§ 32.25. DISCIPLINARY REVIEW PROCEDURES.

(A) The Clerk/Treasurer may implement a progressive disciplinary process designed to resolve disciplinary matters informally, at the supervisor level, at the level of Clerk/Treasurer, or at the Council. All disciplinary actions may be reviewed by the Council. No such process shall alter the at-will employment status of employees at will.

(B) Notifications. When a department head or supervisor intends to initiate disciplinary action, the department head will provide written notice to the employee and will provide an informal opportunity to respond to the proposed action.

(C) Whenever possible, the department head shall notify the employee of the final disposition of the case no later than 30 business days after said final disposition.

(D) If the employee agrees to a disciplinary action, the employee will complete a written form acknowledging that agreement and waiving any right to a hearing that may exist.

(E) If the employee disagrees with a disciplinary action, the employee may seek review of the action under procedures established by the City Council. For actions which do not involve termination, suspension without pay or other discipline providing a direct financial loss to the employee, the employee has the right to seek review by the City Council. For actions involving termination, suspension without pay or other discipline providing a direct financial loss to the employee, the employee may seek review by the City Council.

(F) If an employee wishes to seek review at the next level, the employee must file a written request for review within ten calendar days of the date of the notice of discipline.

(G) The Clerk/Treasurer has authority to implement all forms of discipline, subject to review by the Council, except termination. The Clerk/Treasurer has authority to recommend termination, but implementation of a termination decision requires Council action. If the Clerk/Treasurer recommends a termination, the employee will be notified of the recommendation, and the recommendation will also be conveyed to the Council. If an employee wishes to appeal from a recommendation of disciplinary termination, the employee must appeal within ten days of the date of the notice of termination. If the employee fails to appeal, the Council may act summarily without further proceedings, or it may conduct such further proceedings as it deems prudent. If the employee does appeal a recommended termination for disciplinary reasons, then the Council will proceed in accord with § 32.26. Nothing in this section limits the Council's authority to terminate employees who are employed at will.

(Ord. 09-02, passed 5-12-09)