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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER V OF THE CODE OF THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
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To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District:
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners waive the 45-day notice period and approve the amendments to Chapter V of the Code of the Chicago Park District.
II. Explanation
Chapter 70 ILCS 1505/7.02 enables the Board of Commissioners to "establish by ordinance all needful rules and regulations for the government and protection of parks." Therefore, it is recommended that the Board of Commissioners consider the proposed amendments to Chapter V to 1) align the taking of Vacation and Personal leave with the Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance and all applicable laws by reducing the previous six-month probationary period to 90-days for all non-union employees (union staff remain subject to the terms of their applicable collective bargaining agreement or "CBA"), and 2) expanding the District's Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act ("VESSA") policy to align with state law. The proposed amendments are set forth in in the enclosed Exhibit A (note, only Sections B.2(b), B.7(b), B.10 are shown).
These changes will ensure that the Park District is in compliance with all applicable laws and aims to ensure that eligible employees have access to paid time off for various reasons, including personal needs, illness, and family care, while also maintaining the continuity of business operations.
For these reasons, time is of the essence in implementing these enhanced personnel benefit policies. While ordinary circumstances dictate a 45-day notice period after presentation of the proposed Code amendments to the Board, in this case the waiting period would result in important changes not being effective until mid-July at the earliest.
Therefore, the General Superintendent finds that extraordinary circumstances exist such that waiver of the 45-day notice period pursuant to Chapter 1, Sections B...
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