- The Civic Meeting was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Rd., at 6:00pm. Approximately 16 people were in attendance. After reminding members of the decorum policy, past president Curtis Brown called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Pam Richards led the group in prayer. Officer Ray Guman, our CPD liaison officer, will celebrate his 60th birthday on February 28. Congrats, Officer Guman!
- November Minutes were distributed, read and approved:
1st Motion – Bill Palmer. 2nd Motion – Pat Moore
January 2026 Minutes were also approved:
1st Motion – Kathy Palmer. 2nd Motion – Bill Palmer
- The Treasurer’s Report was given by Marsha Kessler:
Beginning balance $2185.38
Buckeye M.S. families. -300.00
Ending balance $1885.38
The Treasurer’s Report was approved as stated:
1st Motion – Bill Palmer 2nd Motion – Pat Moore
- Curtis Brown addressed members and gave the following updates:
- The Shamrock Club is selling land adjoining their building to a developer. Apartments will be built.
- U-Haul Company is interested in the former Walmart building at Great Southern. They are seeking variances from the Far South Area Commission.
- Our Civic organization is officially registered for the 2026 National Night Out. In March we’ll discuss themes. Bring your ideas to the next meeting.
- Cap City Church sold 20 acres of their land to a developer. This land is on the North and East of the church.
- Bill Palmer asked about increased activity at the Google facility on Rathmell Rd.
- Kaylene Clark asked about construction on the Panda Express on S. High St. Curtis said he saw people there working inside as he drove by this morning.
- Curtis detailed our group’s April events:
- Community egg hunt at Heritage Church
- Columbus City-wide Cleanup
- Buckeye Middle School Cleanup. Curtis will speak to Ms. Promise about our role.
- Spring Day of Service} This does not have to be a cleanup. It could be a service activity. If you have ideas, bring them to the next meeting. Do we have an existing partnership? Can we tie this into NNO?
- Curtis next explained the Survey results. This Survey was meant as a snapshot of our group. The Survey had several consistent concerns from members:
- Members like being informed
- Members have a genuine concern for our area
- Members liked our big events
- People have issues with the time, the darkness, their health, their schedules, their comfort level
- People have high expectations and low capacity. There are good ideas but no plans for execution
- People want shorter, fewer meetings
- People value city access but don’t want to attend City meetings. Curtis reminded members that there’s a difference between the Civic organization and the Area Commission. Curtis feels nothing was accomplished by attending Area Commission meetings.
Therefore, we need to manage expectations in 2026. We can do less, well. We can’t take on tasks meant for the Area Commission.
- We need to determine the number of meetings and the length of our meetings. We also need to figure out our membership issues.
- Officer Guman presented statistics for 13 precinct in Zone 5: From January 26—February 1, there were no violent crimes during the last week of January. From February 2-8, there were no violent crimes. When asked, Officer Guman did say that the Columbus police officers were told not to assist ICE officers unless it was a dire situation.
- On behalf of the Civic members, Marsha Kessler presented Curtis with a card, a framed Certificate of Appreciation and 4 gift cards. Thank you, Curtis, for serving our Association this past year! You are very much appreciated!
- The Door Prize this evening was won by Diane Todd. She received a Valentine’s candy treat. Congrats, Diane!
- A motion was made to adjourn:
1st Motion – Bill Palmer 2nd Motion – Pat Moore