(A) The city may provide vehicles that are to be used only to conduct city business. Only permitted city employees, as well as elected and appointed city officials, shall be allowed to drive city-owned vehicles. Authorized users are responsible for the care, conservation, and the correct and safe usage of city vehicles. When operating city-owned vehicles, authorized users shall obey the laws of the city and the State of Illinois and will take every precaution to safeguard the condition of the vehicle and members of the public. When not in use, city vehicles and equipment shall be locked in an effort to avoid theft or destruction.
(B) Smoking is prohibited in all city vehicles as is the transportation of alcohol.
(C) Authorized users must be at least 18 years of age and must possess a valid driver's license of proper classification in order to operate a city vehicle. In the event an authorized user's driver's license is suspended or revoked, the user must immediately notify their supervisor or departmental director. Failure to do so will be cause for disciplinary action.
(D) When operating the city's vehicles or equipment, authorized users should keep in mind that they are representatives of the city and their conduct is a direct reflection on the entire organization. It is essential that authorized users exhibit courteous and safe operation on the road, while also abiding by all city, state, and other applicable laws and regulations.
(E) City vehicles are not for personal use or to be taken home by the employee, unless authorized by the employee's supervisor or departmental director. Vehicles that are authorized to be taken home must be available for city business at all times. Also, no passengers shall be transported in city vehicles other than those who are involved in city business, unless otherwise approved by the operator's supervisor or departmental director.
(F) An employee of the city must immediately notify their supervisor or departmental director of all damaged, lost, or stolen property. If an authorized user experiences an accident, equipment loss or theft, or damage to the vehicle caused by the negligence of the employee, then the employee may face disciplinary action and may be responsible for the replacement of the damaged, lost, or stolen items.
(G) All employees of the city must report any moving traffic violations or accidents in which they are involved while on duty, or while using city vehicles, to their supervisor or departmental director. Under these circumstances, the employee must pay any fines for violations incurred in full.
(H) If an authorized user is involved in an accident while on duty, the employee must submit an accident report using the designated forms as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Failure to notify a supervisor about an accident or failure to submit a report may be cause for disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
(I) Employees may, with departmental director approval, use their private vehicles for city business. In these instances, the city will reimburse the employee at the set IRS mileage rate for any mileage used for city business. Mileage reimbursement will not be given for trips made to/from employee's residence and main work location.
(Ord. 1061, passed 4-5-21)