(A) Disciplinary proceedings shall be instituted as soon as practical after the facts are known and a fair judgment can be made. There shall be five formal types of disciplinary penalties, which are listed below in order of severity:
(1) Oral reprimand. The least form of disciplinary sanction. After an oral reprimand is given, documentation shall be placed in the employee's personnel record along with the results of the interview and shall be maintained in the employee's personnel file for six months.
(2) Written reprimand. An admonishment, which is reduced to writing and given to an employee. A copy of the written reprimand shall be placed in the employee's personnel file and shall be retained in the employee's personnel file for 12 months.
(3) Suspension. A more severe form of discipline than a reprimand. It shall mean the employee is relieved from duty for a period of time with a corresponding loss in pay to be recommended by the supervisor, with the approval or modification of the Mayor.
(4) Demotion. A more severe form of discipline than a suspension. It shall mean a loss of position, a movement into a lower position or classification with a corresponding reduction in pay.
(5) Discharge. The most severe form of disciplinary action. It shall mean termination of employment.
(B) Any employee who continues to commit infractions leading to disciplinary action being taken against him shall be subject to discharge. If an employee receives any combination of oral or written reprimands, which in the aggregate total three within a six-month period, that employee shall automatically be subject to a suspension hearing before Council. Any combination of two suspensions and/or demotions shall result in an automatic discharge from his/her employment with the village.
(C) Before any employee receives a suspension, demotion or discharge, he shall be provided with written notice of the charge or charges against him and be afforded an opportunity to be heard in his defense. Hearings shall be conducted before Council as specified in the Ohio Revised Code.
(Ord. 1998-O-52, passed 10-10-98)