Mason Council adopts hazard‑mitigation update, approves road grant applications and downtown design contract

Mason City Council on Aug. 11 adopted the Warren County hazard mitigation five‑year plan update and approved several items intended to fund and design local transportation and downtown improvements, the council said at its meeting at the Mason Municipal Center.

The actions on Monday included adopting Resolution 2025‑16 to recognize the updated county hazard mitigation plan, authorizing applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for two resurfacing and reconstruction projects, approving a cooperative agreement with Warren County for a roundabout project, and accepting a design proposal for an east downtown parking lot. Council also voted not to request a hearing on a spirits/liquor permit application for Marion’s Pizza and approved sponsorship for a Mason Community Players fundraising table.

The hazard mitigation resolution affirms Mason’s participation in the Warren County Emergency Management Agency update and maintains the city’s eligibility for federal hazard mitigation and recovery funding, Jenna (city staff) told the council. "This plan represents the County and City's commitment to reduce risk from natural or man made hazards," she said, and staff recommended adoption.

Council approved two OPWC‑related ordinances. Ordinance 2025‑62 authorized the city manager to prepare and submit applications for Program Year 40 (2026) funding. City Manager Eric and staff described two proposed projects in that application: reconstructing Kings Mills Road from State Route 42 to the Muddy Creek bridge with a focus on improved sidewalks, drainage and walkability, and milling/resurfacing Cedar Village Drive and Snyder Road (from the corporation limit to Western Railroad). Staff told council the city would seek roughly $770,000 toward an estimated $1.5 million Kings Mills Road construction cost and $500,000 toward a $1.0 million resurfacing package.

Ordinance 2025‑63 authorizes a cooperative agreement with the Warren County commissioners to submit an OPWC District 10 grant application for an intersection improvement at Bethany Road, Hudson Hills Lane and Millampi Creek Lane. Staff said Warren County will lead the majority of the roundabout project and Mason’s participation would be just over $300,000.

Kurt (engineering staff) presented Ordinance 2025‑64, accepting a proposal from Choice 1 Engineering Corporation for design of the east downtown parking lot project in a "not to exceed" fee of $78,930. Kurt said the design work will take two concept layouts from the downtown CDC and produce buildable plans covering grading, stormwater, utilities and hookups for temporary restrooms and lighting; staff expects design completion by year‑end so construction estimates can be provided for the 2026 budget cycle.

Public comment included several speakers. Sharp Helfry, who identified himself as the family representative for the Gould Aberbeck family, told council the Gould family sold 50 acres to the city in 2001 "with restrictions ensuring that the land would be forever preserved and protected" and urged council to honor Ordinance 2023‑88 (previously passed directing funding and development for Gould Park). Helfry said he was concerned an August 11 staff writeup about Gould Park did not reference Ordinance 2023‑88 and asked council to ensure the park development proceeds consistent with that ordinance; Helfry noted the Gould Park Committee and more than 100 households are following the project and thanked the mayor and council for a planned work session on Aug. 25.

City Manager Eric and staff also highlighted the city’s role in hosting the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center and said the event showcased a recent $260,000,000 campus transformation; Eric and communications staff said the city partnered with local TV to produce a promotional spot. Staff also reviewed calendar items and programs including the Citizen Safety Academy (nine weeks starting Sept. 3), Labor Day hours, a community potluck on Aug. 24 and the Downtown Mason Heritage Festival on Sept. 20.

Committee reports covered continuing work on the downtown master plan and the RFP process for Gould Park and Heritage Oak upgrades. The Small Business Committee reported a Duke Energy partnership to fund a small business grant program (funds to be routed through the Warren County Foundation) and a new small business guide on the city website.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025‑16, Adopting the Warren County hazard mitigation 5‑year plan update — Adopted (unanimous roll call). Staff justification: maintains eligibility for federal mitigation and recovery funding.

- Ordinance 2025‑62, Authorizing the city manager to prepare and submit OPWC applications for Program Year 40 projects (Kings Mills Road reconstruction; Cedar Village Drive and Snyder Road mill/resurface) — Adopted (unanimous roll call). Staff estimates: Kings Mills Road construction ~ $1,500,000 with $770,000 requested; milling/resurfacing package ~ $1,000,000 with $500,000 requested.

- Ordinance 2025‑63, Authorizing cooperative agreement with Warren County to submit OPWC District 10 grant for Bethany/Hudson Hills/Millampi roundabout — Adopted (unanimous roll call). City participation estimated at just over $300,000; Warren County leading majority of work.

- Ordinance 2025‑64, Accepting Choice 1 Engineering proposal for east downtown parking lot design, amount not to exceed $78,930 — Adopted (unanimous roll call). Design scope: grading, stormwater, utilities, potential lighting and hookups for restrooms; timeline: design by end of year to support 2026 budgeting.

- Liquor permit (Marine Incorporated d/b/a Marion’s Pizza, D5I) — Council voted not to request a hearing; action carried.

- Motion to sponsor a table for the Mason Community Players fundraising event featuring Mark McGrath — Approved.

What council did not decide tonight

Council directed staff to bring an RFP for Gould Park (committee asked staff to prepare an RFP and to provide timing) and scheduled a work session on Aug. 25 to discuss Gould Park details; no new development approvals for Gould Park were enacted at this meeting. Several council members and public commenters pressed for adherence to the Gould family deed covenants and the previously passed Ordinance 2023‑88.

Meeting context and next steps

Council said the upcoming Aug. 25 work session will include Gould Park discussion. Staff will proceed with the Choice 1 design contract and prepare OPWC applications for Program Year 40. Project funding from OPWC, if awarded, will require additional contract/approval steps and any construction would follow design, permitting and budgeting. Council meetings and committee updates will report progress on the downtown master plan, the Gould Park RFP process and the small business grant program.