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Ord. 0456-01 02-27-89ORDINANCE NO. 456-1 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CERTAIN PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND; DEFINING BASIC OBJECTIVES; CONTAINING CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SEPARATION; PROVIDING FOR A PROBATION PERIOD; PROVIDING FOR A WAGE AND SALARY ADMINIS- TRATION; PROVIDING STANDARDS OF WORK ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE; ESTABLISHING WORKING RELATIONSHIPS; ESTABLISHING A CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE; CONTAINING GENERAL PROVISIONS; CONTAINING A DISABILITY BENEFIT PLAN; CONTAINING A SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND: SECTION 1. That the Personnel Policies and Procedures for employees of the City of Pearland, inapplicable to the Police Department where inconsistent with state legislation and the Civil Service Rules, as attached hereto and made a part hereof, are hereby approved and adopted. SECTION 2. That said Personnel Policies and Procedures are attached hereto as Exhibit "A", respectfully, and incorporated herein for all purposes, as if set forth in full in this ordi- nance and in this paragraph containing a Table of Contents, Chapter 1, Basic Objectives; Chapter 2, Definitions; Chapter 3, Employment & Separation; Chapter 4, Probation Period; Chapter 5, Wage & Salary Administration; Chapter 6, Attendance and Leave; Chapter 7, Working Relationships; Chapter 8, Conduct and Disci- pline; Chapter 9, General Provisions; Chapter 10, Disability Benefit; Chapter 11, Sexual Harassment Policy. SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. All ordinances in force when this ordinance becomes effective and which ordinances are incon- sistent herewith or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed, insofar as said ordinances are inconsistent or in conflict with this ordinance; Ordinance No. 266 officially adopted by the City Council on November 26, 1973, is hereby specifically repealed. SECTION 4. Savings Clause. All rights and remedies which have accrued in favor of the City under ordinances and amendments thereto shall be and are preserved for the benefit of the City and the current city employees except that all employees must declare any compensatory time accumulated under the prior person- nel policy within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this ordinance. All accumulated compensatory time not declared shall not be claimed thereafter. SECTION 5. SeverabilitY Clause. The City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, does hereby declare that if any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, word or portion of this ordinance is declared invalid, or unconstitutional, by a court of competent jurisdiction, that, in such event it would have passed and ordained any and all remaining portions of this ordinance without the inclusion of that portion or portions which may be so found to be unconstitutional or invalid, and declares that it intent is to make no portion of this ordinance dependent upon the validity of any other portion thereof, and that all said remaining portions shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall become effective on and after March 4, 1989 and shall continue in effect until amended and/or repealed, except that Section 6.4 named "Holidays shall become effective as of October 1, 1989." PASSED ON FIRST READING by the City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, in regular meeting in the City Hall this the day of ATTEST: KAY KP4USE, CITY SECRETARY Pearland, 7 day of ��G L�cc(� , 1989. PASSED ON SECOND READING by the City Council of the City of Texas, in regular meeting in the City Hall this the ATTEST: KAY KR01SE, CITY SECRETARY EFFECTIVE DATE: 3-4-89 APPROVED AS TO FORM: ROBERT E. TALTON, CITY ATTORNEY P1:16 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PEARLAND PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES INACTED 27 DAY OF FEBRUARY BY ORDINANCE NO. 456-1 , 1989 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 - BASIC OBJECTIVES SECTION TITLE PAGE 1.1 Title 1 1.2 Purpose 1 1.3 Applicability 1 1.4 Organization for Personnel Administration 1 1.5 Amendments 3 CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS Definitions 4 CHAPTER 3 - EMPLOYMENT & SEPARATION 3.1 Residence 7 3.2 Pre -Employment Physical Examinations. 7 3.3 Inservice Examination 7 3.4 Employment 7 3.5 Disqualification for Employment 7 3.6 Transfer 8 3.7 Layoff 8 3.8 Nepotism 8 3.9 Permanent Transfer & Termination 8 CHAPTER 4 - PROBATION PERIOD 4.1 Probationary Period 9 4.2 Purpose 9 4.3 Confirmation or Termination 9 CHAPTER 5 - WAGE & SALARY ADMINISTRATION 5.1 Employees in Training 10 5.2 Transfer, Promotion, or Demotion 10 5.3 Use of Job Titles 10 5.4 Reduction in Pay 10 5.5 Reemployment 10 5.6 Temporary or Part -Time Rates 10 5.7 Payment for Overtime 11 5.8 Method of Payment 11 5.9 Separation Pay 12 5.10 Longevity Pay 12 5.11 Merit Increases 13 5.12 Outside Employment 13 5.13 Educational Assistance 13 CHAPTER 6 - ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE SECTION TITLE PAGE 6.1 Hours of Work 15 6.2 Attendance 15 6.3 Overtime 15 6.4 Holidays 15 6.5 Vacations 17 .6.6 Sick Leave 17 6.7 Abuse of Sick Leave 19 6.8 Emergency Leave 19 6.9 Worker's Compensation/Injury Leave. 19 6.10 Special Leave With Pay 21 6.11 Leave of Absence 21 6.12 Military Leave 21 6.13 Leave for Military Physical Examination 21 6.14 Effect of Leave 21 6.15 Failure to Return After Leave 21 6.16 Absence Without Leave 22 6.17 Resignation 22 6.18 Civic Duties 22 CHAPTER 7 - WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 7.1 Performance Standards 23 7.2 Dress Code 23 7.3 Physical Fitness 24 7.4 General Health 24 7.5 Code of Ethics 24 7.6 News Media Relations 24 7.7 Political Activity 25 7.8 Demotions 25 7.9 Suspensions 25 7.10 Personal Complaint Procedure 25 7.11 Dismissal 27 7.12 Termination 28 CHAPTER 8 - CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Conduct and Discipline 31 CHAPTER 9 - GENERAL PROVISIONS 9.1 Personal Records 9.2 Confidentiality of City Information 9.3 Gratuities to Municipal Employees 9.4 Gratuities to Public Sector 9.5 Solicitation 9.6 Employment Contract 33 33 33 33 33 33 SECTION TITLE PAGE 9.7 Retirement Age 34 9.8 Retirement Plan 34 9.9 Social Security 34 9.10 Health Maintenance 34 9.11 Life Insurance 34 9.12 Worker's Compensation 34 9.13 Vehicle Operation and Assignment 34 CHAPTER 10 - DISABILITY BENEFIT PLAN 10.1 Purpose 36 10.2 Effective Date of Benefits 36 10.3 Qualifications for Plan 36 10.4 Schedule of Disability Benefits 36 10.5 Reinstatement of Benefits 36 10.6 Denial of Disability Benefits 37 CHAPTER 11 - SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY Sexual Harassment Policy 38 ORDINANCE NO. 456-1 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CERTAIN PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND; DEFINING BASIC OBJECTIVES; CONTAINING CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SEPARATION; PROVIDING FOR A PROBATION PERIOD; PROVIDING FOR A WAGE AND SALARY ADMINIS- TRATION; PROVIDING STANDARDS OF WORK ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE; ESTABLISHING WORKING RELATIONSHIPS; ESTABLISHING A CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE; CONTAINING GENERAI. PROVISIONS; CONTAINING A DISABILITY BENEFIT PLAN; CONTAINING A SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND: SECTION 1. That the Personnel Policies and Procedures for employees of the City of Pearland, inapplicable to the Police Department where inconsistent with state legislation and the Civil Service Rules, as attached hereto and made a part hereof, are hereby approved and adopted. SECTION 2. That said Personnel Policies and Procedures are attached hereto as Exhibit "A", respectfully, and incorporated herein for all purposes, as if set forth in full in this ordi- nance and in this paragraph containing a Table of Contents, Chapter 1, Basic Objectives; Chapter 2, Definitions; Chapter 3, Employment 8 Separation; Chapter 4, Probation Period; Chapter 5, Wage a Salary Administration; Chapter i, Attendance and Leave; Chapter 7, Working Relationships; Chapter 8, Conduct and Disci- pline; Chapter 9, General Provisions; Chapter 10, Disability Benefit; Chapter 11, Sexual Harassment Policy. SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. All ordinances in force when this ordinance becomes effective and which ordinances are incon- sistent herewith or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed, insofar as said ordinances are inconsistent or in conflict with this ordinance; Ordinance No. 266 officially adopted by the City Council on November 26, 1973, is hereby specifically repealed. SECTION 4. Savings Clause. All rights and remedies which have accrued in favor of the City under ordinances and amendments thereto shall be and are preserved for the benefit of the City and the current city employees except that all employees must declare any compensatory time accumulated under the prior person- nel policy within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this ordinance. All accumulated compensatory time not declared shall not be claimed thereafter. SECTION 5. Severability Clause. The City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, does hereby declare that if any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, word or portion of this ordinance is declared invalid, or unconstitutional, by a court of competent jurisdiction, that, in such event it would have passed and ordained any and all remaining portions of this ordinance without the inclusion of that portion or portions which may be so found to be unconstitutional or invalid, and declares that it intent is to make no portion of this ordinance dependent upon the validity of any other portion thereof, and that all said remaining portions shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall become effective on and after March 4, 1989 and shall continue in effect until amended and/or repealed, except that Section 6.4 named "Holidays shall become effective as of October 1, 1989." PASSED ON FIRST READING by the City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, in regular meeting in the City Hall this the /3 day of ATTEST: KAY KRpUSE, CITY SECRETARY PASSED ON SECOND READING by the City Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, in regular meeting in the City Hall this the 1 day of � ‘1.2.44 A4,- , 1989. THOMAS J. REID, MAY • ATTEST: /l X-cx KAY KROMSE, CITY SECRETARY EFFECTIVE DATE: 3-4-89 APPROVED AS TO FORM: ROBERT E. TALTON. CITY ATTORNEY • CHAPTER 1 1.1 TITLE These rules shall be known as the "Personnel Rules and Regulations of the City of Pearland". 1.2 PURPOSE These Rules and Regulations form the basis for a comprehensive personnel management system, based on merit principles, and are designed to promote efficient administration within all City departments. Fundamental objectives sought to be achieved by these policies include: A. Increased efficiency and economy in the service of the City. B. Equal opportunity for all qualified applicants to enter and advance in City employment on the basis of demonstrated merit and fitness as ascertained through fair and practical methods of selection and promotion without regard to age, sex, race, color, creed, and national origin. C. Development of a program of recruitment, advancement, and tenure which will make City employment attractive as a career and which will encourage each employee to offer his/ her best services to the City. D. Establishment of a uniform plan of evaluation and pay, based upon designated duties and responsibilities for each position in the service of the City. E. Promotion of high morale among City employees by providing good working relationships, uniform personnel policies, opportunity for advancement and consideration for employee welfare. 1.3 APPLICABILITY These Rules and Regulations shall become effective immediately upon ratification by the City Council, and shall apply to all employees of the City of Pearland, provided that: A. No part of these Rules shall supersede State legislation or other rules promulgated by the City of Pearland Civil Service Commission relating to the regulating of Civil Service employees in the Police Department. B. No part of these Rules shall supersede Federal or State grant regulations relating to employees whose salaries or wages are funded through any such grant. C. These Rules shall not apply to contractual employees or to the Mayor, members of the City Council, persons appointed by the City Council and members of any Board, Commission or Committee appointed by the City Council. Department Heads appointed by the City Manager shall not be subject to the appointment and dismissal provisions of these Rules, but shall be subject to all other provisions. 1.4 ORGANIZATION FOR PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION A. The City Council The City Council is the governing and policy -making body of the City. As such, all personnel rules and regulations and 1 employees' compensation plans are approved and adopted by the City Council. B. The City Manager With the exception of matters and appointments reserved to the City Council by law or City Charter, general authority and responsibility for the conduct and administration of personnel affairs is vested in the City Manager. Accordingly, the City Manager: (1) Is responsible for the administration of the City's personnel program. (2) Makes and approves all appointments to positions under his authority. (3) May appoint and delegate authority for the administration of the City's personnel program. In most instances, such delegation will be made to the Personnel Director and any such delegation will be appropriately documented. C. Personnel Director The Personnel Director is in charge of the Personnel Department. As such, the Personnel Director will in most instances represent the City Manager in regard to administration of these Rules and Regulations. Accordingly, the Personnel Director: (1) Has access to all personnel employed by the City with regard to personnel matters or other matters as designated by the City Manager. (2) Prepares and recommends to the City Manager such forms and procedures as may be deemed necessary or desirable to carry out the City's personnel program. (3) Maintains the classification plan. (4) Administers a program of recruitment. (5) Prepares a compensation plan to be submitted to the City Manager and the City Council; and administer the plan after Council approval. (6) Maintains personnel records. (7) Develops and establishes procedures for the systematic evaluation of the performance of all personnel in the City service. (8) Develops and establishes training and development programs. (9) Assists in administration of employees' benefits. (10) Develops and administers a program of employee communications and labor relations. (11) Assists employees in interpreting these Rules and Regulations. (12) Performs such other duties as may be prescribed by the City Manager with reference to personnel. D. Department Heads The Department Heads are responsible for the proper and effective administration of these Rules and Regulations within their respective departments. It is their responsibility to assist in applying the personnel program, to adhere to its principles and methods, and to place emphasis on an effective program of employee communications. In this connection, Department Heads: (1) Bring to the attention of the Personnel Department any personnel changes, such as changes of status, disciplinary actions, changes in job content, and vacancies. (2) Coordinate with the Personnel Department the establishment of new positions, and assist in the study and evaluation of such positions. (3) Furnish information to employees regarding all phases of personnel programs. (4) Maintains knowledge and understanding of the entire personnel program. (5) Select applicants for positions within their deupartment, subject to the approval of the appointing thority. 1.5 AMENDMENTS These Rules and Regulations may be amended by the City Council. 3 CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS CALL BACK means an unscheduled or emergency return to work outside of normal hours or on a holiday or day off at the request of the Department Head. It does not mean overtime or holiday work scheduled in advance. CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE means an employee occupying a position in the classified service applicable to those employees in the Police Department covered by the Firemen's and Policemen's Civil Service Act. CONTRACT EMPLOYEE means any person that is performing work for the City under the authority of a specific contract for services that has been lawfully approved. DEMOTION means an assignment of an employee from a position in one group to a position in another group having a lower maximum salary rate. DEPARTMENT means a major functional unit of City Government created by ordinance, administrative order or Charter of the City. DEPARTMENT HEAD means a person appointed by the City Manager and ratified by the City Council who is responsible to the City Manager for the administration of the department as specified in the Charter. DISMISSAL shall mean the termination of employment with the City for cause. ENPLO_YEE means any person working in the service of the City of Pearland. EXEMPT EMPLOYEE means an employee who is exempt from the Federal Wage & Hour Law as it relates to overtime payment. FORMER EMPLOYER means any person whose employment has terminated with the City for any reason. IMMEDIATE FAMILY means husband, wife, son, stepson, daughter, stepdaughter, father, mother, father/mother-in-law, brother, or sister, or any relative living in the same household as the employee. JUST CAUSE Intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect violation of any part of the Personnel Rules and Regulations. LAYOFF means a separation from the service of the City because of a shortage of funds or materials, abolishment of a position, or other reasons beyond the control of an employee and not reflecting discredit to the employee. LICENSED PHYSICIAN means one licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. 4 MILITARY LEAVE means the leave of absence granted to employees entering the Armed Forces of the United States during a national emergency or in response to draft or call to duty from civilian components of the Armed Forces. MONTH means one calendar month. NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEE means an employee who is subject to the Federal Wage & Hour Law as it relates to the overtime provision. ON CALK means being available at a designated place for a designated period of time. OVERTIME means authorized time worked in excess of the regular work week. POSITION OR JOB means a group of current duties and responsibilities legally assigned or delegated by the Department Head or City Manager, requiring the full-time or part-time employment of one person. PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEE means an employee who has not been in the employ of the City in excess of twelve (12) calendar months. PROBATION PERIOD means a working period during which an employee is required to demonstrate his/her fitness for a position by actual performance of the duties of the position, such a period being not less than twelve (12) calendar months. The work performance evaluation will be documented following the probation period. PROMOTION means an assignment of an employee from a position in one job classification to a position in another job classification having a higher maximum salary rate. SERVICE CREDIT means the credit used in various personnel transactions for length of service. Generally, it will be either months or years (12 month period of service). SEVERANCE PAY authorized by the leave, longevity terminated. shall mean special separation pay, which may be City Council, above normal accrued vacation, sick pay in lieu of notice for an employee who has been SUPERVISOR means any person responsible to a superior for directing the work of others. SUSPENSION means the temporary relief of duties with the City based on cause, for a particular length of time or for an indefinite length of time. PERMANENT FULL TIME week equal to or exceeding are full-time positions employee benefits. - These are positions with a required work the full-time established work week. These which offer career possibilities and full 5 PERMANENT PART TIME - These are positions with a work week of normally less than a full-time work week. Permanent part-time employees are not entitled to the employee benefits of permanent full- time employees. TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE - These are positions filled for a limited duration. These employees may be either full or part time. Temporary employees are not entitled to permanent full-time employee benefits as provided herein. - TBZR. means any change of an employee from one position to another position having the same maximum salary rate. UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE means an employee occupying a position other than a position covered by the Firemen's and Policemen's Civil Service Act WORK DAY OR WORKING DAY means any one shift during which a department is open for business or on which an employee is scheduled to work. WORK WEEK means a number of hours regularly scheduled to be worked during any seven (7) consecutive days. 6 CHAPTER 3 EMPLOYMENT & SEPARATION 3.1 RESIDENCE Other qualifications being equal, persons residing within the corporate limits of the City shall be given preference in all employment 3.2 FRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Before being employed, each prospective employee shall undergo a medical examination by a physician designated by the City Manager, the cost to be borne by the City, and no applicant given a medical examination shall be employed unless the examining physician certifies that he/she meets the minimum standards of physical fitness required for his/her position. A prospective employee must be reexamined if three (3) or more months intervene between his/her medical examination and the date of his/her employment. 3.3 INSERVICE EXAMINATION The City may require a medical exami- nation and reevaluation at any time to determine if an employee can continue to perform his/her job assignment. 3.4 EMPLOYMENT A. Employees shall be selected on the basis of their qualification and their physical abilities to perform the assigned duties. Preference shall be given to former employees with a good record of service with the City who have been laid off due to lack of work. B Federal law pertaining to "Equal Opportunity" will be observed. C. A person's religious and/or fraternal preference membership or application shall not be considered in respect to his/her employment with the City. 3.5 DISQUALIFICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT The Personnel Director will reject any application which indicates on its face that the applicant does not possess the minimum qualifications required for the position or exclude or deny certification to any application for, but not limited to, the following reasons: A. He or she does not meet the physical and mental requirements necessary for the performance of the duties of the position to which he or she seeks appointment. B. He or she is addicted to the habitual or excessive use of drugs or intoxicants. C. He or she has been found guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony. D. He or she has been dismissed from a previous employment for disciplinary reasons or other good cause. E. He or she has been dismissed previously from the City service for good cause or resigned while not in good standing. F. He or she has intentionally made false statements in his or her application. 7 G. He or she is receiving pension benefits under a retirement plan of the City. An employee that is receiving a pension from the City, may work either as an individual or as a member of a firm that is providing services to the City under a lawfully executed contract. 3.6 TRANSFER Employees may be transferred between departments or other units of the city government by the City Manager upon recommendation of the appropriate Department Head. 3.7 LAYOFF Department Heads, with City Manager's approval, shall lay off employees when necessary due to changes in duties or organization or lack of work or funds. When possible, employees who are to be laid off in one department will be integrated into other departments by transfer, or shall be given first opportunity for employment as approved by the City Manager. A. When layoffs are required, they shall be based on several factors, including length of service with the City and relative efficiency as demonstrated on the job. Layoff shall not be considered to be a disciplinary action. B. Whenever possible, a two -week written notice of layoff shall be given by the Department Head to the employee, but persons employed as temporary or part time may be given a statement at the time they are employed of the date the employment is expected to end. 3.8 NEPOTISM City employment is subject to Section 10.08 of the City Charter pertaining to Nepotism. Personnel application forms must clearly indicate whether a prospective employee is related to any other employee in the City and the department in which the employee works. 3.9 PERMANENT TRANSFER & TERMINATION Permanent transfers of employees or terminations of employees shall have the prior written consent of the City Manager; however, the transfer or termination of a Department Head shall be consistent with the City Charter. 8 CHAPTER 4 PROBATION PERIOD 4.1 PROBATIONARY PERIOD Upon initial employment, permanent full- time and permanent part-time employees will serve a twelve (12) month probationary period and can be terminated during the probationary period without the right of appeal. The Probationary Employee is not eligible for vacation leave benefits during this period. After completing ninety (90) days of employment, the employee may add his/her dependents on one of the City of Pearland's group health insurance plans. Upon the completion of ninety (90) days of employment, the permanent full-time employee will be added to the Texas Municipal Retirement System provided by the City. Full-time permanent employees shall be eligible to receive accrued sick leave benefits after the completion of ninety (90) days. After completion of ninety (90) days, new employees shall receive a performance evaluation and may be eligible for salary increases if the increases are approved by the City Manager. Upon the completion of the twelve (12) month probationary period, the employee must have been evaluated on job performance at least two times. 4.2 PURPOSE The Department Head shall use the probationary period to closely observe and evaluate the work of all new employees and to encourage their effective adjustment to the job and the service of the City. 4.3 CONFIRMATION OR TERMINATION One month prior to the end of an employee's probationary period, the Department Head shall complete a final probationary performance review. At least two (2) weeks prior to the end of each employee's probationary period, if action has not been taken previously, the Department Head shall either terminate the employee or initiate action to transfer him/her to a permanent status. The Department Head may request an extension of the probationary period for a specific amount of time from the City Manager in certain special cases. No person shall be employed after the expiration of his/her probationary period unless he/she has been transferred to a permanent status by the Department Head. A. A probationary employee may be dismissed at any time without cause during his/her probationary period. Department Heads shall retain as permanent employees only those employees who meet an acceptable level of performance during the probationary period. B. When a probationary employee is found to be physically unfit for performing the duties of the position which he/she seeks to hold, or is found to be unacceptable for the requirements of the position, the Department Head shall recommend termination of his/her employment. 9 CHAPTER 5 WAGE & SALARY ADMINISTRATION 5.1 EMPLOYEES IN TRAINING When it is not possible to obtain an employee who meets all the qualifications required for a given position, the Department Head, with the approval of the City Manager, may select an employee who meets the educational requirements, but does not meet all the other qualifications, with the understanding that the employee will undergo a period of training which will prepare him/her for the job. 5.2 TRANSFER. PROMOTION. OR DEMOTION When an employee in one job classification is transferred, promoted, or demoted to a position in another job classification and the current rate of pay is: A. less than the minimum rate for the new position, it shall be increased to the new minimum rate; B. more than the maximum rate for the new position, it shall be reduced to a point within the salary range of the new position upon recommendation by the Department Head. 5.3 USE OF JOB TITLES All jobs shall be designated by job titles on all official records, payrolls and communications. No job shall carry an official title which has not been approved by the City Manager as being appropriate to the duties performed. 5.4 REDUCTION IN PAY The City Manager may reduce the pay of any employee at the request of the appropriate Department Head submitted to the City Manager in the form of a written statement setting forth the reasons for the request for the reduction in pay, a copy of which shall be furnished to the affected employee, and a copy of which shall be made part of the affected employee's personal history record. No such reduction shall deprive the affected employee of earned pay increases at a later date. 5.5 REEMPLOYMENT A former employee who is reemployed in a position in which he/she was previously employed shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the established salary scale at the time of his/her previous employment. A. All former employees, if reemployed within six (6) months, shall receive all employment benefits of the City on the date of reemployment. B. All former employees having been reemployed by the City after an absence of more than six (6) months and not more than five (5) years shall, after five (5) years of continuous full-time employment, receive all employment benefits of the City as if they had never terminated employment from the City. 5.6 TEMPORARY OR PART-TIME RATES An employee who works regularly at less than the established hours of employment for each month may be paid by the hour or at a salary proportional to the amount of time worked. 10 The minimum hourly rate for a permanent part-time or temporary employee shall not be less than the minimum rate as required in the Fair Labor Standards Act unless the Fair Labor Standards Act does not subject the permanent part-time or temporary employee to same. 5.7 PAYMENT FOR OVERTIME All employees required to work over- time shall be paid for all additional time worked to the nearest quarter-hour (1/4). All overtime shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half (1-1/2) for all work in excess of forty (40) hours per week. A. Employees called back shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half (1-1/2) for the time worked, with a minimum of one (1) hours pay. When called back more than once in the same twelve (12) hours after closing time or on a regular day off, they shall be paid for the original one (1) hour and for all additional time worked on subsequent calls. B. Employees regularly scheduled "On -Call" shall be paid for two (2) hours overtime whether called or not. If called, overtime in excess of two (2) hours shall be paid at the overtime rate of one and one-half (1-1/2) times the hourly rate. C. No payment shall be made for overtime that has not been certified by a Department Head as necessary. All overtime requests will be submitted to the payroll department along with the payroll on that date; otherwise, overtime will not be paid during that payroll period. D. All employees are considered to be subject to call back to work at all times by the appropriate Department Head or Supervisor to meet a special need of the City. However, because being subject to call back does not restrict an employee's off time, the only pay an employee will be entitled to will be for actual hours worked. Applicable pay rates and compensatory time rules will apply. An employee who is not fit for duty may not be compelled to return to work. 5.8 METHOD OF PAYMENT Pay periods and dates of payment shall be set by the City Manager. All employees shall be paid for the actual number of hours worked during each pay period. When absent on authorized declared or designated holiday, each employee shall be paid at his/her regular rate of pay for that day or days and such days shall be counted as actual days worked for the purpose of calculation of overtime pay in any given pay period. A. All employees other than exempt employees shall have the election to either be paid for approved overtime in cash or accumulate compensatory time. Unclassified employees may accumulate compensatory time up to one hundred sixty (160) hours of actual overtime worked. Classified employees may accumulate up to three hundred twenty (320) hours of actual overtime hours worked. 11 All compensatory time must be taken with the approval of the Department Head. An employee shall take accumulated compensatory time within forty-five (45) days from the date of accumulation unless otherwise approved by the Department Head or City Manager. B. Employees not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act or those employees that are found to be exempt from the provisions of the act may be allowed compensatory time. The terms and conditions of said compensatory time shall be determined by agreement between the City Manager and the Employee. C. The Personnel Department shall maintain records of accumulated and used compensatory time for all classified and unclassified employees. The Personnel Department shall maintain appropriate records of agreement for non -covered and exempt employees. 5.9 SEPARATION PAY All employees who leave the service of the City for any reason shall receive all pay which may be due them with the following qualifications: Permanent full-time employees who have completed more than one (1) year of continuous service and leave the employment of the City shall receive pay of all unused vacation time up to the date of termination, retirement or death. In addition thereto, they shall receive pay for all unused and accrued sick leave time earned, prorated from the employee's last anniversary date, but not to exceed ninety (90) days. Separation date for all employees shall be the Separation pay received by an employee shall not extend his/her employment with the City beyond the work. For this purpose, sick leave, vacation leave, shall not be construed to be actual days worked. Any permanent full-time employee who shall resign in good standing and who shall be paid accrued sick leave, accrued vacation pay time, or accrued longevity time, as provided be reinstated or reemployed by the City unless have reimbursed or repaid to the City all of the him/her upon his/her original separation. If stated or reemployed after an absence of six (6) paid to him/her as accrued sick leave, accrued longevity shall not be reimbursed. 5.10 LONGEVITY PAY All permanent full-time employees, in addition to their base salary, shall accrue monthly longevity pay computed for each full year of actual continuous service with the City, provided that no such longevity pay shall accrue prior to the completion of one year of actual employment with the City. In computing such actual continuous service, time spent on authorized last day of work. be construed to last day of actual and holiday leave for herein, shall not said employee shall said amounts paid to an employee is rein - months, the amounts vacation, or accrued 12 absence on military leave for service with the Armed Forces of the United States shall be included, but any other period of time which the employee is out of the service of the City or absent with leave in excess of two months shall not be counted. Longevity pay shall be paid once annually at a time determined by the City. An employee who leaves the service of the City shall be deemed to have only accrued longevity pay at the rate of four ($4.00) dollars per month for each month of employment since the last date that the City paid longevity pay to all employees. An employee who leaves the service of the City during any calendar month must work through the fifteenth day of such month to earn longevity pay for that month. 5.11 MERIT INCREASES Unclassified full-time permanent employees may be eligible for merit increases based on performance. Annually, during the budget process, Department Heads shall submit to the City Manager their recommendations for merit increases for employees under their supervision. Department Head's recommendations shall be based on performance appraisals which are conducted on a periodic basis. If budgeted funds are available, merit increases will be approved at the sole discretion of the City Manager. If the City Manager grants a merit increase to an employee, that employee will be increased one step within their existing pay grade. 5.12 OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT A regular full-time employee must notify and receive approval in writing from the Department Head or the City Manager before securing an outside job in addition to his/her regular job with the City. 5.13 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE A. Policy Through its Educational Assistance Policy, the City is able to provide financial assistance to employees who take the initiative in their self -development to complete courses of study directly related to maintaining or improving skills required of them in their jobs with the City. Such education must also be clearly beneficial to the City. There must be evidence that the employee can use the training and his/her performance will benefit from it. There must be more than a reasonable expectation that the employee will be able to carry the load of selected courses of study without imparing his/her performance of regular duties with the City. Such educational courses must be taken on the employee's own time, unless otherwise approved by the City Manager upon recommendation of the Department Head and the Personnel Department. Application for a specific course study must be made to the Department Head and the Personnel Department prior to enrollment. 13 3 Courses taken only at accredited colleges and universities will be recognized. However, correspondence -type instruction may be approved if comparable classroom -type instruction is not available and then only where the institution provides a satisfactory standard of education. The employee must receive full credit for the course of study applied for and maintain a grade average of "C" or better. B. Eligibility Only permanent full-time employees are eligible. Employees on leave are not eligible. A probationary employee who becomes a permanent employee may seek educational assistance on courses begun during probationary status. In such instances, approval of the City Manager is required. C. City Participation The employee must pay all initial tuition, fees, and other costs. Following successful completion of the course or appropriate unit thereof, and only if all other requirements of this policy are met, the City will refund to the employee the total of all tuition and fees required in connection with the course of study so taken, after deduction for payments received from an institutional or other governmental source. 14 CHAPTER 6 ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE 6.1 HOURS OF WORK The hours during which City offices and departments shall be open for business shall be determined by the City Manager and ratified by the City Council. 6.2 ATTENDANCE Employees shall be at their places of work in accordance with these rules and general or departmental regulations. All departments shall maintain daily attendance records of employees. 6.3 OVERTIME Employees shall work overtime when necessary. Overtime shall be allocated as evenly as possible among all employees qualified to do the work. Payment shall be as provided in Chapter 5, Section 5.7, Payment of Overtime. Departments shall keep complete records of overtime and shall furnish periodic reports to the City Manager. Supervisors shall seek qualified volunteer personnel to work overtime. However, when volunteers are not available, the supervisor shall have the authority to direct specific employees to work overtime, provided prior commitments are considered. 6.4 HOLIDAYS The following holidays shall be declared official observed City holidays for unclassified employees. If the holiday falls on Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday; and if it falls on Sunday, it will be held on the following Monday. New Year's Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Veteran's Day Thanksgiving Holiday Christmas Day Designated Holidays (2) January 1 Last Monday in May July 4 First Monday in September November 11 Fourth Thursday in November and the following Friday December 25 Two days, to be determined individually by each employee with approval of the Super- visor and Department Head A. Any unclassified permanent full-time employee who is required to work on a City observed holiday shall be paid at one and one-half (1-1/2) times the employee's base pay for the actual time worked. No other compensation shall be allowed for working on a City -observed holiday. B. Classified full-time permanent employees shall be entitled to take a total of ten (10) designated holidays in lieu of the declared observed and designated holidays given to unclassified employees. With approval of the City Manager, certain unclassified employees may be granted additional designated holidays in lieu of declared holidays when the nature of their work indicates that it would be in the best interest of the City and the employee. If a classified or unclassified employee schedules a designated holiday in advance with the appropriate approval of the Supervisor and Department Head and is later required to work on his/her designated holiday, then the same rules as in (A) above shall apply and any such change will be properly documented for payroll purposes. The Department Head and Supervisors shall schedule classified employee's designated holidays, giving due consideration to the needs of the City and the ability of the remaining staff to perform the work of the department or division. C. When a City -observed holiday and an unclassified employee's regularly schedule day off occurs on the same day, the employee shall be entitled to an alternate day off within a reasonable period of time. D. Temporary employees and part-time permanent employees shall be paid their regular rates on an observed City holiday if required to work, and shall not qualify for any other benefits related to holidays mentioned herein. Holiday work must be specifically authorized by the employee's Department Head. E. A full-time unclassified or classified employee who is absent without authorized leave on the day immediately preceding or following a holiday shall lose pay for the holiday as well as the day of absence without leave. F. When the City Council declares a special observed holiday, it shall be observed as provided herein and the same rules shall apply as for a regular observed City holiday for all unclassified employees. Such special holidays, if declared by City Council, shall be handled as administrative leave or the appropriate amount of time shall be added to the designated holidays for classified employees. G. An unclassified employee wishing to observe a national or religious holiday not listed hereinabove shall use his/her designated holiday privileges to observe such holiday, or charge the absence to any available vacation time accrued by the employee. H. Designated holidays accrue at the beginning of each fiscal year and must be taken by the employee prior to the end of such fiscal year, or time is lost without compensation. I. No employee shall take a designated holiday during the first three (3) months of employment with the City. J. A designated holiday may not be taken in fragments or increments of less than eight (8) hours. K. Both observed holidays and designated holidays shall be counted as actual days worked within a pay period for overtime calculations. 16 6.5 VACATIONS All permanent full-time employees shall be entitled to a vacation period based on the length of service with the City and with vacation paid at the employee's regular pay rate. An employee is not entitled to vacation time until after the end of the first year of continuous full-time employment. A. Permanent full-time employees shall accrue vacations as follows: Anniversary to Anniversary Vacation 1st year 15th year 120 hours 16th year 19th year 160 hours 20th year To Separation 200 hours B. Upon written request approved by the City Manager, an employee with five (5) or more years of service with the City may carry over up to one (1) week (40 hours) of vacation time to the following year, in order to take up to four (4) weeks together in the following year. Vacation time not taken within the appropriate twelve-month period shall be lost without compensation. C. Department Heads and Supervisors shall schedule employee's vacations, giving due consideration to the needs of the City and the ability of the remaining staff to perform the work of the department or division. D. Temporary employees and part-time permanent employees shall not earn vacation nor be entitled to vacation pay upon separation. E. Vacation time may not be taken in periods of less than one- half (1/2) of a full day. F. Upon returning to duty, an employee shall sign a certification of vacation confirming the number of days he/she was absent on vacation. 6.6 SICK LEAVE A. All permanent full-time employees shall be entitled to accumulate up to fifteen (15) work days sick leave each year. Sick leave shall be earned at the rate of one and one -quarter (1-1/4) days per month. Accumulated sick leave is the difference between sick leave earned and sick leave taken. B. The maximum amount of sick leave that may be carried from year to year by full-time permanent unclassified employees is ninety (90) days. There is no limit to the amount of accumulated sick leave that classified full-time permanent employees may carry over from year to year. Unclassified full-time permanent employees must exchange accumulated sick days in excess of ninety (90) days for either additional 17 vacation days or pay at the rate of three (3) sick leave days to one (1) day of vacation or one (1) day of pay. Classified full-time permanent employees shall be permitted to exchange accumulated sick days in excess of ninety (90) days for either additional vacation days or pay at the same rates as stated above. Affected employees must file appropriate forms with the Director of Personnel indicating their preference for either vacation or pay in October of each year. The City of Pearland will arrange for the proper vacation credits or payments to be made. C. When an employee has exhausted all of his earned sick leave, the employee may elect to have earned vacation time used as sick leave. When absence due to illness exceeds the amount of sick leave and vacation time, pay shall be discontinued until the employee returns to work. D. Sick leave may be allowed in case of personal illness or physical incapacity of an employee. On-the-job injury shall be subject to the provisions of the Texas Worker's Compensation Law. E. To receive paid sick leave, an employee shall communicate with his/her immediate Supervisor or Department Head as soon as possible and, in no event, call later than one (1) hour after the time set for him/her to begin work. F. Upon returning to work after a period of sick leave, the employee shall sign a certificate confirming the number of hours he/she was sick. Verification of illness by a doctor shall be required for all illness exceeding three (3) consecutive work days. Verification shall be provided to the Personnel Department the day the employee returns to work. Failure to provide verification will result in a payroll deduction for the time missed. G. Employee absence due to illness in the immediate family, doctor's appointment, out -patient treatment and other similar absences will be charged as sick leave. Leaves exceeding two (2) consecutive work days shall be subject to the same conditions as F. above. H. Accrued sick leave, not exceeding ninety (90) days for unclassified employees, shall be paid at time of termination of employment. I. No employee shall be allowed to return to work until he/she is physically able to perform the ordinary tasks required of the employee in his/her position. "Light Duty" assignments will not be made. In any case where an employee's physician releases him/her for "Light Duty", the same will be inter- preted to mean that the employee is unable to return to work. J. Once an employee's scheduled vacation period has started, the employee will be allowed no sick leave for the duration 18 of the scheduled vacation period. The City Manager may grant exceptions in unusual cases such as an injury. Likewise, once an employee's scheduled designated holiday has started, the employee will not be allowed to substitute sick leave. 6.7 ABUSE OF SICK LEAVE Employees who consistently use their sick leave (i.e. means that an employee takes a sick day on a periodic basis) or fail to accumulate sick leave (means an employee that has accumulated less than fifty percent (50%) of his/her potential sick leave for a given period of employment without having experienced major verifiable illnesses or injuries) can be required to submit a doctor's statement in support of each and every illness for a specified period of time. Failure to present same, if required, shall be cause for disciplinary action. Any employee who habitually abuses or misuses sick leave, as defined above, shall be disciplined appropriately. Repeated violations shall merit termination of the employee. 6.8 EMERGENCY LEAVE All permanent full-time employees may be granted emergency leave with pay for a period not to exceed three (3) days in case of death in their immediate family. This leave shall not be charged against sick leave or vacation. Temporary employees or part-time employees may be granted leave of absence without pay in such cases. 6.9 WORKER'S COMPENSATION/INJURY LEAVE An employee, other than a part-time employee, injured on the job shall be granted leave not charged against sick leave or vacation to extend for such time as a physician shall certify that the injured employee is unable to return to work, but in no event to extend beyond two (2) months. Worker's Compensation Insurance benefits paid directly to an employee, during such injury leave, shall be deducted from the employee's regular paycheck. After expiration of the two -month period, the injured employee shall receive Worker's Compensation benefits only. A. Injuries not sustained in the general scope of employment, non -work related injuries, and injuries caused by willful intent of the employees shall not be covered under Worker's Compensation. B. An employee who has no sick leave or vacation accrued and whose two -month injury leave has been exhausted, but who is not yet able to return to work, may apply to the City Manager for a leave of absence without pay for a reasonable time. Depending on the nature of the job and the need of the City to fill the position, the same may be granted or denied. An employee on such leave shall continue to earn vacation credits and sick leave credits at the regular rate for up to two (2) months. However, sick leave, vacation and longevity will not accrue during such leave of absence in excess of two months. During the period of injury leave, a Department Head may be granted permission by the City Manager to hire a temporary employee to fill the position. 19 C. An employee must report any on-the-job injury, however minor, within twenty-four (24) hours to his/her immediate supervisor. The supervisor shall immediately notify the Personnel Department who will arrange for such treatment as may be necessary for the employee. The employee shall take the treatment prescribed. In the event that an injury does not manifest itself within twenty-four (24) hours, the employee shall report the injury to the Department Head. The Department Head shall follow the same procedure as outlined above. D. When an employee is injured on the job, the Supervisor shall immediately report the accident to the Department Head and the Director of Personnel giving all pertinent facts so that the appropriate Worker's Compensation documents may be submitted. Where an accident causes serious bodily injury or death, the Director of Personnel shall notify the City Manager immediately. E. No employee shall be allowed to return to work until he/she is physically able to perform the ordinary task required of the employee in his/her position. "Light Duty" assignments will not be made. In any case where an employee's physician releases him/her for "Light Duty", the same will be interpreted to mean that the employee is unable to return to work. F. If any employee or his/her beneficiary should recover a judgment against the City for damages for injuries received while on duty or death ensuing from such injuries, the City may be entitled to offset against the damages awarded by such judgment, (1) the benefits paid for such injury or death under any insurance provided or paid by the City for its employees, and (2) the amount of money in salaries paid such employee while on injury leave granted because of injuries of which the judgment was rendered. G. The City of Pearland having adopted Worker's Compensation as provided by law, then, in addition to its right of subroga- tions under the provisions of Section 6A, Article 8307, Vernon's Annotated Civil Statutes of Texas, the City shall also be subrogated to the rights of an injured employee or his/her beneficiary as against a third party to the extent of the salary paid such employee during injury leave granted because of injuries received while on duty. H. The provisions of the Charter of the City of Pearland requiring the giving of notice of claim to the City shall be complied with before the City shall be liable on any claims for damages, and neither the filing of any accident report, the continued employment of an employee, nor the granting of 20 any injury leave shall ever constitute a waiver of such notice of claim requirement, nor stop the City from requiring strict compliance with such provision. 6.10 SPECIAL LEAVE WITH PAY Department Heads, with approval of the City Manager, may grant employees special leave with pay and actual or partial expenses to attend professional conferences, conventions or short schools, or to visit other cities in the interest of the City, as authorized by the City Manager. Such employees shall properly complete an expense allowance form as prescribed by the City. 6.11 LEAVE OF ABSENCE Department Heads, with the approval of the City Manager, may grant leaves of absence, without pay or other benefits, to permanent full-time employees. Employees must request leave of absence in writing. No leave of absence may be granted before the employee has completed the required probationary employment period. 6.12 MILITARY LEAVE Military leave shall be of two types: A. Short Tour - Employees who are ordered by appropriate military authorities to short tours of military duty not to exceed ten (10) work days annually shall be paid their regular pay while on such leave. Where such tours of duty exceed ten (10) days, an employee shall receive his/her regular pay for ten (10) days and be granted leave of absence without pay for the excess time above ten (10) days. B. Indefinite Tour - Full-time permanent employees with more than six (6) months service who volunteer for military service during a national emergency, or who are called to service by appropriate military authorities at any time, shall be granted military leave of absence without pay. Full-time permanent employees on indefinite military leave who do not accept reappointment with the City in their same or comparable job within ninety (90) days from the date of their release from active duty shall be deemed to have resigned from the City. 6.13 LEAVE FOR MILITARY PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Employees who may be, (1) ordered by their Selective Service Board to appear for physical examination prior to possible induction into the Armed Forces, or (2) required to report for periodic physical examinations to determine their disability status, shall be given required time with pay, up to two (2) days, upon presentation of written proof of such examination. 6.14 EFFECT OF LEAVE When any leave of absence is in effect, as provided in Section 6.11 or 6.12 hereof, service credit for all employment privileges shall cease until active employment is resumed. 6.15 FAILURE TO RETURN_AFTER LEAVE In the absence of reasonable excuse and notice to his/her Department Head, an employee who fails to return to work at the time specified in his/her application for leave 21 shall be considered to have resigned effective the date he/she should have returned. 6.16 ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE No employee may absence himself/her- self from duty without permission of his/her immediate Supervisor. Absence without leave shall be sufficient cause for a respective Department Head to recommend termination of that employee by the City Manager. Any employee absent for three (3) days without notice shall be considered to have resigned as of his/her last day of active work. 6.17 RESIGNATION To resign in good standing, an employee shall submit written notice of resignation to the employee's Department Head at least two (2) weeks prior to the effective date of resignation. After approval by the Department Head, the resignation shall be forwarded to the Personnel Director with a final evaluation of performance. The City Manager shall have the authority, in exceptional cases, to waive the two week requirement for submission of resignation by an employee and allow the employee to resign in good standing with notice less than two weeks in advance of resignation. 6.18 CIVIC DUTIES No deduction shall be made from an employee's wages or salaries due to absence from work because of service as a juror or as required by court subpoena, excluding personal matters. All employees entitled to vote at national, state, county or municipal elections shall, when necessary, be allowed sufficient time off with pay to exercise this privilege. 22 CHAPTER 7 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 7.1 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS It shall be the duty of each employee to maintain high standards of cooperation, efficiency, and economy in his/her work for the City. Department Heads shall organize and direct the work of their department to achieve these objectives. A. When work habits, attitude, production, or personal conduct of an employee falls below a desirable standard, Supervisors should point out the deficiencies at the time they are observed. Warning in sufficient time for improvement should precede formal discipline, but nothing in this section shall prevent immediate formal action whenever the interest of the City requires it. When it is necessary for a Supervisor to warn an employee, a written warning report, as provided by the Personnel Department, shall be filled out on the employee. A copy of the warning report shall be filled out and given to the employee, a copy to the City Manager, a copy to the Department Head, and a copy to the Personnel Department. Employees will be requested to sign warning reports; however, by signing the warning report, the employee is not stating that he/she agrees with the report, merely that he/she has received a copy of the report and understands it. On any warning report, the employee shall have the right to enter his/her version of the matter on the warning report. Copies shall become a part of the employee's personnel file. If an employee refuses to sign the written warning report, the notation "Refused to Sign" will be placed thereon by the person presenting the warning, and the signature of a third party witness shall be included. B. Refusal of an employee to obey the direct order of his/her Supervisor or Department Head shall be deemed to be insubordination and grounds for recommendation to the City Manager that he/she be terminated unless such order or assignment shall be in conflict with recognized safety policies, or there is apparent unjustified danger to the employee. C. Department Heads will conduct performance appraisals on each employee at least on an annual basis. The purpose of conducting performance appraisals shall be to ensure that an adequate communications -link exist between employee and City Administration. As such, performance appraisals may be used to guide training, as a basis for discipline, as outlined in 7.1A above, or for validation of merit pay request. Department performance appraisal forms must be approved by the City Manager or Personnel Director. 7.2 DRESS CODE The City of Pearland has the responsibility of keeping its premises in good repair and neat in appearance; similarly, the employee has such a responsibility insofar as his/her own person 23 is concerned. Neat appearance and care in personal grooming and hygiene are invaluable assets in any public position, and a high standard, therefore, is required of all City employees. Specifically, the overall dress code involves the following: A. Attire must at all times be such as is generally deemed appropriate for the nature of the position held and the duties performed. B. In addition to suitability of dress, an overall neat well - kept appearance includes attention to personal hygiene -- cleanliness of hair, mouth, and body. 7.3 PHYSICAL FITNESS It shall be the responsibility of each employee to maintain the standards of physical fitness required for performing his/her job. When a Department Head suspects that the physical condition of an employee constitutes a hazard to persons or property he/she may require the employee to submit to a medical examination by a physician approved by the Personnel Department. The employee shall be paid for the time required for such examination which shall be conducted without expense to the employee, and shall be for the sole purpose of determining his/her physical condition relative to City employment. Employees who take examinations required by a Department Head shall be paid for such time off. If an employee is unable to perform the assigned duties, he/she shall be relieved of duties until such time as he/she is certified by a licensed physician that he/she may return to full duty. In case of continuous or long- term physical incapacity, an employee may be retired in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Texas Municipal Retirement System, or he/she may be transferred to a less demanding job classification if qualified. 7.4 HENERAL HEALTH It is the responsibility of each employee to maintain the standard of physical fitness required for performing his/her job. With the approval of the City Manager, a Department Head/Supervisor may require a current employee to undergo a medical or other appropriate examination to determine fitness for continued employment, for promotion, or for other personnel action. 7.5 CODE OF ETHICS All City of Pearland employees are required to maintain the highest ethical standards of conduct in their position or office. Employees of municipalities are the "Goodwill Ambassadors" of their city, and such status involves an extraordinarily high degree of duty and obligation regarding public and private conduct. The attitudes and deportment of City of Pearland employees should at all times be such as to promote the goodwill and favorable attitude of the public toward the City Administration and its programs and policies. 7.6 NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS Information concerning personnel actions, new programs, critical problem areas, budgetary matters, and any item suggesting a departure from normal operations must be cleared and approved for release by the City Manager. Information concerning regular operations must be cleared, approved, and released by the appropriate Department Head. 24 Any questions as to the propriety of releasing certain information shall be forwarded to the City Manager for his/her review and determination. It is the collective responsibility of the Department support the City Manager in the enforcement of this policy, is responsible for its enforcement within his/her own d Failure of the Department Head or employee to obtain proper is a violation of the Personnel Rules and Regulations. Heads to and each epartment. clearance 7.7 POLITICAL ACTIVITY All unclassified employees shall refrain from using their influence publicly and directly in any way for, or against, any candidate for elective office of the Pearland City Government. All classified employees shall refrain, while in uniform or on duty, from using their influence publicly and directly in any way for, or against, any candidate for elective office of the Pearland City Government. No employee of the City shall be required to participate in any City election in behalf of any candidate for City office, nor shall any City equipment be used by or in behalf of any political candidate. 7.8 DEMOTIONS A. An employee may be demoted by the City Manager upon recommendation of his/her Department Head for just cause in the interest of good discipline. Demotion will be accompanied by a reduction of his/her pay into the pay group of the position he/she is assigned. An employee who is so demoted shall be given written notice by his/her Department Head or Supervisor of the reason for the action as well as the effective date thereof. B. An employee may request or accept voluntary demotion when assignment to a less difficult or to a less responsible job classification would be to his/her advantage and not prejudicial to the interest of the City. 7.9 BUSPENSIONS In the interest of good discipline, the Depart- ment Head may, for just cause, suspend an employee without pay for any length of time up to thirty (30) work days in any single twelve-month period. An employee who is suspended shall be given written notice of the reasons for the action and afforded an opportunity to respond to the charges against him/her, which response shall be in writing and included with the notice of suspension in the employee's personnel history record. 7.10 PERSONAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE A. Purpose It shall be the policy of the City of Pearland to give employees an opportunity to discuss their grievances in order to find mutually satisfactory solutions where possible, as rapidly as possible. Every non -elected City employee shall have the right to appeal any decision or circumstance 25 considered by the employee to be detrimental to his/her employment. Such appeals will follow the format set out in the established grievance procedures as set forth herein. B. Grounds Grounds for complaints and grievances may include the following: 7.. Any decision directly affecting the employee's status, pay or employment; 2. A situation considered by the employee to adversely affect his/her conditions of employment; and/or 3. Failure to give "due process." C. Time Limit A State of Grievance must be filed within thirty (30) working days after the effective date of the matter the employee is appealing. D. Procedure 1. First, the employee shall address the matter with the Department Head, who shall attempt to resolve the matter within the department. The Department Head shall submit a copy of his/her decision to the Personnel Department for the record within five (5) working days. 2. If no solution is available within the department, or if the Department Head arrives at a solution not acceptable to the employee, the employee may invoke his/her right of appeal to an Appeals Committee by making that request in writing to the City Manager within ten (10) working days after receipt of the decision of the Department Head. 3. Once notified by the employee, the City Manager shall appoint the three -person Appeals Committee within three (3) working days, taking care to ensure that a representative cross-section of employee community is selected. The Committee shall consist of the following: one department or division head, one supervisory employee, and one non -supervisory employee. 4. The employee shall state the nature of his/her appeal in writing for submission to the Appeals Committee. 5 The Appeals Committee shall set a time for hearing within ten (10) working days and give notice to all interested parties. The hearing shall be conducted informally, without regard to rules of evidence, with a 26 view to arriving at a fair settlement of the pending matter. The Director of Personnel shall attend all meetings of the Appeals Committee in an advisory capacity only. The Appeals Committee may request the attendance of the City Attorney at their meetings or they may request specific legal opinions from the City Attorney. The employee may represent himself/herself or be represented by any person of his/her choosing. 6. The Appeals Committee shall submit its recommendations and findings to the City Manager in writing within ten (10) working days of the date of the end of the hearing with a copy to the employee, Personnel Dept. and the City Manager. The City Manager shall then make a final determination upon the matter. The City Manager's decision shall be final. A copy of the City Manager's ruling will be given to the affected employee and to the Personnel Dept. The ruling will become a part of the employee's permanent personnel file. 7.11 DISMISSAL A. A Department Head may dismiss any employee at any time for just cause, after careful and factual consideration. A permanent full-time employee shall be given two (2) weeks written notice before dismissal specifying the effective date of and reason(s) for dismissal, or, at the discretion of the Department Head, the employee may be given written notice of dismissal specifying reason(s) therefore and pay the employee two (2) weeks pay in lieu of notice. B. Where the reason for dismissal is any of the following, the employee shall receive no separation pay, nor shall he/she receive pay in lieu of notice: (1) The commission of an offense involving moral turpitude or a felony; (2) Drinking intoxicants while on duty; (3) Ingesting any controlled substance while on duty, without prior prescription by licensed physician for the same; (4) Being under the influence of any controlled substance while on duty; (5) Possession of any controlled substance while on duty or while operating any City -owned vehicle or riding as a passenger therein. C. A copy of the notice of dismissal shall be maintained in the employee's personnel history record. D. A dismissed employee who wishes to appeal his/her dismissal shall submit a written request for hearing to the City Manager within fifteen (15) calendar days after receiving notice of dismissal. The City Manager shall arrange a meeting with the dismissed employee to hear any statements 27 • or comments that the dismissed employee wishes to make. The City Manager shall render a decision within ten (10) working days and the City Manager's determination shall be final. E. Any employee who does not appeal his/her dismissal in writing within the specified time shall be deemed to have waived any right of appeal. 7.12 TERMINATIONS Terminations are to be treated in a confident- ial, professional manner by all concerned. The Department Head/Super- visor and the Personnel Director must assure thorough, consistent and evenhanded termination procedures. This policy and its administration will be implemented in accordance with the City of Pearland's equal opportunity statement. Employment with the City is normally terminated through one of the following actions: (1) Resignation - voluntary termination by the employee; (2) Dismissal - involuntary termination for substandard perfor- mance or misconduct; or (3) Layoff - termination due to reduction of the work force or elimination of a position. (4) Retirement (5) Death A. Resignation An employee desiring to terminate employment, regardless of employee classification, is expected to give as much advance written notice as possible. Ten (10) working days is gener- ally considered to be sufficient notice time. An employee will be considered to have automatically resigned if he/she: (1) Is absent from work for three (3) consecutive days and fails to notify his/her immediate Supervisor in advance; (2) Fails to return from a vacation within three (3) consecutive working days; (3) Fails to return from a leave of absence or an extension of his/her leave of absence within three (3) consecu- tive working days. B. Dismissal (1) Substandard Performance. An employee may be discharged if his/her performance is unacceptable. The Department Head/Supervisor shall have counseled the employee concerning performance deficiencies, provided direction for improvement, and warned the employee of possible termination if performance did not improve within a defined period of time. The Department Head/Supervisor is expected to be alert to any underlying reasons for performance deficiencies, such as personal problems or 28 alcoholism. In order to ensure adherence to Federal and State labor laws, the Department Head must concur with the Personnel Director in advance of advising the employee of impending discharge action. Documentation to be prepared by the Department Head/Supervisor shall include: reason for separation, performance history, corrective efforts taken, alternatives explored, and any additional pertinent information. (2) Misconduct. An employee found to be engaged in activities such as, but not limited to, theft of City property, gross insubordination, conflict of interest, or any other activities showing willful disregard of City interest or policies, will be terminated as soon as the Department Head/Supervisor and Personnel Director have concurred regarding the action. Termination resulting from misconduct shall be entered into the employee's personnel file. The employee shall be provided with a written summary of the reason for termination. No salary continuance or severance pay will be allowed. C. Layoff. When a reduction in force is necessary or if one or more positions are eliminated, employees will be identified for layoff after evaluating the following factors: (1) City work requirements; (2) Employee's abilities, experience and skill; (3) Employee's potential for reassignment within the organization; (4) Length of service; and (5) Budgetary constraints. The Department Head/Supervisor will personally notify employees of a layoff, such notice to be given at least two weeks in advance of termination date. After explaining the layoff procedure, the employee will be given a letter describing the conditions of the layoff, such as the effect the layoff will have on his/her anniversary date at time of reemployment; the procedure to be followed if time off to seek other employment is granted; and the City's role in assisting employees to find other work. D. Termination Processing Procedures. (1) The Department Head/Supervisor must immediately notify the Personnel Director of the termination so that a termination checklist can be initiated. The Personnel Director will direct and coordinate the termination procedure; (2) On the final day of employment, the Department Head/Supervisor must receive from the employee all City 29 property which has been issued to him/her during the course of the employment, such as uniforms, boots, gloves, raincoats, goggles and other special equipment (keys, etc.). The Department Head/Supervisor shall provide the employee with an approved checklist, indicating the return of each item, for presentation to the Personnel Director at the exit interview. (3) All outstanding advances charged to the terminating employee, in addition to any charges for unreturned City property, will be deducted from the final paycheck by the Finance Department. (4) The Personnel Director shall conduct an exit interview with the employee. THE EMPLOYEE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE THE PERSONNEL DIRECTOR FOR AN EXIT INTERVIEW AND THE DISPOSITION OF HIS/HER LAST PAYCHECK. (5) The employee may pick up his/her final payroll check from the Personnel Department on the first payday following the termination date, except in the circumstance of a dismissal, in which case the employee's payroll check will be available at the time of the exit interview. The final check shall include all earned pay and any expenses due the employee. THE CITY OF PEARLAND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHHOLD THE LAST PAYCHECK UNTIL THE EMPLOYEE HAS COMPLETED THE EXIT INTERVIEW. 30 CHAPTER 8 CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE 8.1 Any employee who violates any of the policies set out in this manual or any subsequent amendments shall be dealt with promptly and in accordance with these Rules and Regulations. 8.2 All employees are expected to report to work on time and to be diligent in performance of their assignments. 8.3 All employees shall maintain a high level of personal conduct both on and off the job. 8.4 All employees shall exercise the utmost care in the use of City property. 8.5 All employees shall render courteous treatment to the public. 8.6 No employee shall use his/her official position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself/herself or others. 8.7 No employee shall disclose information that could adversly affect the property, government or affairs of the City, nor directly or indirectly use any information gained by reason of his/her official position of employment for his/her own personal gain or benefit or for the private interest of others. 8.8 No employee shall grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen, individual or group beyond that which is available to every other citizen. 8.9 No employee shall transact any business on behalf of the City in his/her official capacity with any business entity with which he/she is an officer, agent or member or in which he/she owns a substantial interest. In the event that such a circumstance should arise, then he/she shall make known his/her interest and, in the case of an officer, abstain from voting on the matter or, in the case of an employee, turn the matter over to his/her superior for reassignment, stating the reasons for doing so and having nothing further to do with the matter involved. 8.10 No employee shall engage in any outside activities which will conflict with or will be incompatible with the duties assigned him/her in the employment of the City, or reflect discredit upon the City, or in which his/her employment in the City will give him/her an advantage over others engaged in a similar business, vocation or activity. 8.11 No employee shall accept other employment or engage in outside activities incompatible with the full and proper discharge of his/her duties and responsibilities with the City of Pearland which might impair his/her public duty. 31 8.12 No employee shall knowingly perform or refuse to perform any act to deliberately thwart the execution of the City ordinances, rules or regulations, or the achievement of official City programs. 8.13 No employee shall engage in any dishonest or criminal act or any other conduct prejudicial to the government of the City of Pearland or that reflects discredit upon the government of the City of Pearland. 8.14 No employee shall use City supplies or equipment for any other purpose other than the conduct of official City business. 8.15 No employee shall speak, act, or represent his/her personal view in a manner that implies that he/she represents the City as an official spokesperson without the prior approval of the City Manager. 8.16 Any employee who receives two (2) moving traffic violations or one (1) at -fault accident within a period of three (3) years while operating a City -owned vehicle shall be subject to disciplinary action. 8.17 An employee shall be truthful at all times in his/her dealings with fellow employees or citizens. 32 4 CHAPTER 9 GENERAL PROVISIONS 9.1 PERSONAL RECORDS Personal history records of employees are not considered public records. Only the employee concerned, his/her authorized representative and the proper City official shall be permitted to review the records. 9.2 CONFIDENTIALITY OF CITY INFORMATION As City employees work- ing with public funds, it is essential that all information be considered strictly confidential. The records, forms and information that employees work with are the property of the City of Pearland. They cannot be shown or given to persons outside the office without official approval in writing. The citizenry has placed its trust in its public servants, so employees must give careful thought before speaking to anyone about his/her work so as not to violate this confidence. Violation of this trust is grounds for immediate termination. 9.3 GRATUITIES TO MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES Acceptance of business gifts by municipal employees is generally discouraged, but may be allowed in special situations; for instance, gifts traditionally given at holiday seasons and special occasions --Christmas hams, Thanksgiving turkeys, flowers, etc. --are considered appropriate, being generally recognized as customary and ordinary. Employees must exercise discretion and sound judgment in accepting such gifts and must refuse any that might possibly be given with the intent or purpose of securing preferential treatment. Gifts of an extraordinary nature should not be accepted and any attempt to give such a gift should be reported to the City Manager for appropriate action. Violation of this policy will be treated as a major violation and, depending on the circumstances, may be grounds for immediate termination or other appropriate action. 9.4 lRATUITIES TO PUBLIC SECTOR An employee may not give, pay, promise or offer to the public sector anything of value for the purpose of securing or appearing to secure preferential treatment. Violation of this policy in any form will require immediate disciplinary action. 9.5 SOLICITATION No solicitation of funds of any character or for any purpose whatsoever shall be permitted among City employees on the job without the written approval of the Department Head or the City Manager. 9.6 EMPLOYMENT_CONTRACT These personnel policies shall become a part of the employment contract of each employee, and within ten (10) days from the adoption of these policies and at the time of employment of each new employee, a copy of these policies shall be furnished each employee who shall acknowledge in writing the receipt of such copy. 33 These policies may be changed by the City Council, but no such change shall divest any employee of rights accrued under these existing policies at the time of such amendment. A copy of each amendment to these policies shall be furnished each employee. 9.7 RETIREMENT AGE Unless specifically authorized by the City Manager, the mandatory retirement age for all employees defined herein shall be seventy (70) years of age, or if the employee becomes permanently disabled to the extent that he/she can no longer perform on the assigned job, whichever occurs first. Retirement under this section shall become effective at the end of the month in which the employee attains the above provision. 9.8 RETIREMENT PLAN As provided by the Texas Municipal Retire- ment System, adopted by the City on March 13, 1972, and any subsequent amendments thereto. 9.9 SOCIAL SECURITY Employees of the City are covered under the provisions of the Federal Old Age and Survivors' Insurance (Social Security) as expressed in the agreement between the Texas State Department of Public Welfare and the City of Pearland dated May of 1964. 9.10 HEALTH MAINTENANCE All permanent full-time employees of the City who have completed three (3) calendar months of employment will be provided with health insurance plan or HMO plan furnished at City expense. Health insurance or HMO benefits will be dependent on the policies in effect at the time of the claim. If these employees desire coverage for their dependents under either plan, this cost is borne wholly by the employee through payroll deductions. 9.11 LIFE INSURANCE Life insurance may be provided by the City of Pearland on each permanent full-time employee who has completed three (3) calendar months of employment. The limits of coverage will be in accordance with the policy in effect at the time of the claim. 9.12 WORKER'S COMPENSATION All employees of the City from the date of their employment are covered under the provisions of the Worker's Compensation Act for on-the-job injury or disability. 9.13 VEHICLE OPERATION AND ASSIGNMENT Only City of Pearland em- ployees are permitted to operate City -owned vehicles. The only exception permitted is the operation of a vehicle by an employee of a firm performing repair work on a vehicle or approved members of the volunteer E.M.S. or Fire Departments. Passengers in City vehicles shall not be permitted except as necessary for the conduct of official City business, unless otherwise approved by the Department Head. The use of vehicles assigned to each department shall be determined by the Department Head. Requests for changes in vehicle assignment shall be submitted in writing and approved by the Department Head. 34 The City Manager shall decide which employees are eligible to take home City -owned vehicles and at what times. Liability Insurance. Every employee who receives an automobile allowance will carry his/her own liability insurance and furnish the City with a certificate from the insurance company stating that the employee has basic limits of liability required by the State of Texas. Operator Driving Records. State driving records will be a consid- eration for hiring any person who will be driving a City -owned vehicle. The City of Pearland will not hire an individual having more than two (2) moving traffic violations or one (1) at -fault accident within the past three (3) years, if that individual's job will require him/her to drive a City -owned vehicle. Improper Driving Practices. Employees who engage in improper driving practices are to be immediately reported to the Department Head for appropriate disciplinary action. 35 CHAPTER 10 DISABILITY BENEFIT PLAN 10.1 The City has established a Disability Benefit Plan to provide regular employees with economic security when they are prevented from working because of long-term non -occupational illness or disability. On-the-job disabilities are covered by the Worker's Compensation Laws. 10.2 EFFECTIVE DATE OF BENEFITS The benefits of the Plan will become effective on the sixteenth (16th) day after the inception of each illness or disability, or after all regular sick leave benefits are exhausted, whichever occurs last. 10.3 QUALIFICATIONS FOR PLAN To qualify for benefits, employees must: (1) be permanent full-time employees for a minimum of twelve (12) months; (2) must be currently employed by the City; (3) be incapable of performing the usual and customary duties of their job; (4) obtain proper medical attention; and (5) comply with the procedure to establish evidence of disability. 10.4 ,SCHEDULE OF DISABILITY BENEFITS In the event of a long- term non -occupational disability, the Disability Benefit Plan will continue the employee's salary at full and/or half base pay, depending on the length of time employed with the City. The following schedule provides the benefits of the Plan. The maximum number of weeks for which full and half base salary will be paid is forty-two (42) weeks. LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT MAXIMUM BENEFIT TIME Full Pay Half Pay After 1 full year of employment 2 weeks . . . 4 weeks After 2 full years of employment 3 weeks . . . 6 weeks After 3 full years of employment 4 weeks . . . 8 weeks After 4 full years of employment 5 weeks . . . 10 weeks After 5 full years of employment 6 weeks . . . 12 weeks After 6 full years of employment 7 weeks . . . 14 weeks After 7 full years of employment 8 weeks . . . 16 weeks After 8 full years of employment 9 weeks . . . 18 weeks After 9 full years of employment 10 weeks . . . 20 weeks After 10 full years of employment 11 weeks . . . 22 weeks After 11 full years of employment 12 weeks . . . 24 weeks After 12 full years of employment 13 weeks . . 26 weeks After 13 full years of employment until separation 14 weeks 28 weeks 10.5 REINSTATMENT OF BENEFITS Full benefits will be reinstated when the employee returns to work with a release by the attending physician certifying that the employee is physically able to resume his/her normal work assignment. 36 10.6 DENIAL OF DISABILITY BENEFITS In case of chronic illness, unusual circumstances, or frequent absences on account of accident or illness, the City may appoint a physician to investigate and determine the probable future frequency or duration of such absences, and will deal with each such case on its own merits regardless of this Plan. Benefits may be denied if recommendations as to care and treatment made by a physician designated by the City are not followed. Further, benefits shall be denied if an employee is being required to bring in cloctor's statements in support of illness as specified under Section 6.7 for abuse of sick leave. No benefits under this plan will be paid for disability directly or indirectly due to intoxication, or to the use of stimulants, drugs, or narcotics, or to fighting, unless in self-defense against unprovoked assaults, or to the willful intent of the employee to injure himself/herself or another. 37 In support of Program, it is the CHAPTER 11 SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY its Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policy of the City to maintain a work place free of sexual harassment and intimidation. Sexual harassment has been defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity commission as follows: Unwelcomed sexual advances, request for sexual favor, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual (3) is used as the individual; or such conduct interfering creating an environment. intimidating, hostile, 29CFR 1604.11 (7-1-1988). basis for employment decisions affecting such has the purpose or effect of unreasonably with an individual's work performance or or offensive working 38