Naperville ready to OK Burchard's severance deal

The Naperville City Council is expected to approve a severance package for departing City Manager Peter Burchard that includes a $32,000 payout, six months of continued health insurance and forgiveness of a $50,000 loan.

The deal, according to a news release issued Thursday, is "in consideration of Mr. Burchard's consultation services as well as his hard work during his tenure." It requires him to be available to assist Acting City Manager Robert Marshall, his team of directors, Mayor George Pradel and the city council on any issues that might arise.

"I am pleased with the arrangement. It ensures a professional transition as I leave the city, and the compensation is fair," Burchard said in the statement.

Burchard, whose last day on the job is today, initially asked for a year's salary -- roughly $175,000 -- in addition to the loan and insurance deals, the Daily Herald reported Wednesday.

Severance packages usually are offered when an employee is fired or laid off, but Burchard is leaving the city to take a full-time job in the health-care field. He had argued that health problems are forcing him out, and he is entitled to some type of severance payout, according to letters sent by Burchard's attorney to the city.

Burchard is recovering from his second back surgery in as many years.

But he is leaving the city with a bang.

Last week, he dispatched a lengthy letter to elected officials and media outlets critical of City Councilman Richard Furstenau.

Burchard's letter accuses Furstenau of consistently threatening and intimidating city staffers during his nine years in office.

Furstenau filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and three police department officials in late October, claiming his arrest in 2006 on misdemeanor battery charges against a Naperville police officer was in retaliation for his constant questioning of police spending and policies.

Furstenau's attorney, Shawn Collins, requested Burchard's severance request letters be made public. He said the letter attacking his client was retaliation for Furstenau voting against the severance package.

"I think that very well might have been in retaliation," Collins said. "Why on the same day that he wants extra money out of the city does he send out this hit letter against Dick Furstenau?"

Collins also warned the council to tread lightly around its recent request to look into a municipal recall election ordinance.

"If the city council tries to recall Dick Furstenau, he will sue the city for that, too," the lawyer said. "The people voted him into office just seven months ago. They should keep going in that direction if they want to invite lawsuit No. 2."

A report regarding the city's ability to create a recall election ordinance could come as early as the council's Dec. 18 meeting.

At that same meeting, the council is expected to vote on a resolution of censure against Furstenau for the accusations outlined in Burchard's letter.

Some councilmen argue the move to censure is a waste of time since it carries no punitive weight, would only incite things further and set a bad precedent. Others who favor the censure said the council needs to show support for the city staff.