Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout193-90 RESOLUTION1 • • • • • RESOLUTION NO. 193-90 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PERSONNEL POLICY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES' POLICY. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1. That the Board of Directors hereby adopts the personnel policy for civil service employees to be retroactive to February 20, 1990 to be consistent with the general employees' policy. A copy of the civil service personnel policy authorized for execution hereby is attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of December , 1990. APPROVED: By: ATTEST: By : Dy o`.°=�/.tU)sTkd City erk Mayor c• :1 Page 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 12 13 13 14 • Article 1 • TABLE OF CONTENTS Title of Section I Organization of Personnel System I-1 Purpose I-2 Applicability I-3 Responsibility of City Manager I-4 Policy Statement III -5 III -6 III -7 III -8 III -9 III -10 IV IV -1 IV -2 IV -3 IV -4 IV -5 IV -6 IV -7 IV -8 IV -9 IV -10 IV -11 IV -12 IV -13 V V-1 V-2 V-3 V-4 V-5 V-6 V-7 Position Classification Plan Coverage Administration of Classification Plan Salary Plan Coverage Position Pay Range Maintenance Starting Salary Performance and step rate pay increase budget Pay rates for promotion, demotion, transfer, reclassification or reassignment Pay rates for part-time employees Transition to a new salary plan Salary upon reemployment Payroll deductions Severance Pay New Hires, Promotions, Dismissals, Demotions., Suspensions Applicability Affirmative Action Job Advertisements Qualification Standards Hiring Practice Employment of Relatives Probationary Period Promotions Suspension, Demotion, Dismissal Reduction in Force Transfer Disability Exit Procedure Grievance Procedure Applicability Purpose Definition Policy Procedure Rights to be Respected Discrimination Complaints 1 14 VI Conditions of Employment VI -1 Applicability 15 VI -2 Hours of Work VI -3 Overtime Compensation 16 VI -4 Vacation Leave 17 VI -5 Sick Leave 19 VI -6 Funeral Leave VI -7 On -the -Job Injury Leave 20 VI -8 Maternity Leave 21 VI -9 Holidays VI -10 Military Leave VI -11 Civil Leave 22 VI -12 Educational Leave VI -13 Education/Training VI -14 Education Reimbursement 23 VI -15 Leave without Pay VI -16 Insurance Program 24 VI -17 Retirement VI -18 Employee -Employer Relation Policy 1 25 VII Conflict of Interest and Political Activity VII -1 Applicability VII -2 Outside Employment VII -3 Political Activity Restricted 26 VII -4 Political Campaigns 26 VIII Code of Ethics VIII -1 Standard of conduct for Fayetteville City Officials and Employees PERSONNEL POLICY FOR CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION OF PERSONNEL SYSTEM 1 Section I-1 Purpose It is the purpose of this Policy to establish a personnel system under the direction of the City Manager by which all matters relating to civil service personnel shall be administered. It is the intent of the City Board to establish an equitable and uniform system of personnel administration, to place municipal employment on a merit basis to the end that only the best qualified persons available shall be employed by the City. This policy shall serve to govern administrative action concerning all personnel activities and transactions consistent with the following general standards: (1) New hires and promotions shall be made solely on the basis of statutory requirements, qualifications, merit and physical fitness, demonstrated by experience, education, job performance and/or other evidence of competence as determined by the rules and regulations of the civil service commission, and/or the Arkansas commission on law enforcement standards and training governing the hiring and promotion of employees. Continued employment shall be subject to continued satisfactory performance of work, personal conduct compatible with the trust inherent in public service, and availability of operating funds without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age or political affiliation. Conditions of employment shall be maintained to promote efficiency and economy in the operation of the City government. Position classification and compensation plans shall be maintained and revised from time to time to meet changing conditions. Section I-2 Applicability The provisions of this policy shall be applicable to all Civil Service applicants and employees subject to the specific procedures, rules, and regulations of the Civil Service Commission. Applicable Civil Service rules, procedures, regulations and State Codes governing Civil Service employment will supercede any conflicting provision in this policy. The rules and regulations 1 • of the Civil Service Commission of the City of Fayetteville are incorporated by reference in this policy. Section I-3 Responsibility of City Manager The City Manager shall be responsible for the administration of Civil Service Personnel Policy. The City Manager may promulgate personnel operating policy and procedures governing the City departments. Operating policy so made and promulgated by the City Manager shall be binding on all persons affected thereby; provided, that no such operating policy shall be contrary to any provision of the City Board adopted personnel policy, applicable federal or state law, civil service rules and regulations, or other ordinances or resolutions of the City Board. Section I-4 Policy Statement The Civil Service Personnel Policy and the employee handbook of the City outline the general policies of personnel administration, and are not intended to constitute an expressed or implied contract between the City and the employees. ARTICLE II POSITION CLASSIFICATION PLAN Section II -1 Coverage The most recently adopted "Position Classification Plan of the City of Fayetteville" shall be the job classification plan of the City. This classification plan shall include all approved classes of positions in the City employment unless otherwise exempted by the City Board. Section I1-2 Administration of the Classification Plan The City Manager or his/her designee, shall be responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Position Classification Plan. Department Chiefs shall be responsible for bringing to the attention of the City Manager... (1) the need for new positions, and (2) any material changes in the nature of duties, responsibilities, working conditions, or other factors affecting the classification of any existing position. Following the receipt of such information concerning any 2 proposed or existing position, the City Manager, or his/her designee, shall then conduct a job evaluation using the Hay Point Factor Job Evaluation Method to determine if the classification of the position should be changed or a new position created. When the City Manager has determined that sufficient change has occurred in the nature and level of duties and responsibilities of an existing position or that a new position is required, the City Manager shall: (1) Revise the existing position description in conjunction with the Department Chief or prepare a new position description, and properly classify or reclassify the position within the existing classification plan. Authority to evaluate positions and determine the proper job/pay grade and responsibilities is vested in the City Manager. The City Manager shall report the job title and pay grade of each new or reevaluated position to the Board of Directors for their information at the first Board of Directors meeting following the effective date of the evaluation. (2) If a new or revised position is required which increases the authorized salary budget or headcount, inform the City Board of Directors of the need to include the position in the pay plan. The Board of Directors will consider the recommendations of the City Manager in determining the need for such new or revised positions. Authority to approve a position under these circumstances is vested with the Board of Directors. ARTICLE III SALARY PLAN Section III -1 Coverage The most recently adopted "Schedule of Salary Ranges" shall be the pay plan for the City. The plan shall include all positions included in the classification plan. Section III -2 Position Pav Range Maintenance The City Manager shall be responsible for the administration and maintenance of a pay plan. The pay plan is intended to provide equitable compensation for all positions when considered in relation to each other, to general rates of pay for similar employment in the private sector and in other public jurisdictions similar in size and scope, and to changes in the cost of living, to financial conditions of the City and other factors. To this end, 3 • the City Manager shall each year, if possible, conduct a salary survey(s) to determine the general level of salaries and wages paid in private industry in the area, the salaries paid comparable state and municipal employees, and any change in the cost of living in the area during the fiscal year. Based on these findings, the City Manager may recommend amended position pay ranges to the City Board for its consideration. Section III -3 Starting Salary Each new civil service employee shall be hired at the entry level or trainee step rate salary which has been established for the classification in which he or she is employed. A fully trained former employee, who left in good standing, may be re -hired at an appropriate step rate above the entry level step if approved by the City Manager. Section II1-4 Performance and Step -Rate Pay Increase Budget The City Manager shall each year include funds in the budget proposal to the City Board for providing merit and step -rate pay adjustments. Section 1II-5 Pay Rates For Promotion. Demotion, Transfer, Reclassification Or Reassignment When an employee is promoted, demoted, transferred or reclassified, the rate of pay for the new position will be established in accordance with the following rules: 1). An employee who is promoted shall receive an increase to a step in the new job classification yielding a minimum of 5% increase. 2). An employee demoted to a position for which he/she is qualified by education and/or experience shall receive a salary rate no higher than the maximum step rate for the position offered. (C.S.C. 55:04) 3). An employee transferring from a position in one work group to the same level of position in another work group will normally be effected as a lateral transfer with no increase in pay. 4). If as a result of pay plan maintenance an employee's position is reclassified to a class having a higher salary range, the employee shall receive at minimum the increase necessary to reach the minimum of the new salary range. If the position • • is reclassified to a lower pay range and the result is that the employee's existing rate of pay is above the maximum of the range established for the new class, that employee will be ineligible for any salary increase until such time that the employee receives a promotion or benefits from a general class -wide rate range increase which establishes a maximum rate above his/her existing salary. 5). In the event of a downgrade to a lower job classification due to a reduction in force, an employee will receive a pay rate no higher than the maximum step rate for the position offered. Section III -6 Pay Rates For Part -Time Employees An employee hired for less than full-time service shall be paid at a tate not less than the minimum hourly step rate for the same or comparable class of positions in the salary plan. Section III -7 Transition to a New Salary Plan The transition to a new or amended salary plan is subject to budget limitations and shall be governed as follows: 1). An employee shall not receive a reduction in base pay as a result of the transition to a new salary plan, provided that this provision shall not apply to across the board salary reductions caused by economic conditions. 2). Any employee, being paid at a rate lower than the new step minimum rate established for his/her current pay step shall have his/her pay raised at least to the pay rate established for that step. 3). Any employee being paid at a rate above the maximum rate established for his/her respective class, shall remain at his/her present pay as long as the maximum step rate established is below the employee's present pay. Section III -8 Salary Upon Reemployment A civil service employee who is dismissed because of a reduction in force may be reemployed with the recommendation of the Department Chief if an appropriate vacancy exists within one (1) year of the date of separation. Section III -9 Payroll Deductions 5 • Payroll deductions are allowable for the purpose of facilitating employee contributions for certain specified purposes. An employee may authorize payroll deductions for federal income tax, state income tax, social security, pension plan contribution, group insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, and United Fund. Authority to allow any other payroll deductions is vested in the City Board. In considering whether or not to allow any other deductions, the following criteria, individually and collectively, shall be considered: 1). Would the deduction benefit the entire Fayetteville community? 2). Would the deduction be in the nature of a fringe benefit of which the City would bear a portion of the cost? 3). Would the deduction be available to all City employees and not just a special group of City employees? 4). Would the deduction benefit individual employees and not just some organization to which they may belong? 5). Would the deduction have the interest of a sufficient number of employees that it would be representative of all the departments of the City? In determining whether or not City Board shall consider any one, above factors. to grant payroll deductions, the a combination of, or all of the Section III -10 Severance Pay Any full-time employee who is terminated from City employment due to reduction in force, shall be entitled to a two (2) week severance pay benefit. Reduction in force shall be defined as any full-time position deleted from the City budget due to a reduction of the City services, elimination of City services or insufficient funds. ARTICLE IV NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, DISMISSALS, DEMOTIONS, SUSPENSIONS Section IV -1 Applicability The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to all civil service employees. Section IV -2 Affirmative Action The City Manager shall be responsible for the promulgation and update of the City of Fayetteville's Equal Employment 6 • Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan. Such plan is subject to City Board review and approval shall constitute the City's official Affirmative Action Plan. Section IV -3 Job Advertisements (C.S.C. §3:03) The City Manager or his/her designee shall publicize entry level test dates in order to encourage qualified persons to apply for employment. City employees shall be notified by bulletin board notices of employment opportunities that exist. Employment advertisements shall contain assurances of equal employment opportunity and shall comply with federal and state statutes regarding discrimination in employment matters based on sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, and physical handicap. Section IV -4 Qualification Standards (C.S.C. S1:01-1:05) Applicants shall meet civil service standards and such other reasonable minimum standards of character, aptitude, ability to meet the public, and physical condition as may be established by State Code and the Civil Service Commission with the advice and recommendations of the City Manager, Department Chief and Personnel Director. Any applicant who shall knowingly make any material false statement concerning his/her application for employment or promotion to a position in City employment shall thereby forfeit his/her right to be considered for or occupy such position. Section IV -5 Hiring Practice (C.S.C. §1:06, 1:07, 1:09, 4:01 and 4:02) City civil service employment shall be governed by State Code, the Arkansas Commission on law enforcement standards and training and the standards and procedures established by the Civil Service Commission considering such factors as abilities, capacity, aptitude and experience without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Section IV -6 Employment of Relatives The employment of relatives in the same division of a 7 department is prohibited; and in no case shall an employee supervise another member of his/her immediate family. Immediate family is defined as spouse, children, mother, father, sister, brother, guardian, grandparents, grandchildren, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, plus the various combinations of half, step, in-law and adopted relationships that can be derived from those named. This policy shall not be retroactive, nor shall it restrict a future transfer or promotion of any employee hired prior to the adoption of this policy. A person may not be employed by the City pursuant to State law if related by blood or marriage in the third degree to a member of the Board of Directors or the City Manager. Section IV -7 Probationary Period (C.S.C. §1:08) 1). Original Probationary Period Any civil service employee hired in a position in City employment shall serve a probationary period of one (1) year. The probation period shall be regarded as an important part of the examination process, and shall be utilized for closely observing the employee's work. A probationary employee may be dismissed without privilege of appeal at any time during the probationary period if the hiring Department Chief, with the approval of City Manager, determines that the employee is incapable of performing assigned duties in a satisfactory manner. Job performance appraisals shall be completed on all probationary employees at the end of six (6) months and twelve (12) months of service. The employee's Department Chief shall indicate to the Personnel Director and City Manager by these appraisals: (a) (b) whether or not the work; and, (c) whether or not the position. that the employee's accomplishments, failures, strengths and weaknesses have been discussed with the employee; employee is performing satisfactory employee should be retained in the 2). Promotional Probationary Period (C.S.C. §2:09) Any employee promoted to a higher position shall serve a 8 probationary period of six (6) months. Before the end of this six month period, the employee's Department Chief shall indicate to the City Manager, via the Personnel Director, in writing the following: (a) whether or not the employee is performing satisfactorily; and, (b) whether or not the employee should be retained in the position or be reinstated in his/her formerly held position or a similar position having the same grade. Reinstatement to a former class during a trial work period shall not be construed as a demotion. Section IV -8 Promotions (C.S.C. §2:01-2:11) Promotions in City employment shall be made solely on the basis of merit, including such factors as abilities, capacity, aptitude and experience without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age or political affiliation. The Civil Service Commission shall be responsible for administering all screenings and/or other procedures to those employees who desire to compete for the position and who meet the qualification standards for the position. Based on the results of screening procedures, the Civil Service Commission shall certify to the hiring Chief the names of all applicants who meet the Civil Service Commission requirements for the position. Section IV -9 Suspension, Demotion, Dismissal (C.S.C. §5:01-5:08) An employee may be suspended, demoted or dismissed due to failure in performance of duties or failure in personal conduct. These actions shall be taken by the employee's Department Chief, but only after approval of the City Manager in consultation with the Personnel Director and the City Attorney. In order to avoid undue disruption of work or to protect the safety of persons or property, the Department Chief may immediately suspend any employee for a period of time not to exceed three (3) working days/shifts while final action pursuant to C.S.C. §5:03 is pending. 1). Failure in Performance of Duties (a) An employee whose work becomes unsatisfactory should immediately be notified by his/her supervisor and Division Head in what way the work is deficient, and what must be done if work performance is to be judged satisfactory. An employee who is suspended, or dismissed • • for unsatisfactory performance of duties should normally have received three (3) warnings. First, an oral warning from the employee's immediate supervisor; second, an oral warning with a follow-up letter to the employee from his/her supervisor which sets forth the points covered in theirdiscussion; and third, a written warning from the Department Chief serving notice upon the employee that noted deficiencies must be corrected immediately in order to avoid disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. The supervisor must record the dates of the discussions with the employee, the performance deficiencies discussed and the corrective actions required. (b) The following causes relating to failure in the performance of duties are representative, but not limited to, those considered to be adequate grounds for disciplinary action. 1. Inefficiency, negligence or incompetency in the performance of duties. 2. Careless, negligent or improper use of City property or equipment. 3. Discourteous treatment of the public or other employees. 4. Absence without approved leave. 5. Improper use of leave privileges. 6. Habitual pattern of failure to report for duty at the assigned time and place. 7. Improper political activity as defined in Section VII -3. 2). Failure in Personal Conduct (a) An employee may be suspended, or subject to other discipline without warning notice for causes relating to personal conduct detrimental to City services. (b) The following causes relating to failure in personal conduct are representative, but not limited to, those considered to be adequate grounds for suspension or dismissal: 1. Fraud in securing employment. 2. Insubordination. 3. Conviction of a felony, or the entry of a plea of nolo contendere to such crime. 4. Misuse of City funds. 5. Falsification of City records. 6. Use of alcohol, a scheduled controlled substance or 10 • a non-prescription mind altering drug(s) not in accordance with package directions while on duty which inhibits the performance of tasks. 7. Sexual harassment. 8. Failure to follow chain of command unless special conditions or emergency conditions dictate otherwise. 3). Dismissal, An employee who is dismissed for disciplinary reasons shall be relieved immediately of all duties and responsibilities at the time of discharge from the employment of the City. Discharge for cause must be approved by the Department Chief, and the City Manager in consultation with the Personnel Director and the City Attorney. 4). Disciplinary Suspension An employee who is suspended for disciplinary reasons shall be relieved temporarily of all duties and responsibilities and shall receive no compensation for the period of his suspension. 5). Non -Disciplinary Suspension During the investigation, hearing or trial of an employee on any criminal charge, or during an investigation related to alleged detrimental personal conduct, or during the course of any civil action involving an employee, when suspension would be, in the opinion of the employee's Department Chief, in the best interests of the City, the employee's Department Chief may with concurrence of the City Manager, suspend the employee with or without pay for the duration of the proceedings as a non -disciplinary action. When a non -disciplinary suspension is terminated by full reinstatement of an employee, the City Manager may authorize recovery of any lost pay or benefits for the entire period of the suspension, or for any part thereof. 6). Notification When an employee is suspended, demoted or dismissed, the employee's Department Chief shall immediately provide the employee with written notice of the action taken, the effective date, and the reasons for the action. Section IV -10 Reduction in Force In the event that a reduction in force becomes necessary, 11 • consideration will be given to the quality of each employee's past performance and the needs of the organization as well as seniority in determining those employees to be retained. Section IV -11 Transfer Any employee who has successfully completed a probationary period may be transferred to the same or similar position in a different division without serving another probationary period. An employee desiring to be transferred should make the request via his/her supervisor to the receiving Supervisor and Personnel Department. As vacancies occur in other work groups to which an employee would be eligible for transfer, that employee's name shall be submitted to the Department Supervisor for consideration. If a Supervisor wishes to hire that employee, the requested transfer to that specific work group must be approved by the Chief. Section IV -12 Disability An employee may be separated for disability when the employee cannot perform the required duties because of a physical or mental impairment. Action may be initiated by the employee or the City, but in all cases it shall be supported by medical evidence as certified by a competent physician. The City may require an examination at its expense and performed by a physician of its choice. Before an employee is separated for disability, an effort shall be made to locate alternative positions within the City's service for which the employee may be suited. Section IV -13 Exit Procedure The Personnel Director shall be responsible for ensuring all authorized payroll deductions owed to the City by a terminating employee are collected and that all compensation due a terminating employee is paid that employee. In addition, prior to receiving their final pay, all terminating employees will be interviewed by the Personnel Director and/or Staff, to determine that all matters pertaining to the employee have been settled. The employee's supervisor and Department Chief are responsible for the return of all City issued items included but not limited to clothing, keys, tools and equipment. ARTICLE V GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 12 • • Section V-1 Applicability The provisions of this Article shall apply to all civil service employees. Section V-2 Purpose The prompt settlement of misunderstandings or problems on an informal basis at the work level is desirable in the interest of sound employee/employer relations. The purpose of this article is to assure that employees are able to receive prompt, fair and considerate review of problems. It is expected that the procedures set forth will encourage employees to discuss with their supervisors matters pertaining to conditions of employment. Any disagreement must be considered objectively and in an atmosphere of mutual assistance. Section V-3 Definition A grievance is a criticism, view or feeling that insufficient consideration or unfair treatment has been given to an individual pertaining to employment conditions, to relationships between an employee and his/her supervisor or to relationships between an employee and other employees. Issues related to work performance or conduct must be dealt with pursuant to the applicable paragraph(s) in Section IV. Section V-4 Policy It is the policy of the City to provide a procedure for the presentation and mutual adjustment of points of disagreement which arise between employees and their supervisors. Administrative and supervisory personnel are expected to act promptly and objectively within the framework of this policy. Section V-5 Procedure 1). An employee must register his/her complaint with the immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor and his/her supervisor shall have a total of three (3) working days in which to provide an answer to the employee. 2). If the issue is not settled with the employee's immediate supervisor, the employee may request the supervisor to arrange a meeting with the Department Chief. The Department Chief shall hear the grievance and render a written decision within 13 five (5) working days. At any time during the procedure, the Personnel Director can be consulted by the employee, supervisor or Department Chief although normally it is required that the employee consult the supervisor first as outlined. 3). If previously outlined steps have not resolved the grievance, the employee can request in writing, that an appointment for discussion be made with the City Manager. The City Manager shall reply in writing within ten (10) days and any decision rendered shall be final. Section V-6 Rights to be Respected The rights of the employee with respect to grievances as set forth above shall be protected by the City Manager and by Department Chief and supervision involved. Section V-7 Discrimination Complaints Any employee who believes he or she is being unlawfully discriminated against should discuss the matter with their supervisor without delay. In the event the employee feels it is the immediate supervisor who is responsible for the discrimination, the employee may bypass the supervisor involved and report the incident(s) to the next level of supervision. If the problem is not immediately resolved by this reporting, the employee may contact the Personnel Director for assistance in the matter. The supervisor who takes the discrimination complaint shall immediately make a written report to the Department Chief who shall in a timely manner forward the report, and steps taken to resolve the matter, to the City Manager and Personnel Director. ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Section VI -1 Applicability All civil service employees. Section VI -2 Hours of Work The normal business hours of work of employees shall be determined by the Department Chief. 14 • • • • I Section VI -3 Overtime Compensation The Department Chief acting within the budget, shall be empowered to authorize overtime work as conditions require. Compensation for work performed by non-exempt paid employees in excess of normal working hours may fall in one of two categories. These categories are designated as: overtime pay compensatory time. Individual employees performing overtime work must be authorized to do so by their supervisor and approved by their Department Supervision. Overtime Pay: Non-exempt employees who are paid overtime will Compensatory Time: receive time and one-half for all actual overtime hours worked in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation. A 40 -hour base work week is established for police by ACA 14-52-205(B). Compensatory time may be granted non-exempt employees only in lieu of overtime pay with the approval of the Department Chief. Compensatory Time in lieu of overtime payment shall be governed by the United States Fair Labor Standards Act. (FLSA). Exempt positions (which include professional, executive and administrative classifications, as defined by the FLSA) are not entitled to overtime pay. Employees in these positions, as a part of the job, are expected to work the hours necessary to assure satisfactory results. If unusual circum- stances dictate that an exempt employee has to work an abnormally large number of hours, then the employee may apply for informal time off at a time which is convenient to the department. It should be understood, however, that informal time off is not a right for which an employee may make a demand. It is simply a privilege that may be extended at the sole discretion and convenience of the City. Under normal circumstances, informal time off for exempt employees shall not be granted on an hour -for -hour basis. Instead, it shall normally be granted on a lesser basis that is convenient to the City. In no case shall an exempt employee be entitled to receive payment for accumulated time worked over 40 hours per week. 15 Section VI -4 Vacation Leave 2). CIVIL SERVICE POLICE AND FIRE DAY EMPLOYEES (a) All Police Officers and Fire day employees who have been employed by the City one (1) year shall be entitled to 15 days (120 hours) vacation leave with pay and 15 days for each subsequent year completed thereafter through (19) completed years of employment. (b) All Police Officers and Fire day employees completing twenty (20) years of employment shall be entitled to 18 days (144 hours) vacation leave with pay and 18 days leave with pay for each subsequent year of employment completed thereafter. CIVIL SERVICE FIREFIGHTERS (a) All Platoon Firefighters who have been employed by the City one (1) year shall have accumulated 8 shifts (192 hours) vacation leave with pay during the first year of employment and 8 shifts vacation with pay for each subsequent year completed thereafter through 10 completed years of employment. (b) All Platoon Firefighters who have been employed by the City eleven (11) years shall have accumulated 9 shifts (216) hours vacation leave with pay during the eleventh year of employment and 9 shifts vacation leave with pay for each subsequent year completed thereafter through 20 completed years of employment. (c) All Platoon Firefighters completing twenty-one (21) years of employment shall have accumulated 10 shifts (240 hours) vacation leave with pay during the twenty-first year of employment and 10 shifts vacation leave with pay for each subsequent year of employment completed thereafter. 3). (a) An employee shall not take more than two (2) consecutive weeks of his or her vacation at any one time except by approval of the Department Chief. (b) A maximum of two years earned accrued unused vacation may be accumulated. (c) Vacation shall not accrue to any employee hired as a temporary. 16 • • • (d) Division Heads will be responsible for scheduling vacation leave within their division. (e) Department Chiefs may grant the use of not more than five (5) days or shifts of unearned vacation for employees. Section VI -5 Sick Leave 1). The accrual of sick leave for Police and Fire employees is governed by Arkansas Uniform Sick Leave Statutes. The City, by ordinance, has established a maximum accumulation of unused sick leave for Police employees at 90 days and for Fire employees 90 shifts. During the first year of employment, Civil Service Police and Fire Day personnel will accrue one (1) day (8 hours) of sick leave for each full calendar month of service, and Civil Service Fire personnel will accrue one (1) shift (24 hours) of sick leave for each full calendar month of service. Sick leave may not be taken during the first ninety (90) days of employment. Civil Service Police and Fire Day personnel accrue 20 days (160 hours) of sick leave per year, beginning one year after the date of employment, with a maximum accumulation of 90 days (720 hours) permitted. Civil Service Fire personnel accrue 20 twenty-four hour shifts (480 hours) of sick leave per year, beginning one year after the date of employment, with a maximum accumulation of 90 twenty-four hour shifts (2160 hours) permitted. A Police Officer, upon death or retirement, will be paid for a maximum of 90 days of accrued unused sick leave at his/her current grade step rate. Upon termination of employment, a maximum unused accrual of 60 days will be paid. A Firefighter upon death or retirement will be paid for a maximum unused sick leave accrual equivalent to four and one-half months salary at his/her current grade step rate. Upon termination of employment, a maximum unused accrual equivalent to twelve weeks salary will be paid. 2). Sick Leave in this policy is hereby defined to mean compensated leave granted to an employee for the following reasons: 17 3). 4). 5) 6). a. Personal illness, including sickness arising from pregnancy. b. Exposure to contagious disease resulting in the quarantine of the employee. c. Required physician or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled other than during the regular work day. d. Providing care to a member of the employee's immediate family who is ill. Immediate family is defined as a spouse or children of the employee living in the household of the employee. An employee may use up to three days of sick leave per calendar year to attend crisis situations affecting family members. A crisis is defined as imminent death, serious illness, a natural disaster, residence fire or occurrences of equal severity or emotional trauma which require the employee's presence. Family members covered by crisis leave are those listed in the funeral leave section of this policy. Crisis leave is to be granted at the discretion of the employee's Department Director. Sick leave benefits shall be paid at a base pay rate equivalent to that payable if the employee were present at work. Upon retirement or termination, accrued sick leave time will be paid at the employee's then current base rate subject to the maximums in VI -5 (1). Sick leave may be granted full-time employees of the City for three (3) consecutive days without a physician's certificate or certification from the Health & Benefits Administrator. However, the Division Head shall have the right to request a physician's certificate or certification from the Health & Benefits Administrator after one (1) day of sick leave if this action serves the best interest of the City. Sick leave in excess of three (3) consecutive days will be granted full-time employees of the City when a physician's certification or certification from the Health & Benefits Administrator is furnished showing the employee is too ill to perform his/her regular duties. The Department Director and Personnel Director may review the circumstances of any extended sick leave that exceeds thirty (30) working days. After thirty (30) sick leave days are used by an employee, the City reserves the right to have a City appointed doctor to evaluate the condition of the employee to determine the likelihood of that employee. returning to work. 18 • • • 7). After sixty (60) sick leave days are used, the circum- stances shall be reviewed by the City Manager. If at that time there is no indication that the employee will be able to return to work, the City reserves the right to require the employee to file an application for disability. 8). Sick leave benefits and workers' compensation cannot be paid simultaneously for the same injury or illness. Workers' Compensation benefits are primary in the event of a job related or incurred accident or illness. Section VI -6 Funeral Leave Employees may be allowed to use a maximum of three (3) calendar days for the purpose of attending or making arrangements for a funeral of a member of their immediate family. Immediate family is defined as: spouse, child, mother, father, sister, brother, guardian, grandparent, grandchild, plus the various combinations of half, step, in-law and adopted relationships that can be derived from those named. Absence for funerals other than immediate family may be charged to accrued vacation or sick leave. Section VI -7 On the Job Injury Leave Each employee who is unable to work as a direct result of an injury arising out of, and in the course of his employment with the City, shall be paid subject to the provisions hereinafter provided. 1). An employee shall receive full pay until his/her accumulated sick leave is exhausted, payable as follows: (a) Each employee shall be paid an amount, which together with the weekly Worker's Compensation benefits to which he/she may be entitled, shall equal his/her regular base salary rate at the time of injury. (b) The charge against the employee's accumulated sick leave shall be one day sick leave for each work day the employee is absent from work for the first seven (7) days after the date of injury. According to Arkansas Worker Compensation Laws and Rules of the Commission, worker compensation benefits to the injured employee shall not be allowed for the first seven (7) calendar days of disability resulting from injury, excluding the day of injury, unless a disability extends beyond that period. If the disability does extend beyond the seventh day, compensation shall commence on the eighth (8th) day from the date of disability. If a disability extends for a period of two (2) weeks, (14 calendar days), worker 19 • • compensation benefits shall be retroactively allowed beginning the first day of disability, excluding the day of injury. The City debits pro rata sick time from the employee's sick leave accrual for each work day absent after an employee has missed seven (7) days due to an injury. This pro rata amount is that sick leave time necessary to make up the difference between Worker's Compensation Benefits and base pay. 2). Employees shall receive the equivalent of full base pay for the hours he/she would normally have worked until his accumulated sick leave is exhausted as follows: (a) Each employee shall be paid an amount of sick leave pay which together with the weekly Worker's Compensation benefits to which he/she may be entitled shall equal his/her regular bi-weekly earnings at the time of the injury. In the event an employee is disabled beyond 14 days from the date of injury and receives a check from Worker's Compensation Commission for this time period, he/she may keep this check. However, this payment will become a part of his/her total earnings for that month. His/Her future regular or sick leave paycheck will be reduced by the excess compensation received over an amount equal to base pay during the first seven days. 3). Procedure for injury cases is determined by the State of Arkansas Worker's Compensation Laws. In no case will any of the benefits contained herein be allowed or granted to an employee until an "Employee's Report of Injury" form has been completed and submitted to the Personnel Office. It shall be the employee's responsibility, or in case he/she is unable to report, the immediate supervisor's responsibility that an "Employee's Report of Injury" is filled out and turned into the Personnel Office. This report must be filled out immediately after an accident. Section VI -8 Maternity Leave Maternity leave may be taken as sick leave with pay and will be treated the same as any sick leave. After all accumulated sick leave has been used, accumulated vacation may be used; thereafter maternity leave without pay will be granted. The City guarantees the employee the right to reinstatement at the same, or similar position with no loss in seniority. Maternity leave shall be limited to sixty (60) calendar days. Should circumstances require maternity leave exceed sixty (60) calendar days, employee shall be required to submit a disability statement from the attending physician for employee or the baby. 20 • • Section VI -9 Holidays 1). Designated holidays are as follows: New Year's Day President's Day Memorial Day Independence Day/July 4th Labor Day Veteran's Day Thanksgiving Day Friday following Thanksgiving Christmas Day - Day at Christmas (to be determined by City Manager) Personal Holiday 2). The Board of Directors may designate other holidays in addition to those listed previously. 3). Civil Service Police Law Enforcement and Fire Personnel shall work as scheduled by the Department Chief without regard to the Board approved holidays. Salaries for Civil Service employees include holiday pay. Section VI -10 Military Leave An employee who is a member of an armed forces reserve organization or the National Guard shall be granted up to fifteen (15) work days of military leave for required military training in a calendar year. If the employee's military pay is less than the pay normally earned by the employee, the City will pay the employee the difference in salary to prevent a loss in his/her usual pay for the period of military leave. The employee shall submit proof of Active Duty days and the amount of military pay to the City. Section VI -11 Civil Leave 1). Any employee who receives a summons to jury duty or a subpoena from a state or federal court to appear as a witness shall be entitled to leave with pay for such duty. (ACA 14-53-103 Exempts Firefighters from Jury Duty.) 2). Any employee who initiates court action, volunteers to appear as a witness, or is a defendant in a non -City related case will be excused from work for necessary court appearances. The employee shall not be entitled to civil leave for such 21 • • time; however, leave without pay or vacation leave may be granted for this purpose. Section VI -12 Educational Leave 1) A special leave of absence at full or part pay may in extra- ordinary situations, be granted by the City Manager upon recommendation of the Department Chief to permit a City employee to take courses of study which will better equip the employee to perform his duties for the City. The special educational leave may not exceed twelve (12) months. 2) An employee granted educational leave in excess of sixty (60) days with full or part pay shall agree in writing, to return to the employment of the City upon completion of his/her training and remain in the employ of the City for a period equal to four (4) times the educational leave received, or reimburse the City for all compensation received while on educational leave. Section VI -13 Education/Training 1). Employee Training, is a direct responsibility of each employee's supervisor and Department Chief. Recognizing that training is a benefit to both City and employee, the City shall assume all or a portion of the cost of training. 2). Expenses incurred in on-the-job training shall be assumed by the City. Expenses incurred in formal training courses arranged by the City including the cost of training materials and instructors shall be assumed by the City. 3). Classroom training time required by the City for a non-exempt employee scheduled in addition to the regular base work period required shall be compensated as time and one-half. Training which is not required shall not be compensated as work time. Section VI -14 Education Reimbursement 1). Tuition and expenses for formal training through enrollment by employees in institutional courses leading to college credit in fields where training is a benefit to the City shall be defrayed by the City provided: (a) The course taken or degree sought is in employee's field and approved by Department Chief. 22 • (b) Prior to course enrollment, the request for City participation for the course is submitted and approved by the employee's Supervisor, Department Chief and Personnel Director and an "Educational Agreement" is properly executed. An Educational Agreement should be made a part of the employee's personnel file in the Personnel Office. (c) Payment of tuition shall be contingent upon satisfactory completion of the course as per Educational Agreement. (d) Attendance by full-time employees in pursuance of such courses on work time shall be subject to the approval of the Department Chief and Personnel Director and shall not exceed five (5) working hours per week. (e) Training for the purpose of attending conferences, schools or courses of instruction designed to advance technical or professional skills shall be subject to approval by the Department Chief. (f) Other programs may be considered only after appropriate Department Chief and Personnel Director approval. Section VI -15 Leave Without Pay 1). Upon the recommendation of the Department Chief and with the approval of the City Manager, an employee may be granted a leave of absence without pay for a period not to exceed one (1) year for reasons of personal or family illness, continuation of education, or special work which will permit the City to profit by the experience gained or the work performed. 2). Failure of an employee to report for duty promptly at the expiration of the leave of absence shall be just cause for dismissal. If necessary to the efficient conduct of the business of the City, an employee on leave may be notified to return prior to the time of the expiration of the leave. Should he/she fail to return time without good cause, the voluntary termination and the within a reasonable length of employee may be treated as a position filled. Section VI -16 Insurance Program The City shall make a group health insurance program available for employees participation. The City may make other group insurance plans available for its employees upon authorization of the City Board. Employees shall be enrolled in the programs in accordance with City policy and the provisions of the insurance contracts, and the City shall participate in the cost of the programs in such manner 23 • • as determined by the City Board. Section VI -17 Retirement • 1). Civil Service employees may retire from active duty upon reaching normal retirement age unless extenuating circumstances justify exceptional action by the City Manager. 2). The City provides retirement plans in which Civil Service employees participate. Section VI -18 Employee -Employer Relations Policy 1). Productive and harmonious relationships between City employees and management can best be achieved with respect to working conditions if relationships and policies are clearly set forth. The following shall be considered the official policy of the City relating to employee -employer relations: (a) The City does not recognize any employee organization as the sole spokesman for any category of employees. (b) Employees will be afforded the right to present suggestions and make statements on any issue relating to conditions of work. (c) Strikes and work stoppages by City employees will not be permitted. Instigation of, participation in, or giving leadership to a strike, slowdown or work stoppage shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. (d) Infractions of work rules including unauthorized absences from work shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. 2). The City Manager is hereby designated as the spokesperson for the City in matters concerning employee -employer relations under ordinary conditions. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby empowered to meet and confer with employees. The final determination of employee -employer relations policy rests with the City Board. 3). In no event shall this policy be construed as a contract with any employee as creating any debt or obligation upon the City. The City will, at all times, remain an "Employment At Will" employer. 24 ,r . • ARTICLE VII CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY Section VII -1 Applicability The provisions of this article employees. shall be applicable to all Section VII -2 Outside Employment The work of a full-time employee of the City shall have precedence over the other occupational interests of the employee. In order to protect the interest of the employee and the City, all outside employment for salary, wages or commissions and all self- employment must be reported in writing by the employee and reviewed for potential conflict of interest. Copies shall be maintained in the Personnel Office and the employee's department. Conflicting outside employment must be resolved to the satisfaction of the employee's Department Chief and City Attorney. Section VII -3 Political Activity Restricted 1). Every employee has a civic responsibility to support good government by every available means and in every appropriate manner. Each employee may join or affiliate with civic organizations of a partisan or political nature, may attend political meetings, may advocate and support the principles or policies of civic or political organizations in accordance with the constitution and laws of the State of Arkansas and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States of America. However, no employee shall while on duty: (a) (b) (c) (d) Engage in any political activity. Be required as a duty of his/her office or employment, or as a condition for employment, promotion or tenure of office, to contribute funds for political or partisan purposes. Solicit, or act as custodian of, funds for political or partisan purposes. Coerce or compel contributions purposes by any other employee or involve the City's name or (e) Use any supplies or equipment for political purposes. for political or partisan of the governmental unit, symbols. of the governmental unit A member of City management, City employee, elected City 25 4.0 .p r < •. official or any candidate for elected office may not require a City employee to engage in activities listed in the above items (a) through (e) either on the job or off the job. 2). Thirty (30) days before any primary run-off or a general election in which the employee has an opponent, an employee who becomes a candidate for the Arkansas General Assembly or for any national, state, county or municipal office in another city which is a paid position, shall take accumulated vacation or shall be placed on leave of absence without pay. 3). Any City employee who shall become a candidate for nomination or election to any City elective office shall immediately forfeit the employment held with the City. 4). Any City employee who is elected to a county, state-wide or national office may be placed on leave of absence without pay for up to two (2) years or may be terminated at the discretion of the City Manager. 5). An employee elected to the Arkansas General Assembly must take leave of absence without pay when the General Assembly is in regular or extraordinary session. 6). Any violation of this section shall be deemed improper conduct and shall subject such employee to dismissal or other disciplinary action. Section VII -4 Political Campaigns Campaign speeches or other political activities by individuals seeking a City elective office shall not be conducted on the premises of any City property nor shall any candidate for a City elective office seek to contact and talk to employees for the purpose of promoting their candidacy while the employees are on duty for the City. The use of facilities designed for public meetings shall be exempted from this section. ARTICLE VIII CODE OF ETHICS Section VIII -1 Standard of Conduct for Fayetteville City Officials and Employees 1). It is the obligation of every public official and employee to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arkansas. 26 < . . 2). Every citizen shall receive a fair and impartial hearing on any matter coming before the City Board, its appointed agencies or any employee of the City. No public official or employee shall make any promise or pledge to any person concerning any matter to be heard before a public official or employee except upon fair, impartial and final hearing thereof. 3). The conduct of public business shall be free of any hidden personal or financial interest of any public official or employee. No public official or employee shall advocate in any public meeting or private discussion any matter in which he has a personal or financial interest except upon full and timely disclosure of the interest. 4). It is the obligation of every public official to faithfully discharge the duties of his office. In the conduct of public business, no public official shall be excused from voting except on matters involving consideration of his own official conduct, or where his financial interests are involved. Every public official shall make full and timely disclosure of any personal or financial interest which he has in any matter of public business to be transacted before him. 5). The conduct of public business shall be free of any influence arising from gifts, favors or special privileges. It is the obligation of every public official and employee to refuse personal gifts, favors or special privileges in every instance where such public official or employee reasonably believes such gift, favor or special privilege would not have been extended but for the position of such public official or employee, or where there exists a reasonable belief that the giver's interests are likely to be affected by the actions of the public official or employee, or where the gift is or may reasonably be considered to be designed to influence the actions of the public official or employee. No public official or employee shall seek personal or financial advantage by means of his public office, appointment or employment. 6). The use of public trust for private gain is in conflict with good government. No public official or employee shall violate the code of ethics provisions of Arkansas Codes. No public official or employee shall use confidential or advance information obtained by virtue of public office, appointment or employment for personal or financial advantage. 7). It is the obligation of every public official and employee to carry out the lawful orders and policies of the City Board. No public official or employee shall knowingly take any action inconsistent with the lawful orders or policies established by the City Board. No public official or employee shall 27