Date: 13 Jan 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by Ashley Howard, Quentin Monden

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

1. Secretary Lou Bernard read the Slate of Candidates running for positions in the FPCA for 2026. Copies of the “Slate” were made available. Also copies of the FPCA Constitution & Bylaws, and Volunteer Code of Conduct were made available.
2. Representative Munira Abdullahi swore in all Board of Trustees, Committee Chairs, and Area Representatives. Rep. Abdullahi is our representative for Ohio House District 9.

President Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org

1. Scott Biggs and Lou Bernard presented Ed Vanasdale with a plaque thanking him for his years of service and dedication to the FPCA.
2. We had the Open Forum meeting on 12/9/2025. Additionally, we have shared a link to a Google Form survey to solicit feedback from the Forest Park Community. Thank you to everyone who attended the Open Forum and those of you who have completed the survey. We will have more details to share from the survey and open forum at our next meeting when we have more time. 

Guest Speakers:

1. Representative Munira Abdullahi gave an update on things she is working on.

• Her main focus is on affordable healthcare including controlling the cost of insulin and other needed medications. Her other main focus areas are in consumer protection and affordable housing.
• She was able to secure $500k to Elevate Northland, and another $500k to help repair the lakes in Minerva Park. She is working hard to improve and bring money in and to improve the Northland area.
• Rep. Abdullahi grew up and lives in the Forest Park neighborhood. She is passionate about helping our area and is always willing to listen to your concerns. Feel free to call or text – 614.500.0103 

2. A lawyer representing the church that purchased the former Red Lobster building on Route 161 attended the meeting to discuss the proposed plans for the site and the variances required to move forward. Pastor Singh of Zomi Christian Church provided a brief overview of the church and explained the reasons for the relocation. General counsel for the church, along with a representative from the construction company, then outlined the requested variances, which include: (1) allowing the church to not sit within 25 feet of the service road and to use the existing Red Lobster footprint; (2) permitting parking in front of the building rather than exclusively behind it; and (3) reducing the requirement for a significant number of windows facing Route 161, as such a design is not conducive to the functional needs of a church. The speakers were asked by the City to come and present to the community that will be impacted. They were not seeking permission, just information – for us and for them. They are still in the process of planning, and do not expect to start construction for awhile.

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org   No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, QM, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB – 100% in Attendance!
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: none
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 6, 8, 10, 14 (Areas 6, 8,& 14 are all Vacant)
• Total meeting attendance: 43

2. Reviewed minutes from both Dec. 2025 meetings, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
3. Attendance Sheet thru Jan: online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org   No Report

1. December was an extremely quiet month. Nothing was received in December.
2. Our goal is 450 household memberships (that’s just 16% of the total residents!) to cover our minimum operating expenses. Imagine what we could do if we had more resources – more security patrols, more events, more opportunities to meet and get to know your neighbors. I encourage everyone who hasn’t joined yet to visit our website (fpcivic.org) and join!  It’s just $30/year per household.  Do you rent?  We welcome you to join as well!
3. We did meet our income goal to balance the budget for 2025.
4. Other income was advertising revenue.
5. Our only expenses were the security patrols and supplies for our Welcome Committee.

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org   No Report

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

1. All stories, ads, photos, and articles must be to Rita by Jan. 27th, Tuesday.
2. The February Forester will be ONLINE ONLY!

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

1. The Supplemental Security Team put up the “Package Theft is a Felony” signs around the entrances to the neighborhood.
2. See full report in the Forester.

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org   No Report

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org   No Report

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org   No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

Latia brought Welcome folders for Area Reps present. She will continue dropping off folders to areas without reps.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

1. We demonstrated our membership ceiling during the last cycle when leveraging mail-ins and digital reminders. To build on this success, we require a stronger, sustained activity.
2. Area reps: We need all area representatives to actively engage with and cultivate membership within their specific neighborhoods.
3. Extended membership committee: Expanding this committee is crucial for driving progress and managing growth.
4. To coordinate these efforts, Mike is inviting all members and area reps to a planning meeting.
   1. Date: Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 pm over at Donatos Pizza.   
5. Ahead of our meeting, a preparatory questionnaire will be circulated to gather input and help us define a clear path forward. By February, we expect to establish key dates for critical activities, including the envelope stuffing day and other important benchmark periods.

Social Activities VACANT

NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org,  Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org, Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

1. Due to an urgency regarding the date, Ken presented that the Woodward Park Community Center Open House was Jan. 14, 5:30 – 7:30. Columbus Recreation and Parks is seeking community input regarding the development of the new linear park, Linden Green Line. Refreshments will be provided.
2. His full report will be in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org   No Report

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org   No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

See full report in the Forester.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (Instagram/Facebook)  

Our website/Facebook page is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!! Please subscribe/follow us.

OLD BUSINESS  None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

Community members have requested that FPCA general meetings be streamed and made available online. The Board and members present discussed the requirements necessary to implement this, including staffing, equipment, and funding to purchase the necessary equipment. It was determined that, at this time, the association does not have sufficient personnel or equipment to effectively support live streaming or online access.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA