Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: January 11, 2022

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 11 January 2022

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church and Zoom

Meeting called to order @ 7:05 PM by Scott Prigan

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via role call/Zoom Participant List.

OFFICER REPORTS

President’s Report  Scott Prigan – scottprigan+fpca@gmail.com

1) The meeting got off to a rocky start as we were trying to work out the hybrid meeting technology issues (in-person and Zoom at the same time) – sorry about that to all who were in attendance.

2) The slate of candidates for the positions of officers, chairs, and reps was approved. We would like all people who are holding a position in the FPCA to attend next month’s meeting in person or via Zoom in order to be sworn into office.

Vice President’s Report  No Report – The position is now vacant. 

Secretary’s Report  Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1) Attendance:

  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: SP, LB, CL, MS, DVM, AR, ER, SB, LK-B, KG, EV, DP
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: RW, FQ, SL
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 3, 5, 9, 11, 12
  • Area Reps Absent: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14 (Areas 13, and 14 remain vacant )

2) November and December minutes were reviewed and approved.

Treasurer’s Report  Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1) Business membership received from Karl Road Christian Church

2) Income was pretty much $0. We had just a few new/renewing members in November and December.

3) Expenses were light as well, though several checks in December didn’t clear until January.

4) In November, our liability insurance was accidentally booked for renewal as a Forester expense, but was corrected in December.

5) The budget process starts in February. If any officers, committee chairs or reps have input or potential items for the budget, please contact Cheryl ASAP!

Public Relations Report  Mary Sguerra – Mary.Sguerra@HERrealtors.com

1) Things are relatively quiet. Mary has received very few comments or complaints.

2) Please remember when you park your cars, don’t block the sidewalk or park in the grass – both are against the City of Columbus Code. You can report such issues on 311 / 311.columbus.gov / Columbus app. 

Forester Editor’s Report  Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org – Absent

1) Articles are due to Rita by Jan. 20th for the Feb. Forester. A few upcoming Forester article deadlines: Feb. 17 for the March issue, Mar. 17 for the April issue, and Apr. 14 for the May issue.

2) Rita is still concerned about the 100+ homes that are not receiving their Forester each month. She will attempt to get hold of David Laughlin for exact streets.

3) PLEASE be aware that if there is inclement weather at the beginning of February, we will leave it up to the discretion of each delivery person when they will deliver, we don’t want any accidents. 

4) Rita has ordered a 6 month supply of bags from the Central Ohio Bag & Burlap Co., they should be in after January 18th, so plenty of time for the February deliveries. The charge will go directly onto the FPCA credit card to be paid by the Treasurer. 

5) Paul Insley (Insley Printing, Inc.) has asked if we will continue with monthly printing. Rita told him yes, at least until our Budget meeting, that would be the time if anything changes. He needed to know in order to get paper supplies here in time, shortages or delivery delays with paper just like everything else.

Supplemental Security Report  Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com ｜ Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@gmail.com 

1) Please do not leave your car unattended when you warm it up in the morning. Technically, it is illegal, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY there have been multiple stolen cars this month because of this.

2) There has been some violence/robberies to businesses between Karl Rd. and Cleveland Ave., but very little home violence.

Business Representative  Sheridan Landin – sheridanlandon@yahoo.com Absent｜Alan Ray – aray.bergahorn@gmail.com 

Sheridan has been doing some canvassing with local area businesses. He has had some positive responses/conversations and is directing business owners to become members by going through the process on our website.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair  Ellin Ray – eclaire1226@gmail.com 

Ellin has Welcome Folders for new homeowners. She will be contacting area reps to come and pick them up. There are approximately 5-10 houses being sold in FP a week!!

Volunteer Coordinator  Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com

1) Scott is spending some time getting introduced to his new position. He requested a job description about each committee. He is creating a list of priority needs and wants.

2) There is lots of interest in reinstating the Block Watch. Scott P., Ed V., and Ken G. will work with him to get the info to the interested parties.

3) He has been talking with other civic associations in the area about fundraising for the FPCA. There is a possibility of a mulch sale with Ohio Mulch. More info to come in Feb.

Social Activities Report  Liz Kengeter-Bash – ekengeter@gmail.com 

1) With COVID still around, there are not many social activities being planned.

2) She is in contact with the Columbus Crew about getting FPCA tickets. It was suggested to her to contact the Columbus Clippers.

3) After last year’s success of a front yard concert held by the Dove’s of FP West, she is looking to expand upon this idea.

NCC Representative  Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net

1) Earl Miller, long time FP resident and civic association volunteer, passed away on Dec. 15, 2021. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family.

2) Sheetz on Rt. 161 will be opening on Feb. 8th

3) The 4th of July Parade is being held this year. They are looking for volunteers to help.

3) NCC will hold its annual banquet this year as well.

4) City Attorney, Sarah Pomeroy, is still working on the problem hotels in the area. We are starting to see movement in cleaning up this issue.

NCC Development Representative  Ed Vanasdale – evanasdale@insight.rr.com｜Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org 

6 cases were heard (these notes were adapted from the NCC website):

1) National Church Residences – 4836 Cleveland Ave. Proposing a multi-family senior living facility. They received a council variance to get funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. NCC is generally supportive of the project, but were very concerned because of the density doubling from what was proposed last year when they supported the variance. The vote was to not support the application. 2) Menerey – sign for an apartment on an Aldi sign. NCC recommended against allowing an off-premises sign. 3) Sheetz graphic variance. Recommended approval. 4) Request to install a sign at the Busch Corporate Center to ID the current corporate tenant. NCC supported the application. 5) Request to add all signs to the new OhioHealth facility at Hamilton to be named for the Hondros family and the building identity. NCC supported this application. 6) 5438 N Hamilton Rd. NCC tabled this signage request for Bank of America.

Website Administrator  Scott Prigan – scottprigan+fpca@gmail.com

1) You can subscribe to get email updates when new things are published on the site. Check it out, there is lots of good info on the site.

2) Trash/Recycling days are always posted.

3) Communication:

  • For the web site, you can add/remove (or both to change) your email address as desired.
  • For the LIST (from …@lists.fpcivic.org) contact Dave Paul. Please NEVER unsubscribe to an item relayed from the city, etc., lest you unsubscribe us all!

Old Business

1) New FPCA Constitutional Amendments: Scott P. and Lou B. outlined the reason for adding new amendments to the FPCA Constitution. In short, new language was needed to apply for federal 501(c)(3) status. Amendments were first viewed at the December meeting with the members of the board (Officers, Committee Chairs, and Reps) who were present. The new amendments to the constitution were read. The amendments were discussed and voted on. They passed unanimously with 1 abstention. The Amendments will become effective 60 days after the passage date of 11 Jan 2022 (that will be 12 Mar 2022).

Amendments to Forest Park Civic Association Constitution

(Items C and D added to Article II – Name and Purpose)

Article II – Name and Purpose

…

C. Activities of FPCA:

  1. The Forest Park Civic Association is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
  2. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes described in section 501(c)(3).
  3. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

D. Dissolution Provisions:

Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

New Business/Announcements/Ideas

None

Meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM

Looking Ahead for 2022

The start of a new year is always cause for hope and optimism. Here I share a few hopes and dreams for the coming year in Forest Park. You can add a few too.

  • We finally finished getting the 501c3 designation … Finally! … Really!! … Thus we become eligible to seek grants for community building and service activities. Your creative imagination and efforts will be a great help in such endeavors! We’ll also be able to get some 501c3 considerations that help us with another project: to move our technology infrastructure to association-owned accounts, to prevent catastrophe should Dave or yours truly suddenly no longer be available.
  • A break from the pandemic!!!! … I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the pandemic to at least move to an endemic, preferably to disappear in the rear-view mirror. Please do everything you can to encourage everyone you know to do their part: vaccinations, masks, vaccinations, etc.
  • A Crew Supporters’ Shield +PLUS+ MLS Cup annus mirabilis. (Let’s throw in advancement in the World Cup for the red, white and blue! … and maybe for a few other favorites.)
  • More marching bands in the Northland Independence Day parade: … Northland, Beechcroft, DeSales, .. more!!! … Maybe since we are the only traditional 4th of July parade in the City of Columbus, we can invite every Columbus City Schools high school. Private schools and near suburbs are welcome too. Let’s party!

Consider how YOU can be involved in making Forest Park an even BETTER place to live.

See you soon! It’s so good to be sharing a place we can all call HOME.
Your president, Scott Prigan.
—
If you’d like to submit preferences for ways to get involved, you can visit the F.P.C.A. Volunteer Form, or just get in touch: Contact F.P.C.A.

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: December 14, 2021

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

14 December 2021 – Fiesta Jalisco – Officers and Board Meeting

Meeting called to order @ 6:40 PM by Scott Prigan

Attendance was taken via role call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President’s Report   Scott Prigan scottprigan+fpca@gmail.com

  1. Scott welcomed all to the meeting.
  2. It was explained that in order to qualify for 501(c)(3) the IRS wanted us to add language to  our Constitution in two areas: 1) the Activities of the FPCA, and 2) Provisions for Dissolution (see Below). The Amendments to the Constitution were read out loud to those present. A very thorough discussion was held concerning each of the two areas. The officers and board unanimously voted to approve the amendments. The amendments will now be brought to the full FPCA at the January meeting for review, discussion, and a vote to add them to the existing FPCA constitution.
  3. The official meeting was adjourned at the conclusion of the voting. No other reports were given.

Vice President’s Report  No Report – The position is now vacant. 

Secretary’s Report Lou Bernard loubernard3@gmail.com

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: SP, LB, MS, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, SB, MS, KG, EV
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: CL. FQ, AR, ER, LK-B, DP
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 5, 9
  • Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (Areas 3, 13, and 14 remain vacant )

Treasurer’s Report  Cheryl Lutman cllutman17@gmail.com Absent

Public Relations Report Mary Sguerra Mary.Sguerra@HERrealtors.com

Forester Editor’s Report  Rita Woeste forester_ed@fpcivic.org

Supplemental Security Report  Daryl Van Mercetta dvanmercetta@gmail.com,  Katie Van Mercetta kvanmercetta@gmail.com

Business Representative  Sheridan Landin – sheridanlandon@yahoo.com,  Alan Ray – aray.bergahorn@gmail.com Absent

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Ellin Ray – eclaire1226@gmail.com Absent

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs/Mike Stone

Social Activities Report Liz Kengeter-Bash  ekengeter@gmail.com Absent

NCC Representative  Ken Gilbert kgilbert78@att.net

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale evanasdale@insight.rr.com,  Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org Absent

Website Administrator Scott Prigan scottprigan+fpca@gmail.com

Old Business

New Business/Announcements/Ideas

The next meeting will be held on January 22, 2022. Happy holidays to you all -Wishing you Peace in the new year.

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Amendments to Forest Park Civic Association Constitution

Changes needed to clarify non-profit status per I.R.S. guidance for Federal 501(c)(3) recognition, to be voted on at the January 2022 general meeting.

We propose to add items C and D to Article II – Name and Purpose:

Article II – Name and Purpose

…

C. Activities of FPCA:

  1. The Forest Park Civic Association is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
  2. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes described in section 501(c)(3).
  3. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

D. Dissolution Provisions:

Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

Light Up Forest Park

The fall color of autumn leaves is rapidly fading, and the grey dread of Winter is descending. … But fear not, for we are going to Light Up Forest Park!

Usually around Thanksgiving I join many of you in putting up lights and holiday decorations. Since I happen to be Christian, I actually look at the start of Advent (preparing for Christmas), and the end of Epiphany (season of “light” following Christmas), as the time for the lights to be up — also the darkest part of the year.

Hanging the lights can be a challenge, especially if the weather turns rude. I’m not going to climb the extension ladder to the peak on the front of the house if it’s icy. I’ll just grumble while I do when it’s merely cold.

At the beginning of November, I noticed lights were on at a neighbor’s house. “Oh boy! They are eager beavers,” I thought. Then I thought again. The light went on! … My neighbors have Nepali heritage; they are celebrating Diwali! … Oh boy, another good reason for lights in the dark months! (Perhaps I should consider putting the lights up even sooner, in honor of my neighbors?!)

Diwali is a festival of light celebrated by our neighbors whose heritage is from a variety of places in Asia. It comes in mid-October to mid-November, in accordance with the traditional calendar, timed by a new moon (Nov. 4 this year). Diwali celebrates “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Now that sounds worthy of celebration.

Enjoy the season of hanging lights, whether it be for Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, another holiday, or just plain enjoyment. I’ll also be enjoying your lights.

See you soon! It’s so good to be sharing a place we can all call HOME.

Your president, Scott Prigan.
—

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: November 9, 2021

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

9 November 2021 – Epworth United Methodist Church/Zoom

Meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance opened the meeting @ 7:03 PM by Scott Prigan

OFFICER REPORTS

President’s Report   Scott Prigan scottprigan+fpca@gmail.com  

  1. Ryan Finke unfortunately had to step out of our Vice President position. He says that since his family size doubled from two to four children with twins born in April, he’s realizing the need to be more present in his home. He thanks the civic association for accepting him to serve alongside you all since March and hopes he can serve again sometime in the future. 
  2. New Volunteer Coordinator: Scott Biggs, taking over from Mike Stone
  3. RE Supplemental Security–Things We Need to Remember
    1. House Checks! Our contract with the security company will allow them to do house/property checks if you need them to do so, especially if you are on vacation.
    2. They are a security Patrol, they are NOT the police. If you have police issues, DO NOT call the security company or Daryl Van Marcetta and expect them to arrest people or do police actions. That is not their job.
    3. Our coordinator does not personally do checks, patrol, etc. He is not the police, he will not be coming to your house to solve disputes with your neighbor. He does coordinate checks and patrolling with the security agency. He also keeps an ear open to know about community safety, and communicate with our liaison officer.

Vice President’s Report The position is now vacant. 

Secretary’s Report Lou Bernard loubernard3@gmail.com

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers Present: SP, LB, CL, RW, MS, SL, AR, ER, KG, EV, DVM
  • Officers Absent: SB, LKB
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 9, 12
  • Area Reps Absent: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14 (Areas 13 & 14 are vacant)
  • 18 people present, 1 on Zoom
  1. Minutes from last month were reviewed and accepted. They are posted on the website as well as in the Forester.

Treasurer’s Report  Cheryl Lutman cllutman17@gmail.com

  1. Report delayed due to technical issues. See the budget in this month’s Forester.

Public Relations Report Mary Sguerra Mary.Sguerra@HERrealtors.com  

  1. There is no report

Forester Editor’s Report  Rita Woeste forester_ed@fpcivic.org

  1. December articles due Nov. 11, January articles are due Dec. 28.
  2. January Forester is an online issue–no delivering necessary.
  3. About 300 Foresters did not get delivered last month because we did not have enough volunteers to deliver. PLEASE, WE NEED MORE HELP/VOLUNTEERS.

Supplemental Security Report  Daryl Van Mercetta dvanmercetta@gmail.com, Katie Van Mercetta kvanmercetta@gmail.com (Absent) Officer Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

  1. Officer Yandrich 
    1. Parking Issues: we are getting lots of complaints. Feel free to email the address and description of the vehicle. Flat tires, broken windows, and abandoned vehicles can be reported. Please note, the police impound lot is completely full; very little towing is happening in the city. Tractor trailers can only park for 1 hour. Longer than that, it is a violation and should be reported. Last Tuesday when it became very cold, 4 cars were stolen in the Northland area because their owners left them running/warming up in their driveway or street.
    2. Shooting on Karl Rd.: this was a problem with a person who lives on Karl Rd. There is a suspect.
    3. There is no suspect in the Doll House shooting.
    4. If you have speeders in your neighborhood, please call 311.
    5. If cars are parked over the sidewalk, this is a police issue–call 614.645.4545
    6. Be wary of the rise of burglaries around the holiday time.
    7. Gave free gun locks away to anyone who wanted one.

Business Representative  Sheridan Landin – sheridanlandon@yahoo.com Alan Ray – aray.bergahorn@gmail.com

Neither of the business reps have been out canvassing the area. We have no new business memberships.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Ellin Ray – eclaire1226@gmail.com

Ellin has all Welcome Folders for each area ready to be picked up! She has finally caught up! Area Reps need to attend the monthly meeting to pick up the folders for delivery.

 

Volunteer Coordinator Mike Stone   Absent 

  1. First, welcome Scott Biggs as our new Membership/ Volunteer coordinator.  I will be working with him  as I plan to stay active in FPCA where I can (but I won’t be able to come up for air until about late March).
  2. In other notes… we need a Vice President.      Seriously though, thank you Ryan for filling the role in 2021.  Recruiting new people is a great thing for area rep. positions but the VP role needs to be filled by a current board member.  
  3. If there are any additional area representatives who are looking to step down from their post, please let us know as we can use the time to fill it in the upcoming months.  

Social Activities Report Liz Kengeter-Bash  ekengeter@gmail.com Absent – No Report.

NCC Representative  Ken Gilbert kgilbert78@att.net (Absent)

  1. The July 4th Parade is on!! Planning has been taking place. They take place Karl Rd. Library on the 3rd Sat. of each month. Look on the NCC website for more info.
  2. Hotel Issues. The hotel on Mediterranean Ave. has ceased being a Covid homeless overflow site.. The hotel next to Popeyes, is a hotel set up for Covid positive homeless people. If you see people standing outside or in cleaning gear, that is appropriate. They deep clean the rooms when a client leaves.
  3. The City Atty, Sarah Pomeroy is working hard on the hotel issue, and is currently planning on filing formal complaints against some of them in the area.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale evanasdale@insight.rr.com Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org 

  1. Ohio Health on 5150 E. Dublin-Granville applied for a graphics plan to images on the bldg. The plan was not accurate, therefore it was not approved.
  2. 4048 Morse Rd. – The dermatology practice was approved for a variance to move closer to the road. The city then said that they would lose some of their parking. They came up with a plan with their neighbors to share space. The plan was approved.
  3. Surplus World on Morse Rd. wanted to put in a warehouse in the back of their property that would replace all or most of their parking. They had no plans to accommodate the parking. They tabled their idea.

Website Administrator Scott Prigan scottprigan+fpca@gmail.com (Absent)

FPCIVIC.ORG is our website. Make sure to sign up for updates.

Old Business

  1. Sign Committee update: Members of the Sign Committee (Ed, Daryl, and Lou) put up the 5 signs in the FP area on Sat., Nov. 6. See the article in this month’s Forester.
  2. We recently received a letter from the IRS after almost a year concerning the 501c3. They need more paperwork!!! Agggh, this is so frustrating.

New Business/Announcements/Ideas

Ed has been calling 311 on the trash that accumulates near the exit ramps at 161/I-71. So if you see city workers out there collecting it, you can thank Ed Vanasdale when you see him!! Thank you, Ed!

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM