HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS3 - Employee Policy ManualStudy Session Item No. 3
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Human Resources Department
TO: Mayor & Members of the City Council
FROM: Human Resources Director
RE: Employee Policy Manual
DATE: October 23, 2001
I!1 40 milli" col 01
The City is obligated, pursuant to MOD's with various Employee
Associations, to prepare an Employee Policy Manual (Manual). The City
Attorney and Human Resources Director began preparing the Manual in
1998 and the first draft was transmitted to Employee Associations and
unrepresented employees for comment in September 1999. Since then,
the Manual has undergone hundreds of revisions in response to comments
from Employee Associations, unrepresented employees, the Civil Service
Board and special counsel. The City currently utilizes a much less
comprehensive Manual, which has not been revised since February 22,
1988.
BACKGROUND
The Manual is, for the most part, a compilation of existing personnel rules
and practices such as our leave policies, recruitment and selection
procedures and performance evaluations. However, the Manual does
contain new policies that are required by Federal law such as a "drug and
alcohol free workplace" policy and a family medical leave policy. The
Manual also contains some new policies designed to protect workers such
as an "anti- violence" policy and a fitness for duty policy. The Manual
provisions are superseded by conflicting language in an MOU, the Civil
Service Rules, the Charter or the Civil Service Ordinance.
Staff would like input from the Council and other interested parties before
conducting a final review with employee associations and unrepresented
employees. We anticipate submitting the final draft of the Manual to the
City Council for approval on December 11, 2001,
Linnea 1vingston
Human Resources Director
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
P.O. BOX 1768, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658 -8915
October 18, 2001
TO: Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council
FROM: Civil Service Board
SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL
The Board appreciates the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming
October 23rd Council Study Session, which will provide an opportunity to
resolve pending questions in order to reach mutual understanding of that
which is hopefully now a final draft. This document has been a work in
progress since 1995 and the subject of six drafts.
The Board's approval recommendation, required by Ordnance No. 866,
Section 5(b) is of course contingent upon its informed understanding of and
agreement with the contents of this pending draft.
In its advisory capacity, the Board submits its analysis of the latest Draft 46
submitted to the Board October 15`. Review and comments on the current
Draft have resulted in the attached analysis, which incorporates each Board
Member's independent review.
Respectfully submitted,
Ro . Fost Chair Paula Godfrey, Vice Chair
Bert Carson
Commissioner
Cc. City Manager
Human Resources Director
City Clerk
James M. Dunlap, Jr. L
Commissioner
3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach
io 301
October 18, 2001
Essentially all of the Board's previous comments have been satisfactorily
incorporated except as noted below.
HANGING CHADS
Prior Comments Not Included or Resolved
And Additional Comments re: latest draft.
1. Section 1. General Provisions Page 1
1.3 Purpose
Suggest the City's Personnel Policy should include an
additional enumeration:
"Provision of a forum to resolve employee grievances and
appeals."
1.7 Department Procedures Page 4
Suggest the next to the last line read:
"....provided any such Memoranda of Understanding
or 12olic ...."
2. Section 2. Definitions Page 6
Suggest Addition of R.5 Definition of Safety Employee.
3. Section 4 Administration of The Personnel System Page 21
4.0.0 City Manager Duties
Please clarify. Is this to be one manual to each
unrepresented employee?
4. Section 5. Recruitment and Selection Page 27
5.7.13 Duration of Eligibility List
Suggest Revision of line 6 to read:
"....Director for non -Civil Service Positions...."
5.7.E Disqualification. (As applicable to applicants only)
Is there a legal mandate requiring formalization Page 28
of present policy?
The board understands this provision is intended to
confirm that which has heretofore been the City 's
practice to avoid Applicant discrimination; however in
this Section it is suggested that the placement on any
Eligibility List in all cases should be contingent upon to
the City Manager's waiver as specified in Section 6
Appointments (Applicable to appointments only)
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5. Section 6 Appointments (As applicable to appointments only) Page 31
Please clarify the interrelationship of Sub Section 5.7.E
and Sub - Section 6.5 as to how and when City Manager
discretion becomes appropriate when Human Resources
Director has already determined eligibility or non-
eligibility.
In this most sensitive area shouldn't determination in all
events be properly that of the City Manager?
And if so, at what point?
6.5 Criminal Conduct
Permits City Manager to waive prior felony status upon
good showing. This interrelates to query re: Section
6.Appointments
6. Section 7 Probationary Period.
7.1 Period of Probation. Page 34
Revise next to last line to read:
"....total probationary period of not less than
of twelve (12) months established by the Department
Director."
Should distinction be made between Safety and non-
Safety employees in this last sentence
7. Section 10 Attendance and Hours of Work. Page 43
The current draft does cover such contingencies as related to Flex
time and Sick Leave, but does not cover other circumstances.
For consistency suggest inclusion of similar language.
"The employee shall notify his/her Department by phone as
soon as possible after the need for late reporting or
absence becomes apparent, but no later than within one-
half (1/2) hour of the employees start time."
8. Section 12 Disciplinary Actions
12.2 Definition of Certain Disciplinary Actions. Page 56
Renumber actions included to accommodate deletion of (2)
12.3 Informal or formal Counseling . Page 56
Suggest Line 1, Delete "Formal or" and commence with
"Informal...
Define ..." minor performance problems..."
Line 3 ,Delete "The" and commence with "Formal..."
Revise last line to read ... "either formal or..."
52
12.9 Resignation — An Alternative to Disciplinary Action. Page 58
Should terms of conditional and deferred resignation
be defined so as to insure Employee's understanding?
12.10 Documentation of Disciplinary Action Page 58
Revise second line to read:
"....or a discharge....
9. Section 13 Disciplinary Procedures Page 59
13.0.A Regular Employees
This Sub - Section anticipates Disciplinary Actions subject to
Sub - Section 13.4 limited Civil Service Appeal rights. Suggest
consideration relative to questioned status of Sub - Section 13.4
Appeal to the Civil Service Board
Suggest appropriate revision of both Sub - Sections 13.0.A and
13.4.
13.03 Other Employees
Please clarify the application of this provision.
Terms of "Name Clearing" and impact on "liberty
Interest as defined by current law" should not require
Employee resort to legal talent for understanding.
13.4 Appeal to the Civil Service Board Page 61
Eliminates existing Employee Civil Service Board appeal
rights in cases of suspensions of one (1) day or less,
or the equivalent reduction in pay or accrued leave.
This change would appear unsustainable due to existing
mandates of:
Cily Charter Article 711.0
Ordnance 866 Section 5
Municipal Code Sections 2.24.050 & 2.24. 10
Additionally constitutionally flawed by reducing Employee
existing rights to due process
13.6 Preparation and Attendance.
Correct line 2 to read: Page 62
"....an appeal for a disciplinary hearing...."
Eliminates pay for hearing attendance. Penalizes successful
Grievant or Appellant while imposing no such loss on opposing
Parties of witnesses. Provision appears lacking in equity
go
10. Section 14. Grievances
14.0 Matters Subject to Grievance Procedures. Page 62
Suggest insertion of confidentiality provision currently
incorporated at 14.1.K
14.8 Miscellaneous Page 64
Employee should not be required to first complete a potentially
dangerous assignment and thereafter grieve the order, but
instead should initially be afforded to refuse service of any
assignment which reasonably appears to endanger health or
safety. It would appear to be in the City's best interests, as a
matter of conservative risk management, to always undertake
an approach that minimizes or eliminates any avoidable risk to
health or injury.
A "lawful order" may nonetheless be improper
14.11 Grievance Procedure -Step 3 Page 65
Recognizing the Section 1.2 Scope conflict provisions, for
purposes of ease of reading, consider the following:
"Should state that the City Manager's decision shall be final,
subject however to the provisions of the applicable MOU."
Step 4
It would appear that this provision applicable to General
Grievances which retains Civil Service Board jurisdiction has
been deleted and should be reinstated.
Appendix B Drug and Alcohol Policy
Sections 7 and 8 require modification to accommodate Safety Employee
possession and/or use while lawfully engaged in their official duties.
#y63
10 /rgoi
STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 23, 2001
HARD POINTS
Section
5.7.E Disqualification
Delete E.2 relating to Human Resources Director's
determination of ineligibility based upon Applicant's criminal
history.
6.5 Criminal Conduct
Revise second sentence to read:
Placement on any Eligibility List shall be at the sole discretion
of the City Manager who may waive the provisions of this
Section based upon substantial evidence of mitigating
circumstances."
13.4 Appeal to the Civil Service Board
Remains subject to Board's earlier objections supported by
opinion of Board Counsel.
14.8 Miscellaneous (Grievences)
Remains subject to Board's earlier objections to the
requirement that an Employee must first complete a potentially
dangerous "lawful" order as a condition of filing a grievance.
A "lawful" order may nonetheless be improper. This condition
appears contrary to Conservative Risk Management.
Objectives of Employee Policy Manual
To eliminate inconsistencies, provide clarification, uniformity
and to reflect considerations for improvement
City Manager Communication September 15, 1999
PO
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'QC f Vo R'4.
CITY O F NEWPORT 'PORT BEACH
EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL
The Newport Beach City Council wants to express its
appreciation for the Employees that provide such
outstanding service to the people who live, work or visit
this beautiful City. This Manual is the product of
suggestions from many Employees and is another
example of their hard work, their integrity and their values.
This Manual also confirms the City Council's commitment
to treat all Employees fairly, to provide a safe work
environment and to give every Employee the opportunity
for promotion and professional growth.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE
SECTION 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
2.0 Definition of Words and Terms .... ...............................
2.1 Construction .................................. ...............................
SECTION 3 STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
3.0
Authority
1.0
....................................... ...............................
3.2
Title
1.1
................................................ ...............................
1.2
Scope ............................................. ...............................
Purpose
1.3
......................................... ...............................
1.4
Application .................................... ...............................
1.5
Adoption and Amendment of Rules ...........................
1.6
Validity of Personnel Policies (Severability) .............
3.9
Communications Equipment and Systems Policy....
1.7
Department Procedures ............... ...............................
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
2.0 Definition of Words and Terms .... ...............................
2.1 Construction .................................. ...............................
SECTION 3 STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
3.0
Basic Principles ............................. ...............................
3.1
Fair Employment Practices ........... :.............................
3.2
Discrimination and Harassment ... ...............................
3.3
Political Activities .......................... ...............................
3.4
Conflicts of Interest and Acceptance of Gifts and
OtherGratuities ............................. ...............................
3.5
Incompatible Activities ................. ...............................
3.6
Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace ..............................
3.7
Smoking Prohibited ....................... ...............................
3.8
Safety and Health .......................... ...............................
3.9
Communications Equipment and Systems Policy....
3.10
Personal Telephone Calls ............. ...............................
3.11
Search of Lockers, Desks, and Other Containers .....
3.12
Outside Employment ..................... ...............................
3.13
Recording of Conversations ........ ...............................
3.14
Work Place Security and Anti - Violence Policy..........
3.15
Fitness for Duty .............................. ...............................
3.16
Qualifications .................................. ...............................
3.17
Disaster Service Workers .............. ...............................
SECTION 4 ADMINISTRATION OF THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
4.0 City Manager's Duties .................... ...............................
4.1 Supervisor's Duties .......................... ...............................
4.2 Open Door Policy .............................. ...............................
4.3 Employees Records and Files ........ ...............................
4.4 Preparation, Adoption and Amendment of
Classification Plan .........................................................
4.5 New Positions .................._............... ...............................
4.6 Compensation Plan ....................... ...............................
SECTION 5 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
5.0
Goals .............................................. ...............................
5.1
Recruitment ................................... ...............................
5.2
Job Announcements ..................... ...............................
5.3
Personnel Applications ................. ...............................
5.4
Evaluation of Applications ........... ...............................
5.5
Selection Techniques ................... ...............................
5.6
Review of Examination ................. ...............................
5.7
Eligibility List ................................. ...............................
SECTION 6 APPOINTMENTS
6.0
Appointment Process ....................................................
6.1
Salary at Appointment .................. ...............................
6.2
Pre - Employment Physical ............ ...............................
6.3
Nepotism Policy ............................ ...............................
6.4
Fingerprinting and Background Checks ....................
6.5
Criminal Conduct ........................... ...............................
6.6
Appointments from Lists .............. ...............................
6.7
Emergency Appointments :.......... ...............................
6.8
Interim Appointments ................... ...............................
6.9
Acting Appointments .................... ...............................
6.10
Transfer .......................................... ...............................
6.11
Promotion ...................................... ...............................
6.12
Demotion
6.13
........................................ ...............................
Re- Employed and Reclassified Employees ..............
SECTION 7 PROBATIONARY PERIOD
7.0
Purpose ......................................... ...............................
7.1
Period of Probation ...................... ...............................
7.2
Extension of Probation ............... ...............................
7.3
.Rejection of Probationer .............. ...............................
7.3
Effect of Absence ........................ ...............................
SECTION 8 TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
8.0
Purpose ......................................... ...............................
8.1
In-House Training ......................... ...............................
8.2
Department Training .................... ...............................
8.3
Training and Travel Reimbursement .........................
8.4
Tuition Reimbursement ............... ...............................
SECTION 9 PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS AND SALARY
ADJUSTMENTS
9.0
Employee Performance Evaluation ............................
9.1
Merit Steps Progression ............... ...............................
9.2
Reclassification /New Classifications .........................
9.3
Re- Employment of Former Employees ......................
SECTION 10 ATTENDANCE AND HOURS OF WORK
10.0 Overtime ......................................... ...............................
10.1 No Guarantee of Hours ................. ...............................
10.2 Time Sheets ................................... ...............................
10.3 Constructive Resignation ............. ...............................
10.4 Lunch and Break Policy ................ ...............................
SECTION 11 LEAVES
11.0 Flex Leave ...................................... ...............................
11.1 Vacation Leave .............................. ...............................
11.2 Sick Leave ..................................... ...............................
11.3 Bereavement Leave ....................... ...............................
11.4 Holiday Leave ................................ ...............................
11.5 Jury Duty and Witness Leave ....... ...............................
11.6 Family and Medical Leave ............ ...............................
11.7 Leave of Absence Without Pay .... ...............................
11.8 Special Paid Leave ........................ ...............................
11.9 Military Leave ................................. ...............................
11.10 Administrative Leave .................... ...............................
11.11 Voting Leave ...............:.................. ...............................
11.12 Workers' Compensation Benefits and
Industrial Accident Leave ............... ...............................
SECTION 12 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
12.0
General Principles .......................... ...............................
12.1
Grounds of Disciplinary Action ..... ...............................
12.2
Definition of Certain Disciplinary Action .....................
12.3
Informal or Formal Counseling ..... ...............................
12.4
Written Reprimand ......................... ...............................
12.5
Performance Improvement Program (PIP) ..................
12.6
Disciplinary Suspension ................ ...............................
12.7
Demotion ......................................... ...............................
12.8
Discharge ........................................ ...............................
12.9
Resignation - An Alternative to Disciplinary Action..
12.10
Documentation of Disciplinary Action .........................
12.11
Employee Representation ............. ...............................
SECTION 13 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
13.0
Disciplinary Procedures ................. ...............................
13.1
Administrative Suspensions .......... ...............................
13.2
Skelly Procedure /Due Process ...... ...............................
13.3
Appeal of Department Director's Decision ...................
13.4
Appeal to Civil Service Board ........ ...............................
13.5
Final Decision .................................. ...............................
13.6
Preparation and Attendance ........... ...............................
SECTION 14 GRIEVANCES
14.0
Matters Subject to Grievance Procedures ...................
14.1
Matters Not Subject to Grievance Procedures ............
14.2
Freedom from Reprisal ................... ...............................
14.3
Consolidation .................................. ...............................
14.4
Resolution ........................................ ...............................
14.5
Withdrawal ...................................... ...............................
14.6
Resubmission ................................. ...............................
14.7
Employee Representation ............. ...............................
14.8
Miscellaneous ................................. ...............................
14.9
Grieyance Procedure — Step 1 ...... ...............................
14.10
Grievance Procedure — Step 2 ...... ...............................
14.11
Grievance Procedure — Step 3 ......... ...............................
14.12
Time Limits ..................................... ...............................
SECTION 15 REDUCTIONS IN FORCE
15.0
Reductions in Force/ Layoffs ......... ...............................
15.1
Definitions ...............:....................... ...............................
15.2
Procedure ........................................ ...............................
15.3
Notice .............................................. ...............................
15.4
Re- Employment .............................. ...............................
15.5
Severance ....................................... ...............................
SECTION 16 ON -CALL TIME AND CALL BACK DUTY
16.0 On -Call Time ................................... ...............................
16.1 Call Back Duty ................................ ...............................
APPENDIXES
A
B
C
D
E
UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT POLICY
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS POLICY
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE POLICY
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AND BEHAVIORS
iv
SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.0 Authority
This Manual is promulgated pursuant to authority granted to the Newport Beach
City Council by the California Constitution, the Newport Beach City Charter and
the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
1.1 Title
This document shall be known as the Employee Policy Manual of the City of
Newport Beach and is referred to as the "Manual" in the text.
1.2 Scope
The Manual establishes certain rules that are subject to the provisions of the
Myers - Milias - Brown Act (MMB) or what is commonly referred to as the "scope
of representation." The City and all Recognized Employee Associations have,
with respect to all matters addressed in this Manual that are within the scope of
representation, met and conferred, in good faith, prior to City adoption of this
Manual. The provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with respect
to any matter within the scope of representation shall prevail over the provisions
of this Manual in the event of a conflict. The City Charter, Civil Service
Ordinance and /or Civil Service rules shall prevail over the provisions of this
Manual in the event of a conflict. The provisions of State or Federal law shall
prevail over provisions of this Manual in the event of any conflict.
1.3 Purpose
The purpose of this Manual is to establish a system of uniform and equitable
personnel rules and procedures based on principles of fairness and merit that
enhance the City's ability to deliver high quality and cost effective public services
by maintaining a positive work environment. Some of the basic tenets of the
City's personnel philosophy include:
A. Recruiting, appointing and promoting Employees on the basis of their
relative ability, knowledge and skills.
B. Retaining Employees who satisfactorily perform their duties, making
reasonable efforts to ensure that Employees have the skills and incentive
to perform their duties in a satisfactory manner and using progressive
discipline to correct or respond to unsatisfactory performance or
misconduct.
1
C. Assuring impartial treatment of applicants and Employees in all aspects of
personnel administration without regard to race, religion, creed, ethnicity,
sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, national
origin, or physical or mental disability.
D. Rewarding Employees who, through their work and treatment of fellow
Employees and /or the public, have demonstrated their value to the City by
promotion, increases in compensation or other forms of recognition,
subject to prudent fiscal policy and adequate fiscal resources.
E. Establishing and consistently applying rules of conduct, standards of
performance and equitable disciplinary procedures, for both managers
and their subordinates that promote public trust and confidence, create a
good working environment, and ensure high productivity.
F. Ensuring that supervisory employees have the training, education and
skills necessary to motivate, educate and evaluate subordinates as part of
the City's overall program to provide high quality municipal services.
1.4 Application
This Manual shall apply to all City offices, Positions, and employment except:
A. Elected officials.
B. Members of appointive boards, commissions and committees whether or
not established pursuant to the Charter, ordinance or resolution.
C. Persons performing duties pursuant to contract but not occupying a
Classification in the Classification Plan except to the extent provisions of
this Manual are incorporated into the contract.
D. Volunteer personnel who receive no regular compensation other than
reimbursement for expenses from the City.
E. Outside or independent contractors engaged to provide expert,
professional, technical or other services.
F. Emergency Employees, including those hired to meet the immediate
needs of an emergency condition such as fire, flood or earthquake.
This Manual applies to Provisional Employees whenever the provisions are
expressly applicable (such as when specific provisions relate solely to
Provisional Employees) or when this Manual refers to an Employee or
Employees generally (as opposed to Regular Full Time Employee for example).
2
1.5 Adoption and Amendment of Rules
A. The City Council has the authority to adopt this Manual pursuant to
provisions of the City Charter and the Newport Beach Municipal Code
subject to applicable provisions of State and Federal law. Amendments to
this Manual proposed by any Recognized Employee Association may be
submitted to the Human Resources Director who shall refer them to the
City Manager for consideration and an appropriate response. The City
shall provide all Recognized Employee Associations with advance written
notice and an opportunity to meet and confer concerning any proposed
amendment to this Manual that affects matters within the scope of
representation.
B. The City has adopted comprehensive personnel policies that are required
by, or help implement, provisions of State and /or Federal Law. These
comprehensive policies are summarized in this Manual and included in
the Appendix. The City shall have the right, without meeting and
conferring with any Recognized Employee Association or consulting with
any unrepresented Employee, to modify these comprehensive policies
and relatl?d provisions of this Manual whenever the modification is
required, as opposed to permitted, by virtue of any amendments to any
State or Federal law, rule or regulation, or a ruling of a court of competent
jurisdiction. The City will meet and confer prior to making any change in
any policy in the Appendix that affects matters within the scope of
representation when the change is permitted, as opposed to required, by
any State or Federal law, rule or regulation or court ruling.
C. In cases of emergency when the City Council determines that
amendment(s) to this Manual must be adopted without prior notice or
meeting with any Recognized Employee Association as authorized by
provisions of State law, the City shall provide notice and opportunity to
meet at the earliest practical time following the adoption of the
amendment(s). Amendments shall become effective upon adoption by
the City Council.
1.6 Validity of Personnel Policies (Severability)
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Manual is
for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the final decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, the decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this Manual. The City Council declares that it would have
adopted each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this
Manual irrespective of the decision of the court.
3
1.7 Department Procedures
Department Directors may promulgate rules or procedures that pertain to matters
covered by this Manual or matters outside the scope of this Manual. Department
rules or procedures shall not conflict with provisions of this Manual and, in the
event of conflict, this Manual shall prevail. Department rules or procedures
should generally relate to the specific and unique mission, role, duties or
functions of the Department or its Employees. Department rules or procedures
that pertain to matters covered by this Manual must be submitted to the City
Manager for his /her review and approval before they become effective. The City
shall meet and confer in good faith with respect, and prior, to the adoption of any
Department rule or procedure that relates to matters within the scope of
representation. This manual does not alter °°"}i^^ ;� n ^t intended to g#PC,t or
supercede any existing Memoranda of Understanding or Department Polices in
hate of adoption provided the policy does not +a— conflict with
::. this Manual.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
2.0 Definition of Words and Terms
The words and terms used in this Manual shall be defined as follows:
A. Appointing Authority shall mean the City Manager or his /her designee.
B. Appointment shall mean the decision to employ a person in a Position or
a- decision to employ a person to perform work authorized in the annual
budget.
C. Base Rate of Pay shall mean an Employee's base compensation, salary
or hourly rate of pay as specified in the Compensation Plan or relevant
MOU.
D. Certification shall mean the process by which the Human Resources
Director identifies candidates for a Position who have successfully
completed all preconditions to an Appointment by designating those
candidates on an Eligibility List.
E. City Manager shall mean the City Manager of the City or his /her
designee.
F. Civil Service Employee shall mean an Employee covered by the Civil
Service System. The Civil Service System shall mean the system for
personnel administration created by the City Charter, Ordinance No. 866
4
(Civil Service Ordinance) and the then current Civil Service Rules adopted
by the Civil Service Board and approved by the City Council.
G. Classification shall mean those Positions sufficiently similar in duties,
responsibilities, authority, and minimum qualifications to warrant
application of common standards of selection and compensation including
designation by a single title.
H. Classification Plan shall mean the document prepared by the City
Manager and approved by the City Council that, at a minimum, designates
Positions, Classifications and Classification Series.
Classification Series shall mean a group of Classifications that extend
from an entry level to the highest level based on increasing number and /or
complexity of duties, responsibilities, job requirements and authority.
J. Classification Specification shall mean a written description of a
Classification specifying the duties and responsibilities to be performed by
all Positions in that Classification.
K. Crime of Moral Turpitude shall mean a crime involving conduct that is
contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals as that term may be defined in
relevant statutory or decisional law.
L. Date of Hire shall mean the date on which an Employee first reported for
duty pursuant to the Employee's first Appointment to a Full Time Position.
M. Day shall mean a calendar day unless expressly stated otherwise.
N. Demotion shall mean the voluntary or involuntary reduction of an
Employee from his /her then current Classification to another Classification
having a lower Base Rate of Pay or to a lower Step in his /her current
Classification or the equivalent action if the Employee does not occupy a
Position in a Classification.
O. Department Director shall mean the Regular Full Time Employee who
manages, and is primarily responsible for achieving the mission of, an
established City Department.
P. Discipline shall mean the discharge, demotion, reduction in step, pay,
compensatory time or leave, placement on probation, suspension,
transfer, reassignment other action taken to correct an Employee's
performance or as punitive action. Discipline does not include an oral
reprimand, formal counseling or informal counseling.
5
Q. Discharge shall mean the involuntary separation of an Employee.
R. Employee shall mean a person occupying a Position identified in the
Classification Plan or who is employed to perform work identified in the
approved Annual Budget. The term Employees includes the following:
1. Regular Full Time Employee shall mean an Employee who has
been appointed to a Regular Full Time Position and has completed
his /her Probationary Period.
2. Regular Part Time Employee shall mean an Employee who has
been appointed to a Regular Part Time Position and has completed
his /her Probationary Period.
3. Probationary Employee shall mean an Employee who has been
appointed to a Regular Full Time Position or Regular Part Time
Position and has not successfully completed his /her Probationary
Period.
4. Provisional Employee shall mean any person who, pursuant to an
Appointment, contract or otherwise, performs work that is generally
identified in the Annual Budget and is of limited duration or
seasonal in nature.
References to 'Regular Employee(s)" shall mean all Regular Full Time
and Regular Part Time Employees. The term "Exempt Employee" shall
mean an Employee who is qualified as exempt from overtime
compensation pursuant to the FLSA.
S. Eligibility Lists
1. Open Eligibility List shall mean a list of persons who have taken
an Open Examination for a Classification and are eligible for
Appointment to a Position in that Classification.
2. Promotional Eligibility List shall mean a list of persons who have
taken a Promotional Examination for a Classification and are
eligible for Appointment to a Position in that Classification.
3. Re- Employment List shall mean a list of Regular Employees and
Probationary Employees who have been laid -off, reassigned or
reduced in Classification in lieu of layoff, or were otherwise
involuntarily separated from City service for reason(s) unrelated to
performance and are eligible for rehire.
N
T. Examination shall mean any procedure used in the selection process to
measure an applicant's abilities and suitability for a Position including oral
interviews, written examinations, performance tests, evaluation of
performance during Probation, and an evaluation of education and work
experience relevant to the primary duties of the Position. Examinations
include the following:
1. Open Examination shall mean an Examination for a Classification
that is open to all persons meeting the qualifications for the
Classification.
2. Promotional Examination shall mean an Examination for a
Classification that is open to any current Employee who meets the
qualifications for the Classification.
3. Continuous Examination shall mean an Open Examination that is
administered periodically and is open to all persons meeting the
qualifications for the Classification.
U. FLSA shall mean the Fair Labor Standards Act and implementing
regulations adopted by the Department of Labor.
unian resources Director shall mean the iurnan Kesoui )irecior
,r similar position designated by the City [vIa =lager to - peilorm [he
crors required by this Manual as weli as the designee of the Hurnan
Resources Director.
'AI. Immediate Family shall mean father, mother, brother, sister, wife,
husband or child, and the Employee's spouse's mother, father, brother,
sister or child.
-?. Layoff or Reduction in Force shall mean the elimination of a Position or
Positions due to reorganization, lack of work, reduction in services,
privatization of services, or lack of funds.
".' Leave shall mean the authorized absence of an Employee from his /her
place of work.
feet and Confer in Good Faith shall rnean that a public acency. or such
-r--.4 °!liatlVeS as It maV deSlq Hate. and !'epl-eS °n ici LI -of re:;OQ111Zed
`0!ovee Organizations. shall have the rnuiva' obticiatlon personaily to
r_: confer promptly upon request bV either ,;arty amc contir,uc Tor a
i.i n,ar?le -er!Od Ct time II'. 01'd @I" to eXCn£:nC!e I PeiV !ntom!iat!an.
` s. and proposals and to endeavor tC ry ^ ^-acn agreerment or: rm?tters
"'e scope of representation prior to the adouTion by th-e oubiic
7
rc, : s Tir:a; budget for the ensuing year.
- -. Personnel Action Form shall mean the form that is the official record of
any action affecting or related to employment status including action taken
with reference to Appointment, Promotion, Transfer, Layoff, Discipline, or
any other matter affecting the compensation of the Employee.
Position shall mean the year round employment of one person as
specified in the Classification Plan and /or the budget and includes:
1. Regular Full Time Position shall mean the employment of one
person who is scheduled to work at least forty (40) hours a week or
the equivalent if scheduled other than on a weekly basis.
2. Regular Part Time Position shall mean the employment of one
person who is scheduled to work an established schedule of less
than forty (40) but at least sixteen (16) hours a week or the
equivalent if scheduled other than on a weekly basis.
3. Regular Position shall mean both Regular Full Time Positions and
Regular Part Time Positions.
Probationary Period shall mean the period of time, subsequent to
the Appointment of an Employee to a Regular Position during which the
Employee is required to demonstrate his /her fitness for, and ability to
perform the duties of, the Position. A Regular Employee is considered to
be "on Probation" during his /her Probationary Period.
Promotion shall mean the Appointment of an Employee from a
Position in one Classification to a Position in another Classification having
a higher Base Rate of Pay or higher maximum Salary Range or any
similar action.
Reclassification shall mean a change in Classification of an
Employee based on an evaluation of the duties and responsibilities
he /she actually performs in relation to those of the Classification he /she
occupies.
0
OirpGtor
rnaan
the
NE m-- I
�:, c4�n
—shah
NI-Pup!
nc %A-11
.-c
Position shall mean the year round employment of one person as
specified in the Classification Plan and /or the budget and includes:
1. Regular Full Time Position shall mean the employment of one
person who is scheduled to work at least forty (40) hours a week or
the equivalent if scheduled other than on a weekly basis.
2. Regular Part Time Position shall mean the employment of one
person who is scheduled to work an established schedule of less
than forty (40) but at least sixteen (16) hours a week or the
equivalent if scheduled other than on a weekly basis.
3. Regular Position shall mean both Regular Full Time Positions and
Regular Part Time Positions.
Probationary Period shall mean the period of time, subsequent to
the Appointment of an Employee to a Regular Position during which the
Employee is required to demonstrate his /her fitness for, and ability to
perform the duties of, the Position. A Regular Employee is considered to
be "on Probation" during his /her Probationary Period.
Promotion shall mean the Appointment of an Employee from a
Position in one Classification to a Position in another Classification having
a higher Base Rate of Pay or higher maximum Salary Range or any
similar action.
Reclassification shall mean a change in Classification of an
Employee based on an evaluation of the duties and responsibilities
he /she actually performs in relation to those of the Classification he /she
occupies.
0
EE. Recruitment shall mean the process of attracting qualified persons to
participate in a selection process for Appointment or employment.
FF. Re- Employment shall mean the Appointment of a former or current
Employee, without examination, to the Position he /she occupied prior to
separation, demotion, reassignment or transfer due to layoff or similar
action and typically from a Re- Employment List.
GG. Resignation shall mean an Employee's voluntary Separation.
HH. Salary Range shall mean those amounts, inclusive of and between the
lowest Base Rate of Pay and the highest Base Rate of Pay for any
Classification, that an Employee is capable of earning while he /she
occupies a Position in that Classification.
II. Separation shall mean the termination of an Employee's employment
with the City for any reason.
JJ. Step shall mean one of the Base Rate of Pay increments within the Salary
Range for any Classification.
KK. Step Increase shall mean a decision that an Employee's performance
merits a change from his /her current Step to the next Step or a higher
Step in the Salary Range established for his /her Classification.
LL. Supervisor shall mean any Regular Employee with the responsibility for
making decisions (using his /her independent judgment) assigning and
directing the work, rewarding or disciplining, for adjusting grievances of
another Employee or Employees and /or the person who prepares the
Performance Evaluation of that Employee.
MM. Suspension shall mean a directive that an Employee not receive
compensation for, and not perform, his /her normal duties during a defined
period of time when he /she would otherwise be scheduled to work.
NN. Transfer shall mean the assignment or reassignment of an Employee
from a Position in a Department to the same or similar Position in a
different division in that Department or in another Department when there
is a change in the Employee's Position Control Number for purposes of
budget and payroll. The term "transfer' shall not mean the reassignment
of an Employee within a Department that is part of a standard rotation of
personnel or in response to changes in the work of the Department when
there is no change in the Employee's Position Control Number.
00. Vacancy shall mean an authorized Position for which funds are available
0
that is not occupied by a Regular Employee or a Probationary Employee.
PP. Work Period shall mean the standard Work Period for each non- exempt
Employee Classification within a Department as established by the
Department Director. As a general rule the standard Work Period is a
fixed regularly recurring period of seven (7) consecutive 24 -hour periods
beginning midnight on Saturday. However the needs of the City and the
desires of Employees differ greatly among various departments and
schedules may be adjusted accordingly. The Department Director may
establish different Work Periods for different Employees or Classifications.
Work Periods must be fixed, in advance, and, once established, can only
be changed when the change is intended to be permanent or address
seasonal fluctuations in workload and timing. Work Periods may not be
changed to avoid the requirement to pay overtime pursuant to provisions
of the FLSA. The provisions of this definition do not guarantee any
specific number of hours to be worked in any 24 -hour period, or the hours
or Days to be worked in any Work Period. Examples of work periods
include:
1. 9180 Schedule. The Work Period for the 9/80 Schedule is
seven (7) consecutive 24 -hour periods beginning at noon on Friday
if the Employee takes an alternating Friday off, or noon on Monday
if alternating Mondays are taken off. This schedule allows for eight
(8), nine (9) hour Workdays, one (1) eight (8) hour Workday and
one (1) alternating Workday off.
2. 4110 Schedule. The Work Period for the 4/10 Schedule is
seven (7) consecutive 24 -hour periods beginning midnight on
Saturday with four (4) ten (10) hour Workdays during each Work
Period.
3. 3112 Schedule. The Work Period for the 3/12 schedule and
similar schedules is twenty -eight (28) Days with the Days to be
worked typically determined by seniority or other method
established by MOU.
4. Work Periods in excess of seven (7) Days are applicable only to
certain Police and Fire Department Employees as authorized by,
and consistent with, FLSA.
QQ. Workday shall mean the number of hours an Employee is scheduled to
work during any 24 -hour period.
RR. Written Reprimand shall mean a written notice of unsatisfactory
performance or misconduct given to an Employee as discipline.
WE
SS. Y -Rate shall mean maintaining the Base Rate of Pay of an Employee who
was voluntarily or involuntarily Transferred, Demoted or Reclassified to a
lower Classification until the Employee would be entitled to the same or
greater Base Rate of Pay in the lower Classification.
2.1 Construction
For purposes of this Manual the following rules of construction shall apply:
A. The words "include" or "including" shall be construed to mean "without
limitation."
B. Unless otherwise indicated by the context or definitions, words, terms and
phrases shall have their ordinary and customary meaning.
C. The Table of Contents, Section, Subsection and Paragraph captions are
for the convenience of the reader and shall not be considered in the
construction or interpretation of this Manual.
D. The Table of Contents, Section, Subsection and Paragraph of this Manual
do not define, limit, augment, or describe the scope, content, or intent of
this Manual.
SECTION 3. STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
3.0 Basic Principles
A. General. All Employees are expected to fully comply with the rules
and standards of conduct established by this Manual. Employees are
also expected to advise their Supervisor, or Department Director, ar the
Human Resources Director if the Supervisor is in any way involved, of any
Employee's violation of the rules and standards of conduct established by
this Manual.
B. Values and Standards. The Employees have, through a collaborative
process, established the values and behavioral standards that should
guide each Employee in the performance of his /her duties. These
"organizational values" and "organizational behaviors" are described in the
Appendix and may be revised by the Employees from time to time. In
accordance with these values and standard each Employee is expected
to:
1. Be respectful, patient and fair with other Employees and members
11
of the public.
2. To perform their duties in a competent and efficient manner with a
commitment to providing the public and /or other Employees with
the best service possible.
3. Not to give special treatment to, or discriminate against, any person
in the performance of their duties.
Employees are not required, and are not expected, to deal with any
person who physically or verbally threatens, harasses or abuses the
Employee or another person in that Employee's presence. In such event,
the Employee shall leave the immediate area and promptly report the
incident to his /her Supervisor.
3.1 Fair Employment Practices
It is the policy of the City to offer equal opportunity in all matters of employment
and personnel administration. Employment with the City is based solely upon
the qualifications of the individual applicant, regardless of race, religion, creed,
ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation,
national origin, or physical or mental disability, unless gender or physical ability is
a bona -fide occupational qualification.
3.2 Discrimination and Harassment
The City is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment and
discrimination on the basis of an Employee's race, religion, creed, ethnicity,
gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, national origin,
or physical or mental disability unless such factor is a bona -fide occupational
qualification. A comprehensive policy regarding discrimination and harassment
is found in Appendix and is incorporated by reference. All Employees are
required to read, acknowledge receipt of, and fully comply with the provisions of
this Manual and Appendix. This policy defines unlawful harassment and
discrimination to include verbal, visual or physical conduct: (a) to which
submission could produce a tangible adverse affect on the victim's employment;
or (b) that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. The policy expressly
prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment and discrimination and requires the
victim to promptly report the incident to his /her Supervisor, the Human
Resources Director or the City Manager. All Employees are required to comply
with, and are protected against the conduct prohibited by, this policy. The City is
obligated to, and will, promptly investigate any claim of a violation of the Policy.
Any Employee who is the victim of harassment or discrimination and fails to
report some or all of the harassment or discrimination as required by this Section
shall not be subject to discipline. However, an Employee's failure to report the
12
harassment or discrimination to which he /she was subjected may prevent the
City from conducting an appropriate investigation or taking corrective action.
The failure of an Employee to report harassment or discrimination to which
he /she was subjected may affect the Employee's legal rights and /or legal
remedies.
3.3 Political Activities
A. The City shall not adopt or enforce any policy or take any action that
restricts, or tends to control or direct, the political activities of any
Employee except as expressly provided in this Section. For purposes of
this Section, the term political activities shall include any communication
or activity, including the solicitation of contributions in support of or
opposition to the qualification, passage or defeat of a ballot measure or
the qualification, nomination, election or defeat of any candidate for
political office. The term political activities shall also include those
activities covered by or described in Sections 1101, Section 1102 and
other provisions of the Government Code of the State of California. The
term ballot measure shall mean any initiative, charter amendment,
referendum or recall petition that has been submitted for, and received, a
title and summary required by provisions of the Elections Code of the
State of California.
B. No Employee shall use, or threaten use of, his /her actual or perceived
authority to the benefit or detriment of any person's existing or
contemplated employment or contractual relationship with the City in an
effort to influence the vote or political action of that person.
C. No Employee shall solicit, directly or indirectly, political contributions from
other Employees except:
1. As a member and on behalf of a Recognized Employee
Organization (or its political action committee); or
2. Through communications sent outside of his /her Workday and to a
significant segment of the public that may incidentally include one
or more Employees.
D. No Employee shall engage in any political activities while in City uniform
or wearing any official indicia of City employment (badges, patches etc.)
or a reasonable facsimile of such indicia.
E. No Employee shall engage in political activities while on duty during
his /her Workday or while using City equipment.
13
3.4 Conflicts of Interest and Acceptance of Gifts and Other Gratuities
A. City Employees should perform their duties in a fair and impartial manner,
free from bias or influence resulting from their own financial interest or the
financial interest of others. The Political Reform Act of 1974 prohibits an
Employee from making, or participating in, any decision when it is
reasonably foreseeable that the decision could have a material financial
impact on a source of income to the Employee or the assets of the
Employee. State law and the City Charter prohibit an Employee from
having a financial interest in any contract to which the City is a party.
Each Employee is required to comply with provisions of State law and
resolutions or policies adopted the City Council that are related to conflicts
of interest, the reporting of income and business interests, and contracts
involving the City and the Employee. Specific requirements include the
following:
1. An Employee shall not participate in the consideration or
processing of any decision, application, proceeding or other matter
involving the Employee's financial interests, including real property,
personal property or investments, or those of any member of
Employee's spouse or dependent children. The Employee shall
disclose to his /her Supervisor any financial interest that may be
involved in any such application, discussion, or proceeding.
2. Each Employee shall comply with all applicable provisions of the
Political Reform Act of 1974, Regulations adopted by the Fair
Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and the City's Conflict of
Interest Code, including the reporting of all gifts and economic
interests when required to do so.
B. The acceptance of gifts or gratuities, such as meals, tickets, presents, and
food, from any person having business with the City may be, or create the
appearance of, a conflict of interest. To avoid an actual or apparent
conflict of interest, each Employee shall:
1. Share gifts that can be shared, such as boxes of candy or food
products, with other Employees.
2. Not accept any gift or gratuity when it is reasonably apparent that
the gift or gratuity is intended to influence the Employee's
performance or non - performance of his or her duties or result in a
higher level of service than the donor would otherwise receive. In
evaluating whether a gift or gratuity is intended to influence
performance or level of service the Employee shall consider the
nature, value and timing of the gift or gratuity.
14
3. An Employee who is unsure if nl--p- i a gift or gratuity with a value
in excess of twenty -five dollars ($25.00) : ouK constitute a conflict
cn *ere st should consult their immediate Supervisor prior to
acceptance.
4. Not accept discounts from the posted or regular price of food,
beverages, items or services unless the discount is available to
members of the general public.
C. The provisions of Subsection B shall not apply to Employee solicitation of
pledges, contributions, or sponsorship for functions or events sponsored,
in whole or in part, by the City that are not intended to benefit any
individual. Events and functions such races, health fairs, charitable
activities, and activities to protect or preserve the environment do not
benefit the individual and Employee solicitations do not create the
appearance of a conflict of interest.
3.5 Incompatible Activities
During an Employee's Workday, the Employee is expected to devote his /her full
time, attention and efforts to the performance of his or her assigned duties. An
Employee shall not engage in any outside employment or business activities
during his /her Workday. An Employee shall not engage in any employment,
outside activity, or enterprise that is inconsistent, incompatible or in conflict with,
or that interferes with, his /her ability to perform the duties, functions, or
responsibilities of his /her Position excew as 'provided 'n Section No
Employee shall engage in Recognized Employee Association activities during
that Employee's Workday except during break time, meal periods or as expressly
authorized ; =c permitted by the Department Director, Federal law, State law, or
MOU.
3.6 Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace
The City Council has adopted and requires strict compliance with the City of
Newport Beach Drug and Alcohol Policy a copy of which is in the Appendix. The
City was required to adopt this policy pursuant to the Drug -Free Workplace Act of
1988. All Employees are required to read, acknowledge receipt of, and fully
comply with this policy. The City will not tolerate the use or possession of drugs or
alcohol in violation of the terms and conditions of this policy. The purpose of the
policy is to ensure that all Employees are performing their duties unimpaired by
drugs or alcohol and to protect Employees and the public from the risk or injury or
property damage that could result from illegal or improper use of drugs or alcohol.
3.7 Smoking Prohibited
15
Smoking - e any tobacco product is prohibited in all City facilities, in all City
vehicles, equipment and rolling stock. Smoking is permitted during meal periods
or breaks so long as the Employee is not in any City facility, City vehicle, City
equipment or rolling stock, or if prohibited as a condition of employment.
3.8 Safety and Health
Each Employee shall comply with all applicable safety laws, rules, and
regulations. Each Employee shall follow safety practices, use personal
protective equipment as required, and report all unsafe conditions of City
property, equipment or practices to his /her immediate Supervisor.
3.9 Communications Equipment and Systems Policy
The City has adopted a comprehensive policy relating to the use of all City
electronic communications equipment and computer equipment (Appendix).
Employees are required to acknowledge receipt of the policy, read the policy and
fully comply with the Policy when using City electronic communications
equipment or computer equipment.
3.10 Personal Telephone Calls
Employees are permitted to make or accept personal calls on a limited basis
during their Workday provided the conversations do not prevent the Employee
from timely performing his /her normal duties. Employees shall use their best
efforts to keep personal telephone calls to a minimum during the Workday and to
make personal calls during their meal period(s) or on break(s). Employees shall
reimburse the City for the cost of all long distance personal calls and the cost of
personal cellular phone calls.
3.11 Search of Lockers, Desks, and Other Containers
A. _... . _ .. _ . _.
4 -gpgC'Y' @ O r'r.n :tb, t th; dalf
+I- n
...... Lmpicvices am.
onieed a naht to orivacv In any areas or Containers ol'o'y!aed J`
,udino out not limited to lockers, desks. file cabinets or ,,,thor
..^rent.
B. ram= �, + e „est 'e , v rk „Isted eared
16
.Rd '',QRd—t9d Within rnncGn@ble 1k:P. -o Li- ckerS• •7 ='s KS. file
s r other containers provided to Emplovees by the tC',tvvfor their
,;r:enience in performinq work- related duties, u re. and remain, C'ity
and the City. as of the date this Manual is first adopted, expressiy
rr s the right to search any City- provided locker, desk, f;Ie cabinet,
ainer or equipment for any work - related reason. A,ccerdingly,
r?iovees are discouraged from placing personal items in such City-
d:r,' lockers. desks, file cabinets or containers.
C. - nnGy94 2h w'g4gat ^Pd sears" ni
2- a. the 9" i 9YiPPP.`nt DrB`d1'-GG`
•.h nr-.
h s—a t ,n d b sed gn all Of "e
';—Empk yee fie- r>e reasgnnble e=pestatiGi, „f p ,,^G„ iP the
-n *ems g+ t-he tvgrk .j aa, d^sk, IGCk9l' ^.�� r t er
i i hn c@@rnhnri nr 'n. ^nerinr7• n
3.12 Outside Employment
Employees may obtain and /or maintain employment with persons or entities
other than the City (outside employment) subject to approval by the Department
Director in conformance with the following:
A. Notification. Prior to accepting an offer of outside employment, an
Employee shall notify his /her Department Director of the nature and duties
of the Position, the name and address of the prospective employer, the
proposed work schedule and other information reasonably requested by
the Department Director. Any Employee who is self - employed shall
provide the Department Director with information regarding the nature of
the work performed and work schedule.
17
B. Approval. The Department Director shall approve the request for
approval of outside employment or the self - employment unless the
Department Director can reasonably make one of the following findings:
1. The nature of the outside employment or self - employment, or the
proposed schedule, could adversely affect, or interfere with, the
Employee's performance of the duties of his /her Position; or
2. The outside employment or self - employment is with a business or
enterprise that performs or provides a service to the City over
which the Employee or his /her Department has regulatory
authority or influence; or
3. The outside employment or self - employment would create the
appearance of a conflict of interest or would be incompatible with
the duties and responsibilities of the Position occupied by the
Employee.
C. Modification. The Department Directors approval of outside employment
or self - employment may be revoked in the event of a change in
circumstances that would warrant disapproval.
D. Annual Review. The Department Director may, once every twelve (12)
months, require any Employee to provide information regarding the status
of his /her outside employment or self - employment.
3.13 Recording of Conversations
Except to the extent permitted by law, the recording of a conversation between
Employees or between Employees and Supervisors is permitted only with the
knowledge and consent of all participants.
3.14 Work Place Security and Anti - Violence Policy
This Section describes the City's policy regarding violence or threats of violence,
and is applicable to all Employees.
A. General. The City is committed to providing its Employees with a working
environment free from violence or the threat of violence. Without
exception, threats of violence, acts of violence, threats made in jest,
possession of weapons, or explosives are a violation of this policy.
Accordingly, there is "Zero Tolerance" for any threat, actual or
perceived, or any form of violence against an Employee, member of the
it:]
public or the property of either. All threats and acts of violence will be
investigated with the understanding that any such conduct will result in
discipline up to and including termination.
B. Definition of Threats and Violence in the Workplace.
1. Act of Violence means any assault, battery, or stalking, with the
intent or implied intent to harm a person or property;
2. Threat of violence means a statement or course of conduct which
could cause a reasonable person to believe that he or she, is under
threat of death or bodily injury or that his /her property would be
damaged;
3. Course of conduct means a pattern of conduct composed of a
series of acts over a period of time, however short, showing
continuity of purpose, including the physical presence of an
Employee, physical acts or gestures by an Employee, or an
Employee's communication by phone, e-mail, fax, letter or
otherwise. A course of conduct by another shall be attributed to an
Employee if the other person is acting on behalf of the Employee at
his /her request or insistence.
4. Weapons means any non -job related firearm, explosive device,
knife (non- foldinq or locking with 21/2 inch or more Nade), club, or
other object or item that a reasonable person would consider a
weapon @Rd : ° capable of inflicting bodily injury.
C. Act or Threat of Violence Prohibited
1. Act or Threat of Violence Prohibited. No Employee shall commit
any Act of Violence or a Threat of Violence against any other
Employee or any member of the public except in self- defense.
2. Possession or Display of Weapon. No Employee shall possess
display any Weapon while on duty or brina a weapon into any
; '.v building. facility or rolling stock G `. p � except a
Safety Employee authorized to possess a Weapon pursuant to
State law.
D. Responsibilities. All Employees are responsible for communicating and
implementing this policy. Department Directors and /or Supervisors shall
regularly advise Employees of the provisions of this Policy.
19
E. Complaints. Any Employee who believes he or she has been a victim of
any Act of Violence or Threat of Violence, or has witnessed or been made
aware of such behavior or incident in the workplace, shall promptly report
the facts of the incident(s) and name(s) of the individual(s) involved to his/
her supervisor, his /her Department Director and /or to the Human
Resources Director. All complaints will be promptly investigated. Any
Employee who fails to comply with the reporting requirements of this
subsection shall be subject to discipline up to ana mc,udina :errnwaa ;n.
3.15 Fitness for Duty
an Employee may be reg .;: ;: to undergo a medical
and /or psychological assessment or evaluation vvi,
there is reasonable cause to believe that the Employee may not be physically
and /or mentally capable of performing one or more of his /her normal duties or
may be a threat to his /her safety or the safety of others (fitness for duty
evaluation). The City shall pay all of the costs of the fitness for duty evaluation.
The Employee shall not be subject to any loss of pay or benefits by virtue of the
fitness for duty evaluation or the time spent travelling to or from the location of
the evaluation. All fitness for duty evaluations shall be conducted by a qualified
healthcare professional and the City shall comply with all laws relative to the
confidentiality of such evaluations.
3.16 Qualifications
A. Maintenance. Employees shall maintain all licenses, permits, certificates
or other job - related criteria required as a minimum qualification for their
Position as stated in the Classification Specifications or, if there are no
Classification Specifications, the job announcement.
B. Report Change. Each Employee is required to report to their Supervisor
any material change in the status of any license, permit, certificate or other
job - related criteria required as minimum qualification for his /her Position.
The Employee shall report the change in status whenever he /she has
actual notice of the change or becomes aware of facts that would cause a
reasonable person to believe that a change in status has occurred
(constructive notice). The change in status shall be reported before the end
of the first Workday following actual notice or constructive notice of the
change.
3.17 Disaster Service Workers
All Employees are considered "Disaster Service Workers" under the California
Labor Code, Section 3211.92 of Chapter 1 or Part 1 of Division 4, which includes
3
all public employees in the State of California. Each Employee shall fully comply
with his /her duties and responsibilities pursuant to any emergency operations
plan and any directive issued by a supervisor during an emergency.
SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
4.0 City Manager's Duties
The City Manager is responsible to administer provisions of this Manual and,
pursuant to the City Charter, may delegate any of his /her powers or duties to any
other officer or Employee of the City to the extent not inconsistent with the
provisions of the City Charter or ordinance. The City Manager shall:
A. Act as the Appointing Authority for all City Employees except the City
Attorney and City Clerk.
B. Administer all aspects of this Manual and the personnel system except to
the extent the responsibilities are specifically delegated by the City
Charter or ordinance to the City Council, or a board or commission.
C. Prepare and recommend approval of amendments to this Manual and
o0i2s to all recognized employee oraanizations and
-- ,resented emplovees.
4.1 Supervisor's Duties
The duties of a Supervisor includes the following:
A. To fully inform subordinates of their duties and responsibilities.
B. To provide subordinates with adequate direction and guidance in the
performance of their duties.
C. To monitor and evaluate the performance of subordinates and regularly
communicate their observations and opinions about performance to the
subordinate in a constructive and respectful manner.
D. To make employment - related decisions and recommendations solely on the
basis of merit and ability.
E. Acknowledge, and reward when appropriate, outstanding or improved
performance.
F. Make every reasonable effort to improve unsatisfactory performance using
the resources within the Department and those available through the
21
Human Resources Director.
G. Recommend or impose discipline in a manner consistent with this Manual.
H. Maintain a safe, healthy and productive work environment.
Encourage communication between Employees and Supervisors.
4.2 Open Door Policy
Supervisors are encouraged to maintain an open line of communication with their
subordinates and to discuss issues related to their job or suggestions for improving
City service. The City encourages Employees to discuss with their Supervisor any
concern or question they have about their job, as well as any suggestion or idea
for improving City service. Management and Supervisory personnel shall use their
best efforts to respond to concerns or questions any Employee may have about
their performance and shall pursue ideas or suggestions about improving City
service. Each Employee is encouraged to work within his /her Department's "chain
of command" to resolve issues and improve service. However, an Employee who
has utilized the "chain of command" and remains dissatisfied with the responses of
the Supervisor and Department Director may consult with the Human Resources
Director or City Manager. The provisions of this Section shall not diminish the
right of any Employee to submit grievances pursuant to this Manual or any
relevant MOU.
4.3 Employees Records and Files
A. Human Resources Files. The Human Resources Director shall maintain a
personnel file for each City Employee. The file shall contain a copy of all
documents pertaining to formal actions taken with respect to the Employee
that are relevant to compensation or benefits such as performance
evaluations, changes in employment status and any disciplinary action
taken by a Supervisor or Department Director. Personnel files shall be kept
in a secure manner in the Human Resources Department.
B. Payroll Files. The Administrative Services Department shall maintain a file
on each City Employee that contains all information necessary for the
preparation of payroll checks or the administration of the salary and benefit
provisions of this Manual, any relevant MOU, or other plan or program
adopted by the City.
C. Department Files. The Department shall also maintain a file on each
Employee within the Department. The Department file shall contain a copy
of all documents that reflect any formal action taken with respect to each
Employee, such as Appointments, performance evaluations, and discipline.
22
The Department file shall also contain copies of other documents related to
the Employee's performance of his /her duties such as any certificate or
license related to his /her duties and letters of commendation. The
Department personnel files shall be kept in a secure manner.
D. Access to Personnel Files and Payroll Files. Access to documents in an
Employee's personnel file is limited to the City Manager and his /her
designees, the Human Resources Director, the Department Director, any
Supervisor in the Employee's chain of command and the City Attorney if
access is necessary to perform his /her legal duties. Access to the payroll
file is limited to those Employees entitled to access the personnel file and
those Employees responsible for administering the payroll system. The
Employee, or any person authorized by the Employee may, during normal
working hours, inspect the contents of the Employee's personnel files or the
payroll file within a reasonable time (generally one business day) after a
request submitted to the custodian of the file. The Department Director is
the custodian of the Department file and the Human Resources Director is
the custodian of the Human Resources file.
E. Disclosure of Information. Except as provided in this Manual or unless
required by law or court order, information contained in the Personnel Files
or payroll files shall not be disclosed to any person. However, the
Employee's job title, dates of employment, current or final salary, work
telephone number, Department assignment, and the type of any Separation
are subject to disclosure pursuant to State law. The restrictions on
disclosure of information shall not apply to the Employee or to any person
that the Employee has authorized to receive information pursuant to a
written waiver or consent filed with the Department Director or Human
Resources Director. Except to the extent that disclosure is required (as
opposed to permitted) by Federal, State or local law, the City may refuse to
disclose information in an Employee's Department file or payroll file to any
third party.
F. Miscellaneous Provisions
1. Department File. Documents sent by members of the public
commending performance and documents that reflect educational
achievements shall be kept in the Department personnel file for a
period of at least one year and longer at the discretion of the
Department Director and if re-moved shall be. re�urned to the
-ann evee.
2. Copies. An Employee shall, within a reasonable time (generally
within one business day) after a request submitted to the custodian
of the file, be given a copy of any document(s) placed in his /her
23
personnel files or payroll file. An Employee may obtain an additional
copy of any document in his /her personnel file provided, however, in
the case of requests which require the production of more than five
(5) pages, the Employee shall pay the actual cost of duplication.
4.4 Preparation, Adoption and Amendment of Classification Plan
The City Manager shall prepare a Classification Plan and submit the Classification
Plan to the City Council for approval. The Classification Plan shall describe
appropriate Classification Series and reflect the number of positions in each
Classification. The Classification Plan shall also help ensure that all Positions that
are substantially similar with respect to duties, responsibilities, authority and
character of work, are included within the same Classification. Classification
Specifications are explanatory, but not restrictive. The listing of particular duties
and tasks shall not preclude the assignment of related duties or work requiring
lesser skills.
4.5 New Positions
When a new Position is created and authorized in the annual budget, no person
shall be appointed or employed to fill the Position before the Position is assigned
to a Classification, unless otherwise provided by this Manual. In such event, the
City Manager shall amend the Classification Plan to assign the Position to an
appropriate Classification consistent with the action by the City Council.
4.6 Compensation Plan
The City Manager shall prepare and maintain a Compensation Plan that
establishes the Base Rate of Pay for all Classifications. The City Council shall
approve, by resolution or minute order, all modifications to the information in the
Compensation Plan. The Compensation Plan shall be automatically adjusted to
conform to any action taken by the City Council that affects the Base Rate of Pay
or other information in the Compensation Plan such as approval of an MOU.
SECTION 5. RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
5.0 Goals
The primary goal of the City's recruitment and selection policies is to insure that
the City attracts and employs the most qualified person for each Position.
Another goal is to ensure that each Employee is encouraged, and given the
opportunity, to attain the skills, education and experience necessary to meet the
minimum qualifications for Promotion to Positions within their Classification
Series or related Classifications.
24
5.1 Recruitment
Recruitment may be open, promotional or continuous. The Civil Service Board
shall make the determination of the nature of the Recruitment of Civil Service
Employees. Recruitment shall be promotional unless the Human Resources
Director, after consultation with the relevant Department Director(s), determines
that an open Recruitment is necessary to insure an adequate number of
candidates with appropriate skills and ability. A Probationary Employee may
participate in a promotional recruitment provided he /she possesses the minimum
qualifications for the Position as of the last date on which applications for the
Position are accepted.
5.2 Job Announcements
The Human Resources Director shall prepare and distribute job announcements
with information about the Position including the title and Base Rate of Pay, the
primary responsibilities and duties, minimum and other qualifications, where and
when to apply, and the last date that applications will be accepted. Notices of
Recruitment shall be posted and shall specify a deadline for submitting an
application that provides adequate time to attract candidates for the Position.
5.3 Personnel Applications
Applications for employment, transfer, or promotion shall be made on forms
provided by the Human Resources Director. All applicants shall provide, and
certify the truth of, all information required by the application. Any material false
statement or omission on the application shall be cause for disqualificatiori of the
applicant and may be cause for termination or other disciplinary action if the
applicant is, or subsequently becomes, an Employee of the City regardless of
when the error is discovered. Resumes and other supplementary information
may be submitted and attached to the application for consideration, but may not
be used as a substitute for the application. An application, to be considered,
must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. on the last Day of the advertised
Recruitment period.
5.4 Evaluation of Applications
The Department Director, and the Human Resources Director if he /she desires,
shall review each application to determine if the applicant appears to possess
the minimum qualifications for the Position. The Department Director may utilize
the applications as the first step in the selection process by screening out
applicants other than those who appear to be the most highly qualified
individuals for the Position. The Department Director may, at any time during the
recruitment process, verify references and other information provided by the
25
applicant.
5.5 Selection Techniques
Selection techniques may consist of personal interviews, practical tests,
performance tests, evaluation of work performed, work samples, assessment
center, physical ability tests, other written tests, review and investigation of
personal background and references, medical examination(s), polygraph
examination(s), and psychiatric or psychological examination(s). The
Department Director shall ensure that the selection process is structured to
promptly determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications.
Examinations shall be designed so that, the results reasonably represent an
objective assessment and comparison of the merits, skills and abilities of the
applicants in terms of the essential job duties of the Classification or the Position.
The Examinations shall be designed such that candidates with substantially
similar ability and skill have an equal opportunity for selection. Written
examinations, tests of physical ability, performance tests and psychological
examinations shall be prepared or validated by a testing service or the Human
Resources Director to ensure thoroughness and objectivity. Examinations shall
be given the weight indicated in the announcement. The selection process may
include tests or examinations administered on a pass/fail basis. To the extent
feasible, each candidate shall be given written notice of his or her test result(s).
5.6 Review of Examination
An Applicant shall have the right to review his or her written test(s), as well as
his /her result or grade on other tests, within five (5) working days after written
notice of the results. No Applicant will be allowed to examine the test key. Any
arithmetical error in the rating of an Applicant or the grading of an Examination
shall be corrected if notice is given to the Department Director or Human
Resources Director within five (5) Days after written notice of the results. Any
Applicant whose corrected score meets or exceeds the established passing
score will be considered eligible to continue with the selection process. The
correction or modification of the score of any Applicant shall not invalidate or
nullify the acceptance of an offer of employment by another applicant for the
Position. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to selection of Civil
Service Employees to the extent this Section is in conflict with the Civil Service
Ordinance or Civil Service Rules.
5.7 Eligibility List
A. Preparation and Availability. As soon as possible after the completion
26
of the examination process, the Human Resources Director shall prepare
and make available to the relevant Department Director an Eligibility List
consisting of the names of candidates who successfully completed the
process, arranged in order of their final rating.
B. Duration of Eligibility List. Eligibility Lists, other than those resulting
from a Continuous Examination, shall remain in effect for twelve (12)
months or until all eligible candidates have been appointed, whichever
occurs first. The term of an Eligibility List may be extended by the Civil
v ,,e uerr,mission for Civil Service oositions or the Human Resources
Director for non -Civil Service positions. up to an additional twelve (12)
months. The Department Director may, with the concurrence of the
Human Resources Director, terminate or discontinue an Eligibility List at
any time. At the option of the Department Director, the names of all
eligible candidates on the discontinued list may be placed on an Eligibility
List of a specified duration with the names ranked by total test scores.
Each eligible candidate's name shall remain on the Eligibility List for
twelve (12) months from the date their name is added to the Eligibility List
unless they receive an Appointment, fail to meet hiring standards or the
Eligibility List is discontinued.
C. Re- Employment List. The names of Regular Full Time Employees,
Regular Part Time Employees and Probationary Employees who have been
laid -off, or reduced in Classification in lieu of layoff, shall be placed on an
appropriate Re- Employment List. The Re- Employment List shall remain in
effect until all persons have been reinstated or for a period of at least two
(2) years. Persons who refuse an offer of Re- Employment within the first
year will be removed from the Re- Employment List. When a Re-
Employment List is used to fill vacancies, the Human Resources Director
shall certify all of the names on the Re- Employment List for consideration
by the Appointing Authority.
D. Removal of Names from Eligibility List. The name of any eligible
candidate appearing on an Eligibility List may be removed by the Human
Resources Director if any of the following occurs:
1. The eligible candidate accepts an Appointment to a Regular Full
Time Position in the same or higher Classification.
2. The eligible candidate requests his or her name be removed.
3. The eligible candidate fails to provide notification of a change in
address.
4. The eligible candidate fails to respond within ten (10) calendar
Days to a notification or letter that has been mailed to the eligible
27
candidate's last known address on file with the City.
5. The eligible candidate declines (or fails to appear for) an interview,
offer of employment or appointment during the term of the Eligibility
List.
6. The eligible candidate was on an eligibility list as a result of a
promotional examination and has subsequently left City
employment.
7. Subsequent to preparation of the Eligibility List, the eligible
candidate fails to meet minimum qualifications for the Position or
an event occurs that would make the person ineligible for the
Position.
8. Subsequent to preparation of the Eligibility List, the eligible
candidate fails to satisfactorily complete any additional aspect of
the selection process such as background checks, reference
checks, or pre- appointment interviews.
E. Disqualification. The Department Director or Human Resources Director,
as appropriate, may determine an Applicant is an ineligible candidate, or
may withhold placement on the Eligibility List if:
1. The Applicant has failed to provide proof of any of the requirements
specified in the announcement of the vacancy for the Classification
for which he /she applied;
2. The Applicant has been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral
turpitude that is directly related to, or would have an adverse effect
on, the candidate's ability to perform the duties of the Position;
3. The Applicant has been dismissed for cause from any Position in
the public or private sector and the reasons for the dismissal would
warrant dismissal by the City;
4. The Applicant has misrepresented any fact material to the selection
or testing process, including making false representations on the
employment application, submitting false documents, or cheating
on any portion of the examination; or
5. The Applicant is not otherwise qualified for Appointment to the
Position.
F. Civil Service Employees. The provisions of this Section shall not apply
28
to Civil Service Employees to the extent of any conflict with the Civil
Service Rules.
SECTION 6. APPOINTMENTS
6.0 Appointment Process
The Appointment Process shall begin with a conditional offer of employment sent
to the eligible candidate on the Eligibility List who is recommended for Appointment
by the Department Director. The conditional offer of employment shall be made
pursuant to a letter from the Human Resources Department or the Police Chief for
the Police Department. The conditional offer of employment shall specify the
medical, background and other examinations that the candidate is required to
successfully complete prior to, and as a condition to, Appointment. Appointments
shall be considered final when the candidate has satisfied all pre- conditions to
employment, the Appointment has been reviewed and approved by the Human
Resources Director and /or City Manager and the candidate reports to duty at the
time and place designated. The selected candidate shall be deemed to have
declined the Appointment if he /she fails to report to duty at the time and place
directed.
6.1 Salary at Appointment
A. Appointment. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the initial
Appointment of an Employee shall be at the first Step of the Salary Range
of their Classification. When the proposed Employee's education,
training, and experience are deemed superior and justify a salary in
excess of Step 1, the Department Director may offer employment and
appoint at Steps 2, 3 or 4. The Department Director may, with prior City
Manager approval and when a proposed Employee's education, training
and or experience are superior, offer employment and appoint at Steps 5
through 8. All Appointments are subject to City Manager approval,
regardless of the Step at which the Employee is appointed. Any
Appointment of an Employee at other than the first Step, and any
Appointment that includes a financial commitment other than normal Base
Rate of Pay and benefits shall be approved in writing and the financial
commitments made part of the Employee's personnel file.
B. Incentives. The City Manager may authorize incentives to aid in
recruitment or Appointment. Additional inducements may include the
authorization of a moving allowance, additional paid leave or educational
expenses.
6.2 Pre - Employment Physical
29
Upon receiving an initial conditional offer of employment, an eligible candidate
will be required to pass a pre - employment physical at a City designated or City
approved medical facility, at City cost, before the Appointment becomes
effective. A physical examination may also be required whenever any Employee
is promoted to a Position, the duties of which require a substantial change or
increase in the physical demands on the Employee when compared to his /her
current Position. All pre - employment physicals shall include testing consistent
with the provisions of the City's Drug and Alcohol Policy. Violation of the Policy
shall result in withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment.
6.3 Nepotism Policy
An Applicant who has a member of his /her Immediate Family employed by the
City shall have the right to file an application for employment and compete in the
examination process. An Employee shall not participate directly or indirectly in
the Recruitment or selection process for any vacant Position for which a member
of the Employee's Immediate Family has filed an employment application. In the
event the Applicant is selected for Appointment, he /she may be appointed to a
Department, division, or office in which a member of his /her Immediate Family is
employed unless the Department Director, with the concurrence of the Human
Resources Director, determines that:
A. Employment of the Applicant would potentially create a conflict of interest
or have a potentially adverse impact on supervision, safety, security or
morale; or
B. The Applicant would, if appointed, occupy a Position where he /she would
directly supervise or be supervised by a member of his /her Immediate
Family.
In the event an eligible candidate is denied Appointment by virtue of this Section,
an eligible candidate shall remain on the Eligibility List for a vacancy in the same
Classification. Except as to the prohibition against participation in Recruitment,
this Section shall not apply to an Employee appointed to a Position prior to the
effective date of this Manual. The Department Director shall take appropriate
action to insure the circumstances in subsections A and B do not exist if and
when an Employee becomes a member of the Immediate Family of another
Employee in the same Department subsequent to the effective date of this
Manual. In the event the Department Director has more than one action
available, the Department Director shall take the action that least impacts the
Base Rate of Pay or the normal duties of the Employee. In the event that no
feasible action is available to the Department Director, the Employee within the
Immediate Family with the least seniority shall be terminated in good standing.
6.4 Fingerprinting and Background Checks
30
To facilitate the City's ability to perform complete background checks on
Employees, eligible candidates will be fingerprinted to enable the City to conduct
a background check. The City will conduct background checks to insure the
candidate is eligible for Appointment and has the ability to perform the �'� d
duties of the Position in a manner that will neither diminish the
quality of City service nor create liability on the part of the City.
6.5 Criminal Conduct
No person convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude shall be
eligible for employment in the service of the City when there is a rational
relationship between the conviction and the normal duties of the Position for
which the person is applying. The City Manager may waive the provisions of this
Section based on substantial evidence of mitigating circumstances. Mitigating
circumstances include evidence of rehabilitation, length of time since the
conviction, the age of the person at the time of conviction, and /or the limited
nature of the relationship between the conviction and the duties of the Position
for which the person has applied.
6.6 Appointments from Lists
Except for an Emergency, Interim or Acting Appointment, or a reassignment,
each vacant Position shall be filled by Transfer, Promotion, Demotion, or by
Appointment of an eligible candidate from the appropriate Eligibility List.
6.7 Emergency Appointments
To fulfill the immediate requirements of an emergency situation, the City
Manager may employ persons on a temporary basis as needed for the duration
of the emergency. The method of hiring for emergency Appointments shall be
solely within the discretion of the City Manager unless determined by ordinance
or specific provision of the Emergency Operations Plan. Emergency
Appointments shall be reported to the City Council at the next regularly
scheduled meeting.
6.8 Interim Appointments
The City Manager may authorize and approve an interim Appointment to fill
either a temporary vacancy (such as maternity leave, long -term disability or
military leave) or permanent vacancy (separation or retirement). As a general
rule, Interim Appointments expire in six (6) months but may be extended an
additional six (6) months by the City Manager. All Interim Appointees must
satisfy the minimum qualifications for the Position.
6.9 Acting Appointments
31
The formal and express assignment of an Employee to perform the significant
duties and responsibilities of a higher Classification for more than one hundred
sixty (160) consecutive working hours shall be deemed an Acting Appointment.
The Employee who has received an Acting Appointment shall, from the date of
the Acting Appointment, be compensated at the Step in the Salary Range for the
Classification of the Acting Appointment that is at least five percent (5 %), but not
more than fifteen percent (15 %), higher than the Employee's current Salary Step.
If Acting Appointment is to a Classification without a Salary range, the Employee
shall be compensated at a level of five percent (5 %) higher than the Employee's
current Salary Step. With the exception of Civil Service Employees, in the event
the Employee is subsequently Appointed to the higher Classification, the time
accumulated while working in that Classification shall be applied towards fulfilling
any required Probationary Period. The time spent by an Employee and the
performance of that Employee in a Classification pursuant to an Acting
Appointment shall be considered by the Department Director when and if the
Employee applies for a Promotion to any Classification in that Classification
Series. If the Employee is not Promoted once the Acting Appointment is
completed, the Employee shall return to his /her former Position and Step.
6.10 Transfer
A Department Director may, without cause, Transfer an Employee from his /her
then current Position to a vacant Position at the same Salary Step in the same
Classification in the same Department. An Employee may also request a
Transfer from his /her current Position to a vacant Position in the same
Classification in the same or different Department. An Employee who is
Transferred shall retain his /her Date of Hire. An Employee who Transfers to a
Position in a lower Classification, may be Y -Rated at the sole discretion of the
Department Director and with the concurrence of the City Manager. Any
Employee who requests a Transfer must have completed his or her Probationary
Period before the request is submitted. An Employee shall not be required to
complete a new Probationary Period upon Transfer but is required to complete
his /her Probationary Period if Transferred before completion of his /her
Probationary Period.
6.11 Promotion
When an Employee is Promoted, the Employee shall be paid at the step in the
Salary Range of his or her new Classification which is at least five percent (5 %)
greater than the Step he /she occupied prior to the Promotion. Any Employee
who is Promoted shall be required to successfully complete a six (6) month
Probationary Period in the new Position. Employees in the Civil Service System
shall complete a twelve (12) month Probationary Period. In the event the
Employee fails to satisfactorily complete his or her Probationary Period after
32
Promotion the Employee shall be reinstated to his /her former Position at his /her
Salary Step effective as of the date of Promotion provided the Employee meets
the minimum qualifications for the Classification.
6.12 Demotion
A. An Employee may be demoted because he /she lacks the knowledge or
skills to satisfactorily perform the required duties of his /her Position, for
disciplinary purposes, or for any other reason consistent with this Manual.
No Employee shall be Demoted to a Position for which he /she does not
possess the minimum qualifications. An Employee shall not be required
to complete a Probationary Period for the Classification to which he /she is
Demoted unless he /she has not completed a Probationary Period in either
Classification. A Demoted Employee shall retain his /her Date of Hire.
B. An Employee may, for any reason, request a voluntary Demotion to a
lower Classification with a lower Salary Range in \vhich the employee has
1-..1!0U51,1i held regular status. A voluntary Demotion shall require the
approval of the Human Resources Director, and the Director of the
Department in which the Employee will work. An Employee who is
granted a voluntary Demotion shall be placed in the Step of the lower
Salary Range that is equal to, or closest to but lower than, the Employee's
Step in his /her former Position. In lieu of a reduction in salary, the City
Manager may Y -Rate a voluntarily Demoted Employee.
6.13 Re- Employed and Reclassified Employees
An Employee Re- employed within one (1) year after Layoff shall not be required
to complete a new Probationary Period if he /she successfully completed a
Probationary Period prior to Layoff. A Regular Full Time Employee occupying a
Position that is Reclassified shall not be required to serve a new Probationary
Period in his /her new Classification.
mnioyment of Former Employees
mnlenlatlon of the Dep8 ttllent Director and at:,oroy- b'v the City
rm.e tmolovee may,, be Re- employed in the Classification or
n;7:� �;a;ah' occut,1ed at the time of hisrher Separation and at the same Std
foLovnna conditions
-nust he a vacant Position in the Classification and nu, Re-
en? Li fs for the Classificaton.
N)S not on misconduci -,- unsatisfactory 7 ;_'rf orm-like
,.C: "Mini'; f,r ni i1 ' employment `.P +ac u r file ',Ofid!ti0(?c=
nCe. ?a`:Ord..
33
,,;lovment occurs within one t1 ) year after terminE [uon t'a
T..?nt for ikon -Civil Service Employees and two (2) years for (,ml
" = "1"pl0yeeS.
cvee shall complete the remainder et anv Propationary Poroc
,;;;•,ree shall be required to take a medical examinauor. ..i
,,�cse and as prescribed by the City Manaaer.
SECTION 7. PROBATIONARY PERIOD
7.0 Purpose
The Probationary Period is part of the selection process and affords the
Department Director and Supervisors an opportunity to identify and evaluate
factors and qualities related to the competence and fitness of an Employee that
may not have been revealed during other testing procedures.
7.1 Period of Probation
All original and promotional Appointments to Regular Employee status, except
the Appointments of Department Directors, are tentative and subject to the
successful completion of a Probationary Period. The Probation Period of any
Regular Full Time Employee after his /her initial Appointment shall be twelve (12)
months and, except for Safety Employees, the Probation Period after a
Promotion shall be six (6) months. The Probationary Period for Regular Part
Time Employees shall be at least one thousand hours of work and twelve
months from the date of Appointment. A probationary empiovee +w-A -as
City and Is reemt) loved as per section 6.1 shall have the
:enog established by the Department Director but shaii not be less
a: .:r tttdeive months.
7.2 Extension of Probation
An Employee's Probationary Period shall be deemed extended in increments of
thirty (30) Days for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days after the
expiration of the initial Probationary Period unless the Department Director has
filed a Personnel Action Form confirming Appointment to Regular Employee
status. The Department Director shall give written notice to any Employee
whose Probation Period has been extended but failure to give notice shall not
constitute an Appointment to Regular status. The Department Director shall
34
have the right to appoint an Employee to Regular status at any time during the
extended Probationary Period.
7.3 Rejection of Probationer
An Employee serving his /her first Probation Period with the City may be
terminated at any time at the sole and absolute discretion of the Department
Director without cause and without any right of appeal. An Employee Promoted
to a Position in a higher Class may be rejected by the Department Director at
any time during his /her Probationary Period, without cause and without any right
of appeal. In such event, the Employee shall be reinstated to the position he /she
occupied prior to the promotion, provided he /she had acquired Regular status in
the former Position. An Employee discharged for cause while on Probation after
a Promotion shall not be reinstated to his /her former Classification.
7.4 Effect of Absence
The Probationary Period of any Employee who is, for any reason, absent from
regular duty or assignment in excess of ten (10) working days during Probation
shall be extended for a period equal to the total number of Days the Employee
was absent.
SECTION 8. TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
8.0 Purpose
The City recognizes the importance of Employee development and training. The
City will offer training programs to improve the capabilities and effectiveness of
all Employees. This training shall be designed to improve the skill and ability of
each Employee so that he /she will be able to better perform his /her duties and
effectively compete for Promotion as well as enhance the performance of the
organization as a whole.
8.1 In -House Training
An Employee who has training, knowledge or expertise in a subject area, or who
has recently attended a City sponsored seminar or conference in a given subject
matter, may be asked to share this information with other Employees. In -house
training may be informal or formal depending upon the nature of the subject
matter.
8.2 Department Training
RM
Department Directors are encouraged to offer specialized training to their
Employees subject to the following:
A. Budgeted funds must exist for all such training and any related travel.
Travel outside of the City that is related to training shall be approved and
funded in accordance with the City Council's adopted travel policy.
B. Employees must comply with the City travel policy and provide
documentation of expenses to the extent required by Council Policy.
C. Employees who receive City -wide or specialized training may be asked to
provide on duty "in- house" training to other Employees.
8.3 Training and Travel Reimbursement
A. Non - exempt Employees. Non - exempt Employees are entitled to receive
compensation for overtime. Time spent in training and travel may be
considered as "hours worked" for purposes of calculating FLSA overtime.
The provisions of the City's travel policy do not describe or affect the
obligations of the City with respect to the calculation of "hours worked" or
paying overtime to Non - exempt Employees. The FLSA shall prevail in the
event of any conflict between this Section and the FLSA.
1. Employee attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs, and
similar activities outside of the Employee's normal working hours
shall not be considered as time worked unless the Employee is
directed to attend by a Supervisor. Break time and meal times are
considered time worked only to the extent that training or education
occurs during the break or meal.
2. Time spent by an Employee traveling between the Employee's
residence and the regular workplace is not work time and shall not
be treated as hours worked. When an Employee is assigned by a
Supervisor to travel outside of the City, in the same Day, time spent
traveling between the Employee's home and assigned destination
shall be treated as time worked to the extent that it exceeds the
Employee's normal commute. Travel time during an Employee's
normal Workday shall be treated as hours worked if it is related to
the Employee's normal duties.
3. When an Employee, who is assigned to travel outside the City and
return the same day, utilizes public transportation, work time shall
be equal to the travel time in excess of the Employee's normal
commute. Assigned travel away from home overnight `r . :he
36
E ^ose t trainina is work time when it occurs during the
Employee's Workday, however, travel as a passenger in an
automobile or on public transportation outside of regular working
hours shall not be treated as hours worked.
B. Travel Reimbursement. Employees shall receive mileage and travel
reimbursement in accordance with the City's then current travel policy.
8.4 Tuition Reimbursement
The objective of the Tuition Reimbursement Program is to encourage each
Employee to participate in off -duty instruction that will be immediately and
mutually beneficial to the Employee and the City.
A. Eligibility. All Regular Full -time Employees whose performance has
been satisfactory based on the most recent performance evaluation are
eligible for the Tuition Reimbursement Program.
B. Application. Application for tuition reimbursement shall be in the format
prescribed by the City Manager. Pre - payment or post - payment of the cost
of tuition, parking permit fees, graduation fees and required materials
such as workbooks and lab materials may be requested. No payment
shall be made for expenses related to travel, meals, normal supplies or
other incidentals. Applications must bear the signature of the Employee
and must be approved by the Department Director.
C. Non - Eligible Courses. Courses are not eligible for tuition reimbursement
if they are taken to acquire certificates, licenses, skills or knowledge that
the Employee was required to have when initialiv hired or Appointed.
Courses that involve no classroom participation are not eligible for tuition
reimbursement. However, courses offered on the Internet by accredited
institutions are eligible if approved by the Department Director.
D. Reimbursement Limits. Reimbursement for a Regular Non - safety
Employee is limited to a maximum of $1,000 per fiscal year and
reimbursement for a Regular Safety Employee is limited to $600 per fiscal
year iexcect as designated in the Memoranda of Understanding).
Reimbursement is subject to completion of the course within any fiscal
year when funds for reimbursement are available in the Human
Resources Department budget.
E. Grade. Reimbursement will be made only for those courses completed
with a minimum final grade of "C" or its equivalent in an undergraduate
course, or "B" or its equivalent in a graduate level course. No
reimbursement shall be made for audited courses or incomplete courses.
37
F. Eligible Courses. The following criteria shall be used to determine the
eligibility of courses for Tuition Reimbursement Program:
1. Courses must be in furtherance of a degree or certificate that is
related to the duties performed by the Employee or the mission of
his /her Department.
2. Courses must bear some relationship to one or more of the normal
duties performed by the Employee.
3. Courses must be taken at accredited institutions.
Correspondence courses from reputable institutions will be considered
only when equivalent courses are not available from educational
institutions in the region.
G. Pre - payment. To obtain prepayment of up to fifty percent (50 %) of
authorized expenses, an application must be made at least two (2) weeks
prior to the starting date of the course. An itemized list of all expenses for
which payment is requested shall accompany the application.
Confirmation of the grade received and receipts for all expenses prepaid
must be submitted within ninety (90) Days after completion of the course.
If the Employee fails to submit the information required or fails to complete
the course satisfactorily, the amount prepaid will be deducted from the
Employee's next paycheck.
H. Post - payment. To obtain post - payment of authorized expenses,
application must be made within ninety (90) Days of the completion of a
course. Confirmation of the grade received and an itemized list with all
receipts for all expenses claimed must accompany the application.
1. Re- payment on Termination. The reimbursed cost of course(s) shall be
deducted from an Employee's final paycheck in the event the Employee
Separates from City service within one (1) year after the completion of the
course(s) for reasons of other than death or permanent disability.
J. Approval Authority. The Department Director shall be the final authority
for approving requests for reimbursement. The Department Director may,
with the consent of the City Manager, waive any of the requirements of
this Section.
SECTION 9. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS AND
SALARY ADJUSTMENTS
KE
9.0 Employee Performance Evaluation
A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of Performance Evaluations is to
enable the Supervisor and /or Department Director to discuss the positive
and negative aspects of the Employee's performance, to acknowledge
positive aspects, to identify goals such as development of additional skills,
and to discuss aspects that should or could be improved. The
Performance Evaluation is an opportunity for the Employee to ask his /her
Supervisor for clarification of duties or Department objectives and to
suggest changes in the Department or Supervisor actions that could help
improve Employee's performance, better serve the public, or fulfill the
mission of the Department.
B. Timing of Evaluation. Each Regular Employee shall, at a minimum,
have his /her performance evaluated in writing at the following times:
1. Eligibility for a Step increase or proposed salary adjustment.
2. Reclassification or Promotion.
3. Twelve (12) months after the previous evaluation.
4. At least once during the Probationary Period.
The evaluation of performance should occur on a daily basis and the
written evaluation should reflect the ongoing evaluation that has occurred
prior to documentation.
C. Forms. The Human Resources Director shall provide each Department
with training and forms helpful to assist the Supervisor in assessing
performance, establishing goals, and recording suggestions from the
Employee. The evaluation form is a tool to assist each Supervisor with
his /her evaluation form but completion of the form does not, in and of
itself, constitute an adequate evaluation. The Evaluation shall be
conducted in a manner best calculated to achieve the purposes and
objectives of this Manual. Departments may use their own evaluation
forms and procedures provided that the Department or Human Resources
Director have provided appropriate training for Supervisors and use of the
forms has been coordinated with the Human Resources Director.
D. Employee Response. The Employee shall have an opportunity to read
and review his or her performance evaluation form, and offer comments
on the ratings or overall evaluation, prior to Supervisor execution and
approval. The Employee shall, no later than five (5) working days after
final approval by the Department Director, be given a copy of the
tE
personnel evaluation approved and signed by the Supervisor. The
Employee shall have the right to prepare a written response to the
Performance Evaluation and request that the response be attached to the
Performance Evaluation Form for inclusion in the Employee's personnel
file. The response and request to attach must be provided to the
Department Director or his /her designee no less than thirty (30) Days after
receipt of the Performance Evaluation. The failure of an Employee to sign
or respond to a Performance Evaluation Form shall not have a bearing on
the approval or validity of the form or the performance evaluation.
E. Procedures. The Department Director shall establish appropriate
procedures to insure that performance evaluations are completed on a
timely basis and that evaluations are conducted in a manner consistent with
the purpose and intent of this Manual.
F. Provisional Employees. A Provisional Employee may receive a
performance evaluation upon Separation to determine, among other
things, if he /she is eligible for rehire. A Provisional Employee may be
evaluated from time to time at the discretion of the Department Director.
The performance evaluation shall be a factor in any adjustment in
compensation paid to the Provisional Employee. The evaluation of the
performance of a Provisional Employee does not change or alter his /her
status or affect the City's right to terminate him /her without cause or right
of appeal.
9.1 Merit Steps Progression
A. Regular Employees. A Regular Employee shall earn Step increases
based upon satisfactory performance of duties (not just longevity) and in
accordance with the following:
1. Normal Progression. Except for Public Safety Employees, as a
general rule no Step increase shall be granted from the Date of
Hire until the successful completion of the Regular Employee's
Probationary Period. The Department Director may grant one (1)
additional Step increase during a Regular Employee's normal
progression in a Classification based on documented outstanding
performance. A Regular Employee shall become eligible for a Step
increase only if the Regular Employee's overall performance is
rated at least satisfactory. Thereafter, eligibility for Step increases
for Regular Full Time Employees shall occur at twelve (12) month
intervals, provided the Regular Full Time Employee's overall
performance is at least satisfactory, until such time as the Regular
Employee reaches the last Salary Step available for his /her
_it"
Position. Eligibility for Step increases for Regular Part Time
Employees shall occur at twelve -month intervals, provided the
Employee has worked at least one thousand (1000) hours since
the last increase, and the Employee's overall performance is
satisfactory. A Regular Employee who receives a less than
satisfactory performance evaluation shall not receive any Step
increase at that time, but may receive a Step increase at such time
as the Regular Employee's performance is rated at least
satisfactory.
2. Promotional Progression. As a general rule, no Regular
Employee shall receive a Step increase from the date of Promotion
until he /she has satisfactorily completed his /her Probationary
Period. A Regular Employee who has been Promoted and has
successfully completed his /her Probationary Period is eligible for a
Step increase provided his /her performance is rated at least
satisfactory and a Step increase is available in that Classification.
A Promoted Regular Employee is eligible for annual Step
increases, provided his /her performance is at least satisfactory,
until he /she reaches the top Step.
B. Provisional Employees. Salary increases for Provisional Employees are
at the discretion of the Department Director with the approvai of the Nurnan
:sources Director and may be based on merit and on the need to remain
competitive in the marketplace for recruiting purposes. All merit
�vlivancemems shall be effective on the first day of the first pay ^eriod
the eiiginility date. Nc more than one merit increase may cccur
om Dlovee per near.
1. Seasonal Employees. Step increases may be granted to
Provisional Employees that work on a seasonal basis whose
performance the previous season was rated satisfactory or above.
The Salary Range for Provisional Employees may be adjusted
annually based upon a market survey.
2. Non - Seasonal Employees. Provisional Employees who work
other than on a seasonal basis shall have a salary schedule that
may be adjusted annually based upon a market survey.
9.2 Reclassification /New Classifications
A. The City Manager shall Reclassify Positions upon a determination that
there has been a material change in the duties regularly performed by, or
expected of, the Employee occupying the Position. The Reclassification
process may be initiated only through a request for a job audit submitted
41
to, or initiated by, the Human Resources Director at his /her sole
discretion. A job audit may be requested by an Employee, his /her
Supervisor, or the Department Director. The Human Resources Director
may decline to initiate, or may terminate at any time, the job audit upon a
determination that there is no substantial evidence of a material change in
duties. The job audit should include a detailed analysis of the work
performed by, or expected of, the Employee and a comparison of that
work with the job specifications for the Classification. The Human
Resources Director shall submit the completed job audit, together with
recommendations relative to Reclassification to the Department Director,
the Employee, and the City Manager.
B. In the event a Position is Reclassified and the incumbent meets minimum
qualifications, he /she shall be appointed, or offered an appointment to the
Reclassified Position with no change in his /her Date of Hire in accordance
with the following.
1. If the Reclassified Position has the same Salary Range, the
incumbent shall be Appointed to the Reclassified Position with no
change in his /her Base Rate of Pay.
2. If the Reclassified Position has a lower Salary Range, the
incumbent shall be offered an Appointment to the Reclassified
Position at a Base Rate of Pay that is closest to, but not less than,
the Employee's current Base Rate of Pay. The City Manager may
approve a Y -Rated salary for the Employee if he /she is at the top
Step of the Salary Range in the previous Classification.
3. If the Reclassified Position has a higher Salary Range, the
incumbent shall be appointed to the Reclassified Position at the
first Step with a Base Rate of Pay higher than his /her previous
Base Rate of Pay.
The effective date of Reclassification shall be the first day of the pay
period immediately after the Reclassification is approved by the City
Manager. An incumbent who does not meet the minimum qualifications
for the Reclassified position shall be laid off.
rrrnmm.. nrJ -�t'nn
Q-f #ie QGP@rtM.GRt Q11- P6t.,1 --I
--"..emsms pployee Rc re P.9 MP 8; s .v. t
42
' b +n +nr •hr (`I- +cr�n ntinr.
_� •_�. 6 t'�t c.o2� .r`gix,;6'8,- ��1-ot
fi -ern Q +r eRq P1nYm.c:nt V'R-S 61 n44 +��.'., 4'i
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SECTION 10. ATTENDANCE AND HOURS OF WORK
10.0 Overtime
For purposes of applying the overtime requirements of the FLSA, the Work
Period (see subsection 2.0 RR for examples of Work Periods for various
schedules) shall be as specified in writing by the City Manager or his /her
designee (such as the Department Director).
A. FLSA Overtime. The City shall fully comply with the provisions of FLSA
with respect to all Employees who are not considered exempt from FLSA
overtime pay requirements. Employees entitled to overtime pursuant to
FLSA may be compensated in the form of pay or compensatory time off.
Any Regular Employee who believes he or she is entitled to, but has not
received, overtime pursuant to FLSA shall immediately notify his /her
Supervisor. The Employee's Supervisor shall have the authority to
approve payment of overtime. In the event the Supervisor does not
approve the request for overtime, the Supervisor shall promptly
communicate the request to the Department Director who shall notify the
Human Resources Director and the City Manager. The Department
Director shall respond to the Employee, in writing, within ten (10) working
days and shall promptly take any action necessary to comply with FLSA.
B. Non -FLSA Overtime. Regular Employees may be entitled to overtime
without regard to FLSA based upon provisions of the applicable MOU.
Any Regular Employee who believes he /she may be entitled to overtime
pursuant to the provisions of an MOU shall immediately notify his /her
Supervisor. The Supervisor shall have the authority to authorize payment
of the overtime. In the event the Supervisor does not approve the request
43
for overtime, the Supervisor shall promptly notify the Department Director
who shall immediately notify the Human Resources Director and City
Manager. The Department Director shall respond to the Employee's
request within ten (10) working days and promptly take corrective action.
10.1 No Guarantee of Hours
Nothing in this Manual shall be construed to constitute a guarantee of minimum
hours of work per day or within any Work Period.
10.2 Time Sheets
All Employees must complete appropriate payroll records or timesheets showing
hours worked and leave taken. In those cases where the Employee signs time
sheets, the Supervisor or Department Director shall confirm the time worked.
Where required, the Department timesheets will be reviewed and audited by the
Administrative Services Department. Notice of any correction(s) to the timesheet
will be sent to the Employee and the Department Director. Corrections shall be
deemed final unless the Employee files an objection with the City Manager within
thirty (30) Days after notice of the correction has been given to the Employee.
The determination of the City Manager shall be final.
10.3 Constructive Resignation
An Employee who is absent, without authorized leave, for three (3) or more
consecutive Workdays shall be presumed to have resigned. Written notice of the
presumed resignation shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to
the Employee at his /her last known address. The resignation shall be deemed
effective as of the date of the written notice unless the Employee responds in
writing, and returns to work, within five (5) Days after the written notice.
10.4 Lunch and Break Policy
A. Breaks. Regular Full Time Employees may take one (1) paid break
during the first half of the Employee's Workday and one during the second
half of the Employee's Workday. Breaks shall not exceed fifteen (15)
minutes each. Regular Part -time Employees and Provisional Employees
are not entitled to a paid break unless they work at least three and one
half (3 1/2) hours. Breaks may not be accrued, consolidated or
aggregated without the approval of the Employee's Supervisor.
B. Meal Periods. Meal periods shall be at least thirty (30) minutes, but no
more than sixty (60) minutes per Workday, do not constitute hours worked
and are unpaid. Employees are expected to adjust their meal periods to
conform to Department schedules and operational needs. The
44
Department Director may schedule staggered meal periods throughout
the late morning and early afternoon. Regular Part -time Employees and
Provisional Employees must work four (4) or more consecutive hours to
receive an unpaid thirty (30) minute meal period. Meal periods may not
be consolidated or aggregated.
SECTION 11. LEAVES
11.0 Flex Leave
A. Introduction. The City recognizes that the provisions of this Section are
subject to and possibly inconsistent with MOU's between the City and
Recognized Employee Associations and acknowledges that, in the event
of a conflict, the MOU shall prevail. The provisions of this Section are
intended to apply to unrepresented Employees and represented
Employees to the extent not inconsistent with any relevant MOU.
B. Accrual. Regular Full Time Employees (assumes eighty (80) hours
worked per pay period) enrolled in the Flex Leave Program prior to July 1,
1996 will earn Flex Leave pursuant to the following schedule:
Employees hired, or rehired, by the City of Newport Beach on or after July
1, 1996, shall accrue Flex Leave at the following rates:
Hours of Accrual Days Accrued
Years of Continuous Service Per Pay Period Per Year
= but less than 5
Hours of Accrual
Days Accrued
Years of Continuous Service
Per Pay Period
Per Year
10 but less than 15
6.46
—• but less than 5
5.54
18
5 but less than 9
6.15
20
9 but less than 12
6.77
22
12 but less than 16
7.69
25
16 but less than 20
8.31
27
20 but less than 25
8.92
29
25 and over
9.54
31
Employees hired, or rehired, by the City of Newport Beach on or after July
1, 1996, shall accrue Flex Leave at the following rates:
Hours of Accrual Days Accrued
Years of Continuous Service Per Pay Period Per Year
= but less than 5
4.92
16
5 but less than 10
5.53
18
10 but less than 15
6.46
21
15 but less than 20
7.08
23
20 and over
8.00
26
45
Regular Full Time Employees assigned to other than an eighty (80) hour
work schedule per pay period will accrue Flex Leave on a pro rata basis.
Probationary Employees serving a twelve (12) month Probationary Period
shall earn Flex Leave from their Date of Hire but, except as otherwise
provided in this Manual, the Employee shall not be credited with Flex
Leave for use until serving six (6) months of the Probationary Period.
Probationary Employees shall be credited with Flex Leave in the same
manner as Regular Employees after serving six (6) months of their
Probationary Period.
The Department Director may authorize an advance of up to sixty (60)
hours of Flex Leave for a Probationary Employee to use in the event
he /she is required to be absent from work due to illness during the
Probationary Period. The Department Director may also authorize an
additional advance of up to forty (40) hours of Flex Leave for a
Probationary Employee to use for any purpose during his /her
Probationary Period. Any Flex Leave advanced during a Probationary
Period shall be deducted from the amount of Flex Leave that would
otherwise be accrued by the Employee upon satisfactory completion of
his /her Probation. In the event an Employee fails to satisfactorily complete
Probation, the value of the Flex Leave advanced during Probation,
calculated on the basis of the Employee's Base Rate of Pay, shall be
deducted from the Employee's final check.
C. Limit on Accumulation. Regular Full Time Employees may accrue Flex
Leave up to an amount equal to seventy -eight (78) times the Employee's
bi- weekly accrual rate (accrual cap).
1. For Regular Full Time Employees hired before July 1, 1996, any
Flex Leave that would have been earned in excess of the accrual
cap will be paid on an hour for hour basis in cash at the Regular
Full Time Employee's Base Rate of Pay (spillover pay). Regular
Full Time Employees hired before July 1, 1996 and accruing Flex
Leave at an accrual rate based on less than sixteen (16) years of
continuous service shall not receive spillover pay unless they have
utilized at least eighty (80) hours of Flex Leave during the previous
calendar year. Regular Full Time Employees hired before July 1,
1996 and accruing Flex Leave at an accrual rate based on at least
sixteen (16) years of continuous service shall not receive spillover
pay unless they have used 120 hours of Flex leave during the
previous calendar year. Regular Full Time Employees hired before
July 1, 1996 and who are not eligible for spillover pay shall not be
eligible to earn Flex Leave in excess of the accrual cap.
2. Regular Employees first hired, or rehired, by the City on or after
46
July 1, 1996 shall not be eligible for spillover pay and shall not be
entitled to accrue Flex Leave in excess of the accrual cap.
3. Flex Leave shall not be accrued while a Regular Full Time
Employee is on leave of absence without pay or while serving a
Suspension of five (5) Days or more.
D. Method of Use. Flex Leave may not be taken in excess of the amount of
Flex Leave accrued as of the date of the request to use Flex Leave. The
Department Director shall approve all requests for Flex Leave taking into
consideration the needs of the Department, the seniority and wishes of
the Employee and the timing of the request in relation to the date(s) on
which the Employee wishes to use Flex Leave. Flex Leave may be
granted on a quarter hour basis. Any fraction less than one - quarter hour
shall be charged as a full one - quarter hour of Flex Leave. i=lex time .shall
;n advance. in cases of absences not approved in advance
ri lovee shall notif;, his her Depaitment by phone as socn as
ssibie after the need for the absence becomes apparent. but no later
ar �mti, n one -half !'. %z) hour of the emOovees start time.
�. ..;. "2fl -(?1 -c`ti "2 . "e :F�6'IK28 t ^- jrc`�I`v'�v ��rnnr- o-�•,; :: I-�, '.', `_"..� eI5 a �c`r'. :i :i :-•� -, :Fi
0-p T: Y'Ej""P^ "._r i
E. Terminal Flex Leave Pay. Upon Separation, a Regular Full Time
Employee shall receive a check for the value of his /her accrued Flex
Leave calculated at the Base Rate of Pay at Separation.
11.1 Vacation Leave
A. Eligibility. Regular Full Time Employees hired on or before January 1,
1990, and who have elected not to enroll in the Flex Leave Program, shall
be entitled to earn Vacation Leave. Regular Full Time Employees shall
earn Vacation Leave except while the Employee is on leave of absence
without pay or serving a Suspension of five (5) Days or more.
B. Basis for Accrual /Full Time Regular Employees. Vacation Leave is
earned at a rate that is based on continuous years of service and the time
an Employee is scheduled to work during a pay period in accordance with
the following:
Hours CT PIccruai
Years of Service.,r
hC -r F'ab' Period Dc gar
47
0 but less than 5
5 but less than 9
9 but less than 12
12 but less than 16
16 but less than 20
20 but less than 25
25 and over
€- 613.38
11
9-.343.99
13
19 674 .61
15
-14- 045.22
17
" '�c5.84
u
=76.46
�3r,07
For Employees working other than eighty (80) hours per pay period,
Vacation Leave shall be earned on a pro -rata basis.
C. Limit on Accumulation. Regular Full Time Employees shall not earn
Vacation Leave in excess of the maximum possible accrual during a two
(2) year period (52 x bi- weekly accrual rate — accrual cap). However, the
Department Director may approve accrual in excess of the accrual cap if
the Employee agrees to use all Vacation Leave in excess of the accrual
cap within ninety (90) Days.
D. Method of Use. Vacation Leave may be granted only to the extent
accrued as of the date of submittal of the request for Vacation Leave.
The Department Director shall schedule and respond to requests for
Vacation Leave taking into consideration the needs of the Department
and, whenever possible, the seniority and wishes of the Employee.
Vacation Leave may be requested and granted in increments as small as
one quarter (1/4) hour. One quarter (1/4) hour of Vacation Leave shall be
charged to any Regular Full Time Employee who requests or takes less
than one quarter (1/4) hour.
E. Terminal Vacation Pay. Upon Separation, Regular Full Time Employees
shall receive a check for the value of accrued Vacation Leave calculated
at the Employee's then current Base Rate of Pay.
11.2 Sick Leave
A. Definition. Sick Leave shall mean the absence from duty of a Regular Full
Time Employee because of
1. An injury, illness or medical condition that did not arise out of the
course and scope of employment.
2. Medical or dental examination or treatment.
48
3. Exposure to a contagious disease when quarantine is imposed by
health authorities or when it is determined by a Physician that the
presence of the Employee on duty would endanger the health of
others.
4. A physical condition which, in the opinion of the Department
Director, could result in a substantial risk of injury to the Employee,
other Employees, or the public if the Employee was required to
perform his /her normal duties.
5. The illness of a member of the Employee's Immediate Family.
B. Eligibility. Regular Full Time Employees hired on or before January 1,
1990 and who have elected not to enroll in the Flex Leave program shall
be entitled to earn Sick Leave. Regular Full Time Employees shall be
entitled to earn Sick Leave except during periods when the Employee is
on leave of absence without pay or a Suspension of five days or more.
C. Basis for Accrual. Regular Full -time Employees shall earn Sick Leave
based on the hours the Employee is regularly scheduled to work during a
pay period and continuous years of service. Employees scheduled to work
eighty (80) hours during a period shall earn Sick Leave in accordance with
the following schedule:
�erJice r ~ours or Accrual Ja +;s Acc uec;
�+ ..: i "J P 2 r
Per Pav Period
0 — 1 year "ter° i .85
1 — 2 years
2 — 3 years .
3 — 4 years r .
4 and over
Regular Full Time Employees regularly scheduled to work other than
eighty (80) hours during a pay period shall earn Sick Leave on a pro -rata
basis with forty (40) hours as the denominator and the normal Work
Period as the numerator.
D. Method of Use. A Regular Full Time Employee shall not be entitled to
take Sick Leave in excess of the amount of Sick Leave accrued as of the
date of the request.
E. Abuse of Sick Leave. Regular Full Time Employees shall use Sick
Leave only for the purposes specified in this Manual and /or to the extent
permitted by State or Federal law. The Department Director may require
any Regular Full Time Employee using Sick Leave to provide medical
49
verification of the illness, injury, condition or treatment for which the Sick
Leave was requested or granted. Regular Full Time Employees who have
been on Sick Leave for three (3) or more consecutive days during which
the Employee is scheduled to work, shall, upon request, provide their
Supervisor or Department Director with written evidence from a medical
professional of the reasons for the absence. In the event the Regular Full
Time Employee does not provide satisfactory evidence that he /she used
Sick Leave in a manner consistent with this Manual, the absence shall be
converted to Vacation Leave, other paid leave, or leave without pay at the
discretion of the Regular Full Time Employee.
F. Notification. A Regular Full Time Employee requesting Sick Leave for
unanticipated injury or illness shall notify his /her Department by phone as
soon as possible after the need for Sick Leave becomes apparent but nn
gill '':' -iiu�t ro. I -,)t -t• - '"'.R)'' /Cii'` :iiil
Departments may establish specific rules and procedures for requesting
Sick Leave. A Regular Full Time Employee requesting Sick Leave for
medical treatment or evaluation shall request Sick Leave within twenty -
four (24) hours after scheduling the appointment or one business day
before his /her normal reporting time, whichever is earlier.
G. Dependent Care. Regular Employees may use up to''Y2 of the Sick Leave
or Flex Leave accrued per year to provide care (including transportation to
and from any health care provider) for any member of his /her Immediate
Family in need of care due to illness or injury.
H. Return to Work. When a Regular Full Time Employee has been on Sick
Leave for five (5) or more consecutive Workdays, the Department Director
may require him /her to undergo, at City expense, an examination limited
to a determination of his /her fitness to perform normal duties.
Payment for Sick Leave Upon Termination. Upon Separation, in good
standing, a Regular Full Time Employee or his /her estate shall be paid for
a percentage of the first 800 hours (1200 hours for Fire Personnel on a
24 -hour shift) of accrued Sick Leave as follows:
PERCENT OF UNUSED SICK LEAVE CONVERTED TO PAY
Years of Service Percentage of Accrued Sick Leave Paid
Less than 10
None
10 but less than 15
25.0%
15 but less than 20
37.5%
20 or more
50.0%
The term "years of service" shall mean full -time, continuous service as a
Probationary Employee and Regular Full Time Employee. The payment
for Sick Leave shall be based on the Base Rate of Pay of the Employee at
the time of Separation. Regular Full Time Employees who are
Discharged for cause or resign in lieu of discipline shall not be eligible for
payment for accrued Sick Leave.
J. Illness During Vacation Leave. The Department Director may convert
Vacation Leave to Sick Leave upon a written request from the Regular Full
Time Employee to do so accompanied by a written statement signed by
his /her attending physician describing the nature and dates of illness.
11.3 Bereavement Leave
Regular Full Time Employees shall be entitled to forty (40) hours of paid
Bereavement Leave per occurrence. A Regular Full Time Employee is entitled
to use his /her Bereavement Leave whenever a member of his /her Immediate
Family dies or becomes terminally ill. Bereavement Leave may not be
accumulated from year to year.
11.4 Holiday Leave
The following Days shall be observed as paid holidays for Regular Full Time
Employees. In addition, each Regular Full Time Employee shall be entitled to a
"floating holiday ". Regular Full Time Employees who, by virtue of their Position
or assignment, are required to work on holidays shall receive an equal amount of
Flex Leave/Vacation Leave or an equivalent amount of pay at the discretion of
the Department Director.
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
July 4
1st Monday in September
November 11
4th Thursday in November
Friday following Thanksgiving
Last Half of Working Day
December 25
Last Half of Working Day
January 1
3rd Monday in February
Last Monday in May
When any of the holidays listed above (except the floating holiday) occur on a
Saturday, the holiday shall be observed on the preceding Friday. Holidays
occurring on a Sunday shall be observed on the following Monday. Half -day
51
holidays shall be observed prior to the observed holiday. The floating holiday will
be added to each Regular Full Time Employee's Vacation or Flex Leave account
on the first pay period in July.
11.5 Jury Duty and Witness Leave
A. Jury Duty. No Employee complying with this subsection shall be
disciplined or subject to any discrimination or loss of pay or benefits for a
period of sixty (60) days when required by law to attend a legal
proceeding as a juror. An Employee called to serve as a juror shall notify
his /her Supervisor on the first Workday following receipt of the summons.
Any Employee of the City legally required to serve as a juror shall be
entitled to leave with pay and all benefits as long as his /her presence is
legally required but not to exceed sixty (60) days whichever comes first.
The Employee shall have the jury calendar or assignment sheet signed by
the jury clerk or commissioner and shall deliver this calendar /sheet to
his /her Supervisor at the end of each week to verify jury duty. An
Employee shall deposit with the City any fees for service, excluding
mileage, received for service and during the time the Employee receives
his /her Base Rate of Pay with the City. An Employee who is released by
the court from jury duty on any regularly scheduled Workday shall contact
his /her Supervisor to find out whether he /she is required to return to work.
B. Witness Leave. Any Employee required to attend a legal or
administrative proceeding on behalf of the City, or to testify to any act or
omission occurring within the course and scope of his /her employment,
shall be considered on duty while in attendance. The Employee shall
deposit all fees, except mileage, with the City. Any Employee required to
attend a legal or administrative proceeding on behalf of a party other than
the City in a matter unrelated to his /her employment with the City shall not
be entitled to compensation during his /her absence except to the extent
required by State law. However, the Employee may use accrued Flex
Leave, Vacation Leave or other paid leave during his /her absence.
11.6 Family and Medical Leave
This Section briefly summarizes the relevant provisions of the City's Family and
Medical Leave Policy that is contained in the Appendix. This Policy describes
the rights of Employees eligible to take Family and Medical Leave and
Pregnancy Disability Leave pursuant to current Federal or State law, the effect of
taking Family and Medical Leave, medical certification requirements, and other
relevant information. Employees shall be entitled to up to four (4) months of
Family and Medical Leave to the extent provided, and consistent with the terms
and conditions imposed by, State and Federal law. Family and Medical Leave
includes leave related to the birth of a child, the placement of a child in
52
connection with an adoption or foster care, or the serious health condition of the
Employee, or the Employee's parent, child or spouse. An Employee may receive
up to two (2) additional months leave due to the Employee's own serious health
condition if the Employee provides the required medical certification, the
Department Director is able reasonably to accommodate the absence and the
City Manager approves the request.
11.7 Leave of Absence Without Pay
An Employee may request a Leave of Absence Without Pay. The request shall
indicate the length of the leave requested and if the Employee intends to pay
premiums for benefit plans. The Department Director may approve or deny the
request in his /her sole discretion. An Employee on leave of absence without pay
shall not earn Flex leave, Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, holiday leave or other
benefits. An Employee on Probation shall have his /her Probationary Period
extended by the amount of time on leave of absence without pay. An Employee
who fails to report to work on the first Workday after the leave of absence expires
shall be considered to have resigned and the Department Director shall proceed
as provided in Section 10.3 of this Manual.
11.8 Special Paid Leave
The City Manager may, with the concurrence of the Department Director,
authorize a Regular Full Time Employee to take a special leave of absence with
pay for a period not to exceed 180 Days upon a determination the leave will
contribute to the Employee's effectiveness and be beneficial to the City.
11.9 Military Leave
All Employees are entitled to Military Leave to the extent required by, and subject
to the terms and conditions imposed by, provisions of State and Federal law.
Employees on a Military Leave of absence shall be entitled to the salary and
benefits to the extent required by State law. Employees eligible for Military Leave
shall, if reasonably possible, submit a copy of their military orders to the
Department Director within twenty -four (24) hours after the Employee becomes
aware of the orders and the need to request Military Leave.
11.10 Administrative Leave
Department Directors may grant Administrative Leave to Exempt Employees.
Administrative Leave shall be granted on a case by case basis, shall not exceed
eighty (80) hours per calendar year, and the amount of leave granted to any
Exempt Employee shall be reevaluated each fiscal year. Administrative Leave
shall be utilized during the calendar year it is granted and may not be
accumulated beyond the calendar year for which it was granted without the
53
approval of the City Manager.
11.11 Voting Leave
Each Employee is encouraged to vote in all elections. Employees are
encouraged to vote outside of their Workday. An Employee is encouraged to
obtain and use an absentee ballot if he /she may not have time to vote outside of
his /her Workday due to their schedule. Under special circumstances, a Regular
Full Time Employee or Probationary Employee who does not have ample time to
vote outside of his /her Workday may request approval from his /her Supervisor to
take up to two (2) hours of leave with pay to vote.
11.12 Workers Compensation Benefits and Industrial Accident Leave
A. The City will provide workers compensation benefits in accordance with
the laws of the State of California for any work - related injury or illness.
These benefits include medical care, temporary disability, permanent
disability, vocational rehabilitation and survivor benefits.
B. In the event that any Regular Full -Time Employee is absent from work as
a result of any injury or illness which comes under the State of California
Workers Compensation Law, such absence shall be considered to be
Industrial Accident Leave (IAL).
C. Any full -time employee on Industrial Accident Leave shall receive
temporary total disability (TTD) compensation mandated by the Workers
Compensation Laws of the State of California and an additional sum
which, when added to the TTD compensation equals the full -time
employee's regular compensation on the date of the job - related injury or
illness for a period not to exceed six (6) months. Regular compensation
is defined as the Base Rate of Pay of the Employee on the date of the
work - related injury or illness. In the event the Regular Full -Time
Employee's temporary total disability exceeds the six (6) months period
for Industrial Accident Leave, the Employee will continue to receive TTD
compensation in accordance with the Workers Compensation Laws
mandated by the State of California.
D. Any Regular Full -Time Safety Employee on Industrial Accident Leave
shall receive temporary total disability (TTD) compensation mandated by
the Workers Compensation Laws of the State of California in accordance
with Section 4850 of the Labor Code. Section 4850 of the Labor Code
allows for the payment of one (1) year of salary in lieu of temporary total
disability (TTD) compensation for the designated safety classifications
listed in Section 4850 of the Labor Code.
54
In the event the Regular Full -Time Safety Employee's temporary total
disability (TTD) exceeds the one (1) year period for Industrial Accident
Leave, the employee will continue to receive TTD compensation in
accordance with the Workers Compensation Laws mandated by the State
of California.
E. In the event that any Provisional and Regular Part-Time Employee is
absent from work as a result of any injury or illness which comes under
the State of California Workers Compensation Law, such absence shall
be considered as temporary total disability (TTD) and the Provisional and
Regular Part-Time Employee will receive TTD compensation in
accordance with the Workers Compensation Laws mandated by the State
of California.
F. In the event any Employee who has received or is receiving any workers
compensation benefits (industrial accident leave, medical care, etc.) files
a civil action against a third party for allegedly causing or contributing to
the cause of the injury/illness, the Employee is required to notify the Risk
Manager of the filing of such legal action.
SECTION 12. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
12.0 General Principles
The City's goal is to administer discipline in an equitable way with an emphasis
on progressive discipline to prevent misconduct or improving job performance.
The level of discipline should reflect the objective (punishment and /or improve
performance), the nature of the misconduct, the presence or absence of
mitigating circumstances and the record of the Employee. Supervisors and
Department Directors should enforce rules and regulations in a consistent
manner. However, consistency does not mean the same discipline should be
imposed in each case, rather, that the Supervisor is able to articulate an
objective and reasonable basis for the discipline imposed in each case.
are considered confidential. Participation in or kno,,AJedae of
srr;• r consideration in a disciplinary action shali be iimiied is those
' ').:, sornel who have a legitimate business reason T or being involved.
-med pursuant to this procedure will only be disclosed to those
a =.. a ;�rl agents who have legitimate business need for the information.
nv law.
12.1 Grounds for Disciplinary Action
55
Each of the following may constitute misconduct and be cause for discipline:
A. Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a conditional offer of employment
or an Appointment;
B. Incompetence or neglect of duties;
C. Inefficiency;
D. Dishonesty;
E. Insubordination - willful disobedience or disregard of a Supervisor's lawful
directive;
F. Misconduct committed during an Employee's Workday or directly related
to the Employee's duties, including violations of the provisions of this
Manual and /or the Appendix, violation of Department policies, tardiness or
absenteeism;
G. Misconduct committed when the Employee is off duty, including a violation
of a criminal law, provided there is a reasonable relationship between the
misconduct and the interests of the City or the Employee's duties;
H. Absence without approved leave; or
I. Misappropriation of, damage to, or waste of public funds or property
through negligent or willful misconduct.
12.2 Definition of Certain Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary actions include: (1) a written reprimand; i2) r^ — { �;m,�.;2.ee
!RR (3) disciplinary suspension; (4) disciplinary
transfer or reassignment; (5) the temporary or permanent or–reduction in pay,
accrued paid leave, or one or more Salary Steps; (6) demotion; (7) discharge; or
(8) any other action taken for disciplinary purposes. The Department Director
and /or City Manager shall have the authority to develop and /or administer
disciplinary measures other than those specified in this Section whenever
appropriate. The Department Director or City Manager may impose a temporary
reduction or loss of pay, the loss of a grade or step, or the forfeiture of accrued
paid leave or compensatory time off as an alternative to suspension, demotion or
other discipline.
12.3 Informal or Formal Counseling
56
Formal or informal counseling or discussions between a Supervisor and an
Employee regarding a minor performance problem does not constitute discipline.
A Supervisor should have an informal discussion with an Employee to clarify
expectations and resolve problems in performance as soon as possible. The
formal „ ^-== counseling e° �sc—� may be documented in the
Supervisor's log but shall not be included in the Employee's personnel file unless
the Employee is given notice of the inclusion and an opportunity to respond in
writing. An Employee is not entitled to representation be+e;a, during sV aitpr
informal or formal counseling.
12.4 Written Reprimand
A written reprimand may be given by a Supervisor whenever an Employee has
failed to correct his /her behavior or ;e;fiorniance in response to an z-,Fat
I�;r;v rsi or forn:ai c; unse!ino or when the misconduct is sufficiently
serious to warrant a written reprimand. The written reprimand should be given as
part of a discussion between the Supervisor and the Employee. During this
discussion the Supervisor should explain the act or omission which prompted the
reprimand, the appropriate conduct or performance, and the potential
consequences for the failure to correct such performance or behavior. The
Supervisor shall give the Employee an opportunity to respond during the
discussion. The Employee shall have a right to submit a written response within
days and the written response will be placed in the Employee's
personnel file with the written reprimand.
12.5 Performance Improvement Program (PIP)
A Department Director may, to correct or improve performance, direct an
Employee to participate in, and comply with the provisions of, a PIP. The
Department Director shall fully explain to the Employee the terms, conditions and
provisions of the PIP prior to directing the Employee to participate in the PIP.
The PIP shall be designed to provide the Employee with any training or
education necessary to improve or correct performance and shall include
provisions that give the Employee the opportunity to comment on evaluations of
performance during the PIP. The Employee shall not be entitled to any prior
written notice of, or a right to respond to or appeal, a decision to implement a
PIP.
12.6 Disciplinary Suspension
An Employee may be suspended or suffer a reduction (permanently or
temporarily) in pay, accrued paid leave or Salary Step when previous discipline
has not been effective or when the misconduct is sufficiently serious to warrant
such discipline.
57
12.7 Demotion
The Department Director may demote an Employee in the event of serious
misconduct or in the event the Employee consistently fails to perform at a
satisfactory level after receiving the training and counseling necessary to perform
at a satisfactory level. Upon request of the Employee, and with the consent of
the Department Director, demotion may be made to a vacant Position. No
Employee shall be demoted to a Position unless he or she possesses the
minimum qualifications for the Position.
12.8 Discharge
Discharge is appropriate when other appropriate progressive disciplinary
measures have failed or when misconduct is sufficiently serious, or when
Employee does not possess the minimum qualifications for their position.
12.9 Resignation — An Alternative to Disciplinary Action
An Employee may resign in lieu of disciplinary action. An Employee who resigns
forfeits his /her right to contest the proposed discipline. (The Department Director
is not required to accept a conditional or deferred resignation.)
12.10 Documentation of Disciplinary Action
All disciplinary actions should be documented. If the action taken is a �nrtten
:. suspension, a reduction in pay, a demotion, or a dismissal, or other
change in pay or employment status, documentation shall be prepared in
accordance with this Manual and a copy of all the disciplinary documents shall
be placed in the Employee's personnel file(s). The Employee shall sign for and
receive a copy of the disciplinary documents. Such signature is for ;lie uw Dose
,.iumentt only and not concurrence. Failure to sign shall be noted in
the personnel file.
12.11 Employee Representation
A represented Employee is entitled to the presence of an Association
representative during an investigative interview conducted by the
Supervisor /Interviewer whenever the Supervisor /Interviewer or Employee
reasonably believes that the interview might lead to or result in disciplinary action
against the Employee. The Employee must request the representation. The
Supervisor /Interviewer is encouraged but not obligated to inform the Employee of
the right to representation. The Employee and representative must be allowed a
reasonable period of time to confer in advance of the interview.
The Supervisor shall make a reasonable effort to accommodate the desire of the
58
Employee to have a specific representative, but the Supervisor is not required to
unreasonably delay the interview to accommodate the schedule of the desired
representative. The Supervisor sna!i make every effor to schedure the Imn -11ow
ri; na hours and consider anv requests regarding, schedulmg4as
tn: �.= f,'9!Gyeg ei :' -ch=c� <t F.4�E.. b "a-? vim- c�.- ��_ -�;'rc
c.d ^gsia;.r•as of t. g :p,4�p.,::4w. The representative does not
have the right to interfere with legitimate inquiries but may object to questions
that the representative believes, in good faith, are improper.
SECTION 13. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
13.0 Disciplinary Procedures
A. Regular Employees. Subject to the provisions of Subsection B, a
Department Director shall comply with this Section prior to imposing on a
Regular Full Time Employee or Regular Part Time Employee a
disciplinary suspension of one (1) or more Workday(s), a reduction in pay,
leave or Salary Step, a Demotion, or a Discharge.
B. Other Employees. Provisional Employees, Probationary Employees and
Department Directors may be terminated without cause and without
compliance with the procedures outlined in this Section. Department
Directors performing duties pursuant to contract shall have only those
substantive and procedural rights, if any, specified in the contract.
Provisional Employees, Probationary Employees and Department
Directors shall have the right to an appropriate "name clearing hearing" if
terminated for misconduct that adversely impacts their liberty interests as
those terms are defined by then current decisional law. The "name
clearing hearing" shall be limited to the production of information by the
Employee that he /she believes is necessary to establish a record of the
events related to the termination. In no event shall a Provisional
Employee, Probationary Employee or Department Director have the right
to appeal a termination.
C. Exempt Employees. Employees who have been deemed exempt will be
disciplined consistent with the FLSA. Suspensions resulting in salary
deductions of less than a week are not permitted unless for safety rules of
major significance or as permitted by FLSA.
D. Direct Appointees. The City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk are
Direct Appointees of the City Council and may be terminated without
cause subject only to provisions of the City Charter and any employment
contract.
59
13.1 Administrative Suspensions
The Department Director may order the administrative suspension of an
Employee pending investigation of possible misconduct. The Department
Director shall promptly notice the City Manager and Human Resources Director
of any administrative suspension. An administrative suspension shall typically
be with pay but may be imposed without pay to the extent permitted by statutory
or decisional law. The term of the administrative suspension shall be limited to
the time necessary to complete the investigation, to determine whether to
impose discipline, to receive the response of the Employee to any proposed
discipline and to make a final decision on discipline.
13.2 Skelly Procedure /Due Process
A. Written Notice. The Department Director or designee shall give a
Regular Employee at least seven (7) calendar Days prior written Notice of
Intent to impose a suspension of one (1) or more Workday(s), a reduction
in pay, leave or Salary Step, a Demotion or a Discharge. The written
Notice of Intent shall be personally delivered to the Employee or sent by
certified mail to the Employee's last known address. The notice of intent
must, at a minimum, include the following information:
1. A description of the proposed action to be taken and its proposed
effective date.
2. The specific grounds and particular facts upon which the action is
proposed to be taken.
3. The Employee's right to receive a copy of the written materials
alleged to support the proposed action.
4. A statement advising the Employee of the right to respond, orally or
in writing, and the time period within which the response must be
made.
5. The Employee's status during the response period.
B. Employee Review and Response. The Employee shall be given an
opportunity to review the documents or materials upon which the notice of
intent to impose discipline is based. The Employee shall have the right to
respond to the Notice of Intent, orally or in writing, within seven (7)
c r Days after the Notice of Intent is personally served or the date
on which the notice of intent was mailed. Failure to respond within the
time specified may result in the Employee's waiver of his /her pre -
disciplinary procedural rights. The time for a response may be extended
by agreement and a request for five (5) additional Days to respond shall
be granted if accompanied by a showing of good cause.
C. Department Director Decision. The Department Director shall, within
ten (10) w9rkiP.9 —Days after an Employee's response, provide the
Employee with written notice of his /her decision. The decision shall be
personally delivered to the Employee or sent by certified mail to the
Employee's last known address. The decision shall acknowledge the
Employee's response, describe the reasons for the decision (may
reference the Notice of Intent) and shall be dated and signed by the
Department Director. If discipline is imposed, the written response shall
include a statement informing the Employee of the right to appeal and the
time period within which the appeal must be made. The date for a
decision may be postponed to give the Department Director sufficient time
to adequately review the Employee's response before making a decision.
13.3 Appeal of Department Director's Decision
A. Non -Civil Service. A non -civil service Employee may appeal a decision
of the Department Director by filing a written appeal with the Human
Resources Director within ten (10) Days after the Employee receives the
decision of the Department Director. The Human Resources Director
shall review the administrative record and may conduct an additional
investigation. The Human Resources Director shall render a written
decision on the appeal within ten (10) Days after receipt of the notice of
appeal. The Human Resources Director shall have the right to modify
discipline imposed by the Department Director. The decision of the
Human Resources Director shall be personally served on the Employee or
mailed to the Employees last known address, t,..ct a , =c— id!
u _r and ceriifed mail and shall advise the Employee of his /her right of
appeal.
B. Civil Service Employees. Civil Service Employee's shall have the right
to appeal the Department Director's decision to the City Manager. The
procedures for processing the appeal of a Civil Service Employee shall
otherwise be identical to the procedures for processing a Non -Civil
Service Employee's appeal.
13.4 Appeal to Civil Service Board
T uan Employee may appeal the decision of the Human
Resources Director or the City Manager, as appropriate, for :iiscipiinc Of a
- _ ne dev suspension or more or the ecutvalent reduction in ^,.v or
„n appeal may be reauested by filing a Notice of Appeal with the
61
= ;re ary of the Civil Service Board (Human Resources Director). The
Notice of Appeal must be filed within ten (10) Days from receipt of the decision of
the Human Resources Director or City Manager. The Civil Service Board shall
schedule and conduct a hearing in accordance with procedural rules adopted by
the Civil Service Board. In the case of Civil Service Employees, the decision of
the Civil Service Board shall be final. In the case of Non -Civil Service
Employees, the decision of the Civil Service Board shall be advisory and the
record of the hearing /decision shall be submitted to the City Manager.
13.5 Final Decision
The City Manager shall render the final decision on all appeals of discipline
submitted to the Civil Service Board by Non -Civil Service Employees. The City
Manager shall review the record of the hearing before the Civil Service Board,
including the findings and decision, and render a decision within twenty (20)
Days after the record is submitted by the - Secretary of the Civil Service
Board. The City Manager shall give written notice of his /her decision to the
Employee and Department Director.
13.6 Preparation and Attendance
An Employee shall not be considered on duty while researching, writing or
preparing an appeal or for and disciplinary hearing, or while appearing before the
Civil Service as a party to a disciplinary hearing. An Employee shall not be
permitted to research, write or prepare a grievance, disciplinary appeal or related
document during his /her Workday except during meal periods and breaks.
SECTION 14. GRIEVANCES
14.0 Matters Subject to Grievance Procedures
A "grievance" is a job - related complaint by an Employee regarding the terms and
conditions of employment arising out of the interpretation or application of existing
ordinances, rules, regulations, or policies related to matters within the scope of
representation.
14.1 Matters Not Subject to Grievance Procedures
Except to the extent otherwise provided by an MOU, the following matters are
not subject to the grievance procedures:
A. Discipline - including ^ R�-�' written reprimands.
, or i inw counseiina.
B. Management of the City generally and issues of City or Department
62
policy.
C. Necessity and organization of any service or activity conducted by the City
including the expansion or reduction of services or workforce.
D. Determination of the nature, manner, means, technology, and extent of
services to be provided to the public.
E. Methods of financing.
F. Types of equipment or technology to be used.
G. Determination of and /or change in facilities, methods, technology, means
and size of the workforce by which City operations are to be conducted.
H. Determination of and /or change in the location, number of locations,
relocations and types of operations, processes and materials to be used
in carrying out City functions.
Establishment and approved modifications of job Classifications, or
Reclassifications.
J. Establishment, implementation, and modification of Departmental
structure, supervisory assignments, chain of command, and reporting
responsibilities.
K. Performance Evaluations
The categories of matters that are not subject to the grievance procedure in this
Manual are general in nature and the City acknowledges that there may be
occasions where the actions described in this Section would be subject to the
grievance procedure or the "meet and confer' process. On the other hand, the
failure to list a "management right" or other proposed action in this Section does
not mean the City has an obligation to meet and confer or consider any
grievance related to the proposed action.
,s _rc. -,onsidered confidential. Participation :n o,- I,novdeaae ti;e
... � ',e' I-ensideratlon in a grievance shall be limited 'o those D, ;Dart -rent
.. 'ave a legitimate business ieason for be;ng inyowed. 1 ^form Tlcr.
_:ant this procedure ill onh, DE' disciose_I '0 thcs6
":nn iecutirnate business need to, !ne intormauon, '.'.;
14.2 Freedom from Reprisal
No Employee shall be subject to any retaliation, harassment, discipline or other
63
adverse employment action for discussing a request or complaint with his /her
immediate Supervisor, or for filing a grievance petition.
14.3 Consolidation
Grievance petitions involving the same or similar issues, filed by Employees in
the same representation unit, may be consolidated for presentation, hearing
and /or decision at the discretion of the person or board considering the petitions.
14.4 Resolution
Any grievance petition resolved at any step of the grievance procedure shall be
considered final.
14.5 Withdrawal
Any grievance petition may be withdrawn by the Employee or Employee's
Association at anytime, without prejudice.
14.6 Resubmission
Upon consent of the person hearing the grievance petition and the Employee, a
petition may be resubmitted to a lower step in the grievance procedure for
reconsideration.
14.7 Employee Representation
An Employee may, upon request, be represented in the preparation and
presentation of the grievance at any step, provided, however, an Employee may
not be represented by his /her Supervisor and no Supervisor shall be represented
by an Employee he /she supervises. The ErnpIGyee and ope _mpioyee
a� r212 =�eo fr ^m ^aerl, f ^r e ,o ,^ = ^l° d of tirr,e in
.. _ ocu O a . o c�"2ri-
. �e rg'rrleyanGe-- provided th e "Q -P not it ^c
n + r CA _ An Employee shall not research, write or
prepare a grievance or disciplinary appeal during normal working hourse
breaks and meal periods. An Employee and when appiicable,
e representative shall aat --be entitled to release time to appear at
vz'vance or disciplinary appeals before his/her immediate supervisor,
-,en* Director. Citv Manager or the Civil Service Board if the nearin; is
during reaulariv scheduled working hours ! ^ ith
.hrGy For purposes of this section release time shall
rrc ,.vork hours if during emplovees regularly scheduled work hours.
14.8 Miscellaneous
An Employee is required to comply with all lawful direct orders of his /her
64
Supervisor as a condition to filing a grievance.
14.9 Grievance Procedure — Step 1
Every effort should be made to resolve a grievance through informal discussion
between the Employee and the Employee's immediate Supervisor, unless
extenuating circumstances exist. A grievance shall be brought to the attention of
immediate supervisor for discussion within ten (10) days of when the grievance
arose. If the Employee is not satisfied with the decision reached through the
informal discussion or if extenuating circumstances exist, the Employee shall
have the right to file a formal grievance in accordance with Section 14.10.
14.10 Grievance Procedure —Step 2
If the Employee is not in agreement with the decision rendered in Step 1, an
Employee shall have the right to present a formal grievance to the Department
Director within ten (10)k!�; Days after the discussion in Step 1. The right to
file a grievance petition shall be waived in the event the Employee fails to file a
formal grievance within ten (10) Days after the occurrence of the incident that
forms the basis of the grievance. All formal grievances shall be submitted on the
form prescribed by the Human Resources Director and no formal grievance shall
be accepted until the form is complete. The formal grievance shall contain a
clear, concise statement of the grievance and facts upon which it is based, rule,
regulation or policy allegedly violated, and the specific remedies sought.
;,L'Tents must Je attached to this ;Cieyami(
:.^.pies , ♦}policies, Q Ocei)Uf- -s OI" " •r' .. :S ? :• t" . ":6
s cited as the basis of the incident A,:: 9c'.
The Department Director should render a written decision within ten
Days after receipt of the formal grievance.
14.11 Grievance Procedure — Step 3
If the formal grievance has not been satisfactorily adjusted in Step 2, it may be
appealed to the City Manager within ten (10) � P*,P, Days after the Employee
receives the decision. The City Manager may accept or reject the decision of the
Department Director and shall render a written decision within ten (10)
Days after receipt of the formal grievance. The decision of the City Manager shall
be final and conclusive. If mutually agreeable, a meeting may be conducted
involving all affected parties at any step in the grievance procedure prior to a
decision. The City Manager may delegate uninvolved Department Directors to act
on behalf of the City Manager to provide findings and recommendations. The
findings and recommendations of the uninvolved Department Directors are
advisory only and the City Manager's decision shall be final.
14.12 Time Limits
65
Grievances shall be processed from one step to the next within the time limit
indicated for each step. Time limits shall be strictly enforced. Any time limits
established in this Manual can be waived or extended only by mutual agreement
confirmed in writing. Any grievance not carried to the next step by the Employee
within the prescribed time limit shall be deemed resolved upon the basis of the
previous decision.
SECTION 15. REDUCTIONS IN FORCE
15.0 Reductions in Force /Layoffs
The provisions of this Section shall apply when the City Manager, in his /her sole
discretion, determines that a reduction in the workforce is warranted because of
actual or anticipated reductions in revenue, reorganization of the workforce, a
reduction in municipal services, a reduction in the demand for service or other
reason unrelated to the performance of duties by any specific Employee.
Reductions in force are to be accomplished, to the extent feasible, on the basis
of Seniority within a particular Classification or Classification Series and this
Section should be interpreted accordingly.
15.1 Definitions
The following definitions shall apply to the interpretation and administration of
this Section:
A. "Layoffs" or "Laid Off' shall mean the non - disciplinary termination of
employment.
B. "Seniority" shall mean the time an Employee has worked in a
Classification or Series calculated from the date on which the Employee
was first granted permanent status in the current Classification or any
Classification within the Series, subject to the following:
1. Credit shall be given only for continuous service subsequent to the
most recent Appointment to permanent status in the Classification
or Series.
2. Continuous service shall include time spent on paid leave,
industrial leave, military leave but not leave of absence without pay,
suspension or unauthorized leave of absence.
C. "Classification" shall mean one or more full time Positions identical or
similar in duties. Classifications within a Series shall be ranked according
to pay (lowest ranking, lowest pay).
m
D. "Series" shall mean two or more Classifications within a Department
which require the performance of similar duties with the higher ranking
Classification(s) characterized by the need for less supervision, more
difficult assignments and more responsibilities for subordinates. The City
Manager shall determine those Classifications that constitute a Series
following a meet and consult process with the relevant Recognized
Employee Association.
E. "Bumping rights, bumping or bump" shall mean (1) the right of an
Employee, based upon seniority within a Series, to bump into a lower
ranking Classification within the same Series, (2) to be followed by an
Employee being permitted to bump into a Classification within a different
Series. The latter bumping shall be based upon unit wide seniority and
shall be limited to a Classification in which the Employee previously held a
regular status. No Employee shall have the right to bump into a
Classification for which the Employee does not possess the minimum
qualifications such as certificates, specialized education, training or
experience.
15.2 Procedure
In the event the City Manager determines to reduce the number of Employees
within a Classification, the following procedures are applicable:
A. Provisional and Probationary Employees within any Classification shall, in
that order, be laid off before Regular Employees.
B. Employees within a Classification shall be laid off in inverse order of
seniority.
C. An Employee subject to layoff in one Classification shall have the right to
bump a less senior Employee in a lower ranking Classification within a
Series.
D. An Employee who has bumping rights shall notify the Department Director
within three (3) working Days after notice of layoff of his /her intention to
exercise bumping rights.
E. In the event two or more Employees in the same Classification are subject
to layoff and have the same seniority, the Employees shall be laid off
following the Department Director's consideration of established
performance evaluations.
15.3 Notice
67
Employees subject to layoff shall be given at least thirty (30) Days advance
notice of the layoff or thirty (30) Days pay in lieu of notice. This notice will include
unIo!iia rights. In addition, Employees laid off will be paid for all
accumulated Flex Leave, Vacation Leave, Holiday Pay, Compensatory Time Off,
and Sick Leave to the extent permitted by this Manual.
15.4 Re- Employment
Regular and Probationary Employees who are laid off, reduced in Classification,
demoted, or transferred shall be placed on a Department Re- Employment List in
reverse order of layoff. The Re- Employment List shall expire in ^i - )
years. In the event a vacant Position occurs in the same or lower
Classification that the Employee occupied at the time of layoff, reduction in
Classification, demotion or transfer, the Employee at the top of the Department
Re- Employment List shall have the right to an Appointment within seven (7)
Days of written notice of the vacancy. Notice shall be deemed given when
personally delivered to the Employee or deposited in the U.S. Mail, first class
postage prepaid, and addressed to the Employee at his or her last known
address. Any Employee shall have the right to refuse to be placed on the Re-
Employment List or the right to remove his or her name from the Re- Employment
List by sending written confirmation to the Human Resources Director.
15.5 Severance
If an Employee is laid off from his /her job with the City for economic reasons, the
City will grant severance pay in an amount equal to one week of pay for every
full year of continuous employment service to the City up to ten (10) weeks of
pay.
SECTION 16 ON-CALL TIME AND CALL BACK DUTY
16.0 On -Call Time
A. Definition. On -call time is time spent by Employees, usually off the
working premises, in their own pursuits, where the Employee is available
to be called back to work on short notice if the need arises, subject to
contact by telephone or pager, within a specified distance from the
Employee's workstation, and without engaging in activities that could
impair his /her ability to perform his /her assigned duties.
B. Compensation. When an Employee is directed to be on -call during a
specified period, on -call time shall be compensated at the rate of one (1)
hour of overtime compensation for each eight (8) hours of on -call time.
On -call time on holidays shall be compensated at the rate of two (2) hours
M
of overtime compensation for each (8) hours of on -call time. If an
Employee is required to return to work while on on -call status, the
provisions pertaining to Call Back DutyiPay shall apply for the time the
Employee is on duty.
17.1 Call Back DutyfPav
A. Definition. Call Back Duty /Pay means a directive to an Employee to
return to his /her workplace after his /her Workday and the Employee has
left his /her normal workstation. Overtime scheduled or worked during or
immediately after the Workday is not considered Call Back DutyiPay.
B. Compensation. An Employee on Call Back Duty;Pav shall be paid for
two (2) hours, or one and one -half (1 -1/2) times the hours worked,
whichever is greater.
F:\ users\ cat \shared\da \PolicyPersonnel \030901 draft.doc
m
APPENDIX A
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT POLICY
Section 1. City Policy
The City of Newport Beach ( "City "), as your employer, must take all reasonable steps to
prevent unlawful discrimination and harassment from occurring. The City will not
tolerate unlawful sexual harassment or discrimination because of race, color, national
origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital
status, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic characteristics or
information, or any other basis protected by applicable Federal or State laws. All such
harassment and discrimination is prohibited. The City's Policy applies to all Employees,
including provisional, temporary and contract employees, and independent contractors
and subcontractors, and their employees when specified by contract. 1
Section 2. Sexual Harassment Defined
Federal and State law defines sexual harassment as unwanted sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors or visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made a term or condition of employment; or
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment
decisions affecting the individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
employee's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive
working environment.
This definition includes many forms of offensive behavior. The following is a partial list:
1. Unwanted sexual advances.
2. Offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
3. Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances.
1 This Policy is intended to protect, to the extent possible, Employees from harassment
by clients, vendors, independent contractors, or others doing business with the City.
Employees are also prohibited from sexual harassment of vendors, residents or anyone
with whom an Employee deals with on the job. Employees shall follow the procedures in
this Policy as if the harasser were an Employee of the City.
APPENDIX A OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
1
4. Visual conduct: leering, making sexual gestures, displaying of sexually
suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons or posters.
5. Verbal conduct: making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, sexually
explicit jokes, comments about an employee's body or dress.
6. Verbal sexual advances, propositions or requests.
7. Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentary about an
individual's body, sexually degrading words to describe an individual, suggestive
or obscene letters, notes or invitations.
8. Physical conduct: touching, assault, impeding or blocking movements.
➢ Retaliation for reporting harassment or threatening to report harassment.
It is unlawful for males to sexually harass females or other males, and for
females to sexually harass males or other females. Sexual harassment on the
job is unlawful whether it involves co- worker harassment, harassment by a
supervisor or manager, or persons doing business with or for the City.
Section 3. Preventing Discrimination and Sexual- Harassment
Complaint Procedure:
A. Employees who believe they have been unlawfully sexually harassed or
discriminated against while on the job, shall provide a written or verbal complaint
to his or her supervisor, the Human Resources Director or the City Manager as
soon as possible. The complaint should include details of the incident(s), names
of individuals involved, and the names of any witnesses. Supervisors and
managers must immediately refer all harassment complaints to the Human
Resources Director.
B. All incidents of unlawful sexual harassment or discrimination that are reported
must be investigated. The Human Resources Director shall notify the City
Attorney of the complaint and shall undertake or direct an effective, thorough and
objective investigation of the complaint, as promptly as possible. The Human
Resources Director shall:
1. Meet with the Employee(s) who experienced the sexual harassment or
discrimination, discuss the incident, obtain any relevant information,
confirm that an investigation will be initiated and advise the Employee(s)
to report any possible retaliation;
APPENDIX A OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
2
2. In consultation with the City Attorney, initiate a prompt investigation to
determine all the facts surrounding the incident. The investigation will be
conducted in as confidential manner as possible subject to the need to
conduct a thorough investigation;
3. Conclude the investigation in a reasonable period of time and
communicate the results of the investigation to the Employee(s) who
complained, the accused harasser(s), the Director of the Department in
which the Employee works and the City Manager;
4. Ensure that appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective action is initiated
and implemented where conduct in violation of this Policy is found to have
occurred.
C. If the City determines that sexual harassment or discrimination has occurred, the
City will take effective disciplinary or remedial action as warranted, up to and
including termination.
D. Clients, independent contractors, vendors, or others doing business with the City
should be directed to use this Complaint Procedure for any claim of sexual
harassment or discrimination.
Section 4. Retaliation
In accordance with applicable law, the City prohibits retaliation against any person
because the person files a complaint about conduct that the person reasonably
believes constitutes unlawful employment harassment or discrimination. Also
prohibited is retaliation because of a person's participation in an investigation,
proceeding or hearing related to a violation of this policy. Any retaliatory adverse
employment action because of such complaint or participation is unlawful and will not
be tolerated. All complaints alleging retaliation under this Policy are protected provided
that the complaint or communication is made with a reasonable good faith belief that a
violation of this Policy has occurred. All complaints of retaliation should be processed
in the same manner required under this Policy. The City will provide prompt thorough
and objective investigation of any claim of retaliation. If the City determines that
retaliation has occurred, the City will take effective disciplinary or remedial action as
warranted, up to and including termination.
Section 5. Management Responsibilities
All Supervisors are responsible for ensuring a workplace free from unlawful
discrimination or harassment as defined in this Policy and State and Federal law.
Supervisors shall be responsible to do the following:
A. To promptly file a written report of any unlawful discrimination or harassment with
APPENDIX A OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
3
the Department Director and Human Resources Director whenever the
Supervisor knows or should have known of an incident by virtue of his /her
training and experience. The report shall be filed even if the Employee(s) who
experience the discrimination or harassment requests(s) that no action be taken.
The report shall not be filed with the Department Director if the Department
Director is alleged to have participated in the discrimination or harassment.
B. To ensure that appropriate action is taken in response to the Supervisors report
of unlawful discrimination or harassment.
C. To ensure that:
1. All Employees they supervise attend any and all required training
designed to prevent unlawful harassment and discrimination.
2. All Employees they supervise receive a copy of, and opportunity to
discuss and ask questions about, this Policy.
3. Material which violates this Policy is not presented, transmitted, or openly
displayed within the workplace.
4. All Employees they supervise are informed of their rights to complain of
unlawful discrimination or harassment and of the assistance available
pursuant to this Policy.
Section 6. Violation of Policy
An Employee who violates any provision of this Policy is subject to discipline or
remedial action as warranted, up to and including termination.
Section 7. Liability for Sexual Harassment
Any Employee who engages in sexual harassment, including any supervisor or
manager who knew about the harassment and took no action to stop it, may be held
personally liable for monetary damages.
Section B. Employee's Rights
It is the goal of this Policy to identify and prevent unlawful discrimination or harassment.
If problems and /or concerns arise, Employees are urged to make use of the process as
set forth in this Policy. However, any Employee has the right to go directly to the
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the Federal Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission for assistance.
APPENDIX A OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
4
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing may be contacted at the
following telephone numbers:
Los Angeles: (213) 439 -6799
Santa Ana: (714) 558 -4266
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may be reached at the
following telephone number:
Los Angeles: (213) 894 -1000
The City maintains a posted Notice regarding sexual harassment and discrimination at
all employees' work sites, which contains additional information regarding how to
contact these agencies.
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APPENDIX A OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
5
APPENDIX B
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
Section 1. Purpose
The City of Newport Beach ( "City ") recognizes the important responsibility it shares in
maintaining a safe and secure environment for those who live, work and play in the
City. Further, the City is committed to providing its Employees with a safe, efficient and
healthful workplace. Being under the influence of alcohol and /or any drug poses a
serious risk to the health, safety, security and image of the City, its Employees and the
public we serve. This Policy establishes the rules and procedures regarding the use of
drugs and /or alcohol as it pertains to employment and the procedures to be used to test
Employees for drug and /or alcohol use.
Section 2. Violation of Policy
The City will not tolerate or excuse any violation of this Policy and a violation of this
Policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Section 3. Individuals Covered
This Policy applies to all City job applicants and Employees. (For purposes of this Policy,
"Employee" shall include Provisional Employees and Employees of independent
contractors who perform work for the City and are required to be covered by this Policy
under State or Federal law.) A copy of this Policy will be given to all Employees,
Provisional Employees and covered independent contractors. Notices of this Policy will
be posted on all Department bulletin boards and copies are available in the Human
Resources Department.
Section 4. Confidentiality
Any information about an Employee's use of prescription or non - prescription
medication, the results of any pre - employment or for -cause drug and /or alcohol testing,
and /or an Employee's past or present participation in rehabilitation or treatment for
substance abuse shall be considered confidential personnel information and shall not
be disclosed except as expressly provided in this Policy. Information obtained pursuant
to this Policy will only be disclosed to those City officials and agents who the Human
Resource Director and Department Director determine have a need for the information,
or as required by law.
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
1
Section 5. Sensitivity
All Employees and Supervisors shall be thoughtful and respectful when dealing with
Employees suspected of inappropriate use of drugs and /or alcohol. Allegations or
suspicions of drug and /or alcohol use in violation of this Policy are to be handled with
the utmost objectivity, confidentiality and within the guidelines of this Policy.
Section 6. Definitions
A. "Alcohol' shall mean the intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol or
other low molecular weight alcohol including methyl or isopropyl alcohol.
B. "Chain of Custody" shall mean procedures to account for the integrity of each
urine specimen by tracking its handling and storage from point of specimen
collection to final disposition of the specimen at the certified laboratory.
C. "City Equipment' shall mean all property and equipment, machinery and vehicles
owned, leased, rented or used by the City.
D. "Collection Site" shall mean a designated clinic /facility where applicants or
Employees may present themselves for the purpose of providing a specimen of
their blood or urine to be analyzed.
Collection Sites shall include the following or as otherwise designated by the
Drug Program Manager:
1. National Safety Compliance, Inc.
61 Argonaut
Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656
(949) 472 -0645
2. Quest Diagnostics
320 Superior
Suite 295
Newport Beach, CA, 92660
(949) 646 -3263
3. After Hours/Weekend Testing:
Hoag Hospital Emergency Care Unit
301 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA, 92663
(949) 760 -2372
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APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
2
The Collection Site will comply with all methods of collection and Chain of
Custody and provide documentation of compliance to the City.
E. "Drug or Drugs" shall mean any controlled substance that is not legally
obtainable under State or Federal law, or a prescription drug obtained or used
without benefit of a prescription by a licensed physician.
F. "Drug Program Manager (DPM)" shall mean Human Resources Director or ,
designee.
"Medical Review Officer (MRO)" shall mean a licensed physician with knowledge
of drug abuse disorders. MRO reviews all negative and positive test results and
interviews individuals who tested positive to verify the laboratory report before
the employer is notified. MRO recommends whether and when an Employee
who refused to take or did not pass a drug and /or alcohol test may return to work
and schedules follow -up unannounced testing for a period of up to 60 months
from the date Employee tested positive.
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H. "Prescription Drug" shall mean any substance that can lawfully be obtained or
possessed pursuant to a prescription by a licensed physician.
"Positive Test" shall mean to have the presence of a drug or a drug metabolite
and /or alcohol in a person's system as determined by appropriate testing of a
blood or urine specimen that is equal to or greater than the levels allowed by this
Policy in the confirmation test, and which is determined by the MRO to be the
result of the use of drugs and /or alcohol.
J. "Testing Laboratory" shall mean a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) certified testing laboratory
K. "Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)" shall mean a licensed physician, social
worker, psychologist, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or certified National
Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) with knowledge
of and clinical experience in diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled
substance disorders.
Section 7. Restrictions on the use of Alcohol
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
3
Employees may not use or possess alcohol while on City property, while performing their
duties (whether or not on City property) or at any time when use of alcohol would impair,
to any extent, the Employee's ability to perform his /her duties or operate any City
Equipment.
Section B. Prohibition Against the use of Drugs
No Employee shall possess, use, sell, transfer, manufacture, purchase or transport drugs
or attempt to do so or report to work with drugs in his or her system. No Employee shall
possess, use, sell, transfer, manufacture, purchase or transport prescription drugs, or
attempt to do so, or report to work with prescription drugs in his or her system, unless the
prescription drug has been lawfully prescribed to the Employee.
Section 9. Criminal Drug Statue Convictions
To fulfill its obligations under the Federal Drug -Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City
requires any Employee who is convicted of any criminal drug statute, for a violation
occurring in the workplace, to provide written notice of the conviction to the Department
Director no later than five (5) days after the conviction. The City is also required, and will
fulfill its obligations to, educate Employees on the harmful effects of using and abusing
drugs and /or alcohol.
As required by law, the City will notify federal contracting agencies within ten (10) days
after receiving notice that an Employee, directly engaged in performance of work on a
federal contract, has been convicted of a criminal drug statute violation resulting from
conduct occurring in the workplace.
Whenever the City has reason to believe that Federal, State or local drug laws are being
violated, the City may refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for
investigation and possible criminal prosecution.
Independent contractors, or employees of independent contractors, working on City
projects are required by law or contract to notify the City, Human Resources Director or
Department °, ° Director of a drug and /or alcohol related conviction or positive test
for drugs and /or alcohol will not be permitted to work on City projects.
Section 10. Medication Reporting Requirements
Employees shall ask the prescribing physician and /or review product packaging
themselves to determine whether the use of a prescription drug or over - the - counter
medication may impair his /her ability to perform his /her normal job duties or to safely
operate City Equipment. An Employee must report the use of any prescription drug or
over - the - counter medication to his /her Supervisor if he /she has any reason to believe that
the use of the prescription'drug or over - the - counter medication may affect his /her ability
to perform normal duties or to safely operate any City vehicle. The Supervisor is
responsible, after an Employee's notification, to refer the Employee to his or her
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
4
prescribing physician to advise the Supervisor whether any work restriction or limitation is
necessary. Notices or communication required by this Section shall be confidential and
disclosed to other City Employees only to the extent expressly permitted or required by
this Policy.
Section 11. Indications for Alcohol and Drug Testing
A. Job Applicants — All job applicants must take and pass a mandatory drug and
alcohol test as soon as practical following their acceptance of a conditional offer
of employment and prior to the first day of employment with the City. Job
applicants who test positive for drugs and /or alcohol or unauthorized prescription
drug use shall not be hired and may not re -apply for a position with the City for
one (1) year from the applicant's last positive test. A job applicant's refusal to
submit to testing, or attempt to tamper with or adulterate a test sample, will be
considered a refusal to participate in the testing process, and any conditional
offer of employment will be rescinded and may not apply for a position with the
City for one (1) year from the applicant's refusal to participate in the testing
process.
B. Employees — The City may require an Employee to submit to a drug and /or
alcohol screen test under the following circumstances:
1. Following a work - related accident, incident or mishap that resulted in
death, or injury requiring medical treatment away from the scene of the
accident, or property damage, where drug and /or alcohol use by
Employee cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor. Exhibit C.
2. When a Supervisor has reasonable suspicion to believe, based upon
specific, articulable facts and observations, that the Employee may be
under the influence of drugs and /or alcohol. Exhibit C.
3. When a Supervisor has reasonable suspicion to believe, based upon
specific, articulable facts and observations, that the Employee either
possesses, uses, sells, transfers, manufactures, purchases or illegally
transports alcohol, drugs and /or drug related paraphernalia or attempts to
do so. Exhibit C.
4. Follow -up testing for Employees who have returned to work following a
positive test and their participation in a drug and /or alcohol rehabilitation
program.
5. When an on duty Employee is contacted by a Police Officer who has
reasonable suspicion to believe the Employee is under the influence of
alcohol or drugs has been involved in an on -duty vehicle - related incident
and the officer suspects the Employee is under the influence of drugs
and /or alcohol.
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
5
Section 12. Drug and Alcohol Testing
A. ADMINISTRATION
1. The Human Resources Director or his /her designee is the DPM and shall
be responsible for overseeing implementation of this Policy and testing
procedures in Exhibit C. The Human Resources Director will be
responsible for reviewing all disciplinary actions resulting from violations of
this Policy.
2. The DPM shall be responsible for the following:
Communications directly with the MRO and /or SAP and SAMHSA
regarding any drug and /or alcohol tests;
ii. Overseeing testing programs;
iii. Provide training to Supervisors and Employees;
B. PROCEDURES
1. Mandatory Reporting — Any Employee who has reason to believe that
another Employee may be in violation of this Policy shall immediately
notify his or her immediate Supervisor. The Supervisor should take
whatever immediate action deemed prudent to ensure the safety of the
public and Employees. Should the Supervisor have reasonable suspicion
to believe, based upon specific, articulable facts and observations, that
the Employee may be under the influence of drugs and /or alcohol, the
Employee should be immediately be removed from the workplace and
placed upon administrative leave with pay until such time as testing
results confirm or refute the presence of drugs and /or alcohol. The
Supervisor shall use the Reasonable Suspicion Evaluation Form (Exhibit
A) to assist in making this determination. Should an Employee be found
in violation of this Policy, administrative leave may be reversed and the
lost time may be charged against the Employee's leave bank and /or leave
without pay.
2. Consent - No drug and /or alcohol test may be administered, sample
obtained, or drug and /or alcohol test be conducted on any sample without
the written consent of the person being tested. (Exhibit B.) However,
refusal to submit to testing, or attempt to adulterate or evade the testing
process, will be viewed as insubordination and will subject the person to
disciplinary action up to and including discharge. The City will pay the
cost of all drug and /or alcohol tests it requires under this Policy.
3. Collection and Chain of Custody — Persons being tested will be asked to
provide a urine or blood sample at the Collection Site person. Procedures
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
6
for urine collection will allow for individual privacy unless there is reason to
believe the individual may alter or substitute the specimen to be provided.
Samples will be tested for temperature and subject to other validation
procedures as appropriate. The Collection Site person will maintain Chain
of Custody procedures at all times.
4. Testing Methods — All tests will be screened using an immunoassay
technique and all presumptive positive tests will be confirmed at an
independent laboratory using gas chromatography /mass spectrometry
(GC /MS). The City will test for cannabinoids (marijuana), cocaine,
amphetamines, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazipines, and phencyclidine
(PCP) as well as alcohol. Tests will seek only information about the
presence of drugs and /or alcohol in an individual's system and will not test
for any medical condition.
5. Notification — Any Employee who tests positive will be notified by the MRO
and will be given an opportunity to provide the MRO any reasons he or
she may have that would explain the positive drug and /or alcohol test,
other than the presence of alcohol or the illegal use of drugs. If the
Employee provides an explanation acceptable to the MRO that the
positive drug or alcohol test result is due to factors other than the
presence of drugs and /or alcohol in the test specimen, the positive test
result will be disregarded and reported to the City as negative. Otherwise,
the MRO will report the positive test result to the DPM or Human
Resources Director. Test results will be disclosed only to the extent
expressly authorized by this Policy.
6. Split Sample Testing — An Employee who has been subjected to drug
and /or alcohol screening may request a split sample test be conducted at
a certified laboratory chosen by the Employee. All costs associated with
an Employee's decision to pursue split sample testing will be the full
financial responsibility of the Employee. The Employee must adhere to
the following procedures to maintain strict Chain of Custody of the sample
and validity of the split sample test results:
i. The Employee must submit a written request, in person, to the
testing laboratory that conducted the drug and /or alcohol screening
on behalf of the City. The request must be made on a form
provided by the City's testing laboratory.
ii. The request will be forwarded to the testing laboratory used by the
City facility. They will release the split sample to the certified lab
chosen by the Employee provided they have received the properly
executed Chain of Custody release form.
iii. The laboratory selected by the Employee must be a certified
laboratory per State regulations and authority and be able to
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
7
conduct gas GC /MS method of testing for validation of testing
results. Any method of testing performed on the split sample that is
not the GC /MS method will be considered invalid.
iv. The split sample test results will not be released to the City without
the Employee's written consent.
Section 13. Rehabilitation
A. Voluntary Referral — The City encourages any Employee with a drug and /or
alcohol problem to voluntarily seek appropriate counseling and treatment.
Employees may seek assistance through the Human Resources Department, the
City- sponsored Emplovee Assistance Program (EAPI, and /or through their
personal physician and health insurance program. An Employee requesting this
assistance will not be disciplined solely due to the request but may, with
Employee's consent, be transferred, given work restrictions, or placed on leave
while receiving treatment and until the Employee is drug and /or alcohol free.
Each Employee is responsible for seeking assistance before the Employee's
drug and /or alcohol problem leads to a violation of this Policy, or before the
Employee is asked to submit to a drug and /or alcohol screen test.
B. Leave Time — Employees must use available sick time, vacation accrual, flex leave
or request personal leave of absence without pay if time off from work is necessary
for any treatment or rehabilitation program. The costs of long -term rehabilitation or
treatment services, whether or not covered by the Employee's medical plan, are
the ultimate responsibility of the Employee.
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APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
8
EXHIBIT A
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
REASONABLE SUSPICION EVALUATION FORM
Employee
Observation Date and Time:
Location of Employee:
Location of Supervisor(s):
Others present during activities or observations:
Incident(s) observed which give cause for reasonable s
(Examples could be: takes needless risks, accident(s), disregard for others safety, unusual /distinct pattern of
absenteeism/tardiness, increased high/low periods of productivity, lapses of concentration or judgment, etc.)
Presence of alcohol, alcohol containers, drugs, and /or drug paraphernalia (specify):
2. Appearance
_Flushed
_Inappropriate _Disheveled
_Bloodshot Eyes
_Puncture Marks _Tremors
_Profuse Sweating
_Runny Nose /Sores _Smell of Alcohol
—Dry-mouth symptoms
—Dilated/Constricted Pupils
_Inappropriate Wearing of
Sunglasses
Other:
3. Behavior /Speech:
_Incoherent
_Confused
_Agitated
Other:
4. Awareness:
Confused
_Lethargic
_Lack of Coordination
Other:
_Slurred _Unconscious
_Slowed —Hostile/Confrontation
_Sleeping on the job
_Mood Swings _Euphoric
_Paranoid Disoriented
5. Motor Skills /Balance:
_Unsteady _Swaying
_Staggering _Stumbling
_Arms Raised for Balance
Other:
6. Other observed Actions or Behaviors:
_Falling
_Reaching for Support
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
9
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Reasonable Suspicion Evaluation Form
Page: 2
Supervisor's Comments:
Supervisors Name:
Date:
Supervisors Name:
Signature: Date:
Witness(es) Name: Date:
Signature: Date:
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APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
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EXHIBIT B
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
CONSENT TO SUBMIT TO DRUG AND /OR ALCOHOL TESTING
BY THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ( "CITY")
1, [PRINT NAME],
understand and acknowledge that I have reviewed a copy of the City's Drug and
Alcohol Policy. I hereby consent and agree to drug and /or alcohol testing.
I understand and acknowledge that information regarding the test results will be
released to the City and that such information may be used as grounds for disciplinary
action, up to and including discharge from my employment with the City.
I further understand and acknowledge that:
1. The City will pay the cost of all drug and /or alcohol tests required or requested by
the City;
2. 1 may request in writing a copy of the results of any such test;
3. 1 may request that a split sample test be sent to a certified Testing Laboratory of
my choice, consistent with the procedures outlined in the City's Drug and Alcohol
Policy, and that I will bear all of the costs associated with the split sample testing;
4. By signing this consent form, I hereby authorize the test results to be released to
the City; and
5. 1 have the right to refuse to submit to such testing; however, refusal by me to
submit to or cooperate at any stage of the testing shall be considered equivalent
to a confirmed "positive" test for purposes of disciplinary action, up to and
including discharge from my employment with the City.
6. 1 may also be required to execute a consent form at the Collection Site of Testing
Laboratory.
With full understanding and knowledge of the foregoing, I hereby agree to submit to
drug and /or alcohol testing conducted by the clinics and /or Testing Laboratory selected
by the City.
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
11
I have read the above consent to submit to drug and /or alcohol testing and certify that I
have signed this document of my own free will and accord, fully understand and
acknowledge the contents of this document, and stipulate that my consent is knowing
and voluntary.
SIGNA
Date:
City and State:
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APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
12
EXHIBIT C
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
REASONABLE SUSPICION TESTING PROCEDURES
A. TESTING PROCEDURES
1. Reasonable suspicion testing will be conducted when a Supervisor has a
reasonable suspicion that an Employee is under the influence of drugs
and /or alcohol. Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific,
contemporaneous, articulate observations concerning the physical
symptoms or behaviors of being under the influence of drugs and /or
alcohol. A Supervisor must establish reasonable suspicion of drug and /or
alcohol use during, just preceding or just after the Workday. if cord tio7s
t. the supervisor will request the assistance r,t another su ervi, )r
iserve the actions or behavior of the employee. The City will make a
reasonable effort to contact the Employee's League or Association's
representative to be present on behalf of the Employee, if requested.
Examples of performance indicators of probable drug and /or alcohol
abuse sufficient to lead a Supervisor to suspect that an Employee is under
the influence of drugs and /or alcohol, include, but are not limited to, those
on the attached Reasonable Suspicion Evaluation Form, (Exhibit A).
2. The Reasonable Suspicion Evaluation Form and other documentation
establishing reasonable suspicion shall be prepared and signed by the
witness(es) and the Supervisor prior to testing. The Department Director
or Human Resources Department should be notified as soon as possible.
3. Testing shall be comprised of urine and /or blood samples only.
.r. Iniciied drugs are as iollotvs:
4. Employee shall be tested within two (2) hours following the determination
made by a Supervisor or otherwise the Employer shall document the
reasons the test was not promptly administered. If a test is not
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
13
e ^n
nitial Level
Confirmation La>vei
r..F,..woior
:tai 'i ^ec
000 niml
400 nim:
300 n /ml
200 niml
300 niml
200 ni'ml
iJ�ll i '
300 niml
i 50 ni!ml
50 niml
15 NMI
r
"00 nrml
200 n/m
Iniml
200 n, n:;
000 niml
2000 n. rni
25 nlml
25 mml
300 n /ml
200 n1mi
02 percent
.02 percent
4. Employee shall be tested within two (2) hours following the determination
made by a Supervisor or otherwise the Employer shall document the
reasons the test was not promptly administered. If a test is not
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
13
administered within eight (8) hours following the determination, the
Employer shall cease attempts to administer a test and shall state in the
record the reasons for not administering the test.
5. The potentially affected Employee will not be allowed to proceed alone to
or from the Collection Site. In addition, to the safety concerns for the
Employee, the Supervisor accompanying the Employee also assures that
there is no opportunity en route to the Collection Site for the Employee to
do or ingest anything that could affect the test result or to acquire "clean"
urine from another person.
B. RETURN TO DUTY TESTING
Before an Employee returns to duty after engaging in prohibited drug and /or
alcohol use, the Employee shall undergo an evaluation of fitness for duty by the
SAP and under the direction of the MRO submit to a return to duty test and
receive a verified negative result for drug and /or alcohol use.
C. FOLLOW -UP TESTING
1. Following a determination by a SAP that an Employee is in need of
assistance in resolving problems associated with drug and /or alcohol use
the Employee shall be subject to unannounced follow -up testing as
directed by the SAP of at least six (6) tests in the first twelve (12) months
following the Employee's return to duty, and thereafter as determined
necessary by the SAP. The SAP can terminate the requirement for the
follow -up testing in excess of the minimum at any time, if the SAP
determines that the testing is no longer necessary and is supported by the
City.
2. Follow -up alcohol testing may also include testing for controlled substance
use as directed and determined by the SAP.
3. The time period for "follow -up" testing for drug and /or alcohol use will be
determined by the SAP subject to a reasonable minimum of twelve (12)
months, and never to exceed sixty ; ' thirty six (36 i months.
4. Follow -up testing may be on a daily, weekly, monthly or longer basis at
the discretion of the SAP.
D. REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO TESTING
The following are definitions of refusal:
1. Not providing the City a written consent to take the test;
2. The Employee does not supply enough quantity of either urine or blood
(for alcohol or drug testing) without sufficient or valid medical explanation;
APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
14
3. Tampering with a specimen or collection process;
4. Tardiness to reporting Collection Site after time allocated for Employee to
report without valid explanation;
5. Leaving the accident scene without justifiable cause before tests are
conducted (testing for drugs and /or alcohol after an accident is
presumed);
6. Any refusal to test will be considered a violation subject to discipline up to
and including termination.
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APPENDIX B OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
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APPENDIX C
Section 1. Introduction
The City of Newport Beach ( "City ") provides communication and information systems,
equipment, software, programming and access for City computers, voice mail, e-mail
and Internet access ( "Communications Equipment ") to make Employees more
productive and improve the organization's ability to provide first -class municipal services
for the least possible cost to the taxpayer. Employees and other users are provided
Communications Equipment only as authorized by the City Manager, Department
Directors, and /or MIS Manager. The purpose of this policy is to regulate each
Employee's use of these communications systems to maximize their use for City
purposes and minimize or eliminate liability.
Section 2. Restrictions
The following restrictions apply to each Employee while using any City Communications
Equipment:
A. The City's unlawful harassment, non - discrimination and conflict of interest
policies extend to Employee use of Communications Equipment. Employees
shall not use communications equipment to transmit or receive offensive
material. Offensive material includes, but is not limited to, statements or images
that could reasonably offend a person on the basis of his /her age, disability,
gender, race, religion, national origin, physical attributes, sexual orientation or
any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. For example,
Employees are prohibited from using sexually suggestive screen savers,
downloading or disseminating sexually explicit material, or transmitting images,
messages or cartoons that constitute ethnic, racial or religious slurs.
B. The use of any City Communications Equipment by any Employee for personal
financial gain is prohibited.
C. The Internet and World Wide Web and any other Communications Equipment
may not be used in a manner that infringes upon the patents, copyrights or
licenses of others.
D. No Communications Equipment may be used in a manner that infringes upon the
rights of others to proprietary, confidential or trade secret information.
E. Communications Equipment may not be used in any way that creates an actual,
potential or apparent conflict of interest.
APPENDIX C OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
1
F. Communications Equipment may not be used to transmit foul language, profanity
or obscenities.
G. Communications Equipment shall not be used to solicit or proselytize others for
commercial ventures or transactions, religious or political causes, or participation
in any endeavor unrelated to the Employee's normal duties.
H. No Employee shall deliberately degrade, or attempt to degrade, the performance
of any Communications Equipment including computers, microcomputers,
networks, telephone systems or video equipment, or intentionally deprive
authorized personnel of resources in or access to any City communication
system.
Section 3. Inte„«,nerPal:-.%, General Policy
Employees should also be aware that it is possible to recreate an E -Mail message or
locate a Web site even though the message is erased or the visit to a Web site is
closed. Employees should be aware that the City fnaymi ht be required to disclose
information or messages sent over and /or stored in the computer system pursuant to
requests filed under the Public Records Act or as a result of subpoenas issued in the
context of litigation or administrative proceedings. All communications, including text
and images, may be disclosed to law enforcement or other third parties without prior
consent of, or notice to, the sender or the receiver. Consequently, unless a
communication is legally privileged, employees should not consider voicemail, e-mail or
Internet communications to be personal, private or confidential.
A. Internet Policy
Employees accessing the Internet and /or the City's own Intranet are representing the
City when doing so. Accordingly, except as otherwise provided in this Policy, all
internetInternet communications and contacts should be for professional, business
reasons and should not be for personal use. Each Employee is responsible for
ensuring that they use their Internet access privilege in a responsible, ethical and lawful
manner. Chat rooms may be used to conduct official City business, or to gain technical
or analytical advice. €leGt -eniG mail may be used for non eenfidentiw! � c;
Geatasts.
Each Employee is responsible for the content of all text, audio, or images that they
place or send over the Internet. All messages communicated on the Internet should
have the Eemployee's name. Attached messages may not be transmitted using
someone else's name or under an assumed name. Employees who wish to express
personal opinions on the Internet are encouraged to obtain their own usernames on
other Internet systems.
APPENDIX C OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
2
To prevent computer viruses from being transmitted through the Communications
Equipment, Employees are not authorized to download any software onto their
computer or any drive in that computer. Employees interested in obtaining software are
required to contact the City's MIS Director Manager.
B. E- maillVoice Mail
E -mail and voice mail should always be used with the assumption that a message can
be read or heard by someone other than its intended recipient. When transmitting
messages, employees and other users should consider that the message might be
disclosed to others. Because of these concerns, employees and other users are
required to maintain the highest standards of courtesy and professionalism when
sending e-mail or leaving voice mail messages.
The sending of mass e- mailings on a "City -wide' basis to all employees without the prior
written authorization of a Department Director or the MIS Manager is prohibited.
Transmitting a message under another Employee's name or password is prohibited.
Any Employee who obtains password or user identification must keep that password
confidential. Employees shall not share user identification or passwords.
E -mail prepared, used, or retained as correspondence and other documentation
containing information relating to conduct of City business must be retained in
accordance with State Law and Council Policy for retention of public records.
E -mail used solely as a communication device in place of a telephone conversation or
for other transitory purposes may be deleted.
Any E -mail messages that are retained in the system are subject to the same disclosure
requirements as other public records. E -mail records will be produced in response to
request from the public in the same manner as for other public records.
Confidential Attorney /Client communications with City's legal counsel shall not be
forwarded or copied to others except as authorized by the City Attorney.
Section 4. No Expectation of Privacy
Employees shall have no right or expectation of privacy in e-mail messages created,
sent, received, deleted or stored using City computer resources.
The City does not randomly or routinely monitor or intercept electronic City
communications (voicemail, e-mail and Internet access) but retains the right to do so at
any time and without notice to Employees. The City also retains the right, without notice
to Employees, to conduct searches of the City's Communications Equipment and
related systems to ensure that they are being used in conformance with this Policy. The
City currently monitors, views and /or intercepts information or messages in or accessed
APPENDIX C OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
3
through the communications system in the following circumstances and for the following
purposes:
A. Any activity necessary to the provision of service including, without limitation, the
maintenance or repair of any City Communications Equipment or software, the
retrieval of lost messages, or for the protection of the rights and property of City;
B. Assistance to persons or entities authorized by law to intercept electronic City
communications or to conduct electronic surveillance provided the City is
provided with or obtains a court order or other lawful authorization;
C. The intercepting person is a party to the communication or one of the parties to
the communication has given prior consent to such interception;
D. The electronic communication intercepted is made through a communication
systerz�w#aishsystem, which is configured so that the electronic communication is
readily accessible to the public;
E. The logging of statistical information concerning the use of or activity upon any
communication system including Internet use statistics and access information
for individual users that is compiled and forwarded for management review; and
F. Monitoring of communications with the public to assure the quality of public
service.
Section 5. Duplication of Software and Use of Copyrighted Materials
Software, computer programs and related documentation licensed to the City may be
protected by copyright, patent, trade secret or other forms of legal protection.
Employees shall not duplicate software programs and any Employee who unlawfully
duplicates software may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil damages. No
Employee shall use, copy or alter these software or computer programs except as
permitted by law and only to the extent permitted by the contract or license agreement
between the City and the owner. Employees learning of any misuse of software must
immediately notify their Supervisor or Department Director. In addition, the electronic
mail system shall not be used to send (upload) or receive (download) copyrighted
materials, trade secrets, proprietary financial information, or similar materials without
prior authorization.
Section 6. Backup Copies
Employees may not keep any backup copies of work done for the City when they
separate from the City. Employees must obtain written permission from their Supervisor
to download and retain samples of their work. Downloading may occur only in the
presence of the Employee's Supervisor. Employees are prohibited from keeping a copy
of proprietary information, data or programs upon separation.
APPENDIX C OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
4
Section 7. Installation of Programs
The integrity of the City's Communications Equipment and system is vital to our
continued operations. Employees may not install any program onto a City computer
without the express consent of your Supervisor or Department Manager. Employees
may not download any program, without the express consent of their Supervisor or
manager. When in doubt, Employees must seek permission prior to taking any action
that could jeopardize the integrity of the City's computer system.
Section 8. Personal Use
City Communication Equipment may be operated or accessed for incidental personal
use on an Employee's break or meal period and with Supervisor approval provided that
the use does not:
A. Directly or indirectly interfere with the operation of the City's Communication
Equipment;
B. Involve any cost or expense to the City;
C. Interfere with the Employee's performance of his /her duties or other obligations
to the City;
D. Involve creation or operation of a commercial or business activity or web set
unrelated to City business; and
E. Violate this Policy, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation.
Employees are reminded that personal use of Communication Equipment does not
mean the Employee has any personal right of privacy in that use or related information.
Section 9 Violations
An Employee who violates this Policy is subject to discipline. Information and
messages sent over and /or stored in the Communication Equipment in violation of this
Policy will be disclosed in the context of disciplinary proceedings.
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APPENDIX C OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
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AUTHORIZATION REGARDING ACCESS TO E -MAIL AND VOICE MAIL
I, [PRINT NAME] have read and understand and
acknowledge the City's Policy regarding communications equipment and systems. I
understand and agree that the City may access my voice mail and e-mail messages,
and other electronically stored information under my control, for reasons related to City
business. I understand that searches of the City's information systems may be
conducted without advance notice in order to ensure that they are being used
exclusively to facilitate transmittal of information related to the City's operations, and
that I should also have no expectation that any information stored on my computer will
be private.
I further understand, acknowledge and agree that I will operate and use the City's
Communications Equipment only according to the City's Policy. I understand and
acknowledge that failure to do so will result in discipline, up to and including termination.
Dated:
Employee Signature
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APPENDIX C OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
6
APPENDIX D
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE POLICY
Section 1. Introduction
The City of Newport Beach ( "City ") will grant family and medical leave ( "Family Leave ")
and pregnancy disability leave in accordance with, and in amounts that equal or exceed,
the requirements of State law, California Family Rights Act ( "CFRA ") and Federal law,
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act ( "FMLA "). The provisions of CFRA and FMLA
are not entirely consistent and Employees will be eligible for the most liberal benefits
available under either law. Employees are encouraged to contact their Supervisor or
the Human Resources Director if they have any questions about eligibility for, or the
conditions to, requesting Family Leave. The purpose of this Policy is to help Employees
understand their rights to Family Leave and to ensure that both the CFRA and the
FMLA are properly administered.
Section 2. Definitions
The City shall use the definitions in the CFRA and FMLA in administering the family
leave provisions in State and Federal law. For purposes of convenience and
administration, the following are some important words and phrases defined in the
CFRA and /or FMLA:
A. "Child" shall mean a biological, adopted, foster, stepchild, legal ward, or a child
of a person in place of a parent and under the age 18, or a child over the age 18
who is incapable of self -care because of a mental or physical disability.
B. "Eligible Employee" for Family Leave shall mean any Employee, full time or part
time, who has been continuously employed by the City for at least twelve (12)
months and has worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous twelve (12)
month period.
C. "Family" shall mean an Employee's child, spouse or parent.
D. "Parent" shall mean a biological, foster or adoptive parent, or step - parent, or
someone who stood in place of a parent to any Employee when the Employee
was a child.
E. "Serious Health Condition" shall mean one which involves inpatient care, or
continuing treatment or continuing supervision by a health care provider, and
where a health care provider certifies that the Employee is needed to care for a
APPENDIX D OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
1
family member, or in the case of medical leave that the Employee is unable to
perform the functions of his /her position.
F. "Spouse" shall mean in accordance with applicable State law, including
common law marriages.
Section 3. Leave Available
Under State and Federal laws, eligible employees may receive up to a total of twelve
(12) workweeks of unpaid Family Leave and four (4) months pregnancy disability leave
during a twelve (12) month period. However, City Policy provides for four (4) months of
unpaid leave for CFRA, FMLA and pregnancy disability leave. A twelve (12) month
period begins on the date of an Employee's first use of leave under this Policy.
Successive twelve (12) month periods commence on the date of an Employee's first
use of such Family Leave after the preceding twelve (12) month period has ended.
Section 4. Permitted Use of Leave
Leave may be used for one or more of the following reasons
A. The birth of a child of the Employee, the placement of a child with the Employee
in connection with an adoption or foster care of the child by the Employee, or the
serious health condition of a child of the Employee.
B. To care for a parent or spouse with a serious health condition.
C. For the Employee's own serious health condition that makes the Employee
unable to perform the functions of his /her Position.
D. When the Employee is disabled on account of pregnancy, childbirth or related
medical conditions.
Under some circumstances, Department Directors may approve family and medical
leave intermittently - which means taking leave in blocks of time, or by reducing their
normal weekly or daily work schedule.
Section 5. Terms and Conditions to Use of Leave
The following conditions or restrictions apply to Employees requesting Family Leave or
pregnancy disability leave:
A. Notice And Certification
Employees seeking to use Family Leave may be required to provide:
APPENDIX D OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
2
1. Thirty (30) day advance written notice when the need for the leave is
foreseeable;
2. Medical certification from a health -care provider (both prior to the leave
and prior to reinstatement);
3. Periodic recertification; and
4. Periodic reports during the leave.
The Employee must try to schedule treatment so as not to unduly disrupt the
City's operation when family or pregnancy disability leave is requested and is for
planned medical treatment.
B. Compensation During Leave
Family and pregnancy disability leave is unpaid. The City may require an
Employee to use, or the Employee may elect to use, accrued paid leave (such as
vacation leave) to cover some or all of the leave. The use of paid time -off will not
extend the length of the leave to which you are otherwise entitled.
C. Benefits During Leave
The City will continue to pay its share of the Employees group health insurance
premiums for an Employee on family or pregnancy disability leave for up to a
maximum of twelve (12) workweeks if insurance was provided before the leave
was taken. The premiums will be paid on the same terms as if the Employee had
continued to work. In some instances, the City may recover premiums it paid to
maintain health coverage for an Employee who fails to return to work following
leave granted under this Policy.
Employees who do not receive continued paid coverage, or whose paid coverage
ceases after twelve (12) workweeks, may continue their group health insurance
coverage through the City in conjunction with federal COBRA guidelines by
making monthly payments to the City for the amount of the relevant premium.
Employees should contact their Supervisor or Human Resources Director for
further information.
Section 6. Reinstatement
Under most circumstances, upon return from family or pregnancy disability leave, an
Employee will be reinstated to his /her previous Position, or to an equivalent job with
equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment terms and conditions. However, an
Employee returning from a family or pregnancy disability leave has no greater right to
reinstatement than if the Employee had been employed continuously. rather than on
leave. For example, if an Employee on family and medical leave would have been laid
APPENDIX D OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
3
off had he /she not gone on family leave, or if an Employee's Position is eliminated
during the leave, then the Employee would not be entitled to reinstatement. An
Employee's use of family and medical leave will not result in the loss of any employment
benefit that the Employee earned or was entitled to before using family and medical
leave.
Section 7. Unlawful Acts
The City is prohibited from interfering with, restraining, or denying the exercise of any
right provided by State or Federal law. It is also unlawful for the City to refuse to hire or
to discharge or discriminate against any individual for opposing any practice, or
because of involvement in any proceedings related to family and medical leave.
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APPENDIX D OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
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APPENDIX E
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AND BEHAVIORS
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
As Employees of the City of Newport Beach, we choose to embrace and practice
the following values:
In practicing integrity, we strive to be honest, reliable, respectful, ethical, fair and
authentic. We will serve in a manner consistent with community values and
follow through on our commitments.
In practicing empathy, we will be sensitive to the needs of others by being
compassionate, thoughtful, open- minded, willing to understand, and by being
good listeners.
In practicing service, we understand our roles as representatives of the City. We
will endeavor to practice humility, to make things better for others, and to treat
others as we want to be treated.
In practicing excellence, we will strive to do our best by demonstrating
competence and a commitment to quality. We will be innovative, thorough,
efficient and effective in our work.
In creating a positive work environment, we will express our appreciation for,
and recognize, others. We will follow a work ethic, take pride of ownership in our
work, be courteous, encourage creative thinking, seek and be open to
challenges, create esprit de corps, maintain a safe work environment, and act
with enthusiasm.
In creating unity of purpose, we will practice cooperation and teamwork. We
will practice open communication by keeping others informed, considering the
needs of others, and at times deferring to the needs of others.
In practicing responsibility, we will be accountable in our work, take initiative,
make appropriate decisions, and act decisively. We will acknowledge our errors
and correct them.
In practicing loyalty, we will respect the individual and the position. We will
support each other, abide by decisions, and strive to always present a positive
image of the City.
APPENDIX E OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
1
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORS
The following behaviors were identified as ways for the organization's employees
to demonstrate and act on their values. The list is not meant to be all- inclusive,
but rather descriptive of the types of behaviors that would demonstrate each
value.
Integrity—no surprises, speak up with concerns rather than internalize; say in
the group what you say in private; always be honest; frank; give credit where it's
due; be factual in advising public on processes and regulations; consistency of
application of regulations; all customers deserve same treatment; tell people the
whole story.
Empathy — expressions of concern; active listening; walking in each others'
shoes; slow to judgement; acknowledge others' feelings; show you care; respect
one anothers professional abilities.
Service —be courteous, professional; problem - solving attitude; ask customers if
they need help and then help them; keep public informed about what you're
doing; timeliness; quality service; acceptance of role to carry out Council policy;
friendliness; be receptive to complaints and requests; help them navigate the
system; put yourself in their shoes.
Excellence — encourage innovation; support professional growth; seek to
become an expert; encourage self - development; allow people to be innovative
without negative consequences; encourage creativity in problem - solving; be up-
to -date on technological advances.
Create a positive work environment—clearly define expectations; frequent
feedback on work performance; reward work performance; education and
development opportunities; employee lounge.
Unity of purpose — reinforce with each other why we're here; act in support of
mission statement; identify opportunities to help each other, cross - training and
education; informational exchange; aligning work processes and products.
Loyalty —going the extra mile; project positive image through appearance and
actions; not talk disparagingly about organization and leadership.
Responsibility—show up regularly and ready to work; master the elements of
our jobs; take ownership of work product; take pride in work; meet deadlines or
tell supervisor; smooth transitions between departments; tell supervisor if you
see a problem or have a problem; be solution- oriented; don't be reluctant to do
something extra; offer constructive criticism.
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APPENDIX E OF EMPLOYEE MANUAL
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