Date: 8 September 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 8:03 PM by Ashley Howard, Quentin Monden

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

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

Guest Speaker: Eugene Rutigliano, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) librarian and Digital Collections Director, explained how the FPCA’s historic materials were preserved and digitized. He also gave us an online tour of the new FPCA Digital Collection. He also discussed Forest Park History Day coming up in March.Everyone was delighted and impressed with the work that the CML did for us! Thank you to Eugene and the loads of volunteers at the downtown branch; Local History and Genealogy Department.

To see the the collection look here: https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/forestpark

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org

NCC has been invited to the gallery of new Zone In 2 on 9/16 from 5-7 pm @ 141 N. Front St. (By the time the minutes were published, this event will have already happened.)

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, QM, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, LV, MSt, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: EV, SL, KG
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 14
• Total meeting attendance: 29

2. Reviewed minutes from August, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
3. Attendance Sheet thru September: Online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

1. It was a quiet month! Expenses were minimal – security and PayPal fees.
2. Cheryl is requesting that the FPCA moves to a new system of collecting payment. Members of the Board have been looking toward doing this. They have been evaluating different systems, and will be meeting to make a final decision soon.

Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas None

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org

Reminder- that this Saturday, Sept. 12th is the Forest Park Community Garage Sale. Please turn in your entry forms by Wednesday to be listed on the flier that is handed out at the Sandalwood & Karl Rd entrances.

Also we are looking for 2 people to hand out the fliers on Saturday from 9 – 10:30 a.m. (By the time the minutes were published, this event will have already happened.)

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

1. More bags have been purchased. Still trying to find the best one.
2. Sept. 18th deadline for articles. 
3. Oct. 30th deadline for November/December combined issue.
4. Still working on learning Canva – if you are an expert contact Rita. A discussion followed about the future of MS Publisher and its use.

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org

We have no community liaison officer and none for the foreseeable future. See full report in the Forester.

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org ABSENT

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org ABSENT

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business Representative VACANT

This position is currently vacant because of Sheridan’s health concerns. If you would like to help out, we would greatly appreciate it.

Welcome Committee Chair VACANT

Latia resigned at the meeting.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

1. 388 households have renewed their FPCA membership.
2. 200 households from last year have not yet renewed. It is very likely that some of those 200 households have moved or otherwise moved on from the neighborhood. However, there is no doubt that a considerable number simply have not yet returned their membership.
3. Our Strategy for the Remaining Weeks
   1. Mike will continue to specifically target households that have an email address on record. 
   2. For the area reps, please review your area and concentrate your efforts on those households who do not have an email. They’re likely older residents who could use a visit.  
4. What Happens Next
   1. The September Forester will contain our final public appeal for membership. After that, we will no longer make a public push, although behind the scenes we will continue trying to reach those households we believe we may still be able to secure.
   2. In the October Forester:
      1. We will publish one final listing thanking the members who have joined and have given us permission to print their names.
      2. Mike will also prepare printed thank-you letters for members for whom we do not have an email address.
      3. Members for whom we do have an email address will receive an electronic thank-you from me.
5. Mike will need the help of our area representatives in distributing those printed thank-you notes. We can talk more about that as we get closer to October.
6. Thank you again for all of the time and effort you have put into this year’s drive. 387 households renewed is a very good start, and your continued help over these final weeks will be important as we work to bring that number as high as we can.

Social Activities Francine Dillard

Francine is stepping up from her position as asst Area 7 Representative to take on this role. We are excited to have her and can’t wait to see what she brings forward.

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

Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org Absent

1. New curfew laws for the city: Under 13 – in before 9 pm; 14-17 in before 10 pm
2. FP does not have a current police liaison.
3. Transitional Housing Update on Rt. 161 – the Shelter Board has increased security, enacted new and stricter lease agreements, and increased the number of trash/bulk pick ups at the location.
4. YMCA Trunk or Treat – 10/28  6-8 pm, they are looking for volunteers.
5. July 4th Parade next year will be on Saturday July 3, 2027 (Karl Rd. is not allowed to be closed on a Sunday.)
6. Zone in 2 Update (see report in Forester)

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

See report online.

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

See Michael’s report online and in the Forester.

Website Administrators 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

Open Positions:

• Delivery Positions (multiple routes)
• Area Reps: FPW: 5; FPE: 6, 8, 14
• Committee Chairs: Business Membership Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, Welcome Committee Chair Social Media (Facebook, Website)

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

• Our next FPCA meeting will be
  • October 13, 2026
  • 7-8 pm
  • Epworth United Methodist Church, 5100 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43229

Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA