[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6273487,"mediaKeyId","2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01","parentId",2999717,"title","Votes at a glance: Mason council approves several service agreements, event spending and capital contracts","audioSeconds",10369,"startMs",2081000,"endMs",12450000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01&start=2081&end=12450","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01/thumbnail_2081000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6273487/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Mason-council-approves-several-service-agreements-event-spending-and-capital-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273487-2c9b711292c705ce9b5d2a744d83b357/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982791&Signature=juKQX~595xds23LQyxdOhQpXnvxaKkC9sMvqCUW4gUSL3N7dYYsZMeB3eCNCMaOtKLUWCR0uQdppa~Y3l7oo3pQne9xNeHSTR062TCpmyB1yaPD6G3FZOt1sxcnBOay1xX8lAcQcqe6QWTBU50m-7Ux6AzV8wATBR4YQYfbN7so1ftWynUfuxRCsQOoMvHsNyOcwxMjE9A~HX2TPh9XPPuFT4CqFfr254~W3V5z-5nmia4omkCrKJZuDFqtjobfgBOo41Frzvlwlm0E~~-t9T57p9770i0zv0nvyQuAGS74XzdB7pXgEWcyFrDhaJhuGKHLQTeRpZl0Du8LEbAyr3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Mason, OH ","date","2025-04-16T02:44:18.087Z","article","City council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions on routine business, event contracts and capital purchases during the same meeting that featured the lengthy public hearing on the Heritage Presbyterian/Silver Birch conditional‑use request. Key outcomes are summarized below.

What council approved

- Resolution recognizing Mark Baseman and honoring veterans (Resolution 2025‑6): Adopted after suspension of rules; council voted in favor. The resolution recognized Baseman’s work organizing the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade and Ceremony.

- Resolution supporting State Issue 2 (constitutional amendment to fund local infrastructure): Council adopted the resolution in support of the May 6 ballot measure.

- Service agreements (Ordinances 2025‑36, 2025‑37, 2025‑38): Council approved one‑year service agreements (matching program) with Women Walking West, Safe On Main, and Family Promise of Warren County. The city’s program matches $1 for every $2 raised by the nonprofits up to $8,000 per organization.

- Event contract for Red Rhythm and Boom (Ordinance 2025‑35): Council authorized a contract with Super Games in an amount not to exceed $62,805 to provide children’s attractions and to coordinate food vendors for the July Red Rhythm and Boom event. The mayor and city manager also announced entertainment for the July 3 event (Better Than Ezra with opening act Tonic).

- One‑time contribution to Warren County Drug Task Force (Ordinance 2025‑39): Council approved a one‑time capital contribution not to exceed $110,000 toward construction of a county law‑enforcement facility that will include space for the Drug Task Force and tactical response units.

- Contracts and capital spending (multiple ordinances): Council approved a 5‑year operations agreement for traffic signal maintenance with TEC Engineering Inc. ($54,375 initial amount with renewals), purchase of four high‑efficiency pool heat exchangers (Habagger Corporation, $116,428), and construction of the pool boiler upgrade project (Process Construction, $192,014). Council also approved Hagledge Construction for Phase 5 of Building 4 renovations at the Safety and Service Center Annex and authorized a purchase and sale agreement with Nyer Holdings for a parcel adjacent to future development property.

How council voted

Most items were adopted after council suspended the rules to allow immediate final action. Roll call votes recorded the members present voting in favor on the package items listed above. For items that required roll call (service agreements, event contracts, capital purchases and the one‑time county contribution), council recorded affirmative votes by the members present; no defections were recorded in the official minutes for those agenda items.

Why it matters

These approvals fund community services, commit city funds for one‑time capital support in the county, and finalize city contracts for signature and procurement. The event and park‑and‑recreation contracts set the service level for large public events this summer; the pool and traffic contracts are operational maintenance and capital upgrades that affect city facilities and street operations.

What to watch next

- The Silver Birch conditional‑use item remains tabled pending additional information; neighbors and the developer will return to council and Planning Commission as required.

- Staff will carry out procurements and contract execution for the approved projects and report back to council on implementation timelines and any required budget adjustments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mason City Council 4/14/25","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted a package of routine ordinances and resolutions including service agreements for local nonprofits, contracts for event services and pool and traffic maintenance; a one‑time donation to the county drug task force was also approved.","taxTitle","Mason City, Warren County, Ohio","taxId",54996,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273492,"Mason council endorses state action to regulate intoxicating hemp products",250,2880000,3130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01&start=2880&end=3130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","/articles/6273492/Ohio/Mason-council-endorses-state-action-to-regulate-intoxicating-hemp-products","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273492-38937525c4151f0d362f8efe87332e31/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982791&Signature=X-czMoUkITjzuHfNwEfLBotBSLDGhVf4uwQIwvD3f-WxRtBAi-oS-acwNPI~JER7lgdboPOlEe2EJ~HcDhHoJgFMw-zh6TRdRxC9LbS-WQCGQw~KwxoKzdSeYXutHO61VbiSVpz3TCyYUGhCfIMvIL6u8DJMfzqWTTChfX6qzXMzFUwgPb6Sg60dObR8~pDxdgbjP4YNi-365QM9CGasGw0-zcOaRhaqUce9IOlERH65cwH4u5jlBZm3suSVmd7cFWSjbZqyAoKBcrQUtQqGLVircybcw0XWmISk6vqImhl33UzvMw~Ey0pu0nYAjuSN-Un6~6xUcEYnCynSxtU-QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City council voted to adopt a resolution urging state lawmakers to regulate intoxicating hemp products similarly to marijuana, citing public‑health and youth‑access concerns raised at a March rules committee meeting and subsequent briefings.

Eric (city manager) presented the resolution and explained the difference the rules committee identified between state‑regulated marijuana (dispensed under state law) and intoxicating hemp products, such as delta‑8 THC, which in many cases are not subject to the same state licensing, age limits or testing. The rules committee chair (name not specified at the meeting) summarized that staff, legal counsel, law enforcement and the city lobbyist had briefed the committee and that multiple bills were pending at the state level.

The resolution asks the General Assembly to enact provisions that would create a regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp products, including minimum purchase age and controls on retail sale and labeling. Committee members told council they also plan to circulate a letter for other municipalities and residents to sign to press for state action.

Council members who spoke said the city is limited in what it can regulate locally and that a statewide law is the most effective method to address unregulated products. One council member said local options are limited because cities cannot unilaterally criminalize products already allowed under state law.

Council voted to adopt the resolution after suspending the rule to allow immediate adoption; the vote was recorded as affirmative by members present.","Council passed a resolution urging the Ohio Legislature to regulate intoxicating hemp products—such as delta‑8 THC—on par with marijuana, citing youth access and lack of statewide oversight.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6273497,"Council tables vote after hours of public comment on assisted‑living plan behind Heritage Presbyterian",5878,3242000,9120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01&start=3242&end=9120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2999717-ed052dca4f550ca16c853c30b51d5c01/thumbnail_3242000.jpg","/articles/6273497/Ohio/Council-tables-vote-after-hours-of-public-comment-on-assistedliving-plan-behind-Heritage-Presbyterian","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6273497-8c2305880438dd350dd5781e8ba61c3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982791&Signature=VjMVRBrMJrUmfJgxf448yI3zKkZijMuwXYmU5cnsmNdtQf4O-533eM-Q5UL98X7vj6n-M1~rHL-cBun1xP~yFYjkNCMOqQ2XndJeiEzM9z6jpTEbOV0G9vZutKaoreew0McpzHLpgQ8rZpDGiGf8KKS68mtMeTiMD2xsGYXy5-LID1ZbPEL5i8OixgsH0VX9OQoBpOEfj3UYFi78Poppp-SSvF0VPlMJIg0vQkua1KrdEz~FEygWCGkJsVlYhJCy5BdvTOKHoiSCynWFafp8z~N3UHt2bHrDWtYSfTfP4xEeBduhdA5fMNmJ2bG9svsL0deNbCBgteOn1cKtDdwb4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City council on a late April evening tabled consideration of an ordinance that would have approved a conditional‑use permit for a proposed Silver Birch assisted‑living community on land owned by Heritage Presbyterian Church near the intersection of Tylersville and Mesa Montgomery roads.

The proposal from Vermillion Development — operating the senior housing under the Silver Birch Living brand — would place an assisted‑living building and related parking on roughly 8.5 acres adjacent to the church. The developer and its consultants told the council the project would provide senior housing, generate property tax revenue on land that is currently tax‑exempt, and create about 45–50 jobs at the community. City planning staff and the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the conditional use after reviewing the code standards.

Neighbors and other residents, who outnumbered supporters at the meeting, told council they were concerned about the building’s scale, traffic, stormwater and public‑safety impacts. Several speakers said their subdivision has no sidewalks and that school traffic already creates congestion at the Tylersville–Mesa Montgomery corridor. “We have no sidewalks, and our children play outside regularly. This development raises a number of serious issues that have yet to be fully addressed,” one resident said.

Developers and consultants addressed those concerns in presentations. Andy Comer, senior traffic engineer for TMS Engineers, said industry guidance (Institute of Transportation Engineers trip generation) estimates roughly 300 daily trips for a facility of the proposed type and about 22 total trips during the busiest one‑hour peak; he said that level does not typically require a full traffic impact study under local and state thresholds. Brad Ovanek, civil engineer with Cage Engineering, described a proposed stormwater management basin on the north side of the site that would detain and treat runoff and discharge into the existing underground storm sewer in Tylersville Road. Maggie Grislak, project manager with WJW Architects, described design changes the team said were made in response to neighborhood feedback, including moving an access point and increasing landscaping buffers.

City planning staff (Jordy, planning staff) reviewed the conditional‑use standards for a nursing home in an R‑3 district: minimum lot size (2 acres), access off arterial or collector roads, screening where parking is within 150 feet of residences, and impervious‑surface limits (40% maximum). The site meets those standards on paper, staff said: the lot is about 8.5 acres, access would be from the arterial roads, and proposed lot coverage was below 40%.

Still, multiple residents said the proposed facility would be out of character for the neighborhood, would overlook back yards despite proposed berms and plantings, and could worsen existing drainage and flooding problems in the creek behind several properties. One resident and several council members noted that a fully engineered stormwater plan and detailed traffic studies typically are prepared later in the process, and that developers often do not invest in those studies until they have obtained land‑use approvals.

Council members asked for additional time to review outstanding technical questions and to coordinate site walks and staff briefings. After discussion, council voted to table the ordinance; the mayor said the item would return for council consideration at a future meeting (council indicated May 12 during the discussion). The public hearing is closed, and additional materials produced for the required site plan, grading and stormwater reviews will be evaluated by staff and Planning Commission before any final building permits are issued.

Why it matters: The decision pits the city’s stated interest in increasing senior housing supply and generating tax revenue on formerly tax‑exempt land against nearby residents’ concerns about traffic, safety, drainage and neighborhood character. Council members said they want reliable technical studies and a clearer list of conditions tied to the zoning code’s conditional‑use standards before rendering a final decision.

What comes next: The developer will continue design work and coordination with city engineering and planning staff; Planning Commission will review the site plan, stormwater and utility designs if council moves the item forward. Council signaled an intent to review additional information at its May meeting before voting on the ordinance.","City council halted a vote and agreed to gather more information after residents and developers debated a conditional‑use request to build a 35‑foot assisted‑living facility on about 8.5 acres owned by Heritage Presbyterian Church.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Mason council approves several service agreements, event spending and capital contracts

Mason council endorses state action to regulate intoxicating hemp products

Council tables vote after hours of public comment on assisted‑living plan behind Heritage Presbyterian