Crest Hill approves grievance settlement with police union; council urged to codify practice in next contract

The Crest Hill City Council on May 6 approved a resolution authorizing a grievance settlement agreement with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP). City Attorney Mike Stepp said the settlement was discussed in executive session and that Exhibit A to the settlement states the agreement “shall be without precedent or prejudice to both MAP and the city for any future negotiations.”

Council members pressed whether the practice that led to the grievance should be codified or clarified in the next collective‑bargaining agreement. Stepp and labor counsel who spoke during the discussion said the settlement itself was intended to be non‑precedential but noted that past practice can create implicit expectations; one attorney recommended the matter be put on the agenda for negotiated language when the contract next expires in 2026.

The resolution (recorded as Resolution No. 1221 in the minutes) passed by roll call vote. Council discussion focused on ensuring future contracts explicitly address the disputed practice so a similar grievance does not recur.