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Council asks city manager to draft formal policy for naming public places after individuals
Summary
After the failed park‑renaming resolution, council directed the city manager to prepare a draft naming policy clarifying when and how facilities would be named for individuals. The motion passed 7-0.
HILLIARD, Ohio — Following debate over a failed resolution to rename a park, Hilliard City Council on April 14 unanimously directed the city manager to prepare a draft policy defining when the city will name places after individuals.
Councilmember Greg Betts moved that the city manager prepare a naming policy that either outlines narrow criteria for naming places after individuals or prohibits naming facilities for individuals altogether. Betts said naming decisions can create recurring questions and potential reputational issues if a namesake later becomes controversial, and asked staff to provide options for council review.
Cynthia Vermillion seconded the motion. Dee recorded the roll call: President Catone — yes; Cynthia Vermillion — yes; Greg Betts — yes; Peggy Hale — yes; Vice President Teeter — yes; Emily Cole — yes; Frank Carrier — yes. The motion passed 7-0.
Why it matters: Council members said a consistent policy would provide transparency and clear criteria for future naming requests so the city can treat similar requests consistently and avoid ad hoc decisions.
Next steps: Staff will draft a naming policy for council consideration, outlining possible criteria and processes for requests to name parks or public facilities after individuals.
