1. Our Civic meeting was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Rd., at 6:00pm. Approximately 28 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 July and August birthdays and anniversaries: Harriet Wade celebrated her birthday on July 8. Kathy Palmer celebrates her birthday on July 26, while Brian Humphrey celebrated his on July 13. He and wife Tammy also celebrated their 25^th wedding Anniversary on July 15. In August, Nick Marcos will celebrate his 80^th birthday on August 17, while Joyce Scarberry will celebrate her 84th birthday on August 25. Debbie Small and Judy Campbell (“84”) will celebrate their birthdays on August 16. Reba Damron will celebrate both her birthday and her 31^st wedding Anniversary on August 19. Bill Palmer has his 85^th birthday on September 28, while Diane Todd ‘s birthday is September 13. Congrats to all!
2. The Secretary’s Minutes (Pam Richards) were read and approved:

1^st Motion – Bill Palmer          2^nd Motion – Donna Skaggs

• The Treasurer’s Report (Marsha Kessler) was reported, discussed     

and approved:

          1^st Motion – Judy Campbell         2^nd Motion – Nick Marcos

          Our Civic Association has a beginning balance of $2296.36.  Deposits totaled $435.00, while debits totaled $308.00. The debits specifically are as follows: 

Shamrock Club  $50.00

Curtis Brown  $24.50 and $157.69 for NNO supplies

Ashland University Bookstore  $308.00 for NNO T-shirts

Our ending balance is $2191.17.

• Curtis introduced several topics of interest:
• IRS REINSTATEMENT – Our Civic received confirmation in June of this year after we submitted our documents in February. The entire process took a year and cost our Civic $650. Now we just need to file Form 990 each year with the IRS. 
• THANK YOU, OLEN CORPORATION!! – Many thanks to Olen Corp and Jared for the behind-the-scenes tour they provided in June. Just so you know, the company mines gravel and limestone, and also offers on site purchases to consumers. The huge hill by 270 is “Mt. Olen” and consists of the separated topsoil from the mining process. The topsoil will be returned to the earth once the project is completed. This tour was enjoyed by all who attended. 
• S. HIGH ST. LIBRARY PROGRAMMING – The Cookbook Club will meet on Saturday, July 19 from 1:00-2:00pm. The theme is Cookout Desserts. Please bring a dessert to share. The theme of the August 23 meeting is Fruit. 

The next Game Night will be held on August 12, from 6:00-7:00pm. This evening will focus on “Trivia”. Come join us and enjoy a fun and interesting time.

• SOUTHPOINT BLVD CLEANUP – Our Civic members will join Clear Creeks and Byways Litter League on Tuesday, July 22 from 5:45-7:00pm. We’ll meet at the dead end of Southpoint Dr. Let Curtis know if you’re able to attend, or RSVP on Clear Creeks website.
•  FRANKLIN AUDITOR EVENT – Take advantage of this opportunity to talk with one or more different departments. Learn about Homestead Exemption, the application process and eligibility. This event is July 24, at the Parsons Ave. Library, 1113 Parsons Ave. from 5:30-7:00pm.  
• BACK TO SCHOOL STUDENT HEALTH FAIR –This free event is open to the public and will be held at East High School, 1500 E. Broad St. on August 2 and August 9. Time is 11:00am-3:00pm. Registration is recommended. Vaccines, TB testing, Vision & Hearing screenings, and annual physicals will be available. Call 614-645-6881 if you have questions.
•  Four organizations that serve our community are available for questions and help. These organizations are Office on Aging, Child Support Enforcement Agency, Job and Family Services, and Justice Policy and Programs. No appointment is necessary. Come to 369 S. High St., Room 1121, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm.
•  FREE BOX FANS – Franklin County residents 60 and older can request a free box fan through the Franklin County Office of Aging. Order online and schedule pickup at 280 E. Broad St. Or homebound seniors can request delivery by calling 614-525-6200. Delivery can take up to 3 weeks.

5.  NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – August 5, 6:00-8:00pm at the Scioto Southland Recreation Center shelter houses. This national event promotes community building, safety awareness, and positive relationships between citizens and the police/fire departments. There will be FREE FOOD!!! FREE BEVERAGES!!! FREE GIVEAWAYS!!! SPECIAL GIFTS FOR KIDS!!! FREE BOOKBAGS!!! 

Volunteers are needed. If you’re unable to volunteer, please consider still attending. We need your presence. Plan to arrive between 5-5:20pm. 

SPONSORSHIPS – These sponsorships will offset the cost of National Night Out (NNO) to keep it fun and free for everyone. Over $1000 in sponsor money has been collected. The deadline is July 16. Sponsorship benefits include banner recognition, booth placement, exclusive swag, and recognition on social media, newsletters and website.

We need large coolers for ice, fans and camping canopies. Contact Curtis Brown if you’re able to help.

6. ZONE IN PHASE 2 UPDATE – This Phase expands new zoning rules to 43% of the city. It encourages multi-unit housing in single housing areas. It further reduces parking requirements to encourage density. Maps will likely be released in early 2026 with Phase 2 completed in late 2026 following community engagement forums. 

A ZONE IN PHASE 2 WORKSHOP is scheduled for July 16 at Buckeye Middle School. Time is 5:00-7:00pm. Drop in anytime, ask questions, share concerns and speak directly with city staff.

7. DISTRICT 8 CITY COUNCIL RECAP – This includes our area and the east side. 

     A. $28.5 million in capital investments and maintenance projects

     B. 37 miles are considered high injury corridors, with 60% of crashes occurring there. 

     C, 50% of traffic accidents involve pedestrians.

     D. Average single person income is $58,575 a year.

     E. 70% of the district’s residents have been home owners for 10+ years. 

     F. The top 311 requests of District 8 are Dead animals, Trees/Debris on the roadway, Potholes on city streets, Street condition issues and Traffic signal issues. 

     G. Lockbourne Rd. and Obetz Rd. signal improvements are slated for completion Fall 2025. 

          S. High St. and Dering Rd. signal improvements are to be completed in early 2027. 

          In the planning stage — High St. and Obetz intersection will have a southbound left turn lane extension, signal improvements and other safety changes.

          In the design stage – Lockbourne Rd. streetscapes from Watkins Rd. to 104 (landscaping, medians & tree planting)

Williams Rd. corridor (Scioto River to Hamilton Rd.) Shared use and mobility improvements. Road upgrades near the train tracks. 

Crosswalk safety improvements at Parsons and Harland. Spring 2026.      

8.  There will be NO Civic meeting in August. Our next meeting will be Monday, September 8. 

National Night Out Tshirts will arrive this Friday. Please wear your shirt to NNO on August 5. 

9. Tonight’s Door Prize was won by Pam McKinness. She received a $25 Kroger gift card, plus saltwater taffy. Congrats!!

10. A motion was made to adjourn:

         1^st Motion – Bill Palmer   2^nd Motion – Donna Skaggs

                           Respectfully Submitted,

                           Pam Richards, Secretary