Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and the Park District of Oak Park Regarding Discounted Memberships for Village Employees
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Overview
Overview
Village staff have been working in collaboration with representatives from the Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) to create a Community Recreation Center (CRC) membership program for employees who work for the Village. This intergovernmental agreement allows Village employees who work 20 or more hours per week to receive a discounted membership to the CRC at the same rate as a Village resident, regardless of their place of residency. Furthermore, utilizing available funds in the Travel, Training, and Wellness Fund, staff recommend a 50% subsidy for Village employee memberships.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution
Background
Staff have been working in collaboration with the PDOP to establish an employee wellness benefit that takes advantage of the close proximity of the CRC to Village facilities. The Village’s Wellness Committee surveyed staff and there was significant interest in access to fitness equipment and programming.
Staff proposed a discounted membership program to the PDOP in which Village employees who work 20 hours or greater, are eligible for a discounted membership to the CRC at the same rate as a Village resident, regardless of their place of residency. At this time, the rate for Oak Park residents is $25.00 (twenty-five and no/00 dollars) per month.
Staff further recommend that the Village support employee participation in the discounted membership program by providing a 50% contribution toward employees’ CRC memberships at a rate of $12.50 (twelve and 50/00 dollars) per month per employee. Because the Village’s health insurance program is self-insured, subsidizing employee wellness can yield significant benefits, both in terms of financial savings via reduced claims and improved employee well-being.
The PDOP Board is scheduled to review the Intergovernmental Agreement at its October 17, 2024, meeting, and staff believe they will approve the IGA.
Fiscal Impact
The Village budgets money annually in the Travel, Training & Wellness Fund (Account 1050.41020.101.530667), funded through Credit Card Points Revenue, for the purpose of employee wellness. The ending estimated fund balance as of 12/31/24 is projected to be $165,388. The estimated cost of the program, should 50% of employees participate is $30,000.
DEI Impact
CRC membership subsidies, as a part of the Village’s overall health and wellness program, can have a positive DEI impact by providing the Village’s diverse workforce with access to easily accessible and cost-effective fitness facilities. Regular physical activity has been shown to benefit mental health and foster social connections with others from the community or the workplace across different employee demographics. While a traditional gym membership may not be the preferred wellness activity for all employees, in particular those employees who have a physical disability or chronic health condition, the Village continues to expand wellness activities to include other inclusive activities, including nutrition classes, yoga, mental health seminars, and walking groups.
Alternatives
The Board may wish to defer a decision and request additional information.
The Board may wish to adopt the resolution approving the Intergovernmental Agreement, and not provide a Village-paid subsidy for membership. This would still be an improved benefit to Village employees, however, it is possible that fewer employees may choose to participate, in particular those who are more sensitive to the cost, such as lower-wage workers.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
The Intergovernmental Agreement has a two-year term. Should the Board adopt the resolution and subsidy program, staff will provide an update regarding the program in 2026 and make a recommendation regarding the future of the program at that time.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
This is an intergovernmental agreement between the Village and the PDOP to promote health and wellness.