MASON — Residents of Mason who regularly spend time at the Mason Park can now look forward to a few improvements coming this summer.

At the most recent Town of Mason council meeting, a motion was made by Councilwoman Michelle Pearson to sign the grant terms and conditions for an $850 grant from the Jackson Foundation, in order to purchase an air walker for the park. The motion passed, and Mayor Mindy Kearns stated the equipment should be ordered soon, and it will be installed this summer.

In addition to providing the adults with an opportunity to exercise while their kids play in the park, Councilman Nick Northup also made a motion to purchase four toddler swings and six commercial swing seats, in addition to any other repairs need for the park. The motion passed, and Kearns stated the swings have been ordered and should also be installed sometime this summer.

Kearns also stated at the meeting she had met with a representative with the Department of Highways (DOH), and the DOH has agreed to pave the shoulder of the main road, which should take place sometime in the fall. Kearns went on to say that following this work, the town will be on the calendar to have the main road paved as well, but is expected to be several years in the future.

Also making personal appearances at the council meeting were Paula Gregory, Phillip King, Pete Shepard, Larry Daniel, Donna Vickers, Jack Ramsey and Amanda Sutphin. Gregory spoke to the council about a place called CONTACT, a 24 hour rape crisis center that she represents, and said that she’d like for one of the town’s officers to attend their sexual assault classes. King expressed to the council his concern of sewer backing up in his basement, and asked that the manhole near his home be checked on a regular basis. Daniel expressed his gratitude to the council for the stop sign that was recently placed by a gas station in town.

Ramsey and Sutphin from Triad Engineering attended the meeting to update the council on the waste water project. Ramsey went over the Facilities Planning Study for the project, which Kearns stated there wasn’t any new information, but the project is moving forward.

In other council news, a motion was made by Councilman Marty Yeager to sign the yearly contract for $300 with the Mason County Health Department for their services for the town. Councilman James Pauley also made a motion to use Dodson Pests Control for the treatment of termites at the Senior Citizens Building. Both motions carried. Council members also agreed to give town workers five work shirts to wear, and to have more available on an as needed basis.

Pearson announced the next Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting, which took place at 6 p.m. on May 15 in the Town’s Community Room. She also updated the council on celebration plans for the Fourth of July. The minutes from the April 17 meeting were also read and accepted, and several bills were presented and accepted for payment. Recorder Deann Russell also informed the council of a budget revision, which was accepted.

In addition to Kearns, council members present were James Pauley, Nick Northup, Marty Yeager and Michelle Pearson. Also present was Recorder Deann Russell. Councilwoman Sarah Stover was absent.

The Town of Mason Council met again at 6:30 p.m. on May 17.