MASON — City Council on Monday approved the hiring of six full-time firefighters/paramedics at pay between $12 and $14.59 per hour.

        The new firefighters will start work in three to five months.

        Council members also heard a first reading of an ordinance authorizing the city to contract with Southwest Regional Paramedics Inc. for emergency medical services for three months. The ordinance could be approved after a second reading Aug. 13.

        “The intent is to increase our ability to cover shifts and to ensure that the EMS services, in particular, are delivered with the same degree of commitment and professionalism that we've enjoyed,” said Mason Assistant City Manager Eric Hansen.

        In other business, City Council:

        • Approved eight contracts for work totaling about $6.2 million on the municipal center. The contracts were for items such as roofing, windows, painting, flooring and carpeting work. Council authorized the spending of $700,000 for work on a ceremonial plaza outside the municipal center.

        Last month, city leaders hired nine contractors for work worth $10.4 million on the municipal center.

        • Created the position of community center manager in the parks and recreation department. The per-hour pay ranges between $18.75 and $22.79.

        • Set a public hearing date for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Way Master Plan for Aug. 13. The plan proposes to add 50 miles of bike and pedestrian pathways over 15 years linking neighborhoods. The plan would be phased in and cost about $6 million.

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