(a) City vehicles will be permanently assigned to those departments which have demonstrated a continuing need for them. If City vehicles are assigned to departments, then employees cannot use their personal vehicles for the purpose of claiming a reimbursement.
(b) Employees who drive a vehicle on City business must possess a valid driver's license and are responsible for making sure the vehicle is in proper working order, and must obey all traffic laws including seat belt usage. If an employee is aware of a problem with a vehicle they are to immediately inform their supervisor. It is the supervisor's responsibility to assure that the problem is corrected as soon as possible. Employees are also responsible for any fines or parking violations incurred as a result of driving.
(c) Employees are not permitted, under any circumstances, to operate a City vehicle, or a personal vehicle for City business, when any physical or mental impairment causes the employee to be unable to drive safely. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, circumstances in which the employee is temporarily unable to operate a vehicle safely or legally because of illness, medication, or intoxication.
(d) Employees must report any accident involving a City vehicle or a personal vehicle used on City business to their supervisor regardless of the extent of damage or lack of injuries. Such reports must be made as soon as possible after the accident. Employees are expected to cooperate fully with the authorities in the event of an accident. However, employees should make no voluntary statement other than in reply to questions of investigating officers. If an accident occurs they have to report it immediately to the supervisor who must report to the Mayor's office.
(e) Employer provided vehicle use:
(1) Due to their 24 hour a day on call status, certain department members may have a City vehicle for commuting for the purpose of enhanced response times.
(2) Internal Revenue Service rules and regulations state that employer provided vehicles are taxable to the employee. Exceptions are for clearly marked police and fire vehicles, unmarked law enforcement vehicles, and marked pickup trucks with mechanical equipment. These departments will maintain additional procedures in regards to their vehicles.
(f) No employee shall operate a city vehicle or a personal vehicle for city business when their driver's license has been revoked or suspended by a court of law, unless such court granted work privileges.
(g) No employee shall smoke in a City owned vehicle.
(h) Transportation.
(1) Each vehicle has its own practical purpose. No vehicle should be used for any purpose other than it was designed for, unless authorized by the Mayor and/or his/her designee.
(2) All employees operating a vehicle to haul or with the capability of hauling materials on public highways are to ensure their cargo is secured and the vehicles Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is not exceeded.
(3) Only City of Vermilion employees may operate City vehicles. No City vehicle is to be used for personal or private use without authorization by the Mayor and/or his/her designee.
(4) Unless exempted by State law, vehicles rated at or above 26000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must be operated by employees with Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL) only. A copy of their current driver's license must be on file in their personnel file for insurance purposes.
(5) No employee is permitted to pick up or transport anyone not employed by the City of Vermilion unless authorized by the department head.
(Ord. 2010-75. Passed 12-6-10.)