Hilliard · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hilliard public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Street lighting and light pollution
A new $75,000 street light maintenance program starts with Fairway Commons, and Council Member Vermillion raised whether the city should address light pollution — staff confirmed there's no dark-sky ordinance but agreed to study it.
Recycling changes: orange bags discontinued
Because demand is too low, the orange recycling bags the city has been promoting will no longer be collected starting at the end of February 2027.
Sustainability coordinator position
A proposed new position (roughly $100,000 with benefits, salary $68,000–$90,000) sparked debate over whether it should be a coordinator or a leadership role advancing initiatives like solar power. City Manager Rauch said the job description isn't finalized.
Curbside food waste recycling
For the first time, residents can opt into weekly curbside food waste pickup for $15 a month, with a provided bucket and biodegradable bags. Council debated the price and whether it could be renegotiated after a year.
Clover Groff Run environmental covenant changes
The city is swapping covenant land along Clover Groff Run to allow road and trail crossings near the Wellness Campus — giving back more land than it takes out. Environmental protections stay intact overall.
Environmental Sustainability Commission Expansion
A first-reading ordinance would raise the maximum number of members on the Environmental Sustainability Commission, at Vermillion's request.