CC RES 1991-047 . RESOLUTION NO. ,91747 • -,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
. ESTABLISHING COMPETITIVE SERVICE
EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL RULES
WHEREAS, the City Council is authorized and directed under the
provisions of Chapter 2.46 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code to adopt rules for the administration of the personnel system
created in said Municipal Code Chapter; and- •
WHEREAS, the objectives of these rules are to •facilitate
efficient and economical services to the public_.and "to provide for
an equitable system of personnel. management; and
• WHEREAS, these .rules- set forth in ,detail those procedures
which finsure similar treatment for those who compete for original
employment and 'promotion: and define , many of . the o)pligatiOs,
rights, privileges and prohibitions, .whic.h. Are placed upon all
employees in the competitive service as described in Chapter *2.46
of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS,. at the same time, within the limits of administrative
feasibility, considerable latitude shall be given the City Manager
and .Officer in the interpretation of these rules;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES RESOLVE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
pection competitive Sery.icp giuployee Personnel Rules:
Approves and establishes the Competitive Service Employee Personnel
Rules, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Section ?: Previous Rules, .Propedureskand Policies: Rescinds
all rules, procedures and policies not consistent with the
Competitive Service Employee Rules, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Section 3: Pprmanent part-rTigte Employee: That although the
current employee classified as Permanent Part-Time is not covered
by these Rules, she shall continue to receive such benefits as she
is receiving on the effective date of this Resolution, but shall
not receive additional benefits until such time that said employee
is classified as a Full-Time Employee or until a Resolution
amending said benefits is adopted.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED• on Jule: 2, 1991.
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ATTEST:
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L.I f` . A. " s�. .►
City Clerk ,
iate of California =
County of Los Angeles ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )• •
I, JO PURCELL, City Clerk of. the 'City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
hereby certify that the above Resolution No 91-47 was duly and
regularly passed arid adopted by the said City Council at a regular
meeting thereof held on July 2, 1991
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City • (erk.
. City ,, Rancho Palos. Verdes
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
COMPETITIVE SERVICE EMPLOYEE
PERSONNEL RULES
/ ,
EXHIBIT "A"
RESOL. NO. 91-47
RULE I
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Whenever used in these Personnel Rules, the following
terms shall have the meanings set forth below.
SECTION 1 - CONT NUOUS EMPLOYMENT/SENIORITY: Total full-
time spent in the employ of the City, including all days of
attendance at work, and approved leaves of absence whether paid or
nonpaid, but shall not include unauthorized absences, time spent
between employment with the City, suspensions or layoffs of more
than thirty (30) days.
SECTION 2 - CITY,: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
SECTION 3 - CITY MANAGER: The duly appointed City
Manager of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes or his/her designee.
SECTION 4 - CLASSIFICATION: A position or positions
assigned to the same job title.
SECTION 5 - EMPLOYEE,: A competitive service employee as
defined in Municipal Code section 2.46.040 and compensated through
the City payroll who is regularly scheduled to work forty (40) or
more hours per week and have successfully completed the
probationary period as hereinafter provided in these rules.
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Employee does not include elected officials, independent
contractors, part-time or temporary employees, or volunteers.
SECTION 6 - EVALUATION DATE,: The date in which an
employee has completed their probationary period, or a date
adjusted as required-, for any break in service and annually
thereafter.
SECTION 7 - EXEMPT EMPLOYEE: An employee whose duties
and salary exempt him/her from the overtime pay provisions of the
federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
SECTION 8 - NONEXEMPT EMPLOYEE: An employee who is
subject to the overtime pay and compensatory time off provisions
of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
SECTION 9 - PERSONNEL OFFICER: The City Manager shall
serve as the Personnel Officer as outlined in Municipal Code
section 2.46.030.
SECTION 10 - PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEE: An employee who is
employed by the City during his/her initial-hire or promotional
probationary period, or extension thereof.
(a) An initial-hire probationary employee is an
employee who (1) has not previously been employed by the City, or
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(2) has previously been employed by the City but who is re-employed
after a break in service.
(b) A promotional probationary employee is a City
employee who has been promoted to a higher job classification
requiring different skills.
SECTION 11 - PROBATIONARY PERIOD: A period of time as
defined in Municipal Code section 2.46.070, which is an integral
part of the examination, recruiting, testing and selection process
for employment. During the probationary period, an employee is
required to demonstrate his/her fitness for the position to which
he/she is tentatively appointed including promotional appointments
by actual performance of the duties of the position.
SECTION 12 - TERMINATION,: The cessation of employment
with the City for non-disciplinary reasons such as, but not limited
to, layoff, resignation, or failure to successfully complete the
initial-hire probationary period.
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RULE II
EXCLUSIONS
With the exception of RULE XIII, employees not included
in the competitive service as defined in Municipal Code section
2.46.040, as well as independent contractors, part-time and
temporary employees and volunteers are excluded from these
Personnel Rules.
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RESOL. NO. 91-47
RULE III
CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES
SECTION 1 -- PREPARATION OF CLASSIFICATION PLAN,: The City
Manager shall prepare, maintain, and amend the classification plan.
The classification plan shall contain job specifications for
classifications for positions covered by these personnel rules.
SECTION 2 - ALLOCATION OF POSITIONS,: The City Manager
shall allocate every position in the City Service to one of the
classifications established by the classification plan and shall
allocate all positions substantially similar to the same
classification.
SECTION 3 - CLASS SPECIFICATIONS,: The classification
plan shall consist of job specifications which shall set forth a
descriptive title, typical duties and responsibilities, and the
training, experience, and other qualifications necessary
or desirable for the effective performance of each position within
a classification.
_5_
RULE IV
PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND PROCEDURES
SECTION 1 - OBJECTIVE OF PROBATIONARY PER]OD,: The
probationary p eriod shall be regarded as a part of the selection
and evaluation process. The City shall closely observe the
probationary employee's work performance during the probationary
period.
SECTION 2 - DURATION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All
initial-hire and promotional appointments shall be tentative and
subject to a probationary period of not less than six (6) months
actual service. The City Manager may extend a probationary period
up to six (6) additional months actual service. Whenever possible,
the City Manager shall give the probationary employee written
notice of the extension of the probationary period ten (10) days
before its expiration. The written notice shall state the reason
for the extension. Failure to give the probationary employee
notice of the extension prior to the expiration of the initial
probationary period shall automatically extend the period. The
length of the automatic extension without a written notice shall
not exceed a period over thirty (30) days.
SECTION 3 - TERMINATION OF INITIAL-HIRE PROBATIONARY
EMPLOYEE: During or at the conclusion of the initial-hire
probationary period, or any extension thereof, the City Manager,
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after consultation with the probationary employee's Department
Head, where practical, may terminate an initial-hire probationary
employee without cause, and without a hearing or right of appeal.
SECTION 4 - PROCEDURES - REGULAR APPOINTMENT FOLLOWING,
PROBATIONARY PERIOD,: The City Manager shall be notified in
writing two (2) weeks prior to the expiration of any probationary
period. After consultation with the probationary employee's
Department Head and immediate supervisor, the City Manager shall
determine whether:
(a) the initial-hire probationary employee shall become
a regular employee,
(b) the initial-hire probationary employee shall be
terminated or discharged,
(c) the promotional probationary employee's promotion
shall be confirmed,
(d) a promotional probationary employee's promotion shall
be rejected, or
(e) the employee's initial or promotional probationary
period shall be extended.
SECTION 5 - REJECTION FOLLOWING PROMOTION,: Any
probationary employee rejected during or at the conclusion of a
probationary period following a promotional appointment shall be
reinstated to the position from which the employee was promoted
unless (a) charges are filed and the employee is dismissed from
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employment in the manner provided in these Rules, (b) there is no
vacancy in such position, or (c) the employee is terminated from
employment due to a layoff or other basis. If there is no vacancy,
the employee may request to be placed on a re-employment list.
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RULE V
REGULAR COMPENSATION/PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
Compensation shall be determined from a salary schedule
of grades established by a Resolution of the City Council; each of
which includes six (6) steps, or rates of pay; each horizontal step
being approximately five (5) percent greater than the previous
step, with the exception of the first step from "A" to "AB", which
is approximately a two and a half (2.5) percent increase.
SECT ON 1 - INITI4L EMPLOYMENT: The rate of compensation
for initial employment in any classification shall, generally, be
at Step A. The City Manager, at his/her sole discretion, however,
may approve compensation at a higher step if he/she finds that the
person employed is reasonably entitled, by reason of experience or
ability, to a rate in any one of the steps above the minimum or if
he/she determines that it is difficult to obtain qualified
applicants at the minimum rate.
SECTION 2 - MERIT • ADVANCEMENT WITHIN A RANGE: The
primary reason for advancement within a range shall be meritorious
performance in an employee's assigned duties.
(a) Meritorious performance shall be measured by the
receipt of a rating of "satisfactory" or above.
(b) Merit increases shall be based on meritorious
service, and, if granted, shall be effective on the day in which
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the employee's evaluation date falls, whether or not the
performance evaluation is conducted on the evaluation date. An
employee's evaluation date shall be the date in which an employee
has completed their probationary period and becomes a regular
employee, or a date adjusted as required for any break in service
and annually thereafte7.
(c) An employee may be advanced within his/her range in
accordance with the- following schedule:
Step "AB" at the completion of six months satisfactory
service in Step "A" , as determined by the Department Head.
Step "B" at the completion of one year of satisfactory
service in Step "AB" , as determined by the Department Head.
Step "C" at the completion of one year of satisfactory
service in Step "B" , as determined by the Department Head.
Step "D" at the completion of one year of satisfactory
service in Step "C", as determined by the Department Head.
Step "E" at the completion of one year of satisfactory
service in Step "D" , as determined by the Department Head.
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(d) All proposed advancements shall be recommended by the
Department Head and approved by the City Manager before becoming
effective.
(e) When an employee demonstrates exceptional ability and
proficiency, such employee may be advanced to the next higher step
within his/her range with the approval of the City Manager, in
his/her sole discretion, following recommendation by the Department
Head, without regard to the minimum length of service provisions
contained in this section. Advancements under this section shall
not change the employee's regular evaluation date.
SECTION 3 - PROMOTIONAL ADVANCEMENT: When an employee
is promoted from employment in one class to employment in a class
assigned a higher range, advancement shall be to the lowest step
in such higher range which will provide not less than a five
percent (5%) increase in salary, provided that the salary does not
exceed step "E".
SECTION 4 - ACTING PAY,: An employee, who by written
assignment by his/her Department Head or the City Manager, performs
the duties of a position with a higher salary classification than
that in which he/she is regularly employed, shall receive the
compensation specified for the position to which he/she is assigned
if he/she performs the duties for a period of one (1) calendar
month or more. The employee shall be compensated at the step
within the higher classification as will accord such employee an
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increase of at least five percent (5%) over his/her current rate
of compensation. Such compensation shall be retroactive to the
first day of the assignment.
1/ SECTION 5 - LONGEVITY PAY PLAN: Subject to the
recommendation of the Department Head and approval of the City
Manager, a longevity pay plan shall be applied to give recognition
to long and faithful service.
(a) The longevity pay plan shall be applied under the
following schedule:
Length of Continuous Employment. Amount of Pay/Month
Beginning of 11th year through 15 years $ 75/month
Beginning of 16th year through 20 years $125/month
Beginning of 21st year through 25 years $175/month
(b) The amount of longevity pay shall not be cumulative.
For example: Total longevity pay, if granted, after seventeen (17)
years of service is $125/month not $200/month.
(c) The longevity pay plan herein provided shall not be
considered automatic, but is granted by merit and performance. If
at any time the employee's service is unsatisfactory, the
Department Head may recommend and the City Manager may at his/her
sole discretion determine and order that the employee's longevity ,
pay cease until such time as the Department Head and/or City
Manager has determined that the employee has achieved a
satisfactory level of service.
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RULE VI
OVERTIME COMPENSATION
SECTION 1 - WORK SCHEDULE: When necessary to perform
I/
essential work, employees and probationary employees may be
required to work at time other than during regular scheduled
hours until such work is accomplished.
(a) Overtime shall be defined as any combination of
actual hours worked, vacation leave, compensatory time and sick
leave which exceed forty (40) hours in any work week.
(b) If such work results in overtime, then the overtime
requires written approval of the employee's or probationary
employee's Department Head or the City Manager.
SECTION 2 - OVERTIME COMPENSATION,: Nonexempt employees
and probationary employees shall receive overtime compensation or
compensatory time off in accordance with the federal Fair Labor
Standards Act. Accordingly, a nonexempt employee shall be paid one
and one-half (11) times his/her regular hourly rate of pay or
receive compensatory time off at one and one-half (11/2) hours for
all hours worked in excess of forty (40) in the workweek.
SECTION 3 - COMPENSATORY TIME,: Nonexempt employees and
probationary employees may elect to be credited with compensatory
time off in lieu of paid overtime at the time such overtime is
recorded. Such compensatory time shall be at the rate of one and
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one-half (112) hours for each hour of overtime worked. Compensatory
time may not be accumulated to exceed forty (40) hours.
(a) The taking of all compensatory time off shall first
I/ be approved by employee's or probationary employee's Department
Head or the City Manager and shall be granted in accordance with
the work force needs of the City.
(b) Compensatory time may be used for medical
appointments.
(c) Compensatory time may be used for maternity leave.
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RULE VII
LEAVES
Time spent by an employee on an approved paid leave shall
I/
not be construed as a break in service or employment, and rights
accrued at the time the leave is granted shall be retained by the
employee. Additionally, a leave of absence, with pay or without
pay, granted to any employee shall not create a vacancy in the
position. For the duration of any such leave of absence, the
duties of the position may be performed by another employee from
the classified service on an acting assignment, or a temporary
part-time employee, provided that any employee so assigned shall
possess the minimum qualifications for such position.
SECTION 1 - VACATION LEAVE:
(a) Employees are entitled to accrue paid vacation leave
under the following schedule:
Length of Continuous Employment Vacation Accrual Rates,
Beginning of 1st month through 2 years 6.67 hours per month
Beginning of 3rd year through 5 years 8 hours per month
Beginning of 6th year through 15 years 10 hours per month
Beginning of 16th year and more 8 additional hours per
year for each year of
service up to a
maximum of 160 hours
(b) After completion of the initial-hire probationary
period, the employee will be credited with vacation leave earned
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during the probationary period. The employee shall be entitled to
take such leave upon the completion of their initial-hire
probationary period or extension thereof. However, an initial-hire
I/ probationary employee may utilize accrued vacation time prior to
the completion of their probationary period with the written
approval of the City Manager.
(c) Vacation leave may be accumulated to a maximum of
two year's worth of accrued vacation leave.
(d) The scheduling of vacation leaves must be approved
by the employee's Department Head. Employees shall submit a
written request to schedule vacation leave to the employee's
Department Head or the City Manager within a reasonable amount of
time prior to the desired date and shall be granted in accordance
with the work force needs of the City.
(e) Employees will have the option to be paid for
vacation leave time that exceeds the maximum accrual allowed by
these Rules if a requested vacation leave is denied by their
Department Head due to the work force needs of the City.
(f) Employees shall not be granted, and accordingly are
not entitled to take vacation leave in advance of its accrual.
(g) Upon termination or dismissal from employment,
employees and probationary employees shall be paid for accrued
vacation leave up to a maximum amount of vacation leave allowed for
accrual by these Rules.
(h) Vacation leave may be used for medical appointments.
(i) Vacation leave may be used for maternity leave.
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SECTION 2 - SICK LEAVE:
(a) Employees and probationary employees earn paid sick
leave at the rate of eight (8) hours for each full calendar month
of continuous employment with the City including time served in
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probationary status.
(b) Initial-hire probationary employees are eligible to
use paid sick leave during their probationary period.
(c) Unused sick leave may be accumulated to a maximum of seven
hundred and twenty (720) hours.
(d) In order tJ receive paid sick leave, an employee or
probationary employee must notify his or her supervisor at the
earliest possible time, generally before 8:30 a.m. Such notice
shall provide the fact and the reason for the leave. Failure to
provide reasonable notice will be cause for denial of sick leave
with pay for the period of the absence. Written verification of
the cause of absence may be required by the City Manager.
(e) Employees and probationary employees shall not be
granted, and accordingly are not entitled to take paid sick leave
in advance of its accrual.
(f) Employees and probationary employees who use more
than five (5) consecutive sick days shall be required to furnish
a physician's certificate stating that the employee is able to
safely return to work.
(g) Sick leave may be used for medical appointments.
(h) Sick leave may be used for maternity leave.
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(i) Sick leave may be used for an absence to care for an
employee's or spouse's children) due to illness.
( j) Upon termination or dismissal from employment,
I/ employees and probationary employees shall not be granted, and
accordingly are not entitled to be paid for accrued sick leave.
SECTION 3 - WELLNESS LEAVE,: Employees and probationary
employees are eligibleto earn four (4) hours of paid leave for ten
(10) consecutive weeks of perfect attendance without using any sick
leave time.
(a) Prospectively and retroactively, the ten (10) week
period shall be calculated from June 2, 1991.
(b) A maximum of eight (8) hours of wellness leave may
be accrued.
SECTION 4 - BEREAVEMENT LEAVE,: Compensated Bereavement
Leave is not considered to be accrued leave which an employee or
probationary employee may use at his/her discretion, but is granted
by reason of death of a member of the employee's or probationary
employee's immediate family, consisting of an employee's or
probationary employee's spouse and employee's or probationary
employee's or their spouse's child, parent, sibling, stepparent,
stepchild and grandparent. An employee or probationary employee
may take a maximum of three (3) working days' bereavement leave
when a death occurs within an employee's immediate family. In
order to receive paid bereavement leave, the employee must notify
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his or her supervisor at the earliest possible time, generally
before 8:30 a.m. In the event the employee or probationary
employee must travel out of state in connection with the
bereavement, the employee shall be allowed to use the equivalent
of two (2) working days of sick leave in addition to the granted I/
Bereavement Leave.
SECTION 5 - JURY DUTY,:
(a) Employees and probationary employees called for jury
duty shall give the City Manager reasonable advance written notice
of the obligation to serve.
(b) Employees and probationary employees will be paid
their regular wages less jury duty pay (other than mileage or
subsistence allowances) or may elect to forfeit jury duty warrant
to the City and receive full City wages.
(c) Written evidence of jury duty attendance shall be
presented to the Personnel Officer.
(d) Employees and probationary employees shall continue
to report for work on those days when excused from jury duty, and
on which the employee can work at least four (4) hours during
his/her regular work day.
SECTION 6 - LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY,: The City
I/
Manager, after consultation with the employee's or probationary
employee's Department Head, may grant an employee or probationary
employee leave of absence without pay for a period not to exceed
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four (4) months in accordance with the work force needs of the
city. Additionally, the City Manager may apply such conditions as
he or she deems warranted in the best interest of the City. No
1/ such leave shall be granted except upon written request of the
employee or probationary employee. Approval shall be in writing
and a copy filed with the Personnel Officer.
(a) A leave of absence without pay shall not be construed
as a break in service or employment, however, paid leave benefits,
increases in salary, and other similar benefits shall not accrue
to a person granted such leave during the period of absence.
(b) Use of a leave of absence for a purpose other than
that requested, may be cause for forfeiture of reinstatement
rights. Failure on the part of an employee or probationary
employee on leave to report to work promptly at its expiration may
be cause for discharge.
(c) An employee or probationary employee reinstated after
a leave of absence without pay shall receive the same step in the
salary range that he or she received when the leave of absence
began. Time spent on such leave without pay shall not count toward
service for increases within the salary range, and the employee's
or probationary employee's evaluation date shall be set forward one
month for each thirty (30) consecutive calendar days taken.
(d) The City will continue to pay the cost of the
employee or probationary employee and dependent(s) health and life
insurance premiums during a medical leave of absence without pay.
(e) The employee or probationary employee is responsible
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to pay the entire cost of the health and life insurance premiums
during a non-medical leave of absence without pay that exceeds
thirty (30) calendar days and must make written arrangements with
the finance department to pay for the costs of such coverage.
(f) If the leave of absence without pay was for medical
I/
reasons, prior to rasuming regular duties, an employee or
probationary employee shall be required to furnish a physician's
certificate stating that the employee is able to safely return to
work.
SECTION 7 - MATERNITY LEAVE:
(a) An employee or probationary employee who is
temporarily disabled and unable to work due to pregnancy,
childbirth and related medical conditions may take a leave of
absence without pay as provided by applicable California and
federal law.
(b) It is encouraged that written notification of the
need for a maternity leave be given to the Department Head at least
three (3) months prior to the expected date of delivery and state
the time period desired for the leave.
(c) Granted maternity leave periods shall not exceed the
time required by State and Federal statutes.
(d) Additionally, subsections (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) , (e)
and (f) of Section 6 - LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY of these Rules,
shall also apply to MATERNITY LEAVE.
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SECTION 8 - MILITARY LEAVE,: Military leave shall be
granted in accordance with applicable California and federal law.
I/ SECTION 9 - PAID HOLIDAY LEAVE,: (a) Subject to the
restrictions described below, employees, probationary employees
and employees serving a promotional probationary period will
receive the equivalent of eight (8) hours paid leave at their
straight-time hourly rate for the following designated City
holidays:
(1) January 1st;
(2) The last Monday in May;
(3) July 4;
(4) The first Monday in September;
(5) The fourth Thursday in November;
(6) The fourth Friday in November;
(7) December 24;
(8) The Period between December 24 and
January 1
and one eight (8) hour floating holiday which shall be designated
yearly by the City Manager.
(b) If July 4th falls upon a Saturday, the Friday before
is the observed holiday, and if the dates fall upon a Sunday, the
Monday following is the observed holiday.
(c) In order to be eligible for holiday pay, an employee
or probationary employee must work the last scheduled workday
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before and the first scheduled workday after the holiday, unless
the employee is taking approved paid leave.
(d) If a holiday falls during an employee's or
probationary employee's approved vacation period, the employee or
probationary employee will be paid for the holiday and will not be I/
charged with a vacation day for the day the holiday is observed.
(e) If a holiday falls during an employee's or
probationary employee's approved sick leave period, the employee
or probationary employee will be paid for the holiday and will not
be charged with a sick day for the day the holiday is observed.
(f) Employees and probationary employees on non-paid
leave of absence for any reason are ineligible for holiday
benefits for holidays that are observed, during the period they
are on a non-paid leave of absence.
(g) Nonexempt employees and probationary employees who
work on a designated City holiday shall be paid the equivalent of
eight (8) hours at their regular hourly rate of pay and one and
one-half (1 1/2) times their regular hourly rate of pay for all
hours worked on the holiday or receive credit for eight (8) hours
compensatory time off and one and one-half (1 1/2) hours for all
hours worked on the holiday.
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RULE VIII
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
AND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
SECTION 1 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT
INSURANCE: The City provides Workers' Compensation and
Unemployment Insurance to all employees and probationary employees
in accordance with California Law.
SECTION 2 - ON-THE-JOB INJURIES: All injuries suffered
during working hours must be reported, in writing, immediately.
Unless there is an emergency, a referral slip must be obtained
from the Personnel office before visiting a doctor. Upon
returning to work from all on-the-job injuries, employees and
probationary employees must have an approval slip signed by the
attending doctor.
-24- RESOL. NO. 91-47
RULE IX
EMPLOYEE EXPENSES,
SECTION 1 - MILEAGE EXPENSE: An employee or
probationary employee who is required to use his/her private
automobile for City assignments shall be reimbursed at the
standard mileage rate set by the City Council.
(a) All claims for mileage reimbursement shall first be
approved in writing by the employee's or probationary employee's
Department Head or the City Manager, and shall be filed on forms
and in accordance with the procedures established by the City
Manager.
(b) Employees and probationary employees using their
personal car for City business shall supply the Personnel Officer
with a Certificate of Insurance stating that their personal
automobile is covered by public liability and property damage
insurance of not less than the amount required by the City
Manager.
1
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RULE X
TERMINATION PROCEDURES
SECTION 1 - RESIGNATION.:
(e) In order to resign in good standing, an employee or
probationary employee :/Iall inform the City Manager in writing of
the effective date of the resignation at least ten (10) working
days in advance. This time limit may be waived, in writing, by
the City Manager. Failure to give notice as required by this Rule
shall be cause for the City to deny future employment.
(f) An employee or probationary employee who is absent
from work voluntarily or involuntarily for more than eight (8)
hours without written authorization and who does not present a
written explanation acceptable to the City Manager as to the cause
of the employee's absence, shall be considered as having
voluntarily resigned from the City Service as of the last day
worked.
SECTION 2 - LAYOFF: Whenever in the judgment of the
City Council it becomes necessary in the interest of economy, or
because the necessity for a position no longer exists, the City
Council may abolish any position in the competitive service; and
the employee or probationary employee holding such position for
employment may be laid off without taking disciplinary action and
without the right of appeal.
-26- RESOL. NO. 91-47
(a) The order of the layoff of employees and/or
probationary employees shall be established by the City Manager on
the recommendation of the Department Head involved. Employees
and/or probationary employees will be laid off from the affected
layoff unit (department or classification) in accordance with
performance, seniority, attendance and their ability to perform
the remaining work available without further training. When, in
the opinion of the City Manager, two or more employees and/or
probationary employees have relatively equal performance records,
experience, skill, ability and qualifications to do the remaining
work without further training, the employee(s) and/or probationary
employees with the least seniority will be laid off first.
(b) Employees to be laid off shall be given at least ten
(10) working days prior notice or equivalent pay if laid off
immediately.
(c) An employee or promotional probationary employee who
is subject to layoff may request a reduction to a lower
classification within the same occupational series in the layoff
unit provided the employee possesses seniority, an acceptable
performance and attendance record, and has x'he ability to perform
the remaining work available without further training. The
reduction shall be made only in cases where there is a vacant
position in the layoff unit.
(d) The names of employees and promotional probationary
employees laid off or demoted in lieu of lay off shall be placed
upon re-employment list for those classes requiring basically the
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same qualifications, duties and responsibilities of the class from
which lay-off or demotion in lieu of lay off was made as
established in Rule XIV, Section 3 .
SECTION 3 - RETIREMENT: The City shall pay a percentage
of an employee's contribution to the Public Employees Retirement
System based on the following schedule and shall be credited to
each member's account:
PERS Contribution
Length of Continuous Employment, Paid by City
Beginning of 2nd year 2%
Beginning of 3rd year 4%
Beginning of 4th year and longer 7%
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RULE XI
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE OF GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE,:
(a) The grievance procedure shall be used to resolve
employee or probationary employee complaints concerning the
express terms and conditions of employment with the City. Except
for written reprimands: and oral warnings, the grievance procedure
shall not be used for resolving any complaint concerning
disciplinary action.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the
grievance procedure may be utilized to resolve alleged:
(1) Improper application of rules, regulations and
procedures;
(2) Unfair treatment, including coercion,
restraint or reprisal;
(3) Improper procedures utilized in employee
layoff;
(4) Discrimination because of race, religion,
color, creed, sex or national origin; or
because of any other statutorily or constitu-
tionally impermissible basis;
(5) Alleged sexual harassment or other illegal
harassment;
(6) Any matter affecting an employee's:
a. Working schedule;
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b. Fringe benefits;
c. Holidays;
d. Vacation;
e. Sick leave;
f. Retirement;
(7) Any other matter regarding terms and
conditions of employment.
SECTION 2 - INFORMAL DISCUSSION OF GRIEVANCE: When an
employee or probationary employee has a grievance, the employee or
probationary employee shall first informally discuss the matter
with the employee's or probationary employee's immediate
supervisor within five (5), business days from the date of the
incident or decision generating the grievance. If after a
discussion with the immediate supervisor, the grievance has not
been satisfactorily resolved, the employee or probationary
employee shall have the right to informally discuss the grievance
with the supervisor's immediate superior. The informal discussion
with the supervisor's immediate superior shall occur within ten
(10) business days from the date of the incident or decision
generating the grievance. If after such a discussion, the
grievance has not been satisfactorily resolved, the employee or
probationary employee shall have the right to file a formal
grievance.
If an employee's or probationary employee's grievance is
with his or her immediate supervisor or the supervisor's immediate
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superior, and such employee reasonably believes that such
grievance will not be resolved at that level, he or she may
proceed to the next step of the grievance procedure.
SECTION 3 - FO' GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: The formal
grievance shall be used to resolve an employee's or probationary
employee's grievance not satisfactorily resolved by informal
discussion.
(a) An employee or probationary employee shall have the
right to present a formal grievance in writing to the City Manager
within fifteen (15) business days from date of the incident or
decision generating the grievance. All formal grievances shall
state the reasons for the complaint and the employee's suggested
solution.
(b) A formal grievance shall be timely presented to the
City Manager. When the employee or probationary employee presents
a formal grievance to the City Manager, the City Manager shall
discuss the grievance with the employee or probationary employee.
Within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the formal
grievance, the City Manager shall render a written decision. The
decision of the City Manager shall resolve the grievance and no
further review of the subject matter of the grievance shall be
permitted.
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SECTION 4 - GENERAL PROCEDURES:
(a) The employee or probationary employee and the City
have the right to representation at any step in the grievance
procedure.
(b) Any grievance not filed or taken to the next step
within the specified time limits shall be deemed settled on the
basis of the last decision, and not subject to further
reconsideration. By mutual agreement and for good cause,
reasonable extensions of time may be given in writing to either
party at any step in the grievance procedure.
(c) An employee or probationary employee who has filed
a grievance shall suffer no discrimination for filing the
grievance.
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RESOL. NO. 91-47
RULE XII
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES,
SECTION 1 - AUTHORITY TO DISCIPLINE,: The City Manager,
Deputy City Manager and Department Heads are authorized to take
disciplinary action regarding employees under their control in
accordance with, and within the limits of, these rules. Every
supervisor shall assist his/her superiors in achieving sound
discipline and acceptance by that employee of the corresponding
duties and responsibilities, including those disciplinary in
nature.
SECTION 2 - CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE,: Each of the following
constitutes cause for discipline of an employee. It is the intent
of these rules to include as a cause for discipline any action or
non-action by an employee which impedes or disrupts the
performance of the City and its organizational component units, is
detrimental to employee or public safety, violates properly
established rules and procedures or adversely affects the
reputation of the City, its officers or employees. Examples of
causes for discipline include, but are not limited to:
(a) Any violation of any written rule or regulation
promulgated by City related to conduct or performance.
(b) Fraud in securing appointment.
(c) Incompetency.
(d) Inefficiency.
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(e) Inexcusable neglect of duty.
(f) Dishonesty or lying to a supervisor or superior.
(g) Violation of any law relating to conflicts of
interest, whether contractual or financial.
(h) Being under the influence of or using alcohol or
drugs on duty, exce7t for prescription drugs provided the
Department Head is informed of all warnings on the prescription or
drug and provided the employee complies with such warning.
(i) Addiction to the use of narcotics, alcohol or any
contraband substance which impairs employee's performance of
his/her duties.
( j) Unexcused absences.
(k) Conviction of a felony or conviction of a
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. A plea or verdict of
guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of a felony or any offense
involving moral turpitude is deemed to be a conviction within the
meaning of this section.
(1) Defrauding the City by making a false claim for
compensation, benefits or reimbursements.
(m) Making a false Workers Compensation Claim against
the City.
(n) Improper political activity which prevents the
employee or other employees from the efficient performance of
employment with the City, or which has a disruptive effect on the
efficiency or integrity of the City service or the department in
which such employee is employed.
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(o) Failure or refusal to cooperate with supervisory
personnel or other employees.
(p) Misuse or misappropriation of City property or
funds.
g
(q)
Gambling for money or articles of value on City
property or during working hours.
(r) Tardiness.
(s)
Abuse of sick leave privileges, including but not
limited to reporting sick when not sick, and obtaining sick leave
pay falsely or under false pretenses.
(t) Excessive absenteeism which impairs the City's
ability to provide services or function effectively or
efficiently.
(u) Refusal to take and subscribe any oath or
affirmation which is required by law or these rules in connection
with his/her employment.
(v) Refusing to report on official call in an emergency.
(w) Violation of departmental rules and regulations.
(x) Intentionally misrepresenting information or facts
in any statement, declaration or affidavit duly required of an
employee.
(y) Failure or refusal to carry out an order or
directive of a superior.
(z) Asking, receiving or agreeing to receive any bribe,
gratuity or reward of any kind upon any understanding that any
employee's action shall be influenced thereby, or shall be given
-35-
in any particular manner, or upon any particular question or
matter upon which any employee may be required to act in the
employee's capacity; or attempting by menace, deceit, suppression
of truth, or any corrupt means to influence any employee to commit
any act, conduct or omission which is clearly inconsistent,
incompatible, in conflict with, or inimical to the best interests
of the City.
(aa) Failure to observe or comply with safe working
standards, to endanger, to injure, or to damage public property or
the private property of an employee or member of the public
through negligent, improper or careless conduct or use of
equipment; or to permit such actions on the part of any employee
under his/her supervision or control.
(bb) Conduct disrespectful to the public, elected and
appointed City officials, supervisors, superiors, Department Heads
or members of City boards or commissions.
In the event that the City imposes disciplinary action
for cause, including but not limited to any of the above acts and
omissions, the employee shall have the right to contest or seek
review of the disciplinary action or the basis thereof, in
accordance with procedures set forth in Sections
SECTION 3 - TYPES OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION: Disciplinary
actions include reprimands, suspensions, demotions, reductions in
pay and dismissal, as defined below:
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(a) Verbal Reprimand., An oral warning that may be given
to the employee in the event that a deficiency in performance or
conduct is not of suff ient magnitude to warrant a more formal
disciplinary action. A confidential written record may be made of
such conferences and placed in the employee's personnel file with
a copy provided to the employee. Verbal reprimands are not
subject to appeal. However, the employee has the right to place
in his/her personnel file a response or rebuttal to any
confidential written record of verbal reprimand, provided that
such response or rebuttal is submitted for inclusion in the file
within thirty (30) calendar days of the employee's receipt of the
confidential written record.
(b) Written Reprimand., A written statement relating to
an action or omission which meets any of the grounds for
disciplinary action listed in these rules, indicating that there
is cause for dissatisfaction with the employee's services and that
further disciplinary measures may be taken if the cause is not
corrected. The written statement shall be placed in the
employee's file, with a copy provided to the employee. Written
reprimands are not subject to appeal. However, the employee has
the right to place in his/her personnel file a written response or
rebuttal to any confidential written statement, provided that such
response or rebuttal is submitted for inclusion in the file within
thirty (30) calendar days of the employee's receipt of the
confidential written statement.
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(c) Suspension. The temporary separation of the
employee from City service without pay for disciplinary purposes
for a period not to exceed thirty ( 30) calendar days per
occurrence.
(d) Demotion. A change in employment status from one
position to another having a lower rate of pay and/or a change in
duties which are allocated to a class having a lower maximum rate
of pay. The demotion may be temporary or permanent.
(e) Dismissal., The discharge of the employee from City
service for disciplinary purposes.
(f) Reduction in Pay. A change in the salary step of an
employee to a lower step within the same salary grade.
SECTION 4 - DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES,:
(a) When an employee is to be suspended, demoted,
reduced in p ay or dismissed, a preliminary written notification
shall be provided to the employee. The written notice shall
include: (1) The charges against the employee and reasons for
the proposed disciplinary action to be taken;
(2) The proposed disciplinary action to be taken;
(3) A statement advising the employee that, before any proposed
disciplinary action takes effect, the employee or his/her
representative has the right to respond orally or in writing
within five (5) working days from the employee's receipt of the
written notice.
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(b) Within ten (10) working days after the employee has
had the opportunity to respond, the employee shall be notified in
writing of any disciplinary action to be taken and the effective
date of such disciplinary action.
SECTION 5 - APPEAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS: An employee
who has been suspended, demoted, or dismissed for disciplinary
reasons, may appeal the disciplinary action.
In order to appeal the disciplinary action, the employee
must file a written notice of appeal with the City Manager for a
hearing within ten (10) working days after having been furnished
with a copy of the notice of disciplinary action.
SECTION 6 - TIME OF HEARING,: The hearing on the
employee's appeal shall be conducted within ninety (90) calendar
days after the employee's filing of the written notice of appeal
with the City Manager. This time limit may be extended by the
City Manager for good cause and by agreement of the employee and
the City Manager.
SECTION 7 - HEARING PROCEDURE: The following procedures
shall govern hearings on appeals of disciplinary action:
(a) The City Manager shall conduct the hearing. If the
City Manager files the written statement to discipline an employee
that works directly for the City Manager, then the Deputy City
Manager shall conduct the hearing.
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(b) Hearings shall be conducted in the manner most
conductive to determination of the truth, and the City Manager
shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence. Decisions made
shall not be invalidated by an informality in the proceedings.
(c) The City Manager shall make arrangements to have the
hearing transcribed or recorded to preserve the proceedings and
testimony. The employee may obtain a copy of the transcript or
recording upon request.
(d) The City Manager shall determine the relevancy,
weight and credibility of all testimony and evidence.
(e) The City Manager shall base his/her findings and
decision on the preponderance of the evidence presented.
(f) The Department Head shall have the burden of proof.
Each side will be permitted an opening statement and closing
argument. The Department Head shall first present its witnesses
and evidence to support the charges and disciplinary action. The
employee shall then present his/her witnesses and evidence in
defense. The Department Head may thereafter present witnesses and
evidence in rebuttal.
(g) Each side will be allowed to examine and cross-
examine witnesses. All witnesses shall testify under oath as
administered by the City Clerk. The City Manager may question any
witness.
(h) Both the Department Head and the employee may be
represented by a designee or by legal counsel. The City Manager
-40- RESOL. NO. 91-47
may obtain the legal advice of the City Attorney in performing the
function of hearing officer.
(i) The City Manager shall, if requested by either side,
subpoena witnesses and/or require the production of documents or
other material evidence.
( j) The City Manager may, during a hearing, grant a
continuance for any reason believed to be important to the
reaching of a fair and proper decision.
(k) Within thirty (30) calendar days after the
conclusion of the hearing, the City Manager shall prepare and
serve on both sides a written decision setting forth the charges
found to be sustained, and the reasons therefore, and the
propriety of the disciplinary action imposed. The City Manager
may sustain, reject or modify the disciplinary action imposed. If
the City Manager sustains the employee, all or part of any loss of
the employee's full compensation may be ordered restored.
SECTION 8 - FINALITY OF CITY MANAGER'S DECISION,: The
decision of the City Manager shall be final and conclusive.
SECTION 9 - JUDICIAL REVIEW,: Any legal action to
challenge any decision of the City Manager must be filed in a
court of competent jurisdiction within ninety (90) days following
the date of receipt of the decision challenged.
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RULE XIII
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The definition of employee for this rule, only, shall
IIIinclude all City agents and employees, including probationary,
part-time, managers, supervisors and co-employees.
.1
SECTION 1 - EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The
City is committed to -a policy of equal employment opportunity.
Consistent with this commitment and California and federal law,
the City does not discriminate against employees or applicants
because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin,
ancestry, age, marital status, physical handicap, alienage,
citizenship status or medical condition. Equal employment
opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the
employer-employee relationship, including hiring, training,
promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall discharge and
termination.
SECTION 2 - POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT:
(a) It is the City's policy that harassment, including
sexual harassment, in the workplace is unacceptable and will not
be tolerated.
(b) Sexual harassment is defined generally as verbal or
physical conduct consisting of unwelcome sexual advances, requests
for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature whenever:
(1) submission to the conduct is either an explicit or implicit
-42- RESOL. NO. 91-47
term or condition of employment; (2) an employee's reaction
(submission or rejection) to the conduct is used as a basis for
employment decisions affecting that employee or; or (3) the
conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with
the employee's work performance or creating an intimidating or
offensive working environment.
(c) No employee should be subjected to unsolicited and
unwelcome sexual overtures. Nor should any employee be led to
believe that an employment opportunity or benefit will in any way
depend upon "cooperation" of a sexual nature.
(d) Sexual harassment is not limited to express demands
for sexual favors. It also may include such actions as: (1) sex-
oriented verbal "kidding, " "teasing" or jokes; (2) repeated offen-
sive and unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions;
(3) continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature; (4)
graphic or degrading comments about an individual or his or her
appearance; (5) the display of sexually suggestive objects,
pictures, cartoons, or drawings; (6) subtle pressure for sexual
activity; and (7) unwelcome physical contact such as patting,
touching, pinching or brushing against another's body.
(e) Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional
compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to
behavior which is not welcome, which is personally intimidating,
hostile, or offensive, which debilitates morale, and which
therefore interferes with work effectiveness.
-43-
(f) The prohibitions of this policy are not limited to
sexual harassment. Harassment based on race, religion, national
origin or any other prohibited basis set forth in applicable
federal and California law is not acceptable and will not be
tolerated. Examples of such harassment include, but are not
limited to: (1) verbal harassment, e.g. , racial, religious or
national origin epithets, derogatory comments or slurs;
(2) physical harassment, e.g. , assault, impeding or blocking
movement, or any physical interference with normal work or
movement when directed at an individual on a basis enumerated in
applicable federal or California nondiscrimination laws; or
(3) visual forms of harassment, e.g. , derogatory posters,
cartoons, or drawings based on race, religion or national origin.
(g) Any City employee who feels that he or she has been
the victim of harassment has the right and the responsibility to
promptly notify his or her supervisor, department head or the City
Manager of the incident or incidents of harassment and provide the
names of the individuals involved. If the person to whom the
harassment is to be reported is himself/herself thought to be
engaged in harassment, the employee may contact the City Manager
directly. If the City Manager is thought to be engaged in
harassment, then the Mayor of the City Council may be contacted.
All allegations of harassment will be promptly and thoroughly
investigated. If the allegations are found to have merit,
appropriate corrective action will be implemented. If the
allegations are found to lack or be of insufficient merit, all
-44- RESOL. NO. 91-47
involved parties will be so notified. Employees will not be
retaliated against for reporting harassment.
(h) Any City employee who witnesses harassment directed
at or perpetrated by a City employee has a duty to report it.
through the avenues identified in the preceding paragraph.
(i) Employees who violate this policy are subject to
discipline, up to and including termination.
(j) In addition to the provisions of this policy,
California and federal laws bar employment related harassment, and
provide employees with statutory rights and remedies.
•
-45-
RULE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES,
SECTION 1 - TRANSFERS: Transfers are permitted, subject
to the written consent of the department heads involved and the
City Manager. Such changes are authorized only from one (1)
position to another in the same class or to a position in another
class having the same maximum salary limit and involving the
performance of similar duties and requiring substantially the same
qualifications.
SECTION 2 - RECLASSIFICATIQN,: The duties of positions
which have changed materially may be allocated to a more appro-
priate class. An incumbent meeting the new qualifications of the
reclassified position shall move with the position.
SECTION 3 - RE-EMPLOYMENT LIST: Names of persons laid
off or demoted in lieu of layoff in accordance with these rules
may be carried on a re-employment list(s) , prepared and maintained
by the Personnel Officer, for a period of six (6) months, unless
extended by the City Manager at his/her sole discretion.
(a) Persons who refuse re-employment shall be removed
from the list.
(b) Persons who are appointed to permanent positions of
the same level, whether in the City or another agency, as that
which was demoted or laid off shall be removed from the list.
-46- RESOL. NO. 91-47
(c) Persons who fail to respond to a notice of re-
employment mailed to the last known address within ten (10)
working days from the date in which the notice was mailed shall be
removed from the list.
SECTION 4 - REINSTATEMENT,: With the written approval of
the City Manager, a former employee may be reinstated (1) to his
or her former position, if vacant; or (2) to a vacant position in
the same or comparable class; provided that the employee left the
City's employ less than one (1) year prior to seeking
reinstatement. The City Manager may require that a reinstated
employee serve an initial-hire probationary period.
SECTION 5 - WRITTEN NOTICE: Any written notice required
to be given by the provisions of this resolution, unless herein
otherwise specifically provided, may be given either by personal
service or by mail. In the case of service by mail, the notice
must be deposited in the United States mail, in a sealed envelope,
with postage prepaid; addressed to the person on whom it is to be
served; at the address in any notice given by him or at his last
known address, and, if there be no last known address, then
addressed to him at the City. Service by mail shall be deemed
complete at the time of the deposit in the mail.
SECTION 6 - OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT: Employees and
probationary employees shall be allowed to engage in employment
other than their job with the City, with the understanding that
-47-
City employment is the highest priority and such employment does
not interfere with the performance of assigned duties and does not
constitute a conflict of interest. The employee or probationary
employee must notify the City Manager in writing regarding their
outside employment.
-48- RESOL. NO. 91-47