Category Archives: Meetings

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

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.
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

Scott Biggs and Lou Bernard presented Ed Vanasdale with a plaque thanking him for his years of service and dedication to the FPCA.
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:

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

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

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

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

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org No Report

December was an extremely quiet month. Nothing was received in December.
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!
We did meet our income goal to balance the budget for 2025.
Other income was advertising revenue.
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

All stories, ads, photos, and articles must be to Rita by Jan. 27th, Tuesday.
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

The Supplemental Security Team put up the “Package Theft is a Felony” signs around the entrances to the neighborhood.
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

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.
Area reps: We need all area representatives to actively engage with and cultivate membership within their specific neighborhoods.
Extended membership committee: Expanding this committee is crucial for driving progress and managing growth.
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.
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

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.
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

We want YOUR opinions at the FPCA OPEN FORUM

FOREST PARK RESIDENTS — WE NEED YOUR VOICE!

The Forest Park Civic Association is hosting an Open Forum on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 PM at the North YMCA (Studio A), 1640 Sandalwood Pl. (at Karl Rd.).

Whether you’re a long-time member or brand-new to the neighborhood, everyone is invited. We want to hear from members and non-members. This is your chance to tell us what’s working, what’s not, and what you’d like to see from the FPCA moving forward.

What matters to you?

• How should we communicate with residents?
• What information do you want more of?
• What issues are most important to Forest Park right now?
• What would make you attend more meetings or events?
• What do you love most about living here?

To help guide the conversation, we emailed a short Community Survey to all members — but everyone is welcome to fill it out. It only takes a few minutes, and two respondents will win a $25 Kroger gift card!

Take the survey here
Let’s shape the future of Forest Park—together. See you on December 9!

Meet our neighborhood’s Supplemental Security Staff at the November Block Watch.

Meet our neighborhood’s Supplemental Security Staff at the November Block Watch.

On behalf of all residents, the FPCA has a contract with a private security firm that drives through our streets. FPCA members can request the security patrol check on their homes when they are away. This is a free service available through The Forester Newsletter and online.

Many people have requested to meet with our security patrol staff so our volunteer Supplementary Security Chairs have arranged for a representative from the supplemental security company, US Protection Services, to attend the November Block Watch meeting on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.

The Block Watch precedes each monthly FPCA General Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church.

November 11 FPCA Meetings

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Block Watch Meeting/Supplemental Security Report
Columbus Police Liaison Officer Dan Yandrich and our Supplemental Security chairpersons provide police and security updates and answer your questions.

6:30 – 7:00 p.m. 311/Code Enforcement Issues Discussion/NCC Development Report
Learn about the latest development plans and requests, new businesses, updates from the Northland Community Council, and ask about code enforcement issues.

7:00 – 8:00 FPCA General Meeting
Updates from our many committees, upcoming plans, and other discussion about Forest Park issues and events.

Meeting Location: Epworth United Methodist Church, 5100 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43229
(At the intersection of Karl Road and Penworth Drive)

Everyone in Forest Park is always invited!

Learn more or request a Security Check at www.fpcivic.org/supplemental-security/

City Tree Expert to Speak at FPCA Meeting on June 10: Urban Forestry, Tree Care, and New Rules

Rosalie Hendon, an environmental planner with The Columbus Parks & Recreation Dept., will be our guest speaker at the FPCA’s June 10 meeting.

Appropriate for a neighborhood named Forest Park, Rosalie will discuss tree maintenance, planting, and provide updates on the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan.

The public tree code — which Hendon presented to City Council in her previous position as an environmental planner for Recreation & Parks — went into effect last August. The new regulations require “inch for inch” replacement of any trees removed from city property in the course of any development project.

Columbus has been named the fastest growing urban heat island in the country.

Rosalie manages natural resource projects on city parkland — everything from forests to prairies. She holds two master degrees from The Ohio State University in public administration and natural resources. She leads the creation of citywide environmental plans and policies, including Columbus’ first Urban Forestry Master Plan, public tree code updates, and the creation of private tree protections.

The private tree code would be a similar mitigation measure applying to trees removed from private property. Hendon told ColumbusUnderground.com that her department is not necessarily aiming to penalize the average person for taking down a tree in their backyard.

“We are looking primarily at when a property goes through development or redevelopment,” Hendon told ColumbusUnderfground.com. “There are cities that permit a tree removal when it’s just a single property owner and it’s a tree in their backyard kind of thing. But that is not something that we are looking at at this stage in Columbus, simply because we want it to be practical and realistic. And really we see a lot of loss and we hear a lot from our stakeholders and our residents when properties are experiencing a lot of loss of trees due to development. So we really wanted to focus in at that stage of property ownership.”

Rosalie wrote The Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP). The plan is available here.

Tree canopy has been identified as vital city infrastructure, as trees reduce urban stressors — cleaning the air and water, improving public health, providing shade, reducing heat stress and energy costs, intercepting stormwater and more. As the 14th largest city in the country with only 22% canopy cover, the City of Columbus recognized the need to plan for its trees.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Forestry section is solely and legally responsible for all public trees in Columbus that grow along streets, in public parks and on all city properties.

The Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) is the first citywide, strategic plan to improve Columbus residents’ quality of life through investment in urban trees.

Approved by Columbus City Council in April 2021, the UFMP guides the entire Columbus community to prioritize, preserve and grow our tree canopy. The UFMP sets three tree canopy goals:

Reach Citywide Tree Canopy Cover of 40% by 2050
Stop the Net Canopy Losses by 2030 and
Invest in Equitable Canopy Across All Neighborhoods by 2030.

To accomplish these goals, the UFMP details four strategies: community coordination and collaboration, best practices, dedicated resources and stronger policies.

A video presentation of the plan is available on YouTube.

Tuesday, June 10, FPCA Meeting Schedule

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Block Watch Meeting/Supplemental Security Report

Columbus Police Liaison Officer Dan Yandrich and our Supplemental Security chairpersons provide police and security updates and answer your questions.

7:00 – 8:00 FPCA General Meeting
Updates from our many committees, upcoming plans, and other discussion about Forest Park issues and events.

Meeting Location: Epworth United Methodist Church, 5100 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43229
(At the intersection of Karl Road and Penworth Drive)
Everyone in Forest Park is invited!

What does your $30 FPCA membership do? A lot.

What does your $30 do?

Some benefits of FPCA membership are easy to see. Some are not.

You can join the FPCA online right now.

Across Columbus, you can see the difference between neighborhoods that have an active civic association and those that do not.

We are not a homeowner’s association. We do not enforce neighborhood rules. We are a civic association that works to benefit all Forest Park residents.

Membership in the FPCA is only $30 per household. The FPCA is entirely run by volunteers who are residents just like you. That means every dollar is used to directly benefit our neighborhood.

We are dedicated to transparency and publish our Treasurer’s Report every month in The Forester newsletter. Our volunteer treasurer also provides an update at every FPCA monthly meeting (I invite you to join us for our next meeting).

What do you get for your annual membership contribution? Some benefits are obvious because you see them every day.

Benefits that you see:

We pay to maintain the landscaped islands at the Satinwood Pl. entrances at Karl Rd.
We recently paid to replace all Welcome to Forest Park signs at all entrances to Forest Park East and West.
We pay to print The Forester newsletter every month and pay for the bags which allow volunteers on your street to hang the newsletters on your door.
We pay the professional supplemental security patrol officers who regularly drive through the neighborhoods in their marked cars. Planning a vacation? Every FPCA member can request free home checks with the form in each Forester newsletter, at www.fpcivic.org or by emailing our volunteer Supplemental Security Coordinator Daryl Van Mercetta at dvanmercetta@gmail.com.
We pay for the welcome folders and printed materials that we drop off to new residents who just moved into our neighborhood. These packets include information about Forest Park, maps of the streets, nearby businesses, voter registration information, and other helpful items to make our new neighbors feel at home.
We pay for programs that recognize neighbors for their beautification efforts in the annual Beautification Contest, rewarding our neighbors who enrich our streets with improvements.
We pay for supplies to build our float for the Northland Fourth of July Parade.
We pay for awards for kids who decorate their bikes and trikes in the Fourth of July Parade.
We pay for printing and postage to mail our annual Membership Packet to nearly 3,000 households, encouraging residents to join the FPCA.
We pay for advertising to promote two Community Garage Sales each year, attracting buyers from around Central Ohio.
We pay to design and print the Forest Park Directory, which is updated every several years and delivered to all member households.
We pay for neighborhood social events.

Some benefits are not obvious but are just as important.

Benefits that you do not see:

We pay dues to the Northland Community Council. The NCC is a critical organization that represents 26 area civic associations and organizations in the Northland area. The NCC represents more than 100,000 households and ensures that the City of Columbus recognizes Northland as an important political voice. Two FPCA volunteers currently serve on the commission and provide detailed reports at every FPCA meeting. The NCC is our most effective connection to the City of Columbus and makes recommendations to the city on behalf of Forest Park residents. Among many other services, the NCC protects us from many development and zoning plans that would harm our neighborhoods and maintains a direct two-way channel to city officials.
We pay for insurance that is required for our non-profit organization.
We pay for a P.O. Box and office supplies that are necessary to conduct our operations.
We pay for payment processing fees that are necessary for online membership payments.

Join your neighbors today with your FPCA Membership

You can join the FPCA right now and pay online.

We also welcome your participation and talents.

Want to learn more and get involved? Join us at our next monthly meeting.

Join us for our November FPCA meeting on Nov. 12

Join us for our November FPCA meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024
Guest Speaker: Gifting Youth Joy

Join us for our November FPCA meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, featuring guest speakers from Gifting Youth Joy .

Note: This is the last public monthly meeting of 2024. In December, officers meet for a holiday dinner meeting (paid for by the attendees not the civic association). Our vice president is moving out of the neighborhood and resigning his position at the end of 2024. Therefore, the office of vice president will be open in 2025. If you are interested in filling this position or any other FPCA office, please attend the November meeting.

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Block Watch Meeting/Supplemental Security Report
(CPD Liaison Officer Dan Yandrich and our Sup. Sec. chairpersons will be in attendance to answer your questions).

6:30 – 7:00 p.m. 311/Code Enforcement Issues Discussion/NCC Development Report

7:00 – 8:00 FPCA General Meeting

Meeting Location: Epworth United Methodist Church, 5100 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43229
(At the intersection of Karl Road and Penworth Drive)
Everyone in Forest Park is invited!

Guest Speaker:
Our guest speaker is from Gifting Youth Joy, a non-profit organization, one of whose founder is a Forest Park resident, Ziggy Cicchella.

There are many agencies that do an excellent job of linking families with young children to holiday relief. Unfortunately, kids who are 12 to 18 are often forgotten. Gifting Youth Joy is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides teens with holiday gifts through donations and fundraising. The organization will accept donations at the meeting.

From our speaker: Gifting Youth Joy links Franklin County residents aged 12 to 18 with holiday gifts through the help of donations and volunteers. The non-profit sees these youth as an important part of our community who are still young enough to need care and support but also old enough to understand the difficulties that poverty can create. Providing holiday gift assistance is a simple act of kindness that provides dignity and joy where it is lacking. Our vision is to bring teenagers the happiness and connection to the community they want, need, and deserve. Feel free to bring your checkbooks or cash to the meetings, we will pass a hat to collect donations. You can also donate and apply for services through our website, giftingyouthjoy.org.

The FPCA needs your talent! Can you volunteer?

We need your talent!

If you already do volunteer… THANK YOU! You are one of the wonderful people who help us make Forest Park a great place to live. As you may know, we are a non-profit volunteer-run organization that serves 2,780 households.

But only a small fraction of residents volunteer with the FPCA. And we need some more help!

HERE ARE SOME VOLUNTEER POSITIONS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP:

Membership Coordinator – URGENT NEED
Memberships are our primary revenue and our connection to our community households. We need help to keep membership growing. No experience is necessary. We are looking for someone to help coordinate the process. This involves joining us at the monthly meetings 10 times a year, helping us plan and mail our annual membership packet, promoting the many benefits of membership, and tracking membership. You get plenty of help from our seasoned veterans.

Business Representative – URGENT NEED
Our Business Representatives connect with our many businesses in the area to promote business memberships, encourage advertising in our monthly Forester newsletter, and maintain good relationships with our local businesses. No experience necessary.

Area 14 Representative – Forest Park East
We need an Area Rep for Area 14 in Forest Park East, which includes a few streets near Lyle Rd. and Denise Dr. just south of Northland High School. Our Area Reps attend monthly meetings, deliver Welcome Folders to new residents in their areas and communicate news and concerns to and from the FPCA.

Website Administrator
The Website Admin helps update our website at fpcivic.org with news and events and performs other minor maintenance. WordPress experience is helpful.

Social Media Help
Are you handy with social media? Help us get the word out with your skills!

Area Representatives
Assist your current Area Rep by promoting membership, delivering Welcome Folders to new residents, and passing information to and from your block and the FPCA.

Other Opportunities
Please connect with us or attend a meeting if you are interested in something not listed here.

Email volunteerFPCA@gmail.com for more information.

Join us at our November Meeting!
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023
7 pm to 8 pm
Epworth United Methodist Church
5100 Karl Rd.

Our Block Watch meeting starts at 6 pm and our Code Enforcement meeting starts at 6:30 pm. This is our last public meeting of the year.

Zach Williams from State Bank will be the guest speaker. He will be sharing community outreach efforts and financial literacy class info. Free desserts will be served by the FPCA Social Committee.

Block Watch and Code Enforcement meetings will now precede FPCA meetings

We have made changes to our monthly meeting to become more efficient. Block Watch/Security and Code Enforcement/Development now have their own meetings preceding the FPCA meetings every month. Location is Epworth United Church at 5100 Karl Rd. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend all meetings.

Tuesday, June 13 – 6 to 6:30 pm
Block Watch/Security Meeting
Our Columbus Police Liaison officer Dan Yandrich and FPCA Supplemental Security Chair Daryl Van Mercetta will provide updates and take questions prior to the FPCA monthly meeting. Security issues will NOT be discussed at the regular FPCA meeting. If you have any concerns about crime and enforcement issues, THIS is where you get answers and make a difference.

Tuesday, June 13 – 6:30 to 7 pm
Code Enforcement/NCC Development Report
If you have any questions regarding any code issues (semi-trucks, cars parked on street, neighbor’s grass is uncut, etc.), this is the time to come and talk with the FPCA President and NCC Development Commission officers concerning those issues. You also get updates on what is being built around the neighborhood, roundabouts, street lights, speed bumps, traffic changes, etc. Code issues will NOT be discussed at the regular FPCA meeting.

Tuesday, June 13 – FPCA Monthly Meeting – All welcome!
7 to 8 pm – Epworth United Church, 5100 Karl Rd.
Get updates on community events, issues and news. Sit in and watch or get involved. Note the change in security and development reports above.

Forest Park Civic Association

Serving Forest Park since 1962