Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes

Date: 14 Nov 2023

The meeting attendance report, meeting minutes, and 2024 Slate of Candidates can be found by following this link — CLICK HERE

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 10 October 2023

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 8:01 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via role call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Budget Meeting Report (see the Budget Meeting Minutes in this Forester or at the end of these minutes-online only).

Guest Speaker: Gifting Youth Joy (non-profit organization)

Ziggy Cicchella (Secretary) (who lives in Forest Park) and their social work colleagues, Eryca Rivera (Treasurer), and Ellie Church (President) have started a non-profit organization called “Gifting Youth Joy.” Teens are often passed over in gift and toy drives, and they want to bring attention to the large number of teens in our community who are without during the holidays. Most toy drives stop gifting to kids when they reach 12 yrs old. They are hoping to fill that gap and give teens the wonderful holiday they deserve. They are accepting donations at giftingyouthjoy.org

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu   NCC Report in this issue of the Forester.

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance: 

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, TS, LB, CL, MS, RW, MB, SL, SB, AP, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: DVM, KVM, LH
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 4, 6, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 35
• Attendance Record Sheet Thru October

2. Review minutes from September, no changes were made. Minutes approved.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 13 new household memberships – one person noted they moved to the neighborhood 8/2023!
2. Advertising revenue of $1,145. Note that we have billed an additional $1,380 in advertising that has not been paid yet. In addition, we have $200 “on account” from those who have prepaid their ads for the year. Plus we deposited the rest of the Welcome Committee funds, including the match. We raised $505 for that effort – well done, all!
3. Expenses are in line. The August Forester printing was $985, we had bags for $91.38 and security was $675. We also paid for the garage sale ad of $51.96

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

We had a garage sale in the fall with 21 participants. We made $51 after all advertising bills were paid (i.e. The Columbus Dispatch ads)

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Nov/Dec. Forester will be combined into one issue. This helps with cost, but also with deliverers.
2. Articles for Nov/Dec are due by Nov. 3. Delivery around Nov. 12th and beyond.
3. We are still looking for delivery help. If you are interested in becoming an active part of your community, please contact Rita.

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@gmail.com, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418 Absent – No Report

Business Representative Marty Biggs – Marlynabiggs@yahoo.com,  Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  – No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

Welcome folders are almost ready to be sent out.

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com   

1. We are creating the slate of volunteers for positions for the 2024 FPCA year. We are always looking for new members and people interested in serving their community. Please contact Scott if you are interested in helping.
2. We are also creating a new “Membership Coordinator” position and are looking for a motivated volunteer who loves working with people and is comfortable working with a database or spreadsheet.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Food Truck 5 pm Monday 10/16 at the YMCA.
2. TRUNK OR TREAT! I am using budget money to buy some extra candy, so I simply need extra volunteers! Trunks and kids needed too! 🙂 Trunk or Treat at the YMCA on 10/30 – Monday 6-8 pm. Please contact Andrea if you are willing to open your trunk for kids!
3. More info forthcoming on Veterans Day ceremony at the YMCA in November and Breakfast with Santa on December 2nd.
4. No pressure to have an FPCA table set up at events – it’s merely an opportunity to bring in more revenue for our organization. Andrea is unable to host and monitor a table simultaneously. She gets that volunteering is becoming more and more “a lost art” these days, but as leaders of our neighborhood, everyone should make an appearance at these organized events from time to time, show your support and interact with our Forest Park neighbors!
5. New postcards were made and put in the Welcome Folders to describe the FPCA and what we do.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

See NCC Report in this issue.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

2 cases were brought before the committee, only one pertained to FP. 

• Application to permit use for window tinting and car rental services; concurrent Council variance to add storage uses – 2050 E Dublin Granville Rd, 43229. The Committee approved (13-0) a motion to TABLE the application, as requested by the applicant.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com, Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

Our website and Facebook pages are always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check them out!!

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

None

Meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

(Budget meeting minutes follow.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Budget Meeting

Date: 5 Oct 2023

Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order by Ed Vanasdale @ 7:00 PM

The following Executive Board Members, Officers, and Committee Chairs were in attendance: 

Ed Vanasdale (Pres), Trevor Secord (VP), Cheryl Lutman (Treas), Lou Bernard (Sec), Mary Squerra (Pub. Relations), Rita Woeste (Forester Editor), Daryl Vanmercetta (Security), Marty Biggs (Business), Laura Hayes (Welcome), Scott Biggs (Volunteer), and Dave Paul (Website)

The meeting was called to make sure the budget is balanced now that most of the memberships have been collected. As of 10/5/2023, we had 387 paid memberships since the beginning of the budget cycle (April 1). Last year we collected 480 paid memberships. Last year, items were cut from the budget (i.e. the number of Supplemental Security patrol hours) in order to balance the budget. This meeting was scheduled knowing that we are almost 100 memberships down from last year.

Items that were discussed, voted on, and passed are as follows:

1. The budget was reviewed and it was decided that we could not cut the Forester or Supplemental Security since those were promised through this budget cycle. A motion was made and passed to supply any budget shortfall (approximately $895) with money from the reserves in the savings account. Noting that if membership does not increase next year, Supplemental Security may take a major hit.
2. In order to save money, the November and December Forester will be combined into a single issue. January and February issues will be online like they have been since Covid. 
3. The membership drive mailing will be moved to March instead of May to correspond with the beginning of the budget cycle, April 1st. If any money is needed to make this happen, because technically it was not budgeted for in the 23-24 budget, the money will be borrowed from the reserves.
4. A letter will be included in the March/Membership newsletter explaining budget cuts to the 24-25 year if the membership count does not increase.
5. $500 was reallocated to the Social Committee to help Andrea continue to plan, promote, and expand the many activities she is coordinating.
6. We are in GREAT need of a Membership Drive Committee Chair, the Volunteer Coordinator will be looking to fill this role.
7. Welcome Committee and Volunteer Committee chairs will be working to contact Area Reps to deliver the new Welcome Folders. 
8. The December meeting, to follow tradition, will be held at a local restaurant for the Officers, Committee Chairs, Area Reps and their families. Restaurants were discussed and a meeting place will be announced shortly. (Note: None of this meeting is paid with FPCA funds, each person/family is responsible for their own bill.)

Meeting adjourned 8:36 PM.

Budget Meeting Minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 12 Sep 2023

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:02PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via role call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com No Report

Guest Speaker:  Devin Deal : Neighborhood Liaison DDDeal@columbus.gov  (614) 645-7964

Devin was hired 2 months ago replacing Alfred Akainyah.

1. Goal is to support the area civic associations, and escalate the concerns that people have. He will help us find the right people in order to solve local problems.
2. A neighbor had a concern about the excessive speed on Sandalwood Ave. He wanted info about how to get speed bumps installed. Devin’s suggestion is first we need to submit 311 about speeding on Sandalwood, Satinwood, etc. Start taking note of time when speeding is most prevalent. A traffic calming committee will be established to draft a letter and get signatures to petition the city.
3. A neighbor had a concern about the area surrounding the old pool behind Sequoia Bowl. Devin will drive by and take a look at the property. He will see if there is a possibility to get the organization who owns the property connected with organizations for cleaning up the property.
4. A neighbor was concerned about the amount of vandalism happening in FP. Devin will be coming back with people from the City of Columbus to hear concerns.
5. A neighbor had a concern about the lack of green space that has been removed due to the roundabout project along Rt. 161. Devin will follow up with the neighbor.

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu Absent  No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, MS, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, AP, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, MB, SB
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant)
• Total meeting attendance: 23

1. Reviewed minutes from July, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 24 new household memberships, 1 new business membership.  It came in through Hadler Companies.  They also requested we continue their ad with no changes. We continue to receive contributions toward our other function areas.
2. Primary expenses were the Forester printing, security patrols and the cost of mowing the islands.
3. Cheryl is working with the advertising chair to provide an update on outstanding advertising invoices. She will amend this report with that detail later this week. 

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

We have the Fall Garage Sale this Saturday and the Bowling Outing on Sunday.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Needed money to buy bags for the Forester. Money was approved.
2. Articles by this Friday, Sept. 15th. 
3. We need one extra delivery person for 3 months. Please contact Rita.

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com, 

Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@gmail.com, 

Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

See report in the Forester.

Business Representative Marty Biggs – Marlynabiggs@yahoo.com  Absent,  Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. Hello! I am excited to be the newest member of the Forest Park Civic Association! I want to thank the previous chair – Ellin Ray – for all of her hard work and many years of support to the community. 
2. This month we stuffed 50 welcome folders! They should be ready to get delivered by all area reps in the very near future. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. 

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com Absent

1. I staffed the FPCA table at the YMCA Food Truck in August with Andrea Philipsen. No new memberships, but we spoke to several people who were already members and handed out info on home property valuations and the 311 service.
2. I delivered extra Foresters to businesses (Donato’s, Gabby’s, Library, YMCA, Sequoia Pro Bowl, Epworth United, etc.) and have started dropping off newsletters to Prince Pizza in Tamarack Circle for their customers. The Manager was very friendly and receptive to future advertising in the Forester. All businesses are always happy to get the newsletters and have remarked often about how people ask for them.
3. I have started promoting a new FPCA Membership campaign called “Be a Part of the Park!” to run from September through December to increase memberships and volunteers. The campaign features photos of diverse people to show that everyone is welcome. Andrea has shared some good photos of residents at events that I will work into the campaign. Samples are on the fpcivic.org website and our Facebook page and on the vinyl membership sign with a QR code to our website (color version will replace the black and white poster soon). I also submitted a half page ad to Rita for the next Forester if she has space.
4. Website and Facebook updates continue weekly with upcoming events. Andrea Philipsen has joined the Facebook team and has added upcoming events as Facebook events so residents can save the events as reminders. We will promote this weekend’s Garage Sale and Bowling events. 
5. Questions and comments on Facebook about street lights continue to appear. I replied with an explanation and invited all interested parties to attend meetings for more info on this topic, especially tonight’s meeting with Devin. We may want to print an article/update about this in the next Forester from Ed or someone who knows more details.
6. I printed 200 Membership/Volunteer sheets for the new Welcome packets and delivered them to Laura. Many thanks to Laura and the volunteers who initiated and facilitated the new Welcome Packets!

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

Planning lots of events. Look for an infographic in this month’s Forester.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net  Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu Absent

See report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

3 cases were heard. None were in the immediate Forest Park neighborhood and were of little concern for its residents.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com Absent, Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

Our website is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!!

OLD BUSINESS

Mark Bell (Area 13 Rep) offered to match any collected funds to help restart the Welcome Folders. $250 was collected from members, and matching funds were met. Some Welcome Folders were found, more will be purchased with these new funds. The money collected will also be used to cover printing costs for the items in the folder. Thank you Mr. Bell!

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

We are looking for 3 or 4 people to form a committee concerning having speed bumps installed on the streets of Forest Park. If you are interested, submit your name to the secretary, Lou Bernard, loubernard3@gmail.com, and he will get your info to the appropriate people.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 11 July 2023

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:03 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via role call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale  ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

1. Discussed the parade and the great time that was had. The Bikes-n-Trikes event was very successful. Thank you to all those that helped or participated. Thanked Catharine Gilbert for helping to organize all the cheerleading groups!
2. Block Watch and Code Issues meetings are now at new times. Please be aware.
3. Thanks to Andrea for the great job organizing the Dirty Frank’s Hotdog food truck on Monday.
4. There will be no August FPCA meetings (Block Watch, Code, and Civic Assoc.). In August, we will attend the NCC Picnic. (See the NCC report below)

Guest Speaker: none

Vice President Trevor Secord  tsecord@une.edu

1. National Night Out event at the North YMCA on Tues., August 1st for the Forest Park Civic Association. The event will be from 5-8pm. There will be food, inflatables and games.
2. See 11 July NCC meeting report in the Forester. 

Secretary Lou Bernard –  loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, DVM, SL, SB, AP, RW 
• At the NCC Meeting: TS, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MS, MB, AR, ER, KVM
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 23

1. Reviewed minutes from June, there were a few email errors and typos. They were all corrected on the online version and official record of the minutes.
2. Attendance Sheet thru July: https://www.fpcivic.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-FPCA-Attendance-Thru-July.pdf

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 109 new household memberships – thank you! Of the 21 coming through PayPal, 17 elected to also pay the fee – thank you!
2. Additional sums were donated to our functional areas of security, beautification and the Forester – thank you as well!
3. Advertising revenue for the month was $645.00 – covering approximately 65% of the cost of printing.
4. Major expenses include US Protection for our security patrols, our annual membership in NCC, the garage sale ad, and the maintenance of the islands. We also paid to print the Forester and Rita ordered bags.
5. The other major item is the bank assessed a fee of $45.50. It was found out that 5th/3rd is now charging a fee on all checks processed. We are looking for a new bank with lower or no fees.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com  Absent  – no report

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Next Thursday, July 20, is the deadline for the August Forester, the first week in August will be the delivery date.
2. Blue Ash still needs to be covered. Lou Bernard and Laura Hayes are now covering routes on the Forester delivery squad. 
3. Lowell Lutman has been doing a great job getting ads for the Forester.

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

Don’t forget about the Block Watch meeting at 6:00-6:30 pm before the Civic Association meetings except in Aug. See the complete report in the Forester.

Business Representative Marty Biggs – Marlynabiggs@yahoo.com  Absent Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  Alan Ray – aray.bergahorn@gmail.com  Absent

1. Reached out to Hadler Companies once again and spoke with Mindy. She said she would forward emailed information to the president and expressed interest in a business card size ad, as well. We will follow up again via email next week.
2. Does anyone know any local business owners that might be interested in a business membership? Or are YOU a local business owner who would like a reasonable place to advertise? Contact Marty Biggs at the above email address.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

Report by Lou Bernard

1. We are in the process of bringing back the Welcome Folders for new homeowners. I have been running around this week gathering materials and finding them online to put into the folders. The plan will be that when everything is gathered and ready to go, that we will do a folder stuffing. We will stuff approximately 200+ folders (enough) for the whole year. The committee chair only needs to find the names and addresses of the new homeowners and bring the folders to the meeting or get them to the area reps for delivery. We are hoping to get these back by September at the latest. We feel some of the lack of membership has been because of lag in getting new homeowners to join right away.
2. We will need 2 things: 1) about 4 or 5 volunteers to help stuff the folders and 2) approximately $300-500 to cover the cost of the printing of the folders and any copies that will go into the folder. There was a discussion about the need for folders. Some members were worried about the cost, then Area 13 Rep, Mark Bell, stepped up and made an offer to match dollar for dollar the amount raised to cover the cost of the supplies and the printing. We collected $165 at the meeting! Thank you to Mark and all those who have donated!!! If you are interested in donating, contact Lou Bernard, Secretary, or Cheryl Lutman, Treasurer. Their emails are in the minutes.

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com

1. Thanks to everyone who was in attendance at the meeting and those who marched in the parade, helped with the parade, and judged the Bikes-n-Trikes.
2. We received 5 new memberships from members at the Dirty Franks event. We are looking for people to volunteer to sit at the Forest Park Membership table at the Buckeye Shaved Ice event at the YMCA this Friday, July 14.
3. Prince Pizza is taking over the old Dairy Queen Spot in Tamarack Circle.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Thanked everyone for their support at the Dirty Frank’s event. We need to continue to have a table at all upcoming events. Dirty Frank’s was a success. 60+ people attended. Lou B. & Scott B. had a FP table collecting memberships. Thanks to all who came out!
2. Upcoming Events:
   • THIS Friday, July 14, 4-6pm Buckeye Shaved Ice at the YMCA
   • Aug 11th (Friday) 8pm: Karaoke at Sequoia Bowl
   • Aug. 21st (Monday) 5-8 pm: Tortilla Mexican Street Food Truck at the YMCA 
   • Aug. 26th (Saturday) 7-8:30 pm: Concert on the Driveway at the Dove Household (5785 Lindenwood Rd). For more info, see “The Forest Park Gardener’s” article in this month’s Forester.
   • Aug. 28th (Monday) 8-10 am: Bushel and Bean Coffee Truck at the YMCA
3. Check Facebook and Forester for upcoming events.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

1. Catherine Gilbert attended the Stakeholder Open House for the 161 Roundabout Project. She passed out packets from the meeting to those in attendance at the civic association meeting.
2. NCC Picnic Info: From the Northland Community Council:  Instead of our usual meeting in August, we will be hosting our annual NCC Picnic on August 8th at Blendon Woods Park, Dogwood Area. We have the pavilion for the entire day so feel free to come out early and enjoy all that the park has to offer. Dinner will be served at 6:30. NCC will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and brats, please bring a dish to share. At 7pm we will have a very brief meeting and please be sure that your community is represented as it does count towards attendance. We encourage you to invite your communities to join us for a day of fun and camaraderie. I have attached a flyer for the picnic for your convenience.

See 11 July NCC meeting report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

1. The old “Olive Garden” or “Buckeye Crazy” has been razed by the owner to sell as land only.
2. 4 cases were heard, only 1 case pertains to our area: Application to use variance to permit four 40′ x 8′ permanent storage containers to be installed and maintained on the site (it was tabled March 2023). The NCC Committee recommended disapproval.
3. The old China Dynasty (next to the Chipotle on Rt. 161) is being renovated into a Mexican restaurant. 
4. Don’t forget about the Development/311 Meeting at 6:30-7:00 pm before the Civic Association meetings. No meetings in August–the next meetings will be held on Tuesday, September 12th. 

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

Our website and Facebook pages are always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check them out!!

OLD BUSINESS   None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS   None

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA