Date: 12 May 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

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

Guest Speaker:

1. Columbia Gas Rep: Raquel Colon – Presented the Northern Columbus High Pressure Line project that would begin in 2027 in the vacant lot near the corner of Cleveland Ave. and Rt. 161 just north of the old Ryan Steakhouse (now Kids World). She discussed many aspects of the project: timeline, what the site is, why the site was chosen, aesthetics, security, etc. A great discussion was had, with lots of questions being answered and discussed. By an informal vote, the people present were in favor of the Columbia Gas proposal.

2. Mini-mart/Gas Station Reps: The parties who plan to build the mini-mart/gas station presented their plans for the site. The architects of the project did not attend and did not give a reason for their absence. The parties/owners were not made aware of the new round-about that will be going in. A great discussion was had, with lots of questions being answered and discussed. By an informal vote, the majority of people present were NOT in favor of this proposal.

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org

1. Mark Bell explained Forest Park’s role in the NCC and all of its different organizations.
2. NCC is planning to create a new logo. Mark explained the process and the old and new logos were presented.

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, MB, LB, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: QM, CL, MSg
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 (Areas 6, 8, 14 are VACANT)
• Total meeting attendance: 45

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

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

1. Through the end of April, we have received 127 household memberships, and Mary Sguerra renewed her business membership.
2. In May so far, we have processed 57 additional memberships with one more business – Cynthia Fenstermaker and her realty services.
3. Thanks to Mary’s efforts, we did collect one of our advertisers in arrears, so thank you, Mary!
4. Expenses for the month include printing for both the Forester and the membership mailing sheets.
5. Our PayPal account remains restricted, as they have asked for additional information, which we are providing. We will continue to monitor and advise.
6. Some memberships were turned in during this meeting.

Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas 

1. The last Thursday of each month is Gather at Gabby’s. Come and hang out with your friends, FPCA officers, and committee chairs and chat about what is going on in FP.
2. June 6th – Forest Park Night at Gabby’s – Please bring a side dish/dessert to share. They will be supplying the meat then stay and enjoy the music!

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org ABSENT

1. REMINDER: Saturday, May 16th is the Forest Park Community Garage Sale. Please have your entry forms in by Wednesday, May 13, 2026  A list of participants will be handed out from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.
2. SAVE THE DATE – July 4th Parade at 10 a.m. We are looking for volunteers interested in walking and passing out candy in the 4th of July Parade this year. 
3. Also looking for help with this year’s float. The theme is: 250th Anniversary of America. Please contact me for additional information.

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

June Forester deadline for articles, ads, and photos is Sunday, May 17th (Monday at the latest). 

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

See report in the Forester.

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

We need to do some more printing. We have a few documents to go in the folders. Board members are encouraged to look them over before they are printed.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

1. The membership drive is now approximately one month old, and this update summarizes current incoming membership data as well as progress toward our targets by area representative.
2. We are also beginning to evaluate the effectiveness of our outreach materials, including the yard signs that have been distributed. Mike wants to thank everyone who has been receptive to displaying them in their yards.
3. At this stage, we are behind on providing lanyards as well as producing targeted reports for each area representative to support ongoing membership collection efforts. Mike’s goal is to have both completed in advance of the June meeting. At that time, he will distribute lanyards and provide the most up-to-date membership report. In all likelihood, he will also circulate the report electronically prior to the meeting and provide printed copies during the session.
4. If there are any questions or concerns in the meantime, please let him know.

Social Activities VACANT

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

Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

1. CPD: Precinct 1 new liaison, Rodney Mayberry – Not present due to voting. We hope to meet him soon.
2. Zone In Columbus: Lookout for new Zone In information being released around the end of the month.
   • Zone-in-columbus.hub.arcgis.com
3. FACT & Consider Biking: Green Line received funding (roughly 27 Million for initial costs) 12 ft wide shared use path over 58 acres. It will include several parks and amenities along the path, and a bridge over Morse and a southern section to cross St. Rt. 3.
4. NABA: 161 Cleanup on Saturday, June 13th. Meet at the Jiffy Lube at 9am.
5. City of Columbus Liaison (Devin):
   • Dept of Neighborhoods Meeting on Thursday, June 25th 4:30 – 7:30pm at Woodward Park
   • Inprem Food Pantry Fundraising Gala on Saturday, May 16th 10am at Kilbourne Run Park
6. NCC Picnic: Tuesday, August 11th at Warner Woods Pavillion 4747 Central College Rd.
7. Independence Day Parade Committee: Meeting Wednesday, May 20th and June 17th at the Karl YMCA at 7pm if anyone would like to attend.
8. Graphics and Code Task Force: Property tax re-evaluations to happen in June. Suspected increase is around 8.9%.
9. NCC is proposing a new logo. NABA and other Northland logos changing to match.
10. We have received our NCC Dues Invoice.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

After the guest speakers’ presentations, Dave Paul (NCC Development Committee Chair) reviewed the role of the NCC Development Committee and Forest Park’s role and responsibilities on that committee.

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

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org See report online and 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

1. Community Events:
   • Family Picnic: The board aims to reinstitute this event and will begin recruiting a coordinator.
   • Do we have a volunteer?
     1. 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.
        • Eileen Kunkler (kunkler85@gmail.com), Area 7 Rep, has volunteered to head up this committee. She is looking for people to work with.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS  – None

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA