It's official: Des Plaines city manager is in charge

The change in government Des Plaines voters approved in 2004 is finally written into code.

Des Plaines aldermen on Monday night unanimously approved changing language in the city code that essentially puts the city manager in charge of the city's day-to-day business and department heads. The city has operated under the new change since the binding referendum vote, but this puts it in writing.

Talks began a year ago to change the code to accurately reflect the new city manager form of government, which stripped the mayor and council members of much of their muscle. Before the change, Des Plaines had a strong mayor system in which the mayor held veto power -- though it was rarely used.

City Manager Jason Bajor said the process took time because it involved plenty of administrative work to make the code changes.

There was little discussion amongst aldermen Monday.

Third Ward Alderman Laura Murphy questioned language about the city settling lawsuits.

The code says that for claims between $10,000 and $15,000, the city attorney will recommend the settlement to the mayor and city manager -- who can give the go-ahead without the city council.

Unlike other code changes, this specifically names the mayor while other portions use the term "city council" to refer to the mayor and aldermen.

Murphy questioned whether this allows for settlements to be kept confidential.

"Perhaps there's a reason it shouldn't be disclosed but I'm not aware of it," Murphy said.

Bajor said that it's similar to showing one's hand since disclosing settlement information can clue others considering legal action.

When the city settled a sexual harassment claim against a former aldermen in 2005, it used a third party insurance pool to pay out the amount and said that allowed it to keep the settlement confidential.

Second Ward Alderman Marty Moylan agreed that the public should be made aware of the city's settlement information.