1. Our Civic meeting was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Rd., on September 14, 2026. Approximately 19 people were in attendance. After reminding members of the decorum policy, Curtis Brown called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Pam Richards opened the meeting with prayer. Curtis recognized Matt Campbell’s birthday on Sept. 19, and Bill Palmer’s “86” birthday on Sept. 28. Happy Birthday to both of you!
2. There was no Secretary Report. It will be presented at the October meeting.
3. The Treasurer’s Report (Marsha Kessler) was reported, discussed and approved:     1^stMotion – Bill Palmer.    2^nd Motion – CJ Jamison

Beginning Balance.      $2157.02

NNO expenses              –  202.00

Ending Balance.           $1952.02

• Denise D’Angelo spoke to members. She is a school board member for the Southwestern City Schools, and is running for State Representative. Mrs. D’Angelo feels that taxes are too high, property values have increased too high, and she’s also concerned about the data centers.
• Curtis thanked all those who participated in National Night Out last month. Approximately 150 people attended. We gave away 54 bookbags. Comments by members about NNO follow:
• People liked the flow of the event.
• Matt Campbell said the hot dogs were a hit.
• Having the food ready for people was a plus.
• Joyce Scarberry liked that we invited the basketball players over for food and drinks.
• Judy Campbell like that Shaun Ballard, the Rec Center manager, offered tours of the Center.
• CJ Jamison asked if all communication goes through a point person for NNO.
• Curtis said he needs to step away from NNO for next year, but he’ll discuss it with the Board first.

Curtis stated that we lost about $500 from last year’s sponsors. We got a grant this year, but it’s not promised for every year. To the members who donated to NNO – Thank You!! We need to work on getting more money for next year.

• Peggy Marcum asked what does the Civic actually do for the South Side. Curtis said we’re a volunteer organization for our area. We help with the Litter League, the Library, Buckeye Middle School, etc.

CJ Jamison asked how do we inform people/the public about our Civic group. We need to discuss options.

• Curtis informed members that the Litter League has cleared 4 spots this summer: Southgate & Parsons, the Library & McDonalds, Parsons & Williams, Great Southern Metro Park. Our Fall Day of Service is coming up in October. 
• It was reported that Dunkin’ Donuts is opening on October 1, 2026. From 9am-11am, the first 100 guests get a free coffee every day for 100 days.
• The Trunk or Treat date has not been announced yet. Candy donations are needed. We were told before that 400 kids would show up for this event, and that’s a very true estimate.
• Remember to get a $5 toy for the Toy Drive. It will be held at the Rec Center sometime in December.
• If you have any Holiday Party ideas, please let Curtis or the Board know.
• Curtis announced that the City’s Zone-In. Phase 2 will have a public comment period until October 24. People can visit the Zone-In Gallery at 141 N. Front St to learn more about Phase 2 and offer their opinions/comments. Zone-In changes our zoning laws and will cover 40% of Columbus properties. The next hearing will be on Sept. 16, 6pm-8pm at the Kings Arts complex, 835 Mt. Vernon Ave. 43203. Two more hearings will be held after that date. Curtis said the area around Buckeye Middle School is zoned for up to 4-story apartments/multi-use. Juniper Apartments can be built up to 7 floors. 
• Columbus Issue 8: This proposal will amend the City charter so that each district will vote for their representatives, and not the entire City. Election Day is November 3. This proposal levels the playing field and hopefully will keep Council members from financially influencing votes. Vote YES on Issue 8!!
•  Peggy Marcum spoke to members about Buckeye Middle School. She was raised on Alcott and attended the Far South Side schools. She said Buckeye was a sanctuary for many kids, and she’s quite upset with the decision to close the school. On August 15, Peggy held a reunion at the school, and paid $3000 of her own money to put it on. So far Peggy hasn’t been able to get the Buckeye staff to reply to her questions about the closing. She started a petition to keep Buckeye Middle School open, and so far has over 400 signatures. Check out her web site at: Buckeye Junior High Alumni.
• Our next Civic meeting will be Monday, October 12, 2026. Candy donations are needed!
• Door Prize tonight was won by Cathy Palmer. She won 2 OSU can cozies. Congrats!
• A motion was made to adjourn:

   1t Motion – Bob Small.         2^nd Motion – Bill Palmer