The City encourages all employees, volunteers or contractors to promptly report any instance of bullying behavior. Early reporting and intervention have proven to be the most effective method of resolving actual or perceived incidents of bullying. Therefore, while no fixed reporting period has been established, prompt reporting of complaints or concerns is encouraged so that rapid and constructive action can be taken. The City shall make every effort to stop alleged workplace bullying before it becomes severe or pervasive, but can only do so with the cooperation of its employees. Reports of bullying will be treated seriously, and investigated promptly and impartially. The City further encourages all individuals to whom this policy applies to formally report any concerns of assault, battery, or other bullying behavior of a criminal nature to the City Attorney's office. The City Council requires any supervisor who witnesses bullying, irrespective of reporting relationship or his/her responsibility to address it, to promptly report this conduct to the Police Chief or the Mayor. Individuals who believe they have experienced conduct that they believe violates this policy, or who have concerns about such matter, should report their complaints or concerns verbally or in writing to his or her supervisor, or the City Attorney, before the conduct becomes severe or pervasive. If a verbal report is made, it shall be documented in writing by the official to whom it is reported. Individuals should not feel obligated to report their complaints to their immediate supervisor first before bringing the matter to the attention of one of the other designated City representatives identified above. The availability of this complaint procedure does not preclude individuals who believe they are being subjected to bullying conduct from promptly advising the offender that his or her behavior is unwelcome and requesting that such behavior immediately stop.
(Ord. 2021-11-1. Passed 11-10-21.)