Guns, Birth Leave Now In Burr Ridge Policies

BURR RIDGE, IL – For the first time in 32 years, the Village Board this week approved a major overhaul to its personnel manual.

Two of the bigger changes were policies on childbirth leave and guns.

Under the manual, an expectant parent is allowed to take three weeks of leave after a birth.

At the Village Board meeting, Trustee Al Paveza disagreed with the amount of leave.

"I think one week would be sufficient," he said.

Village Administrator Evan Walter contended the three-week leave would make the village government a more attractive place to work.

"This is something that I feel is very common in the private sector," Walter said. "When we're not talking about significant raises, this is one of the competitive advantages that the village could offer."

Mayor Gary Grasso said such leave was standard procedure in many places.

The new manual also prohibits employees from carrying guns, knives, BB guns or other weapons while on the job. Police officers are an exception.

"I was glad to see something in there about guns and that they're inappropriate to be here, even if you're qualified to have them," Grasso said.

Trustee Tony Schiappa suggested the village take a look at its personnel policy every year, rather than wait another three decades.

Walter agreed an annual review would be appropriate. He said the village shouldn't leave some "poor person" in the village government to be left with the burden of a review in 30 years.

The board unanimously approved the new personnel manual. Trustee Guy Franzese was absent.