Date: 10 March 2026
Location: Epworth United Methodist Church
Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by 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 Absent – No Report
Guest Speaker:
Hugo Barragan from the Franklin County Auditors Office came back to speak about programs being offered.
Franklin County Auditor Dog Licensing Services.
- Ohio law requires dogs to have a valid dog license.
- Dog of the Week – Franklin County Auditor’s Office recognizes licensed dogs who live in Franklin County every week throughout the year on the Facebook page @mstinziano. Winners will be selected randomly and will be notified via email. For additional questions, please contact auditor-outreach@franklincountyohio.gov.
The Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR) hears complaints on the Auditor’s appraised value of your property and can adjust the value based on presented evidence.
- When filing your complaint, consider submitting supporting documentation to expedite the process. Some examples of supporting documentation include settlement/closing statements, purchase contracts, and appraisals.
- Your case may be chosen for mediation, which is a less formal process that can be an efficient way to resolve your complaint.
Homestead exemption:
- The homestead exemption for senior and disabled persons allows eligible homeowners to exempt the first $29,000 of their home’s auditor’s appraised value from taxation. For example, an eligible owner of a home with an auditor’s appraised value of $100,000 will be billed as if the home were valued at $71,000.
- The enhanced homestead exemption for disabled veterans and the homestead exemption for surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty allows eligible homeowners to exempt the first $58,000 of their home’s auditor’s appraised value from taxation. For example, an eligible owner of a home with an auditor’s appraised value of $100,000 will be billed as if the home were valued at $42,000.
You can reach Hugo at (c) 614.499.3570 or email him at hugo.barragan1@franklincountyohio.gov
Vice President Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org – No Report
Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org
- Attendance:
- Officers/Committee Chairs Present: QM, MB, LB, CL, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB
- Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: AH, MSg
- Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
- Area Reps Absent: 6, 8, 10, 14
- Total meeting attendance: 32
- Reviewed minutes from February, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
- Attendance Sheet thru March: Online
Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org
- Cheryl reviewed the new budget and changes therein. Copies of the 2026 budget and minutes from the budget meeting were made available to those in attendance.
- The major increase in the budget that we will see is in the price of printing the Forester and the price of the bags.
- There will be a shortfall this fiscal year, and in order to cover that, we will need to pull money out of the savings.
- The 2026 FPCA Budget was approved.
Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas None
Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org Absent
Save the Date – Forest Park Community Garage Sale – Saturday, May 16th
ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org
- We need all articles, photos, and ads by March 25th.
- The April newsletter will be printed and delivered to Shoedinger by Sat. April 11th in time for the membership stuffing event.
- We lost another delivery person. Thanks to Julie Barker for her many years delivering to 80 homes in Forest Park East.
- Here is the list of streets not covered by a regular delivery person: (all of these homes are in FP East) If you live on one of these streets and want your Forester delivered, you need to think about stepping up and volunteering.
- Green Apple Ave (29 homes)
- Blackgum Pl (13 homes)
- Coghill Dr (12 homes)
- Dandridge Dr (9 homes)
- Judwick Dr (8 homes)
- Lyle Rd (16 homes)
- New: Cedar Willow Dr (30 homes)
- New: Cedarbush Rd (20 homes)
- New: Aspen Dr (30 homes)
- That’s a total of 157 homes in Forest Park not covered right now for the upcoming May issue of the Forester
- When it rains it pours:
- Microsoft is dropping Publisher in October 2026, so a new app or software will need to be used to create the monthly Forester. We are actively looking into a program called CANVA that has been recommended on various discussion boards for folks who are avid MS Publisher users. Still determining costs that might be involved.
- Rita called to get an order for more clear doorknob bags for the year and Columbus Bag and Burlap closed its doors; it was sold to a company in Illinois. This will now add shipping charges in addition to the cost of the bags, we are waiting on a quote for that. In the meantime, Rita has contacted 2 other places (both would need to be shipped) on types of the doorknob bags they have and costs, etc…. TO BE CONTINUED…….
Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org
Daryl introduced Officer Duane Hicks, our new CPD Liaison Officer. Officer Hicks introduced himself, coming from the S.Linden area. He has served his career in Columbus, and is looking to serve his remaining years serving us and our community. If you have questions that need answers, please funnel them through Daryl.
Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org – No Report
Civic Action/311 Officer Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org – No Report
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org – No Report
Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org
There are Welcome Folders that are being delivered to new homeowners.
Volunteer Coordinator VACANT
Want to get more involved? We have a volunteer opening and would love your help! Please get in touch with Lou Bernard if you’d like to learn more.
Membership Coordinator Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org
- Mike is working to assess attendance for the FPCA envelope stuffing event scheduled for April 11. Members interested in volunteering are encouraged to complete the provided form or make direct contact.
- Area Representatives and officers have been asked to place yard signs promoting the membership drive. Initial response has been very positive. The signs, measuring approximately 18″ x 24″, will include a message inviting residents to join, along with a QR code. Distribution is anticipated at the April meeting.
- Plans are underway to host membership tables at various locations throughout the summer to increase outreach and attract additional members. Further details will be provided as they become available.
- A discussion was held at the Membership Meeting emphasizing the importance of continuing to educate residents about the specific role and impact of FPCA within the community. The group reaffirmed the need for home visits to reconnect with FPCA-friendly households, particularly those who have previously been members, in order to renew their participation.
- Mike is exploring the option of providing lanyards for visitors to wear during outreach and home visits.
Social Activities VACANT
Want to get more involved? We have a volunteer opening and would love your help! Please get in touch with Lou Bernard if you’d like to learn more.
NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org, Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org, Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org
See full report in the Forester.
NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org
Exciting news: A Culver’s Restaurant will be going in next to the Take 5 Oil Change and in front of Space Shop Self Storage on Rt. 161.
See report on the website: https://www.fpcivic.org/development-reports/
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 report in the Forester or follow this link: Outreach Report
Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook), Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website), Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org (Instagram/Facebook) Absent
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
- National Night Out (NNO): Proposed shifting from a YMCA-hosted event to neighborhood-focused front yard parties. The board will explore grants to provide small stipends for local hosts. The Board will be meeting to create guidelines for residents who are interested in participating.
- Community Events:
- Family Picnic: The board aims to reinstitute this event and will begin recruiting a coordinator.
- Beautification Committee: While prizes are budgeted, the program is currently on hold. The Association is actively seeking a volunteer Chair to manage the program and oversee the award process.
Meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM
Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA