City Manager Reports

City Manager’s Report: October 2, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • October 10, City Open House: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event focused on providing connecting staff with our community members and sharing resources. Councilmembers are encouraged to attend. • October 12, Columbus Day (federal holiday): City Hall will be closed to the public for staff training focused on being One City recognizing that every employee is essential to our organization’s success. • October 19, Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion: Ribbon Cutting at 5:00pm, followed by tour. Councilmembers are encouraged to attend. • October 26, Joint Planning Commission and City Council Workshop: 6 p.m. at City Hall. Hold as a tentative date and time for the Zoning Ordinance Review Special Committee presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council. Note: date and rollout plan to be confirmed at next Council meeting. • November 4, City Council Meeting: 6:30 p.m., City Hall, City Council previously approved moving the Monday, November 2, 2026, meeting to Wednesday, November 4, due to the election on November 3. OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources: • Rail Crossing Investigations: Manager Stuart and Director Crawford participated in two proposed rail crossing investigations on September 24. o Hayhoe Riverwalk Trail Extension: The first investigation involved a potential extension of the Hayhoe Riverwalk Trail from Jefferson Street to the High School, utilizing an easement previously provided to the City by the property owner. Tri-County Regional Planning Commission presented this as a feasibility investigation to support a potential future funding request. There is currently no funding or approved plan for the extension. Tri-County is preparing the documentation in anticipation of a future request for the extension to be considered as part of the City's Non-Motorized Plan Update. MDOT did not make a determination at this stage because the proposal is still in the early feasibility phase. o Americhem Rail Crossing: The second investigation involved a proposed rail crossing on Mason Street to support Americhem's planned expansion and rail service. The City Manager has been working with the company for over a year regarding its plans for expansion and growth, in compliance with EGLE requirements. This rail investigation represents the company's first formal step in determining the feasibility of the proposed crossing. MDOT approved the workplan for proposed crossing, and Americhem has 18 months to complete the work. The next steps will include submission of a site plan for City review and securing any necessary easements. Staff anticipates that the project will return for some action from City Council for consideration within the next several months. • Mid-October - Leaf Collection Program: The attached flyer for the City's Leaf Collection Program includes a map of collection zones and the pickup schedule. The program start date is flexible and dependent on the timing and rate of leaf fall. Collection is scheduled to conclude on November 20. • Ingham County Materials Management Plan Update: On September 22, 2026, the Ingham County Materials Management Planning Committee (MMPC) approved the Draft Materials Management Plan (MMP) for public review and comment. The 60-day public comment period is underway from September 25 through November 24, 2026, and includes a public hearing on October 27, 2026. Following the review period, comments will be considered and the final plan will be forwarded for local municipal ratification. City of Mason staff have been actively engaged throughout the planning process by responding to information requests, participating in surveys, and coordinating with the planning group to help ensure local municipal needs are reflected in the final plan. The attached informational flyer, notice letter, and draft plan provide additional details regarding the public review and comment process.

City Manager’s Report: September 18, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • September 21: Mason Connect- Data Center Town Hall, continued at 6:30 pm at City Hall. • October 10: City Open House 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about City Services. • October 12, Columbus Day (federal holiday): City Hall will be closed to the public for staff training focused on being One City. One City is one of the City’s values that is essential to achieving our purpose of being Committed to Serving Our Neighbors. OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources: • Mason Cares: Approximately 100 volunteers assisted with Mason Cares efforts, including collecting donations, washing and cleaning Fire vehicles, and helping clean the Fire station. The City appreciates the volunteers’ time, service, and continued support. Expertise Building and Partnerships: • During the month of September: Police officers have participated in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Medic Training at ICSO. TECC teaches first responders how to treat patients in dangerous civilian environments during a critical event. Training lasts 8 hours and is offered multiple days to accommodate schedules. Personnel: • NEW HIRES- o David Bayer is rejoining our team as a Firefighter effective September 25, 2026. • ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES – 3 o Lieutenant, Full-time, Non-union (1) – Applications under review. o Community Development Intern (1) – Applications under review. o Police Officer, Full-time (1) – Applications under review. • STANDING OPPORTUNITIES - Always accepting applications o Crossing Guard, Part-time and Substitute; On-Call Firefighter; On-Call Police Officer

City Manager’s Report: September 4, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • September 7: In recognition of Labor Day, City Hall will be closed. • September 8: City Council Meeting: The regular City Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council previously approved moving the meeting from Monday, September 7, to Tuesday, September 8, due to Labor Day. • September 11: Mason Cares - from 1 – 7 p.m. at James M. Pelton Memorial Fire Station. A 9/11 Memorial Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. See attached information. • Mason Connect- Data Center Launch: • October 10: City Open House 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend learn more about City Services. OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources: • Data Center Updates, Resources and News: Mason Connect- Data Center Outreach Launch: • September 14: Data Center Town Hall Panel Discussion: A link for community members to submit and rank questions will be published on Friday, September 11, and will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The goal is to address the community's most common questions directly and constructively, while creating an environment focused on information-sharing rather than heated dialogue or personal attacks. If the panel discussion is successful but generates additional questions outside the scope of the event, the City Council may consider future panel discussions to address those topics. • Neighborhood Conversations: The request form for Neighborhood Conversations is now live. Please encourage community members to host these small-group gatherings, where City staff will come to their neighborhood to discuss City topics, including data centers. The goal is to bring people together in smaller, more personal settings that encourage understanding, dialogue, and connection rather than divisiveness. www.mason.mi.us/requestaconversation • New Data Center Information Webpage: Staff anticipates launching a new Data Center Information webpage next week. The webpage will serve as a central location for community members to access information, updates, and resources related to data centers. Moratorium Challenge- Gibraltar: “Raeden Acquisitions, along with CAL Realty LLC, filed the lawsuit on Aug. 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The lawsuit claims that the proposed data center at the former McLouth steel mill site was permitted under the city's zoning ordinance, despite officials' alleged refusal to consider the site plan.” More information found here. The case will test a few things for communities evaluating moratoriums. First, the timing and process (central to the case is that they used a resolution, instead of an ordinance) used to adopt a moratorium. Second, Michigan's zoning law generally prohibits zoning regulations that have the effect of totally excluding a lawful land use from a local unit of government, subject to applicable legal exceptions and interpretation. We will continue to monitor this case.

City Manager’s Report: August 14, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • September 7: In recognition of Labor Day, City Hall will be closed. • September 8 - City Council Meeting: The regular City Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council previously approved moving the meeting from Monday, September 7, to Tuesday, September 8, due to Labor Day. • September 14 - Tentative City of Mason Town Hall on Data Centers: The City is planning to host the Town Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Confirmation of the event and details regarding the meeting format and public participation guidelines will be presented at this meeting for Council consideration and approval. OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources: • Data Center Updates, Resources and News: • Annexation: Staff were notified that the landowner of the site, where utilities were requested, has applied for annexation to the State Boundary Commission. The City has not received a copy of this application, but anticipates we will be officially notified by the State Boundary Commission once they agree it is complete. • Threats Against Public Officials: In Marshall this week, local authorities reported having received legitimate death threats regarding this topic, more information is found HERE. We continue to be diligent on this issue, so please report any threats you have concerns about, so they can be investigated. • University Exemptions: In Ypsilanti Township, U of M affirmed its plans for data center this week HERE. From the Ypsilanti Township website: “Although the University is exempt from Township zoning laws and does not pay property taxes, we are using every available tool to push back and advocate for our community. We have called on the University to meet directly with residents in a public forum within Ypsilanti Township and are actively following up to ensure this happens. The Township is actively following and asking questions regarding this project.” • Lawsuits: • Noise: Residents in Dowagiac have filed a federal class action lawsuit involving the owners of an existing data center facility. More information found HERE. Manager Stuart contacted Dowagiac staff to better understand their experience with the facility and potential approaches to addressing noise concerns. According to Dowagiac staff, the facility is located in a more than 100-year-old building that was originally a foundry and required significant environmental cleanup. The site was converted to Bitcoin mining operations around 2021. The facility uses air-cooling systems, which have expanded over time and, according to staff, are the source of the increased noise concerns. At the time the Bitcoin mining operation was established, Dowagiac did not have a noise ordinance establishing specific decibel thresholds, but rather general provisions addressing noise impacts. Dowagiac has since adopted industrial noise standards of 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. Staff indicated that they reviewed Mason's noise ordinance as part of that process but chose not to adopt an industry-specific standard because they believed it could be difficult to defend. The business is planning to submit an expansion request. The request will require a noise study and compliance with Dowagiac's current noise standards. Their staff indicated that they believe the current ordinance will provide the necessary standards to address the noise concerns. Mason's existing M-2 standards establish noise limits that would provide similar protections for an industrial facility, including measurable standards that could be applied during the development review process.

City Manager’s Report: July 31, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • August 4 - Election Day: Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Early Voting will be available through August 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Voters may contact City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to request an absentee ballot or register to vote. o As of July 31, the City of Mason has 6,501 registered voters. The City has mailed 2,062 active absentee ballots, with 1198 ballots (58%) already returned. • August 5 - City Council Meeting: The regular meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council previously approved moving the meeting from Monday, August 3 to Wednesday, August 5, due to the August 4 election. • August 6 - Officer James Ray Hinkley Memorial Plaque Dedication: Officer Hinkley lost his life in the line of duty on August 6, 1938, and remains the Mason Police Department's only line-of-duty death. In his honor, a memorial plaque will be dedicated and installed on the sidewalk near The Vault Deli. The ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m., and all are invited as we remember his service and sacrifice. • September 14 - Tentative City of Mason Town Hall on Data Centers: The City is planning to host the Town Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Confirmation of the event and details regarding the meeting format and public participation guidelines will be presented at a future meeting for Council consideration and approval. OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources: • Data Center Resources: On July 15, Governor Whitmer launched the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan and called on data center companies to sign a voluntary pledge outlining expectations to: protect Michigan consumers from higher energy costs; safeguard the environment; operate transparently; and create good-paying local jobs. The Action Plan also summarizes applicable state laws and orders issued by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) governing data center development. More information can be found here. • The City received a distribution of $12,627 from MMRMA for the City’s share of excess net assets and $7,202 for the City’s excess assets in the State Pool Retention Fund. Expertise Building and Partnerships: • July 21: Police officers took part in firearms training and qualifications at the DNR Range. Officer Matt Birr conducted the evaluations. Personnel: • ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES – 2 o Lieutenant, Full-time, Non-union (1) – to be posted externally the week of August 3, 2026. o Community Development Intern (1) – posted externally and will close on August 28, 2026. • STANDING OPPORTUNITIES - Always accepting applications o Crossing Guard, Part-time and Substitute; On-Call Firefighter; On-Call Police Officer

City Manager’s Report: July 17, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • August 4 - Election Day: Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Early Voting will be available July 25 through August 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on Wednesday, July 29, when voting hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Voters may contact City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to request an absentee ballot or register to vote. o As of July 17, the City of Mason has 6,488 registered voters. The City has mailed 2,045 active absentee ballots, with 672 ballots (32.8%) already returned. • August 5 - City Council Meeting. The regular City Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council previously approved moving the meeting from Monday, August 3, to Wednesday, August 5, due to the August 4 election. OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources: • Annual Audit: The audit engagement letter from the City's independent auditors, Yeo & Yeo, has been received by the City Manager and is included as an attachment for Council's information. The engagement letter outlines the scope of the annual audit, the responsibilities of both the auditors and the City, and the terms governing the audit engagement. This is a standard annual document provided to Council as part of the audit process. • FOIA Summary Update (July 17): FOIA Requests Received (Nov 1, 2025 – July 17, 2026) Total 199 o 4: Initial 15-day review period to determine estimated costs, legality of the request, and whether responsive public records exist. o 4: Waiting for deposit before processing. o 7: Active processing – documents being pulled, copied, reviewed for public record determination, redactions applied, and reviewed by City Attorney as needed. o 5: Ready and waiting for final payment before providing requested documents. o 179: Fully completed/abandoned Note that the City only charges the time and wages of employees who actively do the searching, reviewing, and redacting of requested public documents. However, no time is charged for the City Clerk's time, who, on average, spends at least thirty (30) minutes per FOIA request, for logging, forwarding, tracking, composing

City Manager’s Report: July 2, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • July 3: City Hall closed to the public in observance of Independence Day. • July 14: The Planning Commission will hold a workshop following their regular meeting (agenda packet will be posted by July 10) to discuss Special Use Permits based upon the webinar ‘Use By Right and Administrative Approvals’ hosted by APA Michigan on the YouTube Channel: PlanningWebcastSeries. Link: https://youtu.be/cEdXPS_IEuE?si=G0OwM7gSGmB7Shpx OPERATIONS General Updates and Resources • The 2025 Water Quality Report has been published and is available at mason.mi.us/waterqualityreport. The link is also available on all utility bills. Staff has worked to expand the report to answer many of the commonly asked questions. If there are additional questions and responses the Council would like to include in the future, please direct them to the City Manager. • HydroCorp has completed the majority of the City's commercial cross-connecting inspections and remains on schedule to inspect 100% of commercial properties within the two-year contract period. They have been excellent partners throughout the project, providing professional and efficient service. This accelerated inspection schedule significantly improves upon the City's previous five-year inspection cycle, bringing all commercial properties into compliance while strengthening the City's Cross Connection Control Program. • Resources Related to Data Centers: o Citizens Research Council of Michigan has recently published information regarding Data Centers that may be helpful for Council as a resource - Data Centers in Michigan: Evaluation of Policy Controversies Regarding Hyperscale Data Center Development o The Centers for Regional Analysis, George Mason University, completed a study in August 2025 titled "Data Centers and 2023 Home Sales in Northern Virginia" that demonstrates actual property value impacts based on proximity to data centers, stating that “there is no marginal negative effect of being closer to a data center” and “there is no evidence that, on average, proximity to data centers negatively impact housing values in Northern Virginia”. o National Association of Realtors recently presented “Data Center- Impact on Housing Markets, Utility Costs, and Business Opportunities,” attached as a reference, demonstrating a lack of negative impacts on housing and concerns about energy. Expertise Building and Partnerships: • June 19: All Employee In-Service, the training included team building activities and updates on all City projects and issues. • June 22: Officer Smith and Officer O’Shaughnessy had their formal swearing-in ceremony, with family and friends in attendance. • June 22-23: MPD officers participated in Defensive Tactics training, led by Officer Washington. • June 23: Chief Shutes spoke to the Kiwanis about Officer James Hinkley, who gave his life in the line of duty in 1938. • June 23-24: City Manager Stuart participated in the Michigan Municipal League (MML) Workers' Compensation Board Retreat, where training and discussions included: trends in liability claims in Michigan cities, current workers' compensation cases before the board, and practical tools we can provide communities to reduce that liability. It was noted that public official action leading to lawsuits (zoning, improper firings/ settlements, open meeting violations, etc.) is now trending higher than police liability claims. The MML will continue to encourage elected officials to attend training, especially related to these topics.

City Manager’s Report: June 12, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • June 19: City Hall closed to the public in observance of Juneteenth; Staff In-Service day. • June 26, 27, 28: Administrative approval has been granted to Central Michigan Amateur Radio Club and Lansing Area / Ingham County ARPSC for use of the southern end of Rayner Park between the soccer fields and the woods for their annual Field Day event. • July 3: City Hall closed to the public in observance of Independence Day. OPERATIONS Expertise Building and Partnerships: • May 21: Officer Canales attended the Kindergarten Roundup, greeting parents and students. • June 1: Manager Stuart and Director Crawford attended the Rayner Drain Project Meeting. They were not planning on removing the brush piles in easements throughout the City property and on the Fairgrounds. The Drain Commission agreed to remove those items within the existing budget. The Drain Commission reported that the Rayner Park schedule is now anticipated to be completed in late July. • June 3: Community Director Hude participated in LEAP’s Regional Strategy Roundtable with other community development/planning directors in the region to share our experience with LEAP and provide suggestions for improving collaboration and attracting development to the Lansing area. • June 3: Manager Stuart met with County Commissioner Ruest to discuss challenges with the Drain Commissioner and the impact of their recent Assessments on the City of Mason residents. We also discussed the cost of project delays for residents when they are not efficiently processing permits. • June 4: Following the dismissal of school for the summer, a debriefing meeting was held with Chief Shutes and the crossing guards. They discussed what went well this school year as well as what would make next year even better. We are very lucky to have such dedicated crossing guards helping our students stay safe! • June 10: Manager Stuart met with Jefferson Street Square representatives to discuss their investment plans and request a PILOT extension that is anticipated later this year. • June 10: Manager Stuart with School Leadership on the Data Center Proposal. Presentation attached. Personnel: • ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES - 3 o Sergeant, Full-time (1) – Conditional offer accepted. o Lieutenant, Full-time, Non-union (1)- Staff is developing a job description for this position to replace the open Sergeant position. This position would be non-union and responsible for day shift patrol and additional administrative duties. o Community Development Intern (1) – posted externally, will close August 28, 2026 • STANDING OPPORTUNITIES - Always accepting applications o Crossing Guard, Part-time and Substitute; On-Call Firefighter; On-Call Police Officer

City Manager’s Report: May 29, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • June 1: City of Mason Social District officially launches at 11:00 a.m. More information is available at: mason.mi.us/SocialDistrict • June 19: City Hall closed to the public in observance of Juneteenth; Staff In-Service day. • June 26, 27, 28: Administrative approval has been granted to Central Michigan Amateur Radio Club and Lansing Area / Ingham County ARPSC for use of the southern end of Rayner Park between the soccer fields and the woods for their annual Field Day event. OPERATIONS Expertise Building and Partnerships: • May 27: Community Development Director Hude attended the CATA's Road Ahead Stakeholder meeting. CATA shared data and led a discussion on their proposals for future service changes based on density and demand. CATA is seeking community input now through June 12 through their survey available at http://www.cata.org/RoadAhead. Director Hude worked for CATA as the System Planner prior to her current role with Mason. Personnel: • The Michigan Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council executed the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the City, which will be effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Final documents are provided: here. • TRANSITIONS – 2 o Susan Putman resigned as a Full-time Police Officer, May 26, 2026 o Justin O'Shaughnessy will start as a Full-time Police Officer, June 1, 2026 • ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES - 3 o Police Officer, Full-time (1) – Conditional offer accepted. o Sergeant, Full-time (1) – Conditional offer accepted. o Lieutenant, Full-time, Non-union (1)- Staff is developing a job description for this position to replace the open Sergeant position. This position would be non-union and responsible for day shift patrol and additional administrative duties. • STANDING OPPORTUNITIES - Always accepting applications o Crossing Guard, Part-time and Substitute; On-Call Firefighter; On-Call Police Officer

City Manager’s Report: May 15, 2026 IMPORTANT DATES • May 18 at 5:30 pm at Mason High School Auditorium: Joint Recognition Ceremony • May 25: City Hall closed in observance of Memorial Day. • June 19: City Hall closed to the public in observance of Juneteenth; Staff In-Service day. OPERATIONS General: • Elections: o May 5, 2026, Special Election: Final number of voters was 1507, which is 23.42% voter turnout. o August 4, 2026 – Primary Election: Absentee Ballots will be mailed by June 25, to those on the permanent absentee ballot list, and absentee ballots will be available for request in the clerk’s office starting June 25, as well. Early voting will take place Saturday, July 25 – Sunday, August 2. Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., except for Wednesday, July 29, hours are 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. • The Planning Commission received the Alaiedon Township Master Plan DRAFT at their May meeting. • In follow-up to the last City Council meeting: o Jim Byrum’s complaint was resolved related to permitting. o Maple Street Bridge does not currently include additional railing, and there are no safety concerns from staff. However, if the City Council would like to add that to the costs of the project, it would require us to seek out a contractor price and a budget amendment. Expertise Building and Partnerships: • May 5: The Ingham County Law Enforcement Memorial was held at the Ingham County Justice Complex, honoring twelve (12) law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Mason Police Officer James A. Hinkley was among those recognized. His niece, Diane Bishop, was escorted by Chief Shutes as she placed a flower in the memorial wreath in honor of Officer Hinkley’s sacrifice. o On May 11, Chief Shutes attended the Mason Downtown Development Authority meeting to discuss the proposed placement of a sidewalk memorial plaque commemorating Officer Hinkley’s sacrifice in 1938. • May 6: Student Resource Officer King attended a school safety conference in Grand Rapids focused on emerging school safety practices, response coordination, and student support strategies. • May 6: City Manager Stuart met with representatives from Virginia to discuss lessons learned from Loudoun County and Fairfax County regarding data center development. Key discussion points included: o Noise mitigation, setbacks, and water usage standards. The City’s proposed standards were consistent with their recommendations and experiences. o Data centers have operated in their communities since approximately 2000, with limited public concern until recent years as national attention on the industry increased. o Their data indicates increased property values both adjacent to and surrounding data center developments. One emerging challenge identified was the increasing value of industrial land, making it more difficult for lower-value industrial users, such as traditional warehouse operations, to compete in the market. o Representatives also shared evaluation standards related to real versus personal property values and noted they have not experienced significant depreciation in personal property due to the regular modernization and retooling of facilities. o Significant resident tax reductions have been implemented in those communities as a result of the tax base generated by data center investment.