(a) Discussion With Immediate Supervisor. All grievances shall be presented orally within two days from the date the grievant first became aware of it to his immediate supervisor and if possible, it should be settled through discussion. If a settlement cannot be reached through informal discussion, the employee shall present to his immediate supervisor his grievance in writing within three days. The supervisor shall then respond in writing to the grievance within five days.
(b) Discussion With Selection/Division/Unit Head. If the employee is not satisfied with the decision of the first step, he may within ten days present his grievance to the person in charge of his supervisor. This person shall investigate, give the employee an opportunity to present his viewpoint during an informal hearing, and furnish the employee and his supervisor a copy of the findings within five days of the written grievance.
(c) Hearing Board. In the event that the decision of the person does not satisfy the employee or a decision was not rendered within the specific time limits, the employee may present his grievance to the Hearing Board. A hearing shall then be held before the Hearing Board which shall evaluate the case and shall issue a written decision notifying all interested parties within ten days.
The Hearing Board shall normally be composed of five members, which shall consist of the following: two Council members, one administrative employee, and two non-administrative employees. The City Clerk/Treasurer shall be the Chairman of the Hearing Board and shall keep all minutes of the hearing. The City Clerk/Treasurer shall not have an opinion or vote as part of the Hearing Board. The Mayor shall appoint the individual members of the Hearing Board and submit the names of those individuals for approval by Council. All individuals appointed to the Hearing Board shall be disinterested with the matter at hand. In the event that the City Clerk/Treasurer is part of the grievance procedure, the Mayor shall appoint another administrative employee to chair the hearing.
(d) Notice Hearing. The aggrieved employee shall be given notice at least five days in advance of the hearing. The place and time of the grievance hearing shall also be specified.
(e) Final Decision. The decision of the Hearing Board shall be based solely and exclusively upon the evidence and facts presented at the hearing. The Hearing Board’s decision is considered by the City to be final and binding.
(7-1-97)
(7-1-97)