- Our Civic meeting was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Rd., at 6:00pm. Approximately 23 people were in attendance. After reminding members of the decorum policy, President Curtis Brown called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Pam Richards opened the meeting with prayer. Curtis recognized all April and May birthdays and anniversaries: Marsha Kessler and Pam Richards have April birthdays, while Donna Scaggs has a May birthday. Joyce Scarberry’s anniversary was April 7. Congrats to all!
- The Secretary’s Minutes (Pam Richards) were read and approved:
1st Motion – Judy Campbell 2nd Motion – Bill Palmer
- The Treasurer’s Report (Marsha Kessler) was reported, discussed
and approved:
1st Motion – Bill Palmer 2nd Motion – Brian Humphrey
Our Civic Association has a beginning balance of $2069.36. After paying $50.00 for membership to the Shamrock Club, and $20.00 to Heritage Church for the Civic’s table at the craft show, we now have an ending balance of $1999.36. Marsha also received a donation of $167.00 from the Shamrock Club for National Night Out.
- Curtis introduced several topics of interest:
- REAL ID DEADLINE – Real ID is necessary for all domestic travel and access to federal facilities, beginning May 7, 2025. To get Real ID you need proof of full legal name, birthday, SS #, and 2 proofs of Ohio residency at the BMV.
- AEP OHIO ENERGY INCREASE – On June 1, 2025, AEP customers will see a rate increase of approximately $27.00 per month. Only AEP default plans are affected. Other suppliers may have different rates locked in. Please see Curtis if you’re confused about your bill or have trouble understanding it.
- COLUMBUS FIRE FLEET SHORTAGE – The Columbus Fire Department is currently experiencing strains on its emergency vehicle fleet. A large number of vehicles (66%) are past their recommended life span. Prior to the pandemic, it took about a year to get a vehicle; now it takes 2-4 years. The Firefighters union and the City of Columbus disagree on several issues. Both sides tell different truths. Plus we are 600 police officers short for a city our size. Our Civic group delivers donuts to our local firehouse once a month. It reminds the firefighters that at least their local community cares about them. It’s a gesture of respect and is an easy way to say “we see you”. Please let Curtis know if you’re interested in participating.
- 156 DERING AVE. – INTEGRITY CYCLES – This building, a former school, is filled with asbestos. Due to the high cost of demolishing this building, it will be boarded up, and production increased in the surrounding buildings. The building will be demolished properly in the future.
- KICK BUTT COLUMBUS 2025 – On March 22, 2025, members of Clear Creeks & Byways hosted a cleanup of S. High St./104 Exit ramp. Members of the Shamrock Club assisted. 18 volunteers cleared 112 bags of trash, 20 items, lots of auto parts and bulk items in 2 hours. Plans are in the works to repeat this cleanup in the fall.
- CIVIC HOSTED APRIL CLEANUPS – Buckeye Middle School has a Spring Day of Service planned for April 17, 11:30-1:30pm. They’ll be cleaning the area behind the school. Volunteers are welcome! Another Spring Day of Service is planned for Saturday, April 26, 9am-11am. Meet at 2975 Lee Ellen. Volunteers will cleanup Southgate Dr.
5. Curtis reminded members that Treasurer Marsha Kessler will begin accepting membership applications for 2025 dues payment. Dues ($5.00) are due at the end of our June 9 meeting. Complete the form, return to Marsha with payment and receive a Tshirt with our new logo. The goal is to have the Tshirts available at our July meeting so people can wear them to National Night Out in August.
6. OTHER EVENTS –
A. April 15 12:00-2:00pm MOFC benefits Outreach at the library
B. April 17 2:30-3:30pm Book Chat at S. High Library
C. April 19 9:30-11:00am Rec Center Egg Hunt
D. April 19 12:00noon Shamrock Club Egg hunt
E. April 26 10:00am-12:00noon Community Safety Day at the Columbus Fire Academy
F. May 2 2:00pm Mobile Produce Market at the Rec Center. May have an income requirement. Repeats the 1st Friday of each month.
- SHRED HUNGER – Document shredding takes place at the Rec Center on May 10, 10:00am-1:00pm. Gently used household goods like clothing and small appliances may be donated. Broken electronics are accepted. Kitchen appliances and items with refrigerant are not accepted. Hygiene products can be donated.
6. Curtis informed members that the S. High St. Library programming will begin in June. The goal is to give people a variety of things to do. Meet in the meeting room.
A. Southside Fireside will meet the 1st Monday of each month from 6:00-7:00pm starting JUNE 2. This is an opportunity for our community to meet Civic leaders, express concerns or just have a chat.
B. Adult Table Top Game Night will be the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:00pm starting June 10.Come play board games or enjoy card games.
C. The Library Cookbook Club will meet the 3rd Saturday of each month from1:00-2:00pm, starting June 21. A library card is needed to check out books.
7. MAY 6 PRIMARY ELECTION – Three candidates are running for the Columbus City Council District 7 seat:
A. Jesse Vogel – Immigration attorney who is vocal against political insider influence in regards to selection of candidates. He has a grassroots approach to funding.
B. Kate Curry Da Souze – Former chair of Near East Area Commission. Her focus is on community engagement and accountability.
C. Tiara Ross – Assistant City Attorney in property law. Received endorsement from all members of City council, former Mayor Coleman and various political leaders.
TIARA ROSS CONTROVERSY – Her candidacy is filled with controversy. Her candidacy has been challenged on the grounds of her residency, with allegations that she did not meet the 1 year requirement. Ross had her driver’s license suspended multiple times between 2008 & 2013, and accumulated over $3,795 in unpaid parking tickets. She drove on a suspended license, while claiming that she was unaware of the suspension. Allegations have surfaced in regards to her time at Ohio State’s Mortiz College of Law, where she was accused of academic dishonesty in a writing competition in 2010. According to reports, she withdrew her submission after it was found to closely resemble another student’s work. Russ has yet to address these allegations. Her opponents have raised concerns about her candidacy on all of these grounds.
8. SCHOOL BOARD PRIMARY ELECTIONS – None of the Board members with expiring terms are seeking reelection, leaving 10 candidates competing for 3 spots. The Primary will narrow the field to 6 candidates. Early voting has begun and election day is May 6, 2025 from 6:30am-7:30pm.
9. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT UPDATE – We’re currently working on special permits with the City to have over 100 people in attendance and music playing. We’re able to have a generator that day, and we’re looking for a volunteer with a truck to bring it to the Re Center that day. We’d like to honor our law enforcement liaison, Officer Guman. Also looking to get things together for 100 kids. Ideas are needed.
10. SUNSHINE LAWS (FREDOM OF INFORMATION ACT) – This law requires all public records and meetings to be accessible to the public. The goal is to provide transparency and accountability in government by ensuring citizens can access meeting notes and agendas. For the last 3 years our Far South Area Commission has not made any of these documents available to the public, which required a legal request for them in January. The documents recently became available in late March. But then the Commission failed to post the agenda for their April meeting. We need to hold them accountable!
11. The Civic’s June 9 meeting will be held at the Scioto Southland Recreation Center.
12. Shelley Materials would like a headcount of all members who are interested in touring their facility. Can take a maximum of 20 people.
13. BYLAW ADDITIONS – The Civic has worked on bringing the Bylaws in line with how things are currently being run. Individual changes were read and discussed. The synopsis includes the following:
A. Added names our Civic group can be called
B. Added conflict of interest language
C. Added tie break language for elections
D. Added tie break language for meeting
E. Removed gap year requirement
F. Added Trustee responsibilities
G. Added signing authority
H. Added plan for officer vacancies
A motion was made to approve these additions:
1st Motion – Brian Humphrey 2nd Motion – Bill Palmer
Members unanimously approved all additions.
14. ELECTION OF NEW TRUSTEES – Following our last meeting we had interest from 2 members in joining the Board.
A motion was made to accept Sharon Hoover as a new Trustee:
1st Motion – Brian Humphrey 2nd Motion – Pat Moore
A motion was made to accept Diane Todd as a new Trustee:
1st Motion – Pat Moore 2nd Motion – Brian Humphrey
Members unanimously approved both ladies.
15. Tonight’s Door Prize was won by Pat Moore. She received a $25.00 Little Ceasars gift card. Congratulations, Pat!
16. A motion was made to adjourn:
1st Motion – Bill Palmer 2nd Motion – Ed Oberting
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Richards, Secretary