Council approves council grant program and hears staff plan for free employee Well memberships

HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard City Council on May 27 unanimously approved the council grant program and heard a staff report about a draft policy to offer free individual memberships at the Recreation and Wellness Center (the Well) to city employees.

Council moved and seconded approval of the council grant program; the clerk recorded a 7–0 roll call in favor. There was no substantive debate recorded on the grant program.

Separately, Ms. Crandall presented a draft Well-membership policy for employees. The proposal would provide free individual memberships (not for family members) to full- and part-time city employees. To manage administration, the policy would require employees to swipe into the facility at least 20 times per quarter to maintain the free membership; staff said this threshold is intended to confirm actual usage rather than simply providing access. Crandall said the policy aims to support employee wellness and to assist recruitment for part-time positions.

Council members expressed support. One member asked whether use would occur during work time or outside work; Crandall replied employees would have to use the facility during their time (staff clarified usage expectations). No further action was taken at the meeting on the employee-membership draft; staff will incorporate council feedback and proceed with administrative steps.