R2000-053 04-24-00RESOLUTION NO. R2000-§3
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND,
TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE CITY OF PEARLAND'S WELLNESS
PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, in 1999, the Texas Department of Health awarded a worksite wellness
grant to the City in the amount of $2,490.00; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the 1999 goals established by the City Council, the City of
Pearland formed a Wellness Committee to develop a wellness policy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pearland has developed a Wellness Program designed to
increase the well-being and productivity of City employees through the awareness of
positive health behaviors, and through a supportive environment which fosters positive
lifestyle changes; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS:
Section 1.
Program.
That the City Council supports the City of Pearland's Wellness
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this the 24th
April , A.D., 2000.
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DARRI~ M. COKER
CITY ATTORNEY
day of
TOM REID
MAYOR
City of Pcarland
Wellness Plan
1. Program Definition and Authorization
In accordance with City Council goals, the City of Pearland has developed the City of Pearland
Wellness Program. This voluntary program of formal and informal activities is designed to
improve the health and well-being of all City employees and reduce or eliminate health problems
affecting employee health and work productivity.
2. Program Ob_iectives
A. Primary Goal
The City of Pearland Wellness Program will strive to increase the well-being and productivity of
all departmental employees, through the enhancement of all aspects of health. The program seeks
to increase awareness of positive health behaviors, to motivate employees to voluntarily adopt
healthier behaviors and to provide opportunities and a supportive environment to foster positive
lifestyle changes.
B. Measurable Outcome/Impact Objectives for FY 2000:
The following objectives reflect activities for the City of Pearland Wellness Program. These
objectives are written to relate to the various categories of wellness activities that can be offered
through this wellness plan.
Wellness Program Objectives for FY 2000
Goal:
ObJective(s):
By August 31, 2000, 90% (approximately 245) of City of Peafland employees
will receive some form of wellness education through the Worksite Wellness
Program.
· By March 10, 2000, the City will provide an awareness activity, such as
distributing educational brochures or pamphlets on health topics to all City
employees.
· By August 31, 2000, the City will make available to employees at least three
different educational seminars featuring speakers on diet and exercise topics.
· By August 31, 2000, the City will make available to employees and their
families at least one "Health Event" offering screenings for health issues.
Goal:
Objective(s)
By August 31, 2000, 25% (approximately 68) of City of Pearland employees will
have participated in at least one workplace-related exercise opportunity.
By June 10, 2000, the City will make available to employees multiple
opportunities for physical fitness activity as part of Moving Communities into
Action.
· By August 31, 2000 the City will offer to employees at least twelve sessions
of workplace exercise opportunities. Examples include aerobics, jazzercise,
Tai Bo, walking after hours, and stairwalking.
· By August 31, 2000, the City will approach local fitness establishments to
pursue discounts or other incentive programs for City employees and their
families.
Goal: By September 10, 2000, the City will evaluate the wellness program.
Objective(s)
By September 10, 2000, the City will create and implement an evaluation plan for the wellness
program.
C. Survey of Employee Needs
During January 2000 the "City of Pearland Needs Assessment" was distributed to all City of
Pearland employees. The survey gathered data on the interest in wellness activities, types of
events, topics of interest, and preferred cost and times for activities. This survey indicated strong
support for fitness classes and activities, nutrition and weight control programs, team oriented
activities, stress management and other health topics. The next needs assessment will be
conducted in January 2001.
3. Eligibility Requirement~
All employees are eligible for voluntary participation in the wellness activities. Family members
are encouraged to participate as long as their participation does not preclude the participation of
a City employee, they can meet the physical fitness readiness requirements, and they pay for
services as required.
4. Use of Facilities
Wellness program activities will take place in space owned by the City of Pearland for its
primary duties. This may include conference rooms and other available indoor and outdoor areas.
Some modifications to existing facilities may be necessary to create a safe exercise room.
Eventually other modifications may occur, such as remodeling to provide men's and women's
lockers/showers. Modifications to existing facilities will not be such as to change the structure of
the building/room so that it could only be used for fitness purposes.
5. Providers of Instruction
Providers of instruction or services for the wellness program will include health educators,
nutritionists, mental health professionals, certified fitness instructors, other qualified instructors,
and registered massage therapists. Only persons with accepted degrees or recognized
training/certification will be selected. All providers' qualifications will be reviewed by the
Wellness Committee to ensure the highest standards are met. All leaders of vigorous exercise
will meet all required criteria including current CPR certification, personal liability insurance,
and certification from an appropriate fitness instructor certifying agency.
In the case that a City of Pearland employee meets the requirements for becoming a provider of
services, that employee will perform those services at no cost if delivered during normal working
hours, or for a fee if the services are delivered during non-working hours such as lunch or after
work. In no case will City of Pearland employees receive compensation for providing services
during the time they are being paid by the City.
6. Program Content
Activities are currently approved by the City Manager and coordinated by Wellness Committee.
See the "Program Coordination" section for specific responsibilities of the Wellness Committee.
The Wellness Program will consist of activities which include awareness, lifestyle change, and
supportive environment. Depending on availability of funds and personnel support, the activities
in each area will include, but not be limited to:
Awareness:
Occasional nutrition education events
Distribution of educational materials (brochures, pamphlets, etc)
Wellness information on bulletin boards
Periodic coverage of activities in "City Beat"
Health and Fitness Day (Health Fair)
CPR Classes
Lifestyle Change:
Low impact aerobics, tae bo, or other fitness classes
Walking Club
Temporary group rate offer at USA Fitness
Weight Watchers at Work
"Tune-Up" Massages
Use of a Fitness Room
Supportive Environment:
Continued encouragement for vending machines to offer health food options
Smoke-free environment policy
Policies and physical facilities that encourage physical activity
All employees who participate in vigorous exercise must complete the Participation in City of
Pearland Fitness Program informed consent form, and the Physical Fitness Readiness
Questionnaire before beginning classes. These forms are distributed by, and returned to the
Wellness Committee or their representative, to be kept on file.
7. Program Costs
When available, Community and Worksite Wellness Grant funds will be used to fund Wellness
Program expenses. Minimal registration fees for some programs may be used to cover the cost of
certain incentives and other program expenses. In future years, staff may request budget funds to
supplement Wellness Program activities.
Personnel costs are covered through the use of existing positions, to include the Benefits
Specialist, the Grants Coordinator, and the Wellness Committee (composed of City of Pearland
employees). Costs will be allowed for facilities modification, providers of instruction/services,
awareness, lifestyle change, supportive environment activities, equipment and supplies, and
incentive awards. At this time them are no plans for facilities modifications. However, when
such modifications are considered appropriate and approved by the City Manager, a revised cost
plan will be submitted for approval.
Costs will not be allowed for memberships in health clubs, instruction or activities not related to.
health (mental or physical) and fitness, sports leagues/team registration, activities not open to
both sexes, or medical treatment services.
For ongoing lifestyle change activities hosted on-site, such as aerobics, massage therapy, or other
fitness classes, employees will pay all costs associated with the instruction directly to the
instructor. It is possible at some future date that the City will share these costs as available funds
are identified.
8. Program Schedl~ling
Wellness activities may be scheduled before, during, between or after normal working hours.
Activities which are conducted over an extended period of time will be offered during non-
working hours such as lunch or after work.
Managers will be strongly encouraged to allow employees to work a flexible schedule in order to
provide adequate time to participate in wellness activities. For example, employees could forgo a
usual break time and apply that time to lunch, to allow for participation in aerobics class.
Scheduling will be done in a way to avoid interference with the normal work of the City or
public access to services or facilities.
9. Program Coordination
In accordance with the TDH Wellness Graut, a City of Pearland Wellness Committee has been
established to direct wellness activities. Representatives are designated from Human Resources,
Grants and Public Affairs, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and the Police Department.
The Wellness Committee meets monthly to discuss wellness issues and administer wellness
activities. Other coordination activities of the Committee will include:
1. Gathering data from City employees by conducting needs assessment and program
evaluation surveys, and making use of all other means of employee input. This data
will be used to determine needs and interests as well as satisfaction of employees.
2. Recruiting Wellness Committee members and ensuring that all employees are
equitably represented.
3. Providing the materials and technical assistance to coordinate awareness, lifestyle
change, and supportive enviromnent activities as indicated by input from City
employees.
4. Monitoring progress of program participants and evaluating the program's
effectiveness in achieving its goals.
5. Working with providers of instruction to insure high-quality, safe activities.
6. Providing feedback to management and employees on the program's achievements
and needs.
10. Expected Results
· The City of Pearland expects that employees will report that the availability of wellness activities
contributes to a positive work environment and healthier behavior. Employees who regularly
participate in wellness activities will experience noticeable health benefits, better quality of life,
will report fewer medical expenses, and will report higher levels of work productivity.
Methods for monitoring and evaluating the programs will include at least the following: 1. Employee wide survey after 1 year to assess awareness of, or participation in, and
satisfaction with the program.
2. Monthly reports of participation in the various lifestyle and awareness activities
offered throughout the year.
3. Monthly reports on types and numbers of programs offered.
4. Employee surveys and suggestion boxes for obtaining quantitative and qualitative
employee input into program activities.
5. Participants for all educational events will complete session evaluation forms. Brief
awareness activities such as handing out printed materials will not require such forms.
6. Employees may complete a health risk appraisal periodically to assess adoption of
healthy behaviors.
7. Measurement of usage of employee sick leave as reported by wellness program
participants.
The Wellness Committee will handle collection and retention of monthly reports. The Wellness
Committee will also coordinate development, implementation and summation of the employee
evaluation surveys of the program.