Mask Rules Pushed By Burr Ridge Officials

BURR RIDGE, IL — The Burr Ridge Village Board this week voted to establish a policy that people wear masks in nearly all public places in town. The resolution does not have the weight of law because the village lacks the power to issue such a mandate, officials said.

At the same time, Mayor Gary Grasso, who placed the issue on the board's agenda, said the resolution was needed. He said it was consistent with the guidelines of federal, state and county health agencies.

"It may not be an enforceable resolution or policy, but I think it's an important thing to make a statement," Grasso told the board Monday.

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Connected remotely, two residents weighed in on the resolution — one for, one against.

"I believe Burr Ridge enacting this ordinance, whether it has teeth or not, is a positive development and demonstrates leadership on COVID-19 and trying to keep people safe," resident Richard Morton said.

Another resident, Edyta Smolka, said she was opposed to mandatory masks.

"I believe this is unconstitutional and there's no federal law to mandate that, so I believe we should wash our hands and be careful and keep our distance, but forcing masks on other people is not healthy and (it is) unconstitutional," Smolka said.

Trustees Anita Mital and Joe Snyder praised the mayor for his leadership on the issue.

Trustee Al Paveza said he approached the issue with mixed feelings at first. But seeing that masks are required in most public places already, he said he thought the village policy was the way to go.

Trustee Antonio Schiappa said while it's a free country where people can choose to wear masks, the resolution showed the village was paying attention and wanted to provide safety and security for residents and businesses.

The village trustees unanimously voted for the resolution. Trustee Zach Mottl was absent.