Long-standing Rosemont residency rules loosened for some, tightened for others

A rarity among suburban municipalities, Rosemont's long-standing residency rules for village employees are being loosened for some but tightened for others.

Ironically, one of the changes being made is a result of Chicago's more-stringent residency requirements.

Rosemont's village board this week waived the residency rule for newly hired Rosemont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa McIntyre, who took over following Pam Hogan's retirement last month.

McIntyre, the former head of the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, will be able to remain living in Chicago, where her husband is a police officer and required to live within the city limits.

Though rare, it's not the first time Rosemont has exempted a village employee from living in town, which has a population of a mere 4,200. Officials also waived the rule for Finance Director Don Calmeyn.

Also this week, village trustees changed the rules so new hires have just 90 days to move to the village, a reduction from six months under the old policy. The village owns and operates a number of apartments for employees and seniors.

"There's plenty of inventory to move in in 90 days," said Mayor Brad Stephens.

Trustees also gave Stephens the power to grant a 36-month residency waiver for special circumstances or those with unique qualifications, which the mayor says he intends to use during the hiring process for possible new venue managers at the Allstate Arena and Rosemont Theatre. Pat Nagle, the longtime executive director of both village-owned venues, is considering retirement, but Stephens wants a potential successor to train under Nagle's direction.

While the old rules allowed a 24-month waiver, the added 12 months will allow more time to see if the new person is the right fit, Stephens said.

"I want to be prepared for it when we need it," Stephens said. "I want to have the opportunity to bring somebody in and make sure (he or she) can handle the job."