(a) Water and Sewer Plants. Initially employed Water and Sewer Plant employees are all designated as Trainees. Employees of the Water and Sewer Plant are required to take, and successfully complete the examination to become Water or Sewer Plant Operators within twenty-four (24) months. All employees who successfully complete the examination and retain their employment will be designated as Water and Sewer Plant Operators. Other special training requirements for Water and Sewer Plant employees are listed in the departmental policy and procedure manual.
(b) Police Department. Police Department employees are subject to a twelve (12) month training period. During that period all employees must comply with the listing of training requirements as furnished to the prospective employee by the department head. During the twelve (12) month period, the employees must attend and successfully complete the State Police Academy. This requirement can be waived by the Chief of Police if the employee is certified. Police are also governed by general orders.
(c) Clerical. Clerical employees will comply with their departmental policy and procedures.
(d) Absenteeism or Tardiness. It is part of everyone's job responsibilities to be punctual and meet attendance requirements. Each employee is required to report to his or her Supervisor prior to the employee's starting time if the employee is going to be late or cannot report for work. Failure to notify supervision within thirty (30) minutes of the start of the workday missed shall be considered an unexcused absence and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Any employee who is absent from their work duties without prior permission from their immediate supervisor shall be subject to disciplinary action and will not be paid for that absence. The failure of any employee to report for work for two (2) consecutive work days without notifying supervision or an employee who fails to return to work upon expiration of a leave of absence will be considered to have voluntarily resigned.
Good attendance also includes punctuality in reporting to work when scheduled and returning promptly from meals. Excessive tardiness will result in probation and/or termination from employment.
Additional attendance standards and requirements may be utilized in some programs.
(e) Reference Checks. Many of COS's supervisors receive calls from individuals outside the organization for references on current and former associates. Since there could be legal consequences for both the City and the supervisor, it is the City's policy that all telephone or written requests for references be forwarded to the HR Department. The HR Department will verify whether the individual is a current or former employee, his or her dates of employment, and the most recent job title. No further information regarding an individual's employment shall be disclosed.
(f) Bulletin Boards. All employment related notices and activities will be posted on bulletin boards in conspicuous locations. (City Hall - hallway outside 2nd floor lunchroom; Police Department - main office area; Street Department - lunch area; Water Plant - main office area; Sewer Plant - lab; Utility Maintenance - lunch area.) You should read the postings on these boards frequently so that you may constantly be informed of all events and pertinent information. Employees are not permitted to add or remove material from the City bulletin boards without authorization from management.
(g) Solicitation and Distribution. For the safety of all employees and to insure an efficient and productive operation, COS does not permit the collection of funds or solicitation of any kind on working time unless expressly authorized by management. No distribution of written or printed material of any description in any working area of the City by any person at any time is permitted unless expressly authorized by management
(h) Personal Property. COS cannot be responsible for any personal articles brought on or kept on its premises. Employees are discouraged from bringing any personal items on City property or other work locations.