benefit of revenue for the leased space. Under the “Live Well in Mason” umbrella, the partnership has sponsored educational seminars, fitness events, wellness screenings, nutrition information, and more as part of its goal to help Mason become a healthier community.

By locating their corporate headquarters in the tenant space at the center, AssureRx will also bring expanded opportunities to participate in community wellness.

“We are supported by a forward-looking community—Mason, Ohio—that sees the possibilities of continuing to build on a community-wide fitness and wellness theme,” said Mr. Burns. “As part of our commitment to Mason, we will periodically sponsor community-wide seminars and other events around our specialty of mental health,” he added.

Alterations UnderwayAssureRx will occupy the tenant space to

the left as you enter the community center’s main lobby. Completion of the tenant space began in October and should be done by the end of the year.

As part of the construction, some alterations are being made to the adjacent senior center. A third restroom will be added next to the existing restrooms just outside the senior center. A sink will be installed on the counter in the main room of the senior center to accommodate a coffee station and the kitchen will get additional counter space. To accomplish this work, the Senior Center kitchen was closed in October and should reopen around the end of November.

We apologize for any disturbances the construction may cause and look forward to welcoming AssureRx as the city’s newest partner in early 2012.

Mason, Ohio: rated

24th

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE

by Money magazine 2011

BEST PLACE

TO LIVE

by Money magazine 2011

Mason, Ohio: rated

AssureRx Chief Executive Officer Jim Burns, AssureRx Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Don Wright, Mayor Don Prince, Vice Mayor David Nichols, and Council Member Christine Shimrock announced the city’s newest partnership at Mason Community Center

10402 Drop Box Adds Convenience3 Tax Forms Will Not be Mailed3 Police Department Seeks

Reaccreditation4 Economic Development News5 Construction Updates6 Around Mason6 Will Your Street be Plowed?

December 2011 / January 2012

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Dear Mason Resident, The City of Mason, like you, your neighbors, and so many cities, townships, counties, and states across the nation, has been struggling with declining revenues while trying to maintain expected services. Just as in your family, priorities need to be set and tough decisions have to be made. Together with City Council, I want to assure you that those tough decisions ARE being made and spending has been kept in line with revenues. Projects have been reduced in scope or postponed, equipment has been used past its normal service life, positions have not been filled, and supplies have not been replenished. In spite of, and sometimes because of, these measures, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the status quo. A project that is postponed means those who would benefit the most from the work have to wait longer. A snowplow that is kept beyond its normal service life means more repair costs and down time. Not filling positions means fewer employees available to assist with inquiries, documents, projects, and routine tasks, slowing response times. A reduction in supplies means paint is not refreshed and parks don’t get mowed as often to save gas. These reductions are no different from your own efforts to save by reducing driving to save on gas, eating out less, buying the generic brands, and shortening your vacation. There is some good news for the city. Careful management of resources and spending has preserved the City of Mason’s top credit rating of Aaa from Moody’s, which means we pay less for our debt. It’s like your own credit rating—the better it is, the less you pay when buying or refinancing your home. Businesses continue to find Mason a great place to locate and grow. Volunteers and community groups pitch in to help provide services and keep costs low. The city’s partnerships with other jurisdictions as well as local businesses and organizations continue to provide creative ways to stretch limited dollars for mutual benefit. Add to that a staff of dedicated employees committed to providing the best service they can, along with resident and business communities that take responsibility for the well-being of the community as a whole, and you can see some of the reasons why the City of Mason is the nation’s 24th best place to live.* By all of us working together and adding an extra measure of patience and understanding, we will keep our community strong. I am proud of the accomplishments of the staff, residents, and businesses who are working to keep Mason “more than you imagine.”

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.

From the City Manager

Eric Hansen, City Manager

Main Number 513.229.8500

City Hotlines513.229.8502

Administration513.229.8510

Community Center513.229.8555

Emergency9.1.1

Engineering & Building513.229.8520

Finance513.229.8530

Fire Department Administration513.229.8540

City Of Mason - Contact Information6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org

Parks & Recreation513.229.8555

Police Department Administration513.229.8560

Public Utilities513.229.8570

Public Works513.229.8580

Tax Office513.229.8535

Utility Customer Service

513.229.8533

Utility Billing Questions Greater Cincinnati

Water Works513.591.7700

Utility Service Questions:

Sewer Service and Emergencies

513.229.8570(nights, holidays & weekends,

emergencies only)513.925.2525

Stormwater513.229.8570

Waste Collection and Recycling513.229.8533

Water Serviceand Emergencies Greater Cincinnati

Water Works513.591.7700

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.Drop Box Adds Convenience

Dropping something off at Mason Municipal Center? Use our convenient drop box.

The drop box is at the end of the passenger drop-off drive in front of Mason Municipal Center. Enter the one-way drive to the right of the flagpoles.• Drop off GCWW water payments• Submit tax forms and payments• Deliver forms,

letters, small documents for employees

• Quick• Safe• Secure• More convenient than getting the kids out of

the car or walking through the rain or snow• Open 24-7For your convenience, a US Post Office mailbox is also located on the drop-off drive. Mail is picked up at 3 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

*Money magazine, August 2011

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Mason Police Department to Seek ReaccreditationSince July of 1997, the Mason Police

Department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

CALEA was established in 1979 by four major law enforcement groups: The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Police Executive Research Foundation (PERF) and the National Sheriff ’s Association (NSA). It was established in response to a 1973 report that recommended that law enforcement agencies meet a minimum of 107 standards.

The goal of CALEA’s Accreditation Program is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by:

· maintaining a body of standards developed by public safety practitioners and covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives,

· establishing and administering an accreditation process, and

· recognizing professional excellence.

Accreditation through CALEA provides accountability through a comprehensive review of agency activities, improves community relations, and helps limit liability and risk exposure. One of the

primary benefits is that it requires the police agency to develop and maintain written policies and procedures to guide its actions. This is one of the most successful tools to help agencies reach administrative and operational goals while also providing direction to personnel.

Every three years since the Mason Police Department’s first accreditation in 1997, law enforcement professionals from other agencies have visited the department to review all aspects of the department’s operations. Each time, the department has successfully met all of the required standards. Currently, the department must meet 479 standards to maintain accreditation.

The department was last reaccredited in July of 2009, and will again seek reaccreditation in July of 2012.

For more information on accreditation and the Mason Police Department, please visit www.imaginemason.org or contact the department at 513.229.8560 during normal business hours.

The Cincinnati Horticultural Society honored Mason with a Neighborhood Beautification Award in October. The society noted the attractive landscaped medians on many of the major roads in Mason. Mayor Don Prince accepted the award on behalf of the city.

City Receives Award

If you expect to owe Mason city income taxes for 2011 and they aren’t deducted

from your paycheck, the Tax Office would like to remind you that it’s time to make a quarterly payment.

Please remember that ninety percent (90%) of your 2011 tax liability is due by January 31, 2012. Please make your final quarterly payment by that date.

Online PaymentEstimated payments can be made online

using the online tax tool. Please visit www.imaginemason.org/residents/tax-information to find the tax tool. If you prefer to mail your payment, blank estimated payment vouchers

were included with your 2010 tax return and are also available online.

If you need assistance in determining whether you need to make estimated payments or if you need to adjust your declaration, the Tax Office is glad to help. Please call 513.229.8535 for assistance.

Expect To Owe 2011 Taxes?

The tax office began its green initiative with the introduction of online filing in 2009. In 2010, this option was expanded so more residents could e-file their city tax return using the online tax tool. As of the end of September, 1,884 tax returns for 2010 were e-filed. Residents can also make payments using the online tool.For tax year 2011, the city will continue its efforts to go green by not sending bulky tax packets to residents. In January, residents will receive a letter via mail or e-mail with their account number and instructions for finding the online tax tool. Blank tax forms will be available online and at Mason Municipal Center, Mason Community Center, and Mason Public Library.

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Congratulations Due to Mason Companies

Goering Center for Family & Private Business Awards

City of Mason Awarded Duke Energy Site Readiness GrantDuke Energy & McCallum Sweeney give Mason property good marks

The City of Mason, with assistance from the Warren County Economic Development Office, won a “Site Readiness” grant from Duke Energy

to assess the site competitiveness of Mason Enterprise Park, a 257-acre industrially zoned property located in the S.R. 741 corridor just north of Bethany Road.

As part of this grant, Duke Energy hired McCallum Sweeney, a leading national site selection consultant, to analyze Mason Enterprise Park’s unique market strengths and weaknesses. The consultant provided critical industry recommendations to help Mason be ready to compete for some of the top industrial prospects when the time is right.

The suggestions are part of the criteria used for certifying sites across the country. When top corporations like Amazon or Volkswagen come looking for a place to develop large-scale corporate operations, they start with the best and most well-suited sites. Oftentimes, timing is critical as well. This predevelopment work at the Mason park, facilitated by Duke Energy, has the potential to put Mason in a very competitive position.

In September, McCallum Sweeney presented their findings and recommendations to over thirty community leaders. McCallum Sweeney discussed the importance of an industrial site selection process for a community and what that means for future economic development success. A portion of the presentation focused on issues of regional importance such as transportation, education, and workforce.

This is the second year that Duke Energy has offered the Site Readiness program in the Cincinnati USA/Duke service area. This program has had much success in other Duke regions. Duke Energy’s commitment to economic development is significant to the future success of our region. Thank you to Duke Energy and McCallum Sweeney.

Two Mason businesses were among 57 finalists honored recently in Cincinnati.Nominations of 441 family and private businesses in the tri-state area made by friends,

advisors, and families were narrowed down to 57 finalists to receive the Goering Center for Family & Private Business Awards. A panel of independent judges, all business leaders in their own right, selected the winners, focusing on the three best practices of Strategic Planning, Performance Management, and Development of Future Leaders.

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Skilled Care Pharmacy celebrated their 30th year in business in

September. Skilled Care Pharmacy has 200 employees and provides institutional pharmaceutical services to over 100 institutions located throughout Ohio and parts of Kentucky and Indiana. The company located their headquarters in Mason in 1996 and expanded to their current headquarters in Mason in 2006. Mayor Don Prince presented a proclamation in recognition of their achievement and thanked them for

their commitment to Mason.

Skilled Care Pharmacy was the winner in the 25-74 Years in Business category for the Private Business Awards. Larry Galluzzo, owner and president of Skilled Care Pharmacy, stated, “What we are trying to do is increase the quality of life of residents in their own homes and in nursing homes.” To learn more about Skilled Care Pharmacy, visit www.skilledcare.com.

Vintner Select was another Mason company to receive the award. Gordon Hullar, president and co-founder of Vintner Select, stated, “The ability to reflect on past experiences and be prescient about future opportunities is what sets Vintner Select apart.” Vintner Select has been in Mason since 1989. Visit their web site at www.vintnerselect.com.

Skilled Care Pharmacy

Mayor Don Prince, left, presented a proclamation to Skilled Care President & Founder Larry Galluzzo and Vice President Nancy Mlinarik.

Congratulations to these two Mason companies.

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Normally winter is a time for dormancy and hibernation, but in Mason several

construction projects will continue in the cold months. The Muddy Creek Restoration project will be in construction behind St. Susanna Church and Four Seasons apartments (see below). A project to improve the storm sewer on West Church Street from Frank Street to North Forest Avenue will also be under construction through the end of 2011.

Work will continue on the on the $9.6 million road improvement project under construction on U.S. 42. Good progress has been made to date.

The contractor began construction early in July. In October, underdrains, curbs, and sidewalks were installed on U.S. 42/Reading Road south of Western Row Road. Prior to that, water main installation, fire hydrant relocation, and storm sewer work south of Western Row Road were completed. In addition, a new headwall and wing walls were installed on the upstream end of the twin box culverts south of Tylersville

Construction Projects Continue this Winter

In October, contractors poured curbs for the U.S.42/Reading Road improvement project. Work will continue through November 2012.

Road. Duke Energy relocated gas main and electric poles, and KDL and Cincinnati Bell relocated their cables. Time Warner and Century Link are in the process of relocating their cables.

To reduce the impact of construction on businesses, fire hydrants were relocated at night because they require water mains to be shut down. For similar reasons, limited nighttime work may be done in the future as necessary.

During construction, traffic has been maintained in both directions by using flaggers when necessary. No detour routes are planned or expected. Traffic will continue to be maintained in both directions in the future.

The project remains on schedule to be complete by November, 2012. It is funded in large part by state and federal grants. The city will pay about $3.8 million for its share of the project.

Please allow a few extra minutes when traveling on Reading Road. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve traffic flow and safety in Mason.

Muddy Creek Stream Restoration Design Components

Muddy Creek, which flows through Mason along U.S. 42/Reading

Road, is scheduled for a stream restoration construction project this fall through early winter. The design includes restoration of sites adjacent to property owned by St. Susanna Church and the Four Seasons apartments.

The design includes wood and boulder structures to stabilize bank erosion problems and to create native habitats such as runs, glides, riffles, and deep pools with overhanging banks. All of these structures are designed to be partially or completely submerged at low flow conditions.

Each structure is also designed with natural components including hardwoods, limestone boulders, river gravels, coconut fiber erosion control blankets, native grasses, trees, and shrubs. Some of the structures used in this design are illustrated above and include:

· boulder cross vanes for controlling water levels. The cross vane decreases near-bank shear stress, velocity, and stream power, and increases the energy in the center of the channel. The structure will reduce bank erosion, create a stable width/depth ratio, and maintain channel capacity while also maintaining sediment transport capacity and sediment competence.

· boulder J-Hook vanes to direct currents away from the banks and promote deep pools in meander bends.

· toe wood structures. The toe wood placement enhances fish habitats and food chains, stabilizes stream banks, maintains a low width/depth ratio, eliminates the need for toe rock, and is cost effective, with lower risk than other bank stabilization techniques. The structure incorporates native woody material into

a submerged undercut bank to replicate natural stream banks. The toe wood is positioned at the toe (the lower part) of the bank so it is submerged to prevent wood deterioration. Native cuttings with sod and live staking or woody transplants cover the toe wood. To provide immediate erosion control and a natural appearance, soil lift structures—layers of soil wrapped with biodegradable erosion control fabric alternated with woody debris—are constructed up to the bankfull stage (the level of the water during a normal rain event). If you have any questions about

this project, please contact the City of Mason’s Engineering & Building Department at 513.229.8520.

Boulder Cross Vane Boulder J-Hook Vane Toe Wood Bank Stabilization Structure

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Help Give Someone Hope For The Holidays

Christmas In Mason

For the fifteenth year, city employees are sponsoring the Hope for the Holidays program this holiday season.

Through this annual program, families and individuals in the City of Mason who are in need are provided with food and gift items for the holidays.

Donations from the public are welcome. Non-perishable food, new and unwrapped toys, money, gift certificates and other donations are appreciated.

Adopt a FamilyIndividuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, church

groups, and others can chose to adopt a family to donate food and gifts to. A list of items requested by the family will be provided.

To DonateDonations will be accepted through Friday, December 16.

Items may be dropped off at Mason Municipal Center, Mason Community Center, Mason’s Water Reclamation Plant, and at the Mason fire stations.

To arrange for special assistance in making your donation, or if you know someone in Mason city limits who needs assistance this holiday season, please call 513.229.8507 or e-mail hopefortheholidays@masonoh.org beginning November 28. If you need any additional information, please contact Sheri Collins at 513.229.8500.

The 2010 Hope for the Holidays program assisted 39 families, including 99 children. Each department in the city adopted a family. Employees also assisted with sorting, purchasing and wrapping toys, and delivering the toys and food baskets to the families.

Drop in at the Mason Historical Society for fellowship and a warm drink during Christmas in Mason on Friday,

December 2. The museum will be adorned with beautiful Victorian decorations to put you in the mood for Christmas. The former home that houses the museum will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. It is on Church Street behind the old Mason municipal building at 202 West Main Street.

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, the Mason Historical Society will meet at the Mason Municipal Center. A speaker from the Cincinnati Museum Center will talk about the Civil War—especially Cincinnati and the surrounding area’s involvement in that war. The change in venue will provide better parking for the expected larger crowd.

If you are interested in history and would like to become a member of the Mason Historical Society, call the museum at 513.398.6750 or visit www.masonhistoricalsociety.org.

Mason will be aglow for the annual Christmas in Mason celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 2.

Enjoy free horse-drawn carriages, music, booths, caricature drawings, tasty food, and hot beverages. Enter your dog in the Santa Paws Parade and look for a special guest in a red suit to make an appearance!

This is a seasonal event that you and your family will not want to miss. For more information and for Santa Paws and booth applications, contact Festivals of Mason at 513.229.8534 or visit www.festivalsofmason.com

Museum To Decorate For Christmas In Mason

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Will Your Street be Plowed?

When forecasts call for snow or freezing rain, snowplows are inspected and loaded with salt so they’ll be ready when needed.

Maintaining the safety of the streets is a primary goal of the City of Mason. For the past few years as budgeting concerns have increased and seasonal and part-time

help has been curtailed, city departments have come together to manage the challenges of snow and freezing rain. While the Public Works Department remains the primary provider of service on winter streets, personnel in the Engineering & Building, Parks & Recreation, and Public Utilities Departments have pitched in to help make the roads safe.

City snowplows clear snow and ice from nearly all of the streets in Mason, but there are a few that are not cleared by city crews. If you live on a private street or in one of

the city’s newest subdivisions, your homeowner association (HOA) or developer is responsible for removing the snow and ice.

Private streets are usually around apartments and condominium developments and have street name signs with green letters on a white background. If you have concerns about the snow and live in one of these areas, please contact your apartment manager or HOA.

Subdivisions that are still the responsibility of the developer to plow are listed below along with contact information.

Carmelle Subdivision, Phase 3 Jill Prior

513.891.7100 x106

Estates of Chestnut HillJim Kiefer, Great Traditions

513.563.4070

Reserves of BethanyJoseph F. Farruggia, Classic Properties

513.492.9630

Accurate weather forecasts, pretreatment of the roads, the amount of snow, how fast it falls, outside temperature, equipment breakdowns, salt availability, whether the salt freezes and clumps in the truck beds, parked cars, and the volume of traffic all affect the city’s ability to clear the roads. We appreciate your patience this winter as we continue our collaboration among departments to clear the roads in the city as quickly as possible.