Bensenville park commissioners know they want to “do something” to their automobile use policy but they can't decide what that “something” should be.

Since July 2003, four Bensenville park officials, including Director Michael Benard, have each had their own car for professional and personal use supplied by the Bensenville Park District.

Commissioner Rich Johnson has been trying since November 2004, however, to rewrite the policy to include compensating the four employees $4,000 each and taking their vehicles away. At the least, he's wanted to amend the policy to let the employees keep their cars but limit the use to park district only.

Johnson renewed his quest last month after Benard was acquitted of driving drunk in his park district car, but admitted to driving on the wrong side of the road prior to a Nov. 19, 2004 traffic stop in Carol Stream.

Commissioners seconded Johnson's motions to allow discussion but none were comfortable moving forward, leading board President Ken Johnson to table the discussion, a move that could not be overturned.

Benard, who is paid about $78,000 a year, has recommended the nearly three-year policy be left in place because stripping him of his vehicle would require a complete re-structuring of his employment contract.

The district's finance director, facilities supervisor and food and beverage coordinator also are given cars and pay $3 per day for the privilege of taking the car to and from work..

Prior to Benard's hiring in July 2003, the three department heads were allowed to use company cars only to and from work, with no personal stops in between.

Several residents asked the board to reconsider the new policy following Benard's arrest, but officials said they would wait until his case went through the court system before addressing the situation.

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