Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION - 31-99 - 12/14/1999 - PERSONNEL RULES & REGS AMENDEDa RESOLUTION NO. 31-99 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE VILLAGE OF ELK GROVE VILLAGE NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Elk Grove Village, Counties of Cook and DuPage, State of Illinois: Section 1: That the President and Board of Trustees do hereby authorize amendments to the Personnel Rules and Regulations of the Village of Elk Grove Village, a copy of the amendments are attached hereto and made a part hereof as if fully set forth. Section 2: That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval according to law. VOTE: AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 PASSED this 14th day of December 1999. APPROVED this 14th day of December 1999. ATTEST: Ann I. Walsh Village Clerk Resolpemn.mles Craig B. Johnson Village President ELK GROVE VILLAGE PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS MANUAL VILLAGE OF DIGNITATEM AEDIFICATAM IN TERRA TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE I - Introductory Issues Section 1.1 Disclaimer Page 1 Section 1.2 Purpose of This Manual Page 1 Section 1.3 Authority For Manual Page 2 Section 1.4 Management Rights Page 2 Section 1.5 Maintenance of Order In The Workplace Page 2 Section 1.6 Accepting Gifts Page 9 Section 1.7 Drug Free Workplace Policy Page 10 Section 1.8 Non -Smoking Policy Page 11 Section 1.9 Harassment Free Workplace Page 12 Section 1.10 Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Page 16 Section 1.11 Citizenship Page 17 Section 1.12 Residency Page 17 Section 1.13 On The Job Safety Page 18 Section 1.14 Intemet/E-Mail Policy Page 19 Section 1.15 Outside Employment Page 23 Section 1.16 Employee Communication Page 25 ARTICLE II - EMPLOYMENT RELATED ISSUES Section 2.1 Classification of Employment Page 28 Section 2.2 Open Positions/Recruitment Page 28 Section 2.2a Promotions Page 29 Section 2.2b Demotions Page 29 Section 2.2c Transfers Page 29 Section 2.3 Applications/Resumes Page 30 Section 2.4 Licenses/Certifications Page 30 Section 2.5 Oral/Written Exams Page 31 Section 2.6 Medical Exams Page 31 Section 2.7 Fingerprinting/Polygraph Page 32 Section 2.8 Probation Period Page 32 Section 2.9 Certification of Employee Page 32 Section 2.10 Official Personnel Files Page 33 Section 2.11 Layoff Procedure Page 35 Section 2.1 la Recall Procedure Page 37 Section 2.1 lb Reinstatement of Benefits Page 37 Section 2.12 Performance Evaluations Page 37 Section 2.13 Employment of Relatives Page 38 Section 2.14 Temporary Appointments Page 38 Section 2.15 Orientation Page 39 Section 2.16 Service With the Village Page 40 Section 2.17 Re -Hire of Pensioned Employees Page 40 ARTICLE III - HOURS OF WORK ISSUES Section 3.1 Application of Article Page 42 Section 3.2 Workweek Page 42 Section 3.3 Workday Page 43 Section 3.4 Starting and Quitting Times Page 43 Section 3.5 Lunch Periods Page 43 Section 3.6 Break Periods Page 43 Section 3.7 Recordkeeping Page 43 Section 3.8 Attendance at Conferences Page 44 Section 3.9 Flexible Work Schedule Page 44 ARTICLE IV — COMPENSATION Section 4.1 Plan Purpose Page 46 Section 4.2 Forms of Compensation Page 46 Section 4.2A1 Merit Pay Plan Positions Page 47 Section 4.2A2 Management Enhancement Award Page 47 Section 4.2A3 Management Overtime Page 47 Section 4.2A4 Temporary Supervisory Appointments Page 48 Section 4.2B1 Step Pay Plan Positions Page 48 Section 4.2132 Step Longevity Pay Page 49 Section 4.2133 Overtime For Step Plan Personnel Page 49 Section 4.2C Specific Rate Pay Plan Page 49 Section 4.2DI Stand By Pay Page 50 Section 4.2D2 Rates For Promotions, Demotion, Transfer Page 50 Section 4.2D3 Sgts. Off Duty Court Pay Page 51 Section 4.3 Indirect Compensation Page 52 Section 4.3A Holidays Page 52 Section 4.313 Vacation Page 53 Section 4.3C Management Vacation Page 55 Section 4.31) Sick Leave Page 56 Section 4.3E Bereavement Leave Page 57 Section 4.317 Emergency Leave Page 58 Section 4.3G Family Leave Page 59 Section 4.3H Military Leave Page 59 Section 4.3I Voting Time Page 60 Section 4.3J Jury Duty Page 60 Section 4.3K Witness Leave Page 60 Section 4.31, New Born Infant Leave Page 60 Section 4.3M Administrative Leave Page 61 Section 4.3N Personal Unpaid Leave Page 61 Section 4.30 Written Requests Page 62 Section 44.A Medical/Dental Benefits Page 62 Section 44.13 Life Insurance Page 63 Section 4AC Cost Containment Page 63 Section 4.41) Travel Benefits Page 63 Section 4.4E Uniform Benefits Page 63 Section 4.417 Worker's Compensation Page 64 Section 4AG Deferred Compensation Page 68 Section 4.41-1 Service/Retirement Awards Page 68 Section 4.5A Payroll Periods Page 68 Section 4.513 Payroll Advances Page 69 Section 4.6 Retirement/Pensions Page 69 Section 4.7 Direct Deposit Page 70 ARTICLE V - LEAVING VILLAGE EMPLOYMENT Section 5.1A Retirement Page 72 Section 5.113 Resignation Page 72 Section 5.2 Disposition of Final Check Page 73 Section 5.3 Exit Interview Page 73 ARTICLE VI - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Section 6.1 Police Officers Responsibilities Page 75 Section 6.2 Fire Officers Responsibilities Page 77 Section 6.3 Solicitation Prohibited Page 79 Section 6.4 Political Activity Page 79 Section 6.5 Reimbursement For Loss of Personal Items Page 81 Section 6.6 Use of Village Property Page 81 Section 6.7 Identification Cards Page 82 Section 6.8 Personal Mail Page 83 Section 6.9 Department Bulletin Boards Page 83 Section 6.10 Employee Work Area Page 83 SECTION 1.1 - DISCLAIMER The Rules and Regulations are distributed to all Village employees as a guide and summary of the present personnel policies and procedures of the Village of Elk Grove Village. These Rules and Regulations are not intended nor should they be construed, as a binding contract of employment - expressed or implied - between the Village and any employee. Furthermore, these Rules and Regulations are not intended as a guarantee of continued employment or benefits. These policies and procedures supersede all prior Village policies and procedures, whether in writing or otherwise. Since the Village periodically reviews its personnel policies and procedures and makes revisions and modifications, the Village reserves the right to change or modify the employment policies and procedures set forth in these Rules and Regulations with or without prior notice to employees. No action, agreement, or representation made by any Village employee which alters or modifies any of the policies and procedures set forth in this manual shall impose any monetary obligation or be considered to be authorized by or binding upon the Village unless and until the Village Manager and/or Village Board has agreed thereto in writing. The terms and conditions of employment for Village employees who are represented for the purpose of collective bargaining are set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Accordingly, to the extent that any terms or conditions of employment are covered by both a collective bargaining agreement and the provisions contained in these Rules and Regulations, the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement shall govern and prevail. The only subjects or matters set forth in these Rules and Regulations which shall be applicable to represented employees shall be those subjects or matters which are not covered by, or referred to in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Any grievance with respect to the subject matter covered by, or referred to in the applicable collective bargaining agreement shall be handled in accordance with the grievance procedure set forth in such collective bargaining agreement and shall not be subject to the communication procedure set forth in Article I. SECTION 1.2 - PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL It is the Policy of the Village that this Manual be used as an outline of the basic policies, practices, and procedures for the Organization. The Manual, however, is not intended to alter the employment -at -will relationship in any way. The Manual contains general statements of Village Policy, and should not be read in all instances as including the fine details of each policy, nor as forming an express or implied contract or promise that policies discussed be applied in all instances. The Village may add to the policies, may revoke policies, or may modify policies from time to time. (See Authority, Article 1, Section 1.3). All Manuals are Village property, and are assigned to the job position and not the individual. The Human Resources Officer under the direction of the Village Manager is responsible for the distribution of the Manuals. All Manuals must be returned to the Village upon cessation of employment. SECTION 1.3 - AUTHORITY FOR MANUAL The authority to modify, revoke, suspend, terminate, or otherwise change all such policies and procedures is vested solely in the Village President and the Board of Trustees. The authority and responsibility to administer the Village policies on a day-to-day basis is vested in the Village Manager, and then to Department Heads and other supervisory personnel of the Village. SECTION 1.4 - MANAGEMENT RIGHTS It is understood and agreed that the Village possesses the sole right, authority, and responsibility to operate and direct all employees of the Village in all aspects of the employment relationship. These rights include but are not limited to the right to determine the mission of the Village, Village policies, standards of service to be offered; the right to plan, direct, schedule, control and determine the methods, means, and number of personnel needed to perform services; to generally direct the work force including the right to hire, assign, transfer, layoff, promote, demote employees within any department; to discipline probationary and non -probationary employees; to make public and enforce rules and regulations; to introduce and/or use new or improved methods, equipment, or facilities; to contract or subcontract for goods and services,or to privatize current services; and to take any and all actions that may be necessary to carry out the mission of the Village at any time under any condition. These rights also apply to unionized employees except to the extent these rights are modified by the current labor agreement. SECTION 1.5 - MAINTENANCE OF ORDER IN THE WORKPLACE Every organization needs order to operate efficiently and effectively and every employee is entitled to work in an orderly environment. Discipline within an organization maintains the necessary order to conduct business properly. The continued employment of every employee shall be contingent upon orderly, acceptable conduct and satisfactoryjob performance. While it is impossible to state every form of misconduct possible, this provision sets forth guidelines to be used by employees to maintain the order necessary to make this a safe, productive place for all of us to work. Failure to perform one's job in an acceptable fashion or to violate the tenets of proper conduct will be cause for disciplinary action, which includes, but is not limited to reprimands, suspensions, or discharge. The exact form of discipline will depend upon the seriousness of the violation and/or the frequency of the violation. Some examples of activities which create disorder, and which will be considered disciplinary offenses are listed below. This list is not all-inclusive. 1. Absenteeism and/or Tardiness Employees are expected to come to work on a regularly scheduled basis and to report for work on time. All employees must be ready to work at the start of their shift, and must work until the shift is over. If an employee is required to miss work for a legitimate reason, the employee is expected to provide their supervisor with advance notice. Failure to report an absence is also a serious violation. Supervisors will consider reasonable circumstances, which might prevent an employee from providing notice of absence. Sworn Fire and Police personnel must notify their supervisor a minimum of one-half hour prior to the start of their shift. General personnel must notify their supervisor within this same time constraint. Any employee who does not provide such notification will not be compensated for such absence unless the employee can show that the reason for their failure to call was based upon circumstances beyond their control. When it is determined that an employee's attendance record is questionable an employee may be required to provide acceptable written documentation for absence. Such notice will be in writing to the employee. The employee's attendance will be monitored for a minimum of six months. Employees are expected to be at their assigned work area, ready to work, at the assigned starting time. 2. Excessive personal time. Falsification of Village records. 4. Presentation of false documentation. Improper use of sick leave benefit or falsifying a reason for any leave of absence. 6. Direct or indirect participation in a political campaign which violates the Political Activity Regulations set forth in Section 6.4. 7. Engaging in outside employment in violation of the Outside Employment Regulations set forth in Section 1.15 of this Manual. Accepting fees, gifts, or other commodities and/or services in the course of work or in connection with employment with the Village except as stated in Section 1.6 of this manual. 9. Improper use of Village equipment, supplies, uniforms, or other Village property, including telephones, computers, fax machines, copy machines, and postage meters. 10. Insubordination or behaving in an insubordinate manner. This includes displaying an inappropriate attitude to and/or behavior to other employees. This can include the use of abusive language or abusive actions to others while in the course of normal business activities. 11. Engaging in solicitation, selling, peddling or distributing products and/or information during work or on Village property without the written permission of the Village Manager, in violation of Section 6.3. 12. Performing work in an unsafe manner thereby exposing oneself or others to serious injury or potential serious injury. This includes failing to follow safety rules or regulations. (Section 1.13) 13. Engaging in horseplay. 14. Failure to perform assigned tasks due to negligence and/or incompetence. 15. Improper use of Village bulletin boards. (Section 6.9) 16. Violation of any lawful or official regulation, order, or rule, or failure to follow reasonable direction given. 17. Conviction of a criminal offense. 18. Carelessness, negligence, or misconduct causing damage to public or private property, or causing waste of public property or resources. 19. Failure to return from vacation or an authorized leave of absence. 20. Knowingly reporting false information on the employment application or related employment forms such as insurance or medical forms. El 21. Direct or implied threats of harm or injury to other employees or the public. 22. Possession and/or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances at work or on Village property. Possession includes lockers and desks and vehicles assigned to employees and/or parking facilities provided by the Village. Use at work also includes during authorized lunch or break periods. 23. Reporting for work under the influence of alcoholic beverages and /or illegal substances. 24. Operating Village vehicles or equipment in a careless or negligent manner. 25. Gambling on duty. 26. Theft or misappropriation of Village funds or property. 27. Conduct unbecoming a Village employee while on or off duty which causes the Village embarrassment or creates a liability for the Village. 28. Violation of the Village's anti- Harassment Policy as stated in Section 1.9 of this Manual. 29. Violation of the Village's Internet or e-mail Policy stated in Section 1.14 of this Manual. 30. Violation of the Village's No Smoking Policy stated in Section 1.8 of this Manual. 31. Utilizing the Village for receipt of personal mail. 32. Failure to submit to a physical exam and/or drug test as directed by the Village Manager or a supervisor. 33. Failure to maintain a valid driver's license or other certifications if required in the performance of their regular duties. 34. Presentation of false or fraudulent information regarding an on the job injury. 35. Failure to fulfill stand-by or on-call obligations. 36. Failure to perform the responsibilities of a Supervisor. 37. Falsification or fraudulent use of medical or dental benefits. 38. Failure to report an accident or injury. PROCESS Whenever an employee violates any rule or regulation in addition to any other discipline, the Department Head may begin disciplinary action in any of the steps listed below, depending on the seriousness of the offense committed. Reprimands: Oral: For minor offenses the employee should be given a verbal warning. A written statement of the oral warning should be forwarded to the Human Resources Office for placement in the employee's file. Written: When the seriousness of the offense committed is such that the warning should be in writing, it shall include the nature of the offense and extent of the warning. The employee shall acknowledge receipt of the warning by signing and dating the notice of written reprimand. A copy of the reprimand shall be forwarded to the Village Manager within twenty-four (24) hours of the action taken. The Village Manager shall then forward it to the Human Resources Officer for placement in the employee's file. Suspensions: General Personnel Any action on the part of an employee which is in violation of the orders of his/her supervisors or contrary to the policies or rules of his/her department or the Village, but not serious enough to warrant dismissal, may be disciplined by suspension without pay. This authority is to be exercised by the Department Head, or his designee. The employee's supervisor may make recommendation for such action. Prior to issuance of a notice of suspension, the nature of the offense will be reviewed with the Village Manager. An employee may be sent home without pay prior to suspension action being taken. Sworn Personnel Written notice of a suspension, to include the extent and reason 6 for the action, must be submitted to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for all sworn Fire and Police personnel. Copies of all suspension notices shall be sent to the Village Manager within twenty-four (24) hours of the action taken. Such notice will then be forwarded to the Human Resources Officer to be placed in the personnel file of the employee. 3. Dismissals General Personnel: The Department Head, with the approval of the Village Manager may dismiss any employee for reasons deemed to be appropriate to the penalty. Prior to dismissal, the employee shall be given an opportunity to discuss the reason(s) being considered for the employee's dismissal in a meeting with the employee's Department Head and the Village Manager. The notice of dismissal shall be in writing and shall state the specific charges with such clarity and particularity that the employee will understand the charges made and will be able to answer them if they so desire. Sworn Personnel: Removal from office in the Fire or Police Departments shall be in compliance with the Fire and Police Commissioner's Act of the State of Illinois in. Division 2, Section 10-2.1 to 10.2.1-28 inclusive of Chapter 24 of the Illinois Compiled Statues, 1971. Persons holding sworn positions in the Fire and Police Departments shall be discharged from service in the following manner: a. The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners may suspend any member of the Fire or Police Department against whom charges have been preferred, but not to exceed thirty (30) days without pay at any one time. The Commission shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing of the charges to be commenced within thirty (30) days from the filing thereof. b. Charges shall be preferred in writing and signed by the party making same and shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commission and the Village Manager. The charges shall specify the nature of the charge and shall designate the time and place of the offense. c. The accused shall be notified by registered mail or personal notices in writing of such charges and shall appear before the Commission for a hearing at a specified time and place. A person so charged shall be given an opportunity to employ counsel and be heard in their own defense at a public hearing conducted by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. d. The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners shall, within fifteen (15) days after the hearing is completed, enter its findings in the records of the Commission. e.The time for the hearing and charges shall be set by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners within thirty (30) days of the time of the filing of such charges. Continuances may be granted from time to time upon motion of any party to the proceeding by order of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. £In cases where a member of the Fire and Police Department is found guilty of the charges preferred against them after a hearing on same, they may be discharged or suspended for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days without pay. It should be emphasized again that Department Heads are not required to go through all the steps listed above. Discipline may begin at any step in the procedure depending on the seriousness of the offense committed. Any discipline administered by a supervisor should be commensurate with the offense committed. In addition, the Department Head may repeat any step of this procedure when he/she feels it is necessary, so long as the discipline is commensurate with the offense committed. If there is any doubt what step to begin with, the Human Resources Officer and/or Village Manager should be consulted. APPEAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION General personnel employees may appeal any disciplinary action. A. Within three (3) calendar days after being notified of the disciplinary action, the employee must submit in writing, the reasons for appealing the action. Such communication shall be sent to the Department Head for review and consideration. If following such review and action, the employee is still not satisfied, the employee and the Department Head shall forward a report of the case within two (2) days with comments to the Village Manager. B. The Village Manager shall arrange a conference with the employee, the Department Head and any other person deemed necessary to review the cause of any action taken as a disciplinary measure. C. The final decision shall rest with the Village Manager. The Manager's findings shall be in writing and copies sent to the employee, Department Head and the Human Resources Officer for filing in the employee's personnel file. Sworn Personnel Appeal A. No sworn member of the Fire or Police Departments shall be removed or discharged except for cause, upon written charges and after an opportunity to be heard in his/her own defense. B. Any sworn Fire and Police Personnel who have been suspended may appeal to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a review of such suspension within five (5) days after the issuance of each suspension. C. Upon such appeal, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners may sustain the suspension, may reverse it with instructions that the employee receive pay for the period involved, or may suspend the employee for an additional period of not more than thirty (30) days without pay for each charge on which the employee is found guilty or discharge him/her depending upon the facts presented. SECTION 1.6 -ACCEPTING GIFTS Village services are not to be extended by employees in exchange for special awards, gifts or other remuneration from outside individuals or organizations. When an employee receives any offering as a result of their status as a Village employee,receipt of such offering must be reported in writing at once to their Department Head, and retention of the gift will be conditioned on the Village Manager's approval. All items received with a value of $10.00 or more must be reported on the appropriate form provided by the Human Resources Office and submitted to the Village Manager within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the gift. If an individual or organization feels generous and wishes, however, to acknowledge services performed by individual Village personnel or a Department, they may make a check payable (for the amount they desire) to the Village of Elk Grove Village and send it to the Village Treasurer. Upon receipt of money, the Village Treasurer shall immediately deposit it in the General Corporate Fund account or in the applicable pension fund as may be required by State Statute or Municipal Code, and notify the employee in whose name the gift was sent. SECTION 1.7 - DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY ALL PERSONNEL The Village of Elk Grove prohibits any employee from engaging in the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of any illegal substance on or off duty, except as is necessary in the performance of duty, or the abuse of alcohol and/or prescription drugs while on or just before the onset of duty. The Village acknowledges that such use of illegal substances is harmful to the health of employees and dangerous in the workplace. The employee must notify their immediate supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at any Village worksite no later than three days after such a conviction. The Village retains the right to require employees to submit to alcohol or drug testing based upon a reasonable suspicion that an employee has violated any portion of this policy. PERSONNEL REQUIRED TO POSSESS A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FIREFIGHTERS) Furthermore, employees required to possess commercial driver's license are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle: -While having a breath alcohol concentration of .04 percent or greater as indicated by an alcohol breath test. -While using alcohol. -Within four hours after using alcohol. -Within two hours but in no event longer than eight hours after an accident involving a municipal vehicle or until tested for drugs and/or alcohol. Employees required to possess a commercial driver's license are prohibited from the unlawful use of drugs on or off duty. 10 Finally, any employee or prospective employee applying for a position requiring a commercial driver's license must release information from their previous employer regarding results of previous drug and alcohol testing taken within the past two years. Under Federal guidelines, random testing for alcohol will occur immediately prior, during, or after the employee performs safety sensitive functions of their jobs (i.e. operation of a motor vehicle). Random drug testing will be performed but not necessarily on an immediate basis as with alcohol testing. Any refusal to submit to testing automatically results in a positive test result. Any employee who is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action by the Village. This may include, among other things reprimands, suspension without pay, or dismissal. Furthermore, employees must comply with all drug and alcohol -testing requirements. The employee may enter an employee substance abuse assistance program at any time or as may be required by the Village. Information on such assistance through the employee's health Insurance benefits is available from your supervisor. This policy will be enforced in all matters as referred to above regardless of an employee's current or future job classification or position within the Village. All affected employees must sign a statement of understanding of this policy. SECTION 1.8 NON SMOKING POLICY It is the policy of the Village of Elk Grove to accommodate the preference of the non- smoker in Village buildings and facilities and to provide a healthy work environment for all employees of the Village. PROHIBITED SMOKING AREAS AND EXCEPTIONS Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings with the exception of the following locations: -Apparatus floors of the Fire Stations and Public Works Garages -Patio outside of the Municipal Building lunch room, and -Fire Department Administration smoking lounge -Other areas as designated by the Village Manager Employees are to refrain from smoking at the outside entrance to public buildings. I1 Compliance with this policy is the responsibility of all employees. The Department Head shall enforce adherence to the policy in each department. SECTION 1.9 - HARASSMENT FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to establish the Village's commitment to provide a work environment free from harassment, to define discriminatory harassment, and to set forth a procedure to investigate and resolve internal complaints of harassment. Because it is important to keep the workplace free from any form of harassment, management personnel shall review this policy with their employees on a semi-annual basis as part of the semi-annual performance evaluation process. It is critical that all employees treat each other with dignity and respect. It is the responsibility of each employee to make sure there is no inappropriate behavior in the workplace. INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR THAT OCCURS IN THE WORKPLACE IMPACTS THE WORKPLACE AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! This policy applies to, all employees, represented or not represented, and applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, disciplinary action, layoff, reinstatement, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. POLICY: Harassment of an employee by another employee, on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, gender, or age is in violation of state and federal law and will not be tolerated by the Village. RESPONSIBILITIES: Management is responsible to develop this policy, keep it up to date, and to insure that any violation of this policy brought to their attention is dealt with fairly, quickly, and impartially. All management personnel are also required to set the proper example at all times. Management personnel are further responsible to enforce the policy, to make a semi- annual review with each employee to ensure they know the policy, and to check the workplace .to make sure the policy is being followed. When a deviation from this policy is noted or reported, supervisors shall bring this information to management immediately. It is the responsibility of each and every employee to know the policy and to follow the policy. It is imperative that every employee treats every other employee with dignity and respect to facilitate a professional work environment. 12 DEFINITIONS For purposes of clarification, harassment includes but is not limited to the following behaviors: 1. Verbal Harassment Epithets, derogatory comments, slurs, propositioning or otherwise offensive words or comments on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, gender or age, whether made specifically or in general, directed to an individual, or to a group of people regardless of whether the behavior was intended to harass. This includes but is not limited to inappropriate sexually oriented comments on appearance, including dress or physical features, sexual rumors, code words, and race oriented stories. 2. Physical Harassment Assault, impeding or blocking movement, leering, or the physical interference with normal work, privacy or movement when directed at an individual on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, gender or age. This includes pinching, patting, grabbing, inappropriate behavior in or near bathrooms, sleeping facilities and eating areas, or making explicit or implied threats or promises in return for submission to physical acts. 3. Visual Forms of Harassment Derogatory, prejudicial, stereotypical or otherwise offensive posters, photographs, cartoons, notes, bulletins, drawings or pictures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, gender or age. This applies to both posted material or material maintained in or on Village equipment or personal property in the workplace. 4. Sexual Harassment Any act which is sexual in nature and is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment, is used as the basis of an employment decision, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. WORK PLACE RELATIONS The First Amendment allows anyone to associate with anyone else they desire. It is natural for people who meet in the workplace to sometimes become romantically involved, and it is not the Village's intent to interfere with any dating relationship. Any involvement between employees must be voluntary and desired by both parties. However, problems have developed due to dating relationships, which can interfere with our goal of having a professional work environment. It is permissible for an employee to ask a co-worker out on a date. However, if you do not want to go out with another employee, it is imperative that your response to the request is firm and definite. After this firm definite response has been made, it is inappropriate for the requesting party to make any further attempt to initiate a dating relationship. Repeated requests for a dating relationship constitute Sexual Harassment. It is also inappropriate for any relationship to 13 interfere with normal work operation in any manner. Personnel who desire to become involved with someone in the workplace must be aware of the following guidelines: There shall be no dating activities on Village time or property. 2. There shall be no use of Village property to arrange dating activities. All behaviors between employees shall be behavior conducive to a professional work environment at all times when on Village property or on Village time. Hand holding, kissing, hugging, sexual comments and other behavior generally associated with a dating relationship are inappropriate while on Village time or property. 4. Any relationship involving personnel at different levels on the chain of command (or where one party has functional supervision over another) shall be reported by the person of higher rank to his/her supervisor immediately. Failure to report this relationship is a violation of this policy. The Supervisor receiving this information shall immediately contact Human Resources and inform them of the relationship. Human Resources shall advise the Village Manager and make recommendations in concert with the Department Head to ensure that this relationship will not detract from a sound professional work environment. Such recommendations may include the transfer of either employee. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE Confrontation If any person feels they are the victim of any form of harassment, they should inform the person(s) participating in this behavior that he/she find it offensive. This one-on-one confrontation has been demonstrated to be an effective way to end harassing behaviors. If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, the offended employee can initiate either an informal or formal complaint as described below. Because confrontation is difficult for some people and because of the complex nature of harassment, employees are not required to confront an offending party prior to initiating this complaint procedure. Informal Complaint Any employee who believes he or she is a victim of discriminatory workplace harassment should make a complaint orally or in writing to their immediate supervisor or the next level supervisor if applicable. Any Supervisor, or Department Head who observes inappropriate behavior or receives a harassment complaint shall notify the Human Resources Officer immediately. Any informal resolution will be attempted whenever appropriate. If the informal resolution process is unsuccessful, the complainant may direct a formal complaint. 14 Formal Complaint Step 1 Filing of a Preliminary Complaint Any employee who alleges to be a victim of discriminatory workplace harassment should, within 30 calendar days of the alleged incident, contact his/her Supervisor or the next level Supervisor if applicable. This preliminary complaint can be verbal or written. Time Extension The time requirements set forth in this procedure may be extended when it is determined to be in the best interest of fairness and justice to the parties involved. Review of Preliminary Complaint Upon notification of a harassment complaint, the Supervisor, Department Head and the Human Resources Officer shall conduct an initial investigation to make a preliminary determination as to whether there is any merit to the complaint. If no merit is found, the Supervisor and the Human Resources Officer may still meet with the parties involved to attempt to conciliate the complaint or conflict between the parties, including the offer of mediation. Formal Complaint Step i If after an initial investigation is conducted, there is no resolution and/or no conciliation of the preliminary complaint, a formal written complaint can be filed by the complainant. Upon receipt of the formal written complaint, the Department Head will contact the alleged harasser(s) who will be informed of the basis of the complaint. A copy of the complaint will be provided and the alleged harasser(s) will be given an opportunity to respond. The response shall be in writing, addressed to the Department Head and received within ten (10) calendar days after being notified of the complaint. Concurrently, a formal investigation of the complaint may be commenced. Review of Response and Findings Upon receipt of the response, the Department Head and the Human Resources Officer may further investigate the formal complaint. Such investigation may include interviews 15 with the complainant, the accused harasser(s), and any other persons determined to have relevant knowledge concerning the complaint. This may include victims of similar conduct. Factual information gathered through the investigation will be reviewed to determine whether the alleged conduct constitutes harassment, giving consideration to all factual information, the totality of the circumstances including the nature of the verbal, physical, visual, or sexual conduct and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred. The results of the investigation and the determination as to whether harassment occurred will be reported to the Village Manager and all affected parties including the complainant, the alleged harasser(s), the Supervisor(s), and the Department Head(s) within twenty (20) calendar days from the receipt of the response. At any time during this process, professional mediation may be instituted by the Village Manager based on recommendations from the Department Head and the Human Resources Officer. All parties associated with the complaint are required to cooperate. DISCIPLINARY ACTION If harassment is determined to have occurred, the Department Head and the Human Resources Officer will make a recommendation to the Village Manager. The action will be commensurate with the severity of the offense, up to and including termination from employment. If discipline is imposed, the nature and extent of the discipline will not be divulged to the complainant. SECTION 1.10 - EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY It is the policy of the Village of Elk Grove in accordance with applicable current laws to provide equal opportunity in employment to all qualified persons, to prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, Vietnam era veteran status, and any other non job related factor; and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity. Affirmative Action will affect all employment practices including (but not limited to) recruiting, hiring, transfer; promotions, training, compensation, benefits, layoff and termination. Successful performance on Affirmative Action will provide positive benefits to the Village through full utilization and development of previously underutilized human resources. 16 SECTION 1.11 CITIZENSHIP A. General Personnel: For full-time and part-time general personnel, United States citizenship will not be considered to be requisite for Village employment. However, aliens must be in full compliance with Federal Law and they must move with the utmost dispatch to become naturalized citizens within the minimum period prescribed by Federal Law. Law requires proof of an alien employee's action in this respect. If at any time during employment with the Village, the alien employee is not in compliance with the Federal Law, then they shall be subject to dismissal by the Village Manager. B. Sworn Personnel: United States citizenship is required of all regular full-time and regular part-time sworn personnel in the Police and Fire Department. An applicant for either a sworn Police or Fire position must be a legal citizen of the United States at the time of appointment to a sworn Village position. SECTION 1.12 -RESIDENCY A. Any applicant who is hired or promoted to fill the following positions: Village Manager Assistant Village Manager Village Attorney Chief of Police Fire Chief Director of Finance Director of Engineering & Community Development Health Services Coordinator Community Service Coordinator Director of Public Works Village Clerk must become a bonafide resident of the Village of Elk Grove Village within eighteen (18) months of their employment date. Any individual appointed to any one of the aforementioned positions prior to November 1984, who is not a resident of the Village of Elk Grove Village, must become a bonafide resident of the Village at such time as the individual relocates from their address on record with the Village. B. The establishment and continued residency in the Village shall be a condition of continued employment. Failure to comply with this continued residency requirement shall result in immediate termination of employment from the Village. 17 C. All other personnel employed by the Village are exempt from the above Residency Rule. SECTION 1.13 ON-THE-JOB SAFETY The Village of Elk Grove Village has a sincere concern for ensuring the health and safety of its employees while they are engaged in their daily working operations. The Village acknowledges its obligation, as an employer, to provide the safest possible working conditions for employees, and, as a governmental unit, to provide a safe environment. The Village of Elk Grove has developed an all-encompassing Loss Prevention Program. This Program is explained in the Safety Manual distributed to all employees. The placing of continual emphasis on safe working conditions, employee responsibility, and the refinement of operational procedures creates an environment that will permit the Village to virtually eliminate the major causes of employee injury. The responsibilities outlined in the Safety Manual shall in no way be construed to limit an individual's initiative to suggest and implement more comprehensive procedures to reduce Village injuries. All Department Heads and supervisory personnel are directed to make safety a matter of primary concern, equal in importance to all other operational considerations. It is their responsibility to cooperate with and assist the appointed Safety Director to implement the policies of this program and to develop and administer an effective departmental safety program. Their responsibility includes the adoption of work standards designed to create a work environment which is totally free from potential hazards, or work procedures which might produce injuries and property damage. Every employee is charged with the responsibility of supporting and cooperating with the Loss Prevention Program. All employees are expected, as a condition of employment, to adopt the concept that the safe way to perform a task is the most efficient and the only acceptable way to perform it. Every employee is expected to concern himself with their own safety, the safety of their fellow workers, and the safety of the general public affected by Village functions. It is important that employees be constantly on the alert for potential work hazards which are not referred to in any written practices, but which may exist and result in injuries or property damage. When potential hazards are thought to exist, employees should notify their supervisor before proceeding with the work as circumstances or conditions allow. Accidents do not happen; they are caused. They are caused because someone failed to do something that should have been done, or because a hazard was not recognized. These are human failures that can be controlled. By employing safety procedures, every employee W has an opportunity to prevent accidents. By passing on this knowledge to others, the employee demonstrates job skill and teamwork. SECTION 1.14 - VILLAGE INTERNET & E MAIL POLICY The Internet is a useful research and communication resource that is provided to Village employees for uses related to Village business. Access to the Internet provides e-mail capabilities for contacting non -Village resources and access to databases for research and informational purposes. This policy is intended to prevent the misuse of Internet access specifically as it pertains to the following unacceptable practices: Improperly downloading files that contain viruses which may contaminate Village information systems and databases; 2. Accessing objectionable or improper material; 3. Use of work time to access non -work related information or to "surf' the Internet; 4. Misrepresenting an individual's opinion as Village policy; Each individual user is responsible for the appropriate use of this resource as described in the Employee Intemet Policy. Each department is responsible for keeping an updated list of Internet users and ensuring that each user is familiar with the contents of this policy. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE To ensure that use of the Internet among employees of the Village of Elk Grove is consistent with Village policies, all applicable laws, and the individual user's job responsibilities and to establish basic guidelines for appropriate use of the Internet. POLICY 1. Employee Intemet access must be authorized by appropriate supervisory personnel in each Village department consistent with prior approval granted by the Village Manager. A condition of authorization is that all Intemet users must read a copy of this policy and applicable department policies on Intemet use. Departments must keep an updated list of all Village Manager approved Internet users and their applications (i.e. Web or Gopher research; FTP file downloads; e-mail; news group usage; etc.). 2. Access to the Internet via Village equipment can only be used for Village - related business. The user cannot disrupt or interfere with the work performed by users of the Village's own internal network or misrepresent the interest of the Village. Intemet access for personal use is prohibited. 19 All use of the Intemet via Village equipment must be in compliance with all applicable laws and policies (federal, state, and local laws, in addition to Village policies). Internet access via Village equipment, therefore, must not be used for illegal, improper, or illicit purposes. A. Users shall not use the Village's equipment to attempt any unauthorized use, nor interfere with other users' legitimate use, of any internal or external computer. B. Users shall not create, install, or knowingly distribute a computer virus of any kind on any Village computer, regardless of whether any demonstrable harm results. 4. Use of the Intemet by Village employees must be consistent with the Village's Personnel Rules and Regulations regarding employee conduct and ethical standards found throughout Article I . 5. The safety and security of the Village's network and resources must be considered at all times when using the Internet. Users shall not share any password for any Village computer or network facility with any unauthorized person, nor obtain any other user's password by any unauthorized means. Departments will work with Information Systems staff to obtain appropriate anti-virus software for Internet authorized employees. Individual users are responsible for adhering to this policy when downloading resources from the Internet. 6. A wide variety of information is available on the Internet. Some individuals may find some information on the Intemet offensive or otherwise objectionable. Individual users should be aware that the Village has no control over and can therefore not be responsible for the content of information available on the Internet. The following guidelines pertain to all Village departments; however, each Department Head may issue supplements to this policy to govern particular departmental needs. A. Departments shall be responsible for ensuring that all computer users know and understand safe computing practices. At a minimum, this shall include the following: - performing frequent backups on data files consistent with with the Village's Personal Computer Backup Policy. - using anti-virus software to scan for viruses on all files that is downloaded to disk from BBS's, the Internet, or any other outside sources. 20 B. Departments shall immediately report all virus outbreaks that have extended beyond a single PC to their immediate supervisor and to Assistant Director of Information Systems. The Assistant Director of Information Systems shall be charged with logging all such outbreaks and the eradication methods used by departments, and will notify other departments in the event of a virus outbreak. C. In the event of a serious virus outbreak, or in the event of a continued breach of this policy by a department, that department will be disconnected from the Internet and the Village's Wide Area Network until compliance with the Employee Internet Policy is re-established. D. Individual users must be aware of and at all times attempt to prevent potential Village liability in their use of the Internet. For that reason, all outgoing messages which do not reflect the official position of the Village or Department must include the following disclaimer: "The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of the Village of Elk Grove Village." E. Resources that are not used for a clear Village purpose must not be accessed or downloaded. F. Resources of any kind for which there is a fee must not be accessed or downloaded without prior approval of a supervisor. G. No one shall copy, install, or use any software or data files in violation of applicable copyrights or license agreements. Contact Information Systems if you are unsure about the copyright or license agreement that apply to the software in question. 8. E-mail messages and the transfer of information via the Internet are not secure. Any employee preparing to transit confidential information must do so in writing, using the traditional paper mail system. 9. No person without specific authorization shall read, alter, or delete any other person's computer files or e-mail. This applies regardless of whether the computer's operating system permits these acts. 10. The Intemet must be treated as a formal communications tool like telephone, radio, and video communications. Therefore, each individual user is responsible for complying with this and all other relevant policies when using the Village's resources for accessing the Intemet. Use of these same resources in violation of this policy or applicable department policies is grounds for disciplinary action as defined in Article I of the Elk Grove Village Personnel 21 Rules and Regulations."SURFING" the net for non -work related purposes is prohibited. E-MAIL POLICY The Village of Elk Grove provides electronic mail (e-mail) to its employees to assist and facilitate business communications. This policy is intended to define the parameters wherein Village employees in executing their assigned duties may use e-mail. With respect to e-mail confidentiality, the Village reserves the right to monitor all messages at any time, with or without notice to employees. The use of a system log -on or password should not convey an expression of privacy to the employees. Use of e-mail by Village employees must be consistent with the Personnel Rules and Regulations regarding employee conduct and ethical standards found in Article I. For example, employees transmitting obscene or harassing messages or using racially or sexually derogatory language in an e-mail message will be subject to the same disciplinary measures as if the remarks were made verbally. Official records communicated via e-mail must be retained as long as needed for ongoing operations, audit, legal proceedings, research, or other known purpose. Generally, records transmitted through e-mail systems will have the same retention period as those in other formats related to the same function or activity. Transitory messages and reference copies not requiring long term retention must be deleted in a timely manner. * The use of e-mail can only be for legitimate, Village related purposes. Sending of personal or non -business related messages are prohibited. * Reading, altering, or deleting another person's e-mail or computer files without specific authorization is prohibited. This applies regardless of whether or not the operating system of the computer permits these actions. * The use of e-mail for any illegal or unethical activities, or for any activity which could adversely affect the Village is prohibited. * Inappropriate use of e-mail may result in loss of access privileges and disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. By using the e-mail access provided, every Village employee agrees that he or she is aware of this and the provisions it contains. 22 SECTION 1.15 - OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT A. No full-time, part-time, or temporary Village employee shall be employed in outside employment without the approval of the Department Head and Village Manager. This applies to any form of non -Village activity, whether occasional, part-time, temporary or permanent, for which the employee receives money, goods, services or other forms of compensation. Employees wishing to hold outside jobs shall apply in writing to the Department Head who will forward the same to the Village Manager for approval prior to beginning work in the outside activity. In granting or withholding such requests, the Village Manager shall consider the following criterion in making a decision: 1. Impairment of Efficiency - The outside job shall not interfere with an employee's effectiveness in his/her Village position. Special attention shall be given to the number of hours at the location of the job and the nature of the duties performed. 2. Physical well-being - The outside work shall not leave the employee tired, therefore, more subject to injury in his/her Village job. In addition, the outside work must not create a physical strain on the employee's health so that the employee is more prone to illness, thereby, requiring the employee to absent himself/herself from work at the Village. 3. Conflict of Interest - No outside work will be approved if that job places the employee in a compromising position of performing duties or responsibilities that conflict or appear to conflict in ethics or purpose with his/her Village position. 4. Public Relations - The public relations of outside jobs shall be considered with particular attention to employment that is generally acceptable in the Community and does not reflect adversely on the village or on its employees. B. Any Village employee interested in securing outside employment must furnish the Human Resources Office with a full disclosure of the outside employment including the employer's name and address, the nature of work to be performed and the hours per week that the employee will engage in outside employment. Outside employment request forms are available, in the Human Resources Office. C. All outside employment requests must be submitted and approved by an employee's Supervisor, Department Head and the Village Manager prior to 23 the employee engaging in the non -Village employment. Information submitted on the form shall be subject to verification. In addition, before an employee's outside employment request will be considered, the employee's outside employer must submit a "Statement of Understanding" indicating the outside employer's acknowledgment and acceptance of specific responsibilities. Failure of the outside employer to return a signed "Statement of Understanding" will result in the outside employment request being denied. D. Full -Time employees are reminded that the Village is their primary employer and at no time can outside employment activities violate the criteria established above. Likewise, part-time and/or temporary employees who engage in outside employment activities, (whether it is for their primary employer) must also comply with the criteria established above. If a Department Head believes that one or more of the criteria is being violated by an employee engaging in an approved outside employment activity, he/she shall review the situation and send a report and recommendation to the Village Manager. Upon reviewing the situation, the Village Manager may revoke the employee's approval to engage in outside employment. The Village Manager may revoke the outside employment approval on a permanent or temporary basis depending on the circumstances. E. If an employee suffers an injury during or resulting from an outside employ- ment activity, the Village will not be responsible for any Worker's Compensation benefits. F. Paid sick leave will not be provided for an employee who suffers an occupational sickness, injury or disability as a direct result of outside employment. In addition, an employee is not eligible for any medical coverage under the Village sponsored Health Plans for any occupational sickness, injury or disability that occurs to him/her as a direct result of outside employment. G. An employee who absents themselves from work due to illness or injury is strictly prohibited from engaging in any outside employment during the period of time the employee is absent. At the onset of a job-related disability at the Village, all approved outside employment activities are immediately revoked. When the employee is able to return to his/her normal position with the Village, without restriction, they are required to resubmit their request for outside employment, if they wish to again engage in outside employment. The procedures as defined by this Section shall be followed and the approval of the Village Manager must be secured before the employee can engage in outside employment. Requests for waiver of this provision may be made to the employee's Department Head. The Village Manager must approve such requests. 24 H. If the employee uses sick leave he/she shall not engage in any outside employment until he/she reports to work and completes a normal work day, or in the event where the employee is not scheduled to report to work during the twenty-four (24) or forty-eight (48) hour period immediately following his/her scheduled workday (that he/she was absent from) the employee shall not engage in outside employment until a minimum of twenty-four (24) or forty-eight (48) hours has elapsed from the time that the employee was scheduled to work but did not because he/she used sick leave. I. Village uniforms, vehicles, equipment and supplies shall not be used in connection with outside employment. SECTION 1.16 - EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE The Village will maintain an Employee Communication Procedure for non-union employees. The procedure is designed to provide employees with information and/or a solution to their questions, concerns, or problems. If an employee has reason to seek information or to resolve a problem pertaining to his/her employment with the Village, he/she should informally discuss the question/problem with his/her immediate supervisor. The supervisor shall listen to. the employee's question/problem and provide a response within a reasonable time. If the immediate supervisor does not or cannot provide the employee with an acceptable response, the employee may avail himself/herself to the Employee Communication Procedure as indicated in the steps listed below. The employee may avail himself/herself to the procedure for any matter pertaining to his/her employment with the Village, including job classification, supervisors, rules, regulations, policies, job safety, working conditions, salary and benefits. Bargaining unit employees have their contractual grievance procedure to inquire into alleged contract violations. STEP 1 EMPLOYEE Please state your question, concern or problem in the space provided on the Employee Communication Form. Be as specific and precise as possible. Upon completing this form, you should immediately submit it to your supervisor. FIRST LEVEL SUPERVISOR Please provide the employee with your response to the question, concern or problem identified on the attached sheet within two (2) working days from the date you received this form. A copy is to be sent to your next level supervisor, Department Head, and Human Resources Officer at the same time. 25 SECOND LEVEL SUPERVISOR Upon receiving this form, please establish a meeting with the employee and his/her immediate supervisor. The meeting should be set up within five (5) working days of your receipt of this form. Please review the entire issue and identify, in the space provided, exactly what action, if any, you will take or recommend to resolve this matter. If the matter remains unresolved, the employee may address the issue with the Department Head. This completes the Step I process. STEP 2 If the employee is unsatisfied with the response provided by their immediate supervisor(s), the employee can meet with their Department Head under Step 2. DEPARTMENT HEAD: If your employee's question, concern or problem remains unresolved, please establish a meeting with the employee and all of the supervisory personnel who have been involved in this issue. The meeting should be set up within five (5) working days. Please review the entire issue and identify on a separate sheet of paper what action (if any) you will take to resolve this situation. If in your opinion the employee's concern or problem is legitimate but cannot be properly resolved because of an established Village rule or policy, you should submit a recommendation to resolve the matter to the Village Manager. If the response of the Department Head is unsatisfactory to the employee(s), the employee must provide a statement as to why the response is unsatisfactory to the Village Manager. This completes Step 2 of the process STEP 3 If the employee is unsatisfied with the response provided by their Department Head, the employee can meet with the Village Manager under Step 3. Upon receiving the reports, the Village Manager will schedule a meeting within fifteen (15) working days. The meeting will include the employee, the employee's supervisor(s), and the Department Head. After the meeting, the Village Manager will review the entire issue and reach a decision within fifteen (15) working days of the meeting. The Village Manager's decision shall be final and the employee will be notified in writing. A copy of the Village Manager's response shall be submitted to the Personnel Committee of the Village Board for their information. 26 SECTION 2.1 - CLASSIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT There are three classifications of employment. I. Regular full-time personnel. 2. Regular part-time personnel. 3. Seasonal or temporary personnel. Regular full-time personnel are employees who work the regular workweek as defined in Section 3.1 of this manual for their position. Regular part-time personnel are employees who work on a schedule of less than the minimum workweek as defined for their position. Seasonal and temporary employees are those who are hired for a specific period of time or for the duration of a specific project. SECTION 2.2 OPEN POSITIONS/RECRUITMENT A job opening exists when two conditions are met: The actual employment strength in a job classification is less than the authorized strength (as determined by the Village Board) for that job classification; and 2. The Village Manager determines that an opening exists, and that such position will be filled. When the Village Manager determines that an open position exists, a notice of such opening will normally be posted on current bulletin boards and made available in each department for a period of at least five (5) business days as determined by the Village Manager. Any employee interested in applying for such positions whether it is an upgrade, lateral transfer, or downgrade, must notify the Human Resources Office in writing of this desire. Every attempt will be made to fill the opening with an active employee prior to looking outside the organization provided the employee possesses the required qualifications and is determined to be the best candidate for the position. If such a move is successful, the transferring employee must serve a one-year probationary period on the new job. If disqualification during the probationary period occurs, an attempt will be made to place the disqualified employee in an open position if it is determined the disqualified employee has a legitimate opportunity to perform the job in a reasonable period of time with minimal loss of productivity. As vacancies occur in positions, an attempt will be made to fill them by promotion of present employees provided that employee is deemed to be the best -qualified employee KH for that position. Notice of such vacancy will normally be posted on the bulletin board in each department for five (5) calendar days before other means of filling vacant positions are used. Each interested employee must file a statement of interest in the vacant position within that five (5) day period with the Human. Resources Officer and a formal application must be submitted. In cases where employees, supervisors, or officials have referred individuals as potential candidates for employment, such persons will be given the same consideration to any other applicants - no more, no less. Employment advertisements will be placed in local newspapers that serve our recruiting area as deemed desirable and necessary by the Human Resources Officer. SECTION 2.2A - PROMOTIONS A promotion is defined as moving to a higher rated or paid position. A promotion shall be treated the same way as a new appointment, insofar as it is necessary to successfully complete a new one (1) year trial period. If the promoted employee does not complete the trial period successfully, he/she may be reinstated in his/her former position at the last held status, if that position is available. If that position is not available, the employee may be released from employment. Employees are encouraged to discuss promotional opportunities with their supervisors, department heads, or with the Human Resources Officer. Whenever possible, in-service training programs shall be established which prepare employees for promotional opportunities. In addition, employees may be given increasingly responsible work assignments to assist in preparing them for future advancement. SECTION 2.2B -DEMOTIONS A demotion is defined as moving to a lower rated or paid position. An employee may be demoted for failure to meet the requirements of the job classification occupied or as a result of a reduction in the work force. The employee can be demoted to a lower job classification if one is available and if the employee is qualified. A written statement of reasons shall be furnished to the employee at least five (5) calendar days prior to the effective date of the action. Demotions will generally not cause another employee to be displaced from their current job. Completion of a new one (1) year trial period is required. SECTION 2.2C - TRANSFERS A transfer is defined as moving to a job Which is equally rated to the employee's current job. Transfers of employees between departments, on either a permanent or temporary basis, may be made upon the recommendation of the Department Head of the affected department and the approval of the Village Manager. Employees so transferred shall conform to the working policies of the Department to which they are transferred, and 29 shall complete a new one (1) year trial period in the Department to which the employee has been transferred. SECTION 2.3 - APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES A. Application forms are essential because they provide the Village with: 1. A permanent written record of all job applications. 2. Necessary information about the person applying for the position. 3. Data for both the Human Resources Office and the operating department records, in a form that is used throughout the recruitment, selection, certification and appointment process. 4. A tool for initial screening to reduce the number of applicants not having backgrounds of education or experience necessary for job performance. 5. A source for reference checking and for cross referencing information received from other sources. In addition to an applicant's name, address, zip code, phone number and social security number, the following additional information is obtained on the application: 1. Position or type of work applied for. 2. Education and training. 3. Work experience -type and name(s) of previous employer(s). 4. Schools attended and date attended. 5. Special skills, qualifications and interests. 6. Health (to determine whether medical or physical problems need further investigation or accommodation). 7. Drivers License and Class. 8. Conviction of crimes. Any application which is false, untrue or fraudulent in any manner will be cause for disqualification or termination. If a person has already been hired prior to discovery of any falsification, the employee will be subject to immediate dismissal by the Village Manager. Applications for sworn positions shall comply with the application procedure of the Fire and Police Commission. SECTION 2.4 - LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Applicants for a position requiring a license and/or certification must present valid proof of it prior to the first assigned starting date. Persons operating Village vehicles or equipment must possess an appropriate and valid operator's license and submit that license as proof. Those positions requiring special certification by an agency of the State 30 must submit proof of satisfactory completion with certification to professionally practice in the State of Illinois. Various other certifications may be requested as proof of completed education at a recognized institution or University. The Village Manager reserves the right to obtain necessary information regarding academic achievement, educational files, and health of an applicant. SECTION 2.5 - ORAL AND WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS As a tool in evaluating an applicant, certain oral and/or written examinations may be required. The subject matter for those tests will measure the degree to which candidates have identifiable characteristics that have been determined to be important in successful performance in the job. A. General Personnel. Applicants for general personnel category positions will be required to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. The demonstration may involve the satisfactory completion of a written, verbal, or practical examination, or a combination of those examinations, and/or a review of the applicant's previous training and experience. Results will be reviewed at the time of the scheduled interview with the applicant. Examinations will be administered, scored and interpreted by the Human Resources Officer. B. Sworn Personnel. Only candidates who have had applications approved by the Commission will be permitted to participate in the written examination. The material used in this examination shall be of such a nature that it will adequately assess the candidates' ability to assimilate training as a Firefighter or Police Officer. It may be classified as a "general IQ test", a "mental ability test" and mechanical aptitude test. Questions shall be asked of the candidate in the oral examination that will enable the Commissioners to evaluate and grade the candidate on voice, speech, appearance, alertness, ability to present ideas, judgment, emotional stability, self-confidence, friendliness, and fitness for the position. SECTION 2.6 - MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS Every prospective employee must pass a physical examination that includes a drug - screening test conducted by a licensed physician before being appointed. A physician arranged for by the Village administers this examination. The Village will pay the cost of the examination. 31 During the course of employment, the Village Manager may require an employee to undergo a physical examination. SECTION 2.7 FINGERPRINTING AND POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS The Police Department may fingerprint every employee of the Village of Elk Grove and a routine background check may be made. This may be done before or after appointment. The personal background and criminal and/or civil action date will be evaluated in relation to the applicant's perceived ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the specific position for which that person has applied. Polygraph examinations may be required of any employee where other suitable tests of integrity are absent. An employee of record with the Village will never administer polygraph tests. SECTION 2.8 TRIAL PERIOD All regular full-time or part-time employees are required to serve a one-year trial period upon being hired, promoted, demoted, or transferred. Employees required to fulfill the residency requirement stated in section 1.14 will be provided an additional six (6) months to comply with the residency portion of the trial period. Days absent due to non -work related illness or injury do not count toward the completion of the trial period. During the trial period the newly hired employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the job. Trial employees maybe dismissed without prior notice, hearing or reason during the trial period. Current employees who obtain a new job within the Village because of promotion, transfer, or demotion must serve a new one (1) year trial period on the new job. Any time an employee moves from one job to another, a trial period must be served. Failure to perform satisfactorily in any trial period may result in loss of employment. SECTION 2.9 - CERTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE Upon completion of the designated trial period and before an employee may be classified to at -will status, the employee must receive certification under the following policies and procedures: 32 A. The Human Resources Officer shall notify the Department Head and the subject employee sixty (60) days prior to the end of the trial period that certification is due. B. Certification to at -will status may be accomplished by the Department Head submitting, along with the written performance evaluation, a "Notice of Personnel or Payroll Change" form to the Village Manager requesting his certification of the trial employee. The Fire and Police Commission shall certify sworn Fire and Police personnel under their purview. C. The Department Head shall make the request for certification (30) days prior to the end of the probationary period. Should the employee fail to perform his/her duties to the satisfaction of the Department Head, a Notice of Non - Certification shall be filed with the Human Resources Officer for general personnel or the Fire and Police Commission for sworn personnel. SECTION 2.10 - OFFICIAL PERSONNEL FILES The Village and its representatives to the extent required by law will always assure the privacy, of current and past employees. The Human Resources Officer shall be responsible for the maintenance of the official personnel files for all employees. These files shall be confidential and contain the complete employment history of each employee during employment with the Village. The personnel files shall consist of, but not be limited to: employment application, reference checks, dates and records of injuries, commendations, reprimands, performance evaluations, wage data, promotions, education and special training, and other related documents. Confidential medical records will be separated. The privacy of an employee's personnel file will be governed in accordance with Federal and State laws and administered as follows: A. Collection and Storage of Confidential Records Department Heads and supervisors are responsible for insuring that all personnel documents (as defined above) pertaining to their employees are promptly submitted to the Human Resources Office. All personnel records will be stored in a file cabinet located in the Human Resources Office. All personnel records will be locked up when not in use and during non -working hours. B. Employee Access to Their Personnel File Employees are permitted to inspect and copy any material that is contained in their personnel file. An employee who wishes to inspect his/her personnel file must submit a written request to his/her supervisor. 33 The request shall be forwarded to the Human Resources Office and an appointment will be set up with the Human Resources Officer to review the file. The Human Resources Officer or designate shall be present with the employee while the employee inspects his/her personnel file. If factual information is demonstrated to be incorrect by the employee, it will be corrected. If an employee disagrees with certain items in his/her file, such as disciplinary action, the employee may submit a concise statement of disagreement for inclusion in his/her personnel file. No documents or other information shall be removed from an employee's file without authorization from the Village Manager. C. External Disclosure of Personnel Information I. Only non -confidential information may be routinely given upon request for business or reference purposes. This information will be strictly limited to employment status, date(s) of employment and job title. Salary information shall be considered public information and it will be made available to the public and news media upon written request. The written request shall indicate exactly what information is being requested and how it will be used. No information will be given over the telephone. 2. An employee's salary information, address and telephone number shall be fiunished to credit agencies in writing only in response to written requests. The written request for the information must be accompanied by release authorization signed by the employee in question. 3. The following personnel records shall be considered confidential and will not be open to public inspection: a. Working papers, records and examination or evaluation of applicants for employment by the Village. b. Medical information of any kind, including employment physicals. C. Performance evaluation and personal references submitted in confidence. d. Complaints, charges or accusations of misconduct or 34 poor job performance, replies to those complaints, charges or accusations and any other information or materials that may result in disciplinary action, as well as disciplinary action taken, and the written decision relating to that action. 4. In the event that a court subpoenas an employee's personnel records, the subpoena shall be reviewed by the Village Attorney. Upon being advised by the Village Attorney, the Village Manager will authorize the release of the appropriate information. D. Access to an employee's personnel file shall be limited to the employee, the Human Resources Officer and such administrative personnel as the Village Manager may designate. This access shall include the employee's personnel file and any personnel information that may be stored in the computer. E. All reference requests for information must be referred to the Human Resources Office. The Human Resources Officer will release reference data on previous employees in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph C above (External Disclosure of Personnel Information). F. All employees must maintain current addresses, phone numbers, and other personal information with the Human Resources Office supplied on the appropriate form. SECTION 2.11 LAYOFF PROCEDURE A. Definition: A layoff is defined as a reduction in the authorized strength of a job classification in a department generally due to such reasons as budgetary restrictions, changes in service requirements, changes in methods of providing services, or general lack of work, initiated by the Village, which results in an active employee(s) being removed from a previously authorized position. The Villages election not to fill an open position does not constitute a layoff. B. Procedure: If it is necessary to reduce or eliminate the active number of employees in a job classification in a department or departments, two factors will normally be taken into consideration as the steps of the following procedure: those factors are the performance abilities of the employee and the employee's length of service with the Village. 35 STEP 1: Temporary or seasonal employees in the affected classification will normally be separated from employment first. STEP 2: Trial employees in the affected classification will normally be separated from employment. STEP 3: Part -Time employees in the affected classification will normally be separated from employment, and finally; STEP 4: Full Time employees in the affected classification will normally be laid off. C. Prior to implementing the layoff based upon the above stated criteria and steps, each affected Department Head will present a list of affected employees by classification to the Village Manager. The Village Manager will then prepare a report and recommendation for the Village President and Board of Trustees. The report shall state the most effective manner to implement the reduction in work force. Upon approval by the Village President and Board of Trustees, the Village Manager shall implement the reduction in work force. Prior to proceeding with the steps to determine who will be laid off, the Department Head will normally survey the employees in the affected classification to see if there are any volunteers to be laid off. Efforts will be made to place affected employees in open positions in other classifications. To be placed in an open position, an employee must possess the minimum qualifications of the open position. Pay rates in transfers of this type will be handled individually. Full time employees to be laid off may be given the opportunity to displace probationary employees in another classification in the same or another Department. Job performance, length of service, and qualifications will serve as applicable criteria for placement. If there are no probationary employees in the same or lower rated classification throughout the Village, a laid off employee may be considered for displacing the employee with the least amount of service in the Village provided the laid off employee is immediately qualified to perform the work of the employee to be displaced. All employees who are laid — off as a result of implementing the reduction in force, shall be entitled to payment for accrued and unused vacation and holidays. Further, each employee will normally receive such assistance as is within the capacity of the Village for locating other employment opportunities. At a minimum, such assistance shall consist of APPROPRIATE letters of reference, letters of referral, and counseling with respect to accumulated benefits available through the Village and other public institutions. 36 Employees who are currently participating in the Village Health and Life Insurance programs, and are laid -off, will have those benefits extended at Village cost for thirty (30) days after the effective date of the lay-off, and will normally have the right to continue to participate in the programs, at their expense for a maximum of two (2) years from the date of layoff, or until employed by another employer who provides coverage, whichever is shorter. No benefits will accrue during the lay-off period nor will laid -off employees be eligible for any type of compensation from the Village. When the Village determines that the conditions, which led to the reduction in force, have sufficiently abated to warrant recall of personnel, a recall will occur in accordance with Section 2.11A. SECTION 2.11A - RECALL FROM LAYOFF When the Village determines that the conditions which led to the reduction in force have sufficiently abated to warrant recall of personnel, employees who are on lay-off, and are immediately qualified to perform the work in question, will normally be recalled to Village service in the reverse order of their separation provided that their layoff status has been in effect for less than two (2) years. Notice of recall shall be sent by certified mail to the last address on file with the Village. Employees so recalled shall have ten (10) days from the date of the notice to advise the Village of their interest in being reinstated to a Village position. Failure to respond within the ten (10) day period shall cause the person to forfeit any right to reinstatement in any job in the Village government. A physical examination to determine current fitness to perform the work may be required. If such a physical examination is required, the employee must successfully pass the employment physical before being reinstated to work with the Village. Laid off employees are required to keep the Human Resources Officer informed as to their current address and phone number. SECTION 2.11B REINSTATEMENT OF BENEFITS Employees who return to work for the Village, after being laid off, shall have the sick leave that they had accrued but not used prior to their layoff restored in full. In addition, the returning employees shall have their seniority restored that was earned prior to their layoff, for purpose of determining eligibility of benefits. Restoration of the returning employee's pension benefits shall be governed by the pension plan in which the employee participates, as defined and provided for by State Statute. SECTION 2.12 - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION All Village employees shall have their work performance evaluated on a semi- annual basis. The performance evaluation periods are: April 1 through September 30; This evaluation will be completed by 37 October 15 and submitted to the Human Resources Office no later than October 30. 2. October 1 through March 31: This evaluation shall be completed by April 15 and submitted to the Human Resources Office no later than April 30. The evaluation shall be completed on the form provided and shall include all required supervisory and employee signatures. The performance evaluation process provides all supervisory employees and all subordinate employees with the opportunity to: Review their performance for the period applicable; and 2. Discuss performance expectations and requirements for the future. Employees must understand that their continued employment with the Village is dependent upon overall satisfactory job performance. Continued below standard performance and/or behavior may result in termination. Appeals may extend the date requirements stated above. SECTION 2.13 - EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES No relatives shall be employed within the same department whether on a permanent or temporary basis, except with the written approval of the Village Manager, or in the case of sworn personnel, as appointed by the Fire and Police Commission. Relatives of current employees are ineligible to be hired as seasonal employees. SECTION 2.14 -TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT/ASSIGNMENT The Village reserves the right to temporarily assign employees to any position it deems necessary when it is determined that a vacancy cannot be immediately filled and/or the work load within an activity in a Department becomes over burdened or other reasons. In the case of supervisory positions, if it is determined that a vacancy will not be filled for more than thirty (30) days, and current supervisory personnel cannot absorb the needed work, the Department Head may request the Village Manager to fill the vacant supervisory position on a temporary basis. This may apply to either sworn or non-swom supervisory positions. RE The employee who is temporarily appointed shall accept the appointment with the full knowledge that the position is temporary. The Department Head shall consider all the eligible employees in the department, and based on job performance, the ability to successfully carry out the duties of the vacant supervisory position, and any other relevant criteria the Department Head shall recommend to the Village Manager which employee should be appointed to the temporary supervisory position. The Village Manager shall make the temporary appointment. The Village Manager based upon an appropriate recommendation submitted by the Department Head may terminate a temporary appointment at any time. However, a temporary appointment will automatically terminate with the appointment of a permanent employee to fill the vacant supervisory position or at the end of six (6) consecutive calendar months, whichever occurs first. In the case of Fire and/or Police Department supervisory appointments, if the Fire and Police Commission is unable to make permanent appointment to vacant supervisory positions within the six (6) month period, the Commission shall advise the Village Manager in a written report. The report shall indicate the reason for the delay and the approximate date the appointment will be made. Upon reviewing the Commission's report, the Village Manager may appoint another employee on a temporary basis to fill the position based on the Department Head's recommendation. This section will also govern any such temporary appointment. An employee who is temporarily appointed to a vacant supervisory position will be compensated at a rate of pay of 5% higher than his/her pay, in his/her permanent position of advanced to the entrance rate of the vacant position, whichever results in a higher pay. The pay increase will be effective on the first day of the temporary appointment. At the conclusion of the temporary appointment, the employee's rate of pay will immediately revert back to the rate of pay assigned to their permanent position. An employee who is temporarily appointed to fill a vacant supervisory position will be required to fulfill all of the duties and responsibilities of the position and he/she will be assigned the authority normally associated with the supervisory position. In determining overtime and other fringe benefit eligibility, the employee will be governed by the Personnel Rules and Regulations as they pertain to the supervisory position that he/she is temporarily filling. SECTION 2.15 - ORIENTATION Each newly hired employee will be provided with an orientation session with Human Resources within their first week after being hired. Such orientation shall consist of: 1. A review of all Village Policies and Practices. 2. A review of Benefits. M The selection and signing of all required paperwork to activate their employment. SECTION 2.16 - SERVICE WITH THE VILLAGE Service with the Village is defined as an employee's continuous full time or regular part time service with the Village beginning with the employee's original or latest date of hire, excluding any temporary service, leaves of absences without pay, or other non -paid breaks in service. If more than one person is hired on the same date, service preference will be established alphabetically. A. Breaks In Service An employee's service continuity with the Village shall be broken by: 1 Voluntary resignation; 2 Discharge; 3. Retirement; 4. Absence of three (3) consecutive work days without notice of absence (except for good cause shown to be due to circumstances beyond the control of the employee); 5. Failure to report to work on the first regularly scheduled work day following the conclusion of an authorized leave of absence or vacation; or 6. Is laid off and fails to respond to recall within (ten) 10 calendar days. B. Conversion of Benefit Date when going from Part-time to Full Time When an employee converts from part-time to full time, the following principles will normally apply. 1. Any part-time benefits earned will be converted to full time benefits. 2. A new benefit date will be established based upon the percent of hours worked as a part time employee when compared to full time hours associated with the position. .SECTION 2.17 RE -HIRE OF PENSIONED EMPLOYEES In the event a pensioned employee is hired for an open job in a different classification prior to retirement resignation, the employee would be re -hired as a new employee. In lieu of total payment of accrued but unused vacation, the employee may carry up to a maximum of two weeks of vacation into the new position. Such vacation will be utilized during the trial year on the new job. Q] SECTION 3.1 - APPLICATION OF THIS ARTICLE This Article defines the normal hours of work, and establishes the basis for calculation of overtime pay. It is not a guarantee of hours of work per day or per week or per any established period. It does not establish a right to compensation in any form for time not worked. SECTION 3.2 THE WORKWEEK All Village employees, full or part time, have regular work schedules. Regular work hours may vary from Department to Department for operational reasons. The standard workweek shall normally consist of five workdays during a period of seven (7) calendar days. The days scheduled may be changed for operational needs and may not necessarily be consecutive. A. 37.5 Hour Workweek 1. Village Manager's Office 2. Village Clerk's Office 3. Finance Department 4. Community Services 5. Health Services 6. All Secretarial/Clerical Employees B. 40 Hour Workweek 1. Engineering & Community Development Dept. 2. Public Works Department 3. Fire Department: classifications of Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Training Co -Ordinator, Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief, Fire Inspector/Plan Reviewer, and Fire Inspectors. 4. Police Department: classifications of Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief, and Commander. 42 C. Non -Standard Workweek 1. Fire Department 24 on 48 off schedule; Average 56 hours per workweek 2. Police Department - Average 40 hours per workweek SECTION 3.3 -THE WORKDAY The Department Head, with the approval of the Village Manager, establishes the normal workday. For employees working a 37.5 -hour workweek, the normal workday is 7.5 hours. For employees working a 40 -hour workweek, the normal workday is 8 hours. Part-time positions are job assignments where the work schedules are less than the normal full time schedule of thirty-seven and one-half (37.5) hours or forty (40) hour workweek. Part-time positions may be either full day for less than five days per week, part days during a full week, or a combination of these two. Part-time employees may only work their designated schedule. The Village Manager must authorize any change to their schedule. SECTION 3.4 - STARTING AND QUITTING TIMES The Department Head, with the approval of the Village Manager, establishes starting times and quitting times. Every employee is expected to be at their workstation, prepared to begin work at their designated starting time. They are also expected to work until their designated quitting time. SECTION 3.5 -LUNCH PERIODS Every employee who works six (6) hours or more in one (1) day will be provided with a one-half hour or one-hour lunch period as designated by the Village. Employees may not work through their lunch period to be excused early without permission from their Department Head. Such permission may be granted with legitimate cause on an infrequent basis. SECTION 3.6 -BREAK PERIODS Two break periods, not to exceed 15 minutes each, may be authorized and scheduled by Department Heads. The scheduling of these breaks is entirely discretionary with the Department Head based upon departmental operational needs. Breaks when authorized may not be taken during the first or last hour of the day, nor will they be allowed to be used adjacent to a designated lunch period. SECTION 3.7 - RECORDKEEPING Every employee is responsible to record accurately their own information on their time sheet or time card. Falsification of time records is a serious form of misconduct. Each 43 supervisor is required to review the time records of every subordinate employee and to attest to its accuracy. Record keeping mistakes may be corrected immediately. However, mistakes from prior years may not be adjusted without approval of the Department Head and the Village Manager. Discrepancies in record keeping may be corrected up to one (1) year from the date of the mistake. After one year there will be no correction. Employees are prohibited from completing other employee's time records. An employee's supervisor may complete the time sheet of an absent employee. SECTION 3.8 - ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES, SEMINARS. MEETINGS. AND TRAINING SESSIONS. Attendance at professional conferences, seminars, meetings, and/or training sessions is considered part of an employee's regular duties. As such, the time of attendance is also considered part of their regular schedule. Starting and quitting times, and duration of lunch may be adjusted for the day or days involved. If an employee has any question with regard to schedules when attending these activities, their concerns should be addressed prior to attendance. SECTION 3.9 - SUMMER FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE Annually, the Village Manager,in concert with each Department Head, will determine if the Summer Flexible Work Schedule Program will be offered ,the guidelines for use, and the number of weeks offered. The operational needs of the Department shall determine the use of this discretionary program. M, SECTION 4.1 PLAN PURPOSE The purpose of the Village's Wage and Salary Plan is: I.To provide a current inventory of job positions utilized by the Village in service to the Community. 2. To provide accurate up to date position descriptions. 3. To provide fair and equitable methods of compensation for Village employees based upon the guidelines and direction of the Village Board. The Wage and Salary or Compensation Plan of the Village consists of the following elements. A Schematic Outline of Occupational Titles. This is a list of position titles by Department and Pay Plan Type. It is reviewed annually or as directed by the Village Board. 2. An Authorized Position List. This list, updated annually as part of the annual budget process, provides an identification of the number of positions utilized by the Village in service to the Community. A Position Description Catalog. This book provides a current identification of the duties and responsibilities of each position. The Schematic Outline of Occupational Titles and the Authorized Positions List are reviewed on an annual basis by the Village Manager as part of the budget process. The Position Description Catalog for all authorized positions is maintained on a current basis. It is reviewed periodically as well as when position duties change in order to maintain an accurate account of the duties of a job. Section 4.2 DIRECT FORMS OF COMPENSATION Village employees receive compensation for the work they perform directly in the form of a bi-weekly paycheck based upon the salaries assigned to each position. There are Three (3) Pay Plan Types 1. The Merit Pay Plan; 2. The Step Pay Plan; and 3. The Specific Rate Pay Plan As part of the Schematic Outline of Authorized Positions each job in the service of the Village.is.assigned to one of the three Pay Plan types. 4.2A1. MERIT PAY PLAN POSITIONS Executive, Administrative, Managerial, Professional and Supervisory positions are paid in accordance with the components of the Merit Pay Plan. Each Merit Pay Plan has a Position Minimum Rate and a Position Maximum Rate. The differences between these rates make up the Merit Pay Plan Range. On a periodic basis, Merit Pay Plan position Minimum Rates, Maximum Rates, and Rate Ranges are reviewed to determine their comparable position in relation to the wage rates for similar positions in comparable communities. Employees in the Merit Pay Plan have their actual pay determined based upon an amount established by the Village and the guidelines established for distribution. Merit Pay Plan employees will normally not be compensated at a rate lower than the established rate range minimum for the position. Certain designated First Line Supervisory employees will be paid no less than five (5) percent above the top step rate for their designated subordinate position. Merit Pay Plan employees will normally not be paid at a rate higher than the established Maximum for their position Rate Range. 4.2A2 MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT AWARD PROGRAM A second type of direct compensation available for Merit Pay Plan employees is the Management Enhancement Program Award. Annually, the Management Enhancement Program Award will be considered along with the amount for each award. If granted, the award is provided to full time Merit Pay Plan employees who are actively on the payroll on November 1 of the current fiscal year. 4.2A3 OVERTIME FOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Overtime is also considered a form of direct compensation. As exempt employees, most executives, managerial, administrative, professional, and supervisory employees are ineligible for overtime compensation. Some merit pay classifications are eligible for overtime compensation if. 47 The needs of the department are such that the supervisor must work additional days and/or hours because of inadequate supervisory manpower; or 2. When emergency situations develop which require their supervision. Merit Pay Plan Classifications Eligible for Overtime Police Sergeant Vehicle Maintenance Foreman Public Works Foreman Receivable/Billing Supervisor Records Supervisor 4.2A4. ACTING SUPERVISORY APPOINTMENTS LESS THAN 30 DAYS If, in the extended absence of an employee's supervisor, an employee is officially designated to fulfill all of the duties and responsibilities of the absent supervisor and the employee's job description does not require them to act for the supervisor during the supervisor's absence, then the employee will receive additional compensation at a rate of five (5) percent above the employee's base compensation for the period of time the employee is designated to act for the absent supervisor. If the supervisory position is anticipated to remain vacant in excess of thirty (30) calendar days, the Department Head will consider the need for a Temporary Supervisory Appointment as delineated in Section 2.14. 4.2BI. STEP PAY PLAN POSITIONS Non-union positions participating in the step pay plan have their wages specifically identified based on years of service. Steps For Each Step Pay Plan Position Step 1 -- the normal hiring step Step 2 -- upon successful completion of the probationary period of service Step 3 -- normally after two (2) years of service Step 4 -- normally after three (3) years of service Step 5 -- normally after four (4) years of service Step 6 -- normally after five (5) years of service and thereafter Movement from step to step is based primarily on length of service. In the case of employees whose performance falls below the Meets Standard level, step increases may EN be withheld by the Department Head with the approval of the Village Manager pending satisfactory improvement. Part-time employees are generally compensated in the same manner as full time step pay plan employees. 4.2132 LONGEVITY PAY PROGRAM A second direct pay method for non-union, non -supervisory, Step Pay Plan personnel is a Longevity Pay Award. On November I of each year, in accordance with the following schedule, Step Pay Plan employees are eligible for a Longevity Award if approved by theVillage Board. There are three levels of awards. Those levels are: Employees with at least 10 years of service as of November 1 Employees with at least 15 years of service as of November 1 Employees with at least 20 years of service as of November 1 The Village Board as part of the budget process determines the amounts of the longevity awards for each level. 4.2133 OVERIME FOR STEP PAY PLAN PERSONNEL As non-exempt personnel, Step Pay Plan employees are eligible for overtime compensation at the rate of time and one-half for any time worked beyond forty (40) hours in a work week. Time paid but not worked during a workweek such as sick time will not count toward the forty (40) hour accumulation, except that vacation time and holiday time paid will count toward the forty (40) hours accumulation. 4.2C SPECIFIC RATE PAY PLAN In some instances, employees are paid a specific hourly or unit rate for their services. The classifications paid under this pay plan now are: Residential Meter Reader - paid a specific rate for each meter read 2. Crossing Guards - paid a weekly salary based upon the number of daily crossings Non-union part-time custodians - paid a specific hourly rate 4. Seasonal employees - paid a specific hourly rate 5. Interns - paid a specific hourly rate M The Village makes a wage level determination annually for these classifications. Seasonal Specific Rate Pay Plan employees are normally eligible for overtime compensation in the same manner as non-exempt step pay plan employees. Specific Rate Pay Plan employees are not eligible for Longevity Program Awards. 4.2Di STAND - BY- STATUS PAY (non -supervisory employees) Specifically designated employees are eligible for stand-by pay if directed either verbally or in writing to be continuously available to work during an off-duty period. Non -supervisory employees may be required to be continuously available to report to work during an off-duty period. An employee specifically instructed to be on stand-by mode must: 1. Be continuously available to be contacted by telephone or other electronic telecommunication device. 2. Be able to report for work within thirty (30) minutes of contact. 3. Report in a physical condition that allows for efficient and legal performance of required duties. Compensation for stand-by status will generally be provided for: Weekend Fixed Holiday Fixed Holiday and Weekend Amounts will be determined by the Village Board as part of the budgeting process. 4.2D2 RATES OF PAY FOR PROMOTIONS,TRANSFERS,AND DEMOTIONS. When employees move from job to job, either within a pay plan or between pay plans their compensation may be impacted. Generally, the following guidelines will apply: Promotions Merit Pay Plan employees when promoted from one Merit Pay Plan position to another of greater value, will generally receive a rate which is (5) percent more than their current rate or the Minimum of the new position Rate Range which ever is greater. In the case of a Step Pay Pian employee promoted to a Transfers higher rated Step Pay Plan position, the employee's new salary will be set at the next higher salary (regardless of step numbers) for the new position. The salary will be higher, but the step may be the same, higher or lower. In the case of a Specific Rate Pay plan employee being promoted to a Step Pay Plan or Merit Pay Plan position, the principles of applying a hiring rate will apply. The effective date must coincide with the first day of a pay period. A transfer by definition is the movement from one position to an equally rated or paid position. In these cases, an employee's rate of pay will remain the same. Demotions In the case of any demotion, the demoted employee's rate of pay will be set by the Village Manager but in no case will the new rate exceed the Maximum Rate or the Top Step rate of the new position. CONVERSION FROM PART-TIME TO FULL TIME STATUS Employees often begin employment with the Village as a part-time employee and then move to a full time position. When employees move from part-time to full time, the following principles generally will apply. 1. They will serve a one (1) year trial period. 2. Part-time benefits earned (if any) will be converted to full time amounts. 3. A new benefit date will be established based upon scheduled hours and hours worked as a part-time employee. 4.2D3 SERGEANTS OFF-DUTY COURT PAY Any Police Sergeant, who is required to appear in court on a matter of Village business, while off-duty, shall receive as additional compensation the flat -rate stipend as determined by the Village Board Such compensation shall only be granted once per off duty day. 51 4.3 INDIRECT COMPENSATION There are many benefits the Village provides its employees that are defined as indirect compensation benefits. They range from holiday time off to MedicaUDental Benefits. The following items identify and specify these indirect forms of compensation and the guidelines associated with the benefits. 4.3A. HOLIDAYS Village employees actively on the payroll at the beginning of the calendar year are eligible for a total of twelve (12) holidays. These holidays are either Fixed Holidays (celebrated on a specific day) or Floating Holidays (voluntarily selected by the employee and approved by the Department Head). Before December of each year the Village publishes a list of Fixed Holidays and the days on which those holidays are celebrated. There are now eight (8) Fixed Holidays. They are: New Years Day Labor Day Presidents Day Thanksgiving Day Memorial Day Day After Thanksgiving Independence Day Christmas Day To supplement these eight (8) Fixed Holidays, employees are eligible to select (in writing) four (4) Floating Holidays subject to written approval by the employee's Department Head. In the case of Fire Department Captains, Police Sergeants, Police Commanders, Deputy Chiefs, and Chiefs, because of their non -regular shift work, they do not celebrate the day after Thanksgiving as a fixed holiday; they are instead allowed a fifth Floating Holiday. All employees actively on the payroll on January I of each year are eligible for all twelve (12) holidays. Newly hired employees are eligible for any Fixed Holiday(s) remaining in the year (after being hired) and Floating Holidays in accordance with the following schedule: Hired in January, February, March 4 Floaters Hired in April, May, June 3 Floaters Hired in July, August, September 2 Floaters Hired in October, November, December 1 Floater 52 Floating Holidays must be used in the calendar year they are provided. Employees cannot carry-over unused Floating Holidays. Employees who are required to work on a Fixed Holiday will receive their regular pay and holiday pay. In the case of non -regular workweek shift personnel, if their normal day off falls on a fixed holiday, they will be allowed to select another day in observance of that holiday. Employees who leave employment with the Village prior to using all Floating Holidays will forfeit all such unused days. To be eligible for Holiday compensation, employees must work their regularly -scheduled day prior to the holiday and their regularly scheduled day following the holiday. If absent either or both of these days, an employee may be paid holiday pay if such absence(s) are approved by the Department Head. Part-time employees are eligible for holiday pay benefits based upon the following criteria: 1. Completion of one (1) year service; 2.' Work at least fifty (50) percent of the full time hours designated for that job; 3. Payment based upon their regular schedule of hours. 4.3B.THE VACATION BENEFIT Full time employees are eligible for the vacation benefit after completing one full year of service or as determined by the Village Manager. VACATION ACCRUAL Vacation is earned or accrued on a monthly basis provided the employee is actively on the payroll. While on unpaid status, there is no accrual of benefits. 53 Accrualgeriod Hours accrued 37.5 hour week Months 1 thru 48 6.25 hrs.per month 40 hour week Months 1 thru 48 6.67 hrs. per month 24/48 schedule Months 1 thru 48 10 hrs. per month 37.5 hour week Months 49 thru 108 9.375 hrs.per month 40 hour week Months 49 thru 108 10 hrs. per month 24/48 schedule Months 49 thru 108 15 hrs. per month 37.5 hour week Months 109 thru 168 11.25 hrs.per month 40 hour week Months 109 thru 168 12 hrs. per month 24/48 schedule Months 109 thru 168 18 hrs. per month 53 37.5 hour week Months 169 thru 228 40 hour week Months 169 thru 228 24/48 schedule Months 169 thru 228 37.5 hour week Months 229 thru 288 40 hour week Months 229 thru 288 24/48 schedule Months 229 thru 288 37.5 hour week Months 289 and above 40 hour week Months 289 and above 24/48 schedule Months 289 and above 12.5 hrs.per month 13.34 hrs. per month 20 hrs. per month 14.375 hrs.per month 15.33 hrs. per month 23 hrs. per month 15.625 hrs.per month 16.67 hrs. per month 25 hrs. per month To compute the days of vacation earned, take the earning rate, multiply by 12 months, and divide by hours worked per day. Example: 6.25 hours x 12 months = 75 hours divided by 7.5 hrs. = 10 days Part-time employees are eligible for the vacation benefit based upon the same criteria as is used for holiday benefits. VACATION USE (based on continued active employment) Year 37.5 hr. 40 hr. 24/48 1 0 to use 0 to use 0 to use 2 thru 5 10 days 10 days 5 days 6 thru 10 15 days 15 days 7.5 days 11 thru 15 18 days 18 days 9 days 16 thru 20 20 days 20 days 10 days 21 thru 25 23 days 23 days 11.5 days 26 plus 25 days 25 days 12.5 days After a full 12 months of employment, anniversary date to anniversary date, all vacation must be taken between the anniversary date and the following December 31 st. For employees hired in October, November, and December, if vacation is unable to be taken prior to December 31st, they will have until the following December 31st to take their vacation. Accruals for less than a full year, earned prior to an employee's anniversary date, may be advanced with the approval of the Village Manager. Vacation may not be carried over into the next calendar year without the written approval of the Village Manager. 54 A vacation advance is defined as taking vacation before it is earned in the following earning year. Advances may be requested for legitimate reasons. All requests must be in writing and must be approved by the Department Head and the Village Manager. Vacations are normally taken in full day increments. However, with the permission of the Department Head, they may be taken in less than full day increments. The Department Head determines vacation schedules. While due consideration will be given to employee requests, operational needs of the department and the Village will take preference. Seniority may be a factor used by the Department Head in scheduling vacations. In the event of termination, separation,or retirement, (except trial employees), vacation benefits previously accrued which remain unused will be paid to the separating employee. If an employee leaves with a negative accrual, vacation benefits owed to the Village will be deducted from the employee's last check. If an active employee dies, payment for accrued unused vacation will be made to the deceased employee's beneficiary. 4.3C MANAGEMENT VACATION In addition to the regular vacation benefit, some executive, administrative, managerial, professional, and supervisory employees are eligible for the Management vacation benefit. The following chart identifies the classifications eligible for this benefit and the amount of their benefit. Three (3) Management Vacation Days Village Manager Assistant Village Manager Health Services Coordinator Director Engineering/Community Dev. Community Services Coordinator Director of Finance Fire Chief Director of Public Works Police Chief Village Clerk Deputy Fire Chief Utility Superintendent Deputy Village Clerk Assistant Director of Finance Deputy Police Chief Building/Fleet Superintendent Street Superintendent Assistant Director of Engineering Assistant Director of Community Development Assistant Director of Community Revitalization Assistant Director of Information Systems Two (2) Management Vacation Days Police Commander Assistant Fire Chief Fire Captain 55 One (11 Manaeement Vacation Days Police Sergeant Records Supervisor Utility Foreman Accounting Supervisor Public Works Foreman Receivable/Billing Supervisor Vehicle Maintenance Foreman Purchasing Agent Human Resources Officer 4.3D SICK LEAVE The Village may grant Sick Leave, which is paid leave for the non -service related illness or injury of an employee. Employees accrue sick leave benefits at the rate of one day for each month worked up to a maximum of 120 days. This number shall be divided by two (2) for sworn fire personnel working a fifty-six (56) hour workweek schedule. An employee will be eligible for sick leave compensation only to the extent that they have accrued sick leave. Full time employees become eligible for sick leave accrual and pay immediately upon being hired. Part-time personnel, who work a regular schedule of less than that of a full time position, shall become eligible for a prorated sick leave benefit following twelve (12) consecutive months of service. Sick leave will be granted to an employee who is unable to report for work due to a non - work related illness or injury, which physically prevents the employee from effectively performing their job. Sick leave will not be granted or paid for employees who are unable to work due to an occupational illness or injury or an injury or illness caused by an outside employment activity. The Department Head reserves the right to require employees to provide written, acceptable medical certification, signed by a licensed physician.The written documentation must state that the employee was unable to work on the days absent, that they were seen and treated by the attending physician, and that they are able to return to work on a specific date. While such documentation is normally required if the employee has missed three (3) or more consecutive workdays, it may be required of employees who are suspected of abusing the sick leave privilege. As a mutual protection for the employee and the Village, the Department Head with the approval of the Village Manager, may require an employee to submit to a physical exam by a designated physician when, in the Department Head's opinion, there is reason to believe that the employee cannot perform the essential functions of the job. The employee may be required to conform to the physician's recommendation(s) as a condition of continued employment. If the physician's report states that the employee is unfit to perform the essential duties of their job because of their physical condition, the employee may be placed on a temporary off-duty related disability. The Village will normally pay for exams of this type. To be eligible for sick leave compensation for a non -work related illness or injury, the employee must notify their immediate supervisor of what illness or injury prevents them 56 from reporting to work a minimum of one-half hour prior to the beginning of their normal work time. Failure to provide this advance notice or failure to provide any notice at all may result in the sick leave compensation being denied. Such notice shall include the general nature of the injury or illness, when they will be able to return to work, and the location at which that the employee is recovering. The Village retains the right to contact the employee at the location provided anytime during the employee's regular scheduled workday. Such contact may be made at the discretion of the Department Head. Employees must work the scheduled day before and the scheduled day after any scheduled vacation or holiday . Employees who are absent any of those days due to claimed illness or injury shall not be eligible for sick leave compensation for the absences unless the Department Head approves the absences. Other uses of the sick leave privilege include any form of preventative exam or treatment which requires the employee to take time off during normal work time to see their doctor, receive hospital or clinical services, dental care, or other similar medical services. Such use must be requested and approved prior to the requested day of absence. Sick leave pay shall not be considered a right which an employee may use at their own discretion, but is a privilege approved by management when the employee is suffering from a non -work related or outside work related illness or injury. Part-time employees are eligible to accrue and use sick leave benefits on a pro -rated basis without the year of service or fifty percent of full time hour's criteria. Part-time employees are not eligible for any other leaves of absence. IMRF CREDITABLE SERVICE DAYS Employees that are covered under the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) are eligible to receive a maximum of six (6) months additional creditable service with IMRF for unused,unpaid sick leave upon retirement. Creditable Service Days are accrued at the rate of one day for each month of service after the employee accumulates 120 Sick Leave Days, to a maximum 120 Creditable Service Days. Creditable Service Days can only be applied toward additional IMRF creditable service. These days will not be used towards paid sick leave. 4.3E BEREAVEMENT LEAVE Full time employees may be eligible for paid Emergency Leave in the event of a death or serious illness, and/or injury in the employees immediate family. The initial days of absence, up to three (3) days, used for the Bereavement portion of Emergency Leave shall not reduce Sick Leave accruals. 57 The immediate family is defined as: Spouse Brother Parent Child Parent -in-law Grandchild Brother or Sister-in-law Sister Grandparents Son or Daughter-in-law Grandparents of Current Spouse no matter where they live, and any other relative living in the employee's household. An employee, with the approval of their Department Head, may be authorized to use up to 7.5 or 8 hours of sick time to attend a funeral not covered by this policy. 4.3F EMERGENCY LEAVE In cases where an employee experiences a serious illness or injury to a member of their immediate family as defined in the Bereavement Section, the employee will be eligible for Emergency Leave time if one or more of the following circumstances exists. Examples of reasons for Emergency Leave: The employee is required to provide health care to that immediate family member. 2. The employee requires a short time away from work to recover from emotional stress caused directly from a death or serious illness or injury to an immediate family member. 3. The employee is required to take an immediate family member to a medical facility for care and/or treatment. This includes being present during and immediately after initial care or treatment for a serious medical problem. Emergency Leave time shall reduce accrued sick time totals. If it is determined by a Department Head that an employee is eligible for Emergency Leave, up to three (3) days may be granted for that purpose. The Village Manager may extend this time limit. 58 4.3G FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE The Village will comply with the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act. 4.3H MILITARY LEAVE Full time employees, who leave active employment with the Village for the purpose of entering the Armed Forces or Coast Guard either by enlistment, draft, or recall, will be granted a Leave of Absence as required by law. Upon expiration of the Leave of Absence, an employee will be restored to their former position, status and pay, unless the circumstances of the Village have so changed as to make it impossible or unreasonable to do so. Conditions for Reinstatement: 1. Application for reinstatement is made within ninety (90) days after discharge from service. 2. The employee presents certification at time of re-application showing satisfactory completion of service. 3. The employee's period of service does not exceed four (4) years of service, plus one (1) year service due to extension of service at the convenience of the Federal Government. RESERVE DUTY The Village now allows up to fourteen (14) calendar days of leave for the purpose of fulfilling Military Reserve Time. These fourteen days may include summer training duty or special weekend training. If additional time is needed, an employee must use vacation or floating holiday time for such absences. The employee will receive full pay during this period(s) of absence, which will be computed as the difference between full pay less any payment received from the Government. Prior written approval by the Department Head is required. Notice of training or reserve time from the Federal Government must accompany such request. 59 4.3I NECESSARY TIME OFF TO VOTE If an employee finds that due to circumstances beyond their control, they cannot reach their assigned polling place either before or after scheduled work hours, they will be permitted to be absent from work for a period not to exceed two hours. The time that an employee will be permitted to leave the workstation shall be determined by the Department Head based on operational requirements. The time the employee is away from the workstation for purposes of voting shall only be used to vote in the election. Such time as the employee is absent from work shall not be eligible for normal compensation. The time shall be recorded as authorized time away from work,(without compensation) and it shall not be used in the calculation of overtime eligibility and compensation. 4.3J JURY DUTY LEAVE Employees who are required to serve on a jury and would otherwise have been actively at work are eligible to receive full pay for work time missed in this service. Such payment is made provided the employee provides advance notice to their supervisor. Fees associated with this service may also be retained by the employee. If an employee is excused from jury service for any day or days during their required period, they are expected to report for work as usual. 4.3K WITNESS LEAVE Occasionally, employees may be subpoenaed to be a witness in a formal legal procedure unrelated to normal Village work activities. If so required, and such appearance is not in the employee's self-interest such as being a plaintiff or as a defendant, the employee may be eligible to receive full pay for such time including any fees they receive as a result of their appearance. Advance notice to their supervisor is required for approval. An employee is expected to return to work as soon as is possible following such appearance. Witness appearances as a direct result of work activities shall be considered normal work assignments. 4.3L NEW BORN INFANT/ADOPTION LEAVE An employee who is the parent of a newly born or adopted infant is eligible to receive up to three (3) days of leave which shall reduce an employees sick leave accrual. Use will be permitted on the date the baby is born, the date the baby is brought home, and the day after the baby is brought home provided these days are normal workdays. This leave may not be used when sick leave or family leave is used. 60 4.3M ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE In the case of non -unionized Executive, Administrative, Managerial, Supervisory, or Professional personnel, it is implicit in the nature of their positions, that time beyond normal work schedules may be required. As a means to recognize responsible, dedicated service, these employees may be eligible for leave under this provision as recommended by their Department Head and approved by the Village Manager in advance of taking this time.It will be entirely at the Village Manager's discretion and should not be considered as compensatory time. UN PERSONAL UNPAID LEAVE TIME An employee, who has suffered a non -work related illness or injury and who exhausts all accrued benefits, (sick leave, holidays, and vacation), may be placed on a personal unpaid leave of absence with the approval of the Village Manager. If the employee is permitted such leave, the Village Manager shall set the time period based on the circumstances in the specific case. Benefits will not accrue during such unpaid leave and in no case shall the leave be extended beyond one year. An employee on unpaid leave will be permitted to continue their coverage under the group health and group life plans at their own cost. Although'the Village does not guarantee the employee's reinstatement to their original position, the Village will permit the employee to resume their original status if the position is still in existence and vacant. If the position no longer exists, or is filled, the Village will make an active effort to place the employee in a comparable position if one is available. If not placed, the employee status will be considered a resignation. If the employee is certified as permanently disabled as a result of the non -work related illness or injury, the employee will be terminated effective on the date of such decision by the Village Manager. Requests for unpaid leave shall be in writing to an employee's supervisor and shall include a specified period for the leave and any appropriate documentation available. (Doctor's statements and admission acceptance letters are examples of acceptable documentation.) The Village Manager, upon the recommendation of the Department Head, may approve or disapprove such request on the basis of operational requirements of the department, availability of temporary substitute employees, the performance and attendance record of the requesting employee, and the reason for the request. Employees requesting such a leave must understand that there is no guarantee of reinstatement to any position in the Village upon completion of the leave. 61 4.30 REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE WRITTEN REQUESTS FOR LEAVES OF ABSENCE PRIOR TO HAVING THE LEAVE APPROVED. For any type of leave, requests and approvals must be submitted in writing and must come well in advance of requested leave time. There may be instances when due to unusual circumstances such requests and approvals may not come in written form. In such cases verbal requests and approvals will be reduced to writing as soon as is practicable. 4AA MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFITS One of the most valuable benefits provided by the Village to its employees is the choice to participate in the Village Health Care Program which consists of Medical and Dental benefits. Each eligible employee has the opportunity to make a number of choices about Medical and Dental care. They may choose to participate or not to participate. They may choose between two plans for Medical and Dental coverage. They may choose one of three levels of participation. Eligibifily Active full time employees. Active part-time employees provided they have at least fifteen (15) years of service and work at least thirty (30) hours per week. Retirees provided they are eligible for a regular, disability, or deferred pension (in the case of sworn personnel) regular or disability pension for IMRF participants. Retirees must sign up for coverage prior to their last work day. Spouses and eligible dependents of deceased active employees in accordance with applicable Federal Laws. Spouses and eligible dependents of deceased retirees in accordance with applicable Laws. Eligibility in Village sponsored health care plans is'discontinued upon eligibility for Federally sponsored health care benefits. A supplementary program is available. Cost All active employee health care plan participants are required to contribute fifteen (15) percent of current monthly health care premiums. The Village contributes the remaining eighty-five (85) percent. The employees percentages for their contributions may be increased or decreased by the Village depending upon the circumstances. 62 All other participants are required to contribute one hundred (100) or one hundred two (102) percent of required monthly premiums, or an amount designated by the Village Board. Onen Enrollment All health care plan participants with the exception of those participating under the provisions of COBRA may participate in the annual open enrollment process. All health care plan changes outside the open enrollment process are subject to and based upon qualifying family status changes. 4.411 LIFE INSURANCE The Village provides all eligible employees with a term life insurance policy in an amount equal to one (1) times the employee's annual salary at no cost to the employee. Additional Life Insurance may be purchased by employees. Retirees who are eligible for health care program participation are also eligible for participation in the life insurance program in an amount of $5,000. Part-time employees are: ineligible; for participation. 4AC COST CONTAINMENT RELATING TO HEALTH CARE BENEFITS The Village reserves the right to institute cost containment measures relative to insurance coverage while providing the same or reasonably similar basic levels of benefits for all employees. On an annual basis, the village sets the monthly premium levels upon which the current 85% Village contribution and the current 15% employee contribution are based. Establishing deductibles and co -payment levels also fall within the jurisdiction of the Village and may be changed from time to time. 4.41) TRAVEL RELATED BENEFITS Employees are compensated for business travel related expenses in accordance with the most current Resolution on this subject. 4.4E UNIFORM BENEFITS Where necessary, the Village will provide uniforms for employees. Employees are responsible for the condition of the uniforms and shall maintain them in a reasonable fashion. Uniforms shall be worn only during working hours. 63 4AF WORKER'S COMPENSATION BENEFITS The Village and all Village employees operate under and are subject to the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act and the Illinois Occupational Diseases Act. It is Village policy to provide a safe and healthful work environment. Employees are required to perform their jobs in a safe and attentive manner. Notwithstanding the above requirements, employees may occasionally suffer an accident, injury, or illness arising out of or in the course of employment. In such cases, the Village will normally provide and pay for all necessary first aid and any reasonable medical services normally required as a result of the injury or illness. In accordance with the aforementioned laws, employees may elect to secure their own medical treatment for an injury or illness arising out of or in the course of employment with the cost for such services normally paid by the Village. REPORTING REQUIREMENT An employee who is injured or becomes ill as a direct result of their work must report the injury or illness to their supervisor immediately, unless physically able to do so. The supervisor is required to complete the "Supervisor's Investigation Report" form and submit it to the Finance Department immediately for insurance and recording purposes. The report must be complete. If the report cannot be submitted to the Finance Department that same day, the Supervisor is required to verbally notify his Department Head and the Finance Department that the incident has occurred. The report must then be completed and submitted within twenty- four (24) hours. COMPENSATION FOR A JOB RELATED DISABILITY If an employee incurs a disabling injury or illness arising out of or in the course of employment, an employee will normally be compensated in the following manner. If the certified disability period for the injury or illness is for three (3) workdays or less, the employee will generally receive full pay for time lost. If the certified disability period for the injury or illness persists beyond three (3) work days, the statutorily required compensation benefit of two-thirds (2/3) pay will be supplemented by the Village with one-third (1/3) pay to provide full pay to an employee for a period not to exceed one (1) year. G, To be eligible for the supplemental benefit, and to be eligible for the continuation of or accrual of any benefits provided by the Village during the disability period, an employee may voluntarily sign a letter of agreement with the Village certifying the following: That the employee agrees to endorse over to the Village, any injury or illness benefit checks (other than those derived from privately paid insurance policies or other non - Village related services) received by the employee during the period of temporary disability. The employee agrees to submit to any medical authorities chosen by the Village to obtain a medical opinion(s), (at Village expense), if it is determined by the Village that a medical opinion(s) is required; and That the employee agrees to make every effort to return to work (regular or light duty) as quickly as is practical to do so. At no time does an employee forfeit the right to select medical authorities or facilities for obtaining diagnosis or treatment as provided by State Statute. If an employee elects not to sign the letter of agreement, or fails to abide by that signed agreement, the employee shall be entitled only to the compensation established by the State Statutes, namely two-thirds of base wages. The employee shall also forfeit any supplemental pay, and will cease to accrue any benefits provided by the Village. The employee must pay 100% of all costs associated with Village Group Benefit Plans, if such coverage is desired. The employee shall return any supplemental pay provided to an employee, who subsequently refuses to comply with the voluntary agreement, to the Village in full. The one-third supplemental benefit will continue (provided the employee abides by the written agreement) for a period not to exceed one (1) year. ACCRUAL OF BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR GROUP BENEFITS Disabled employees who voluntarily sign the letter of agreement cited above would also normally be. eligible to accrue benefits (vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, etc.) generally accrued by active employees. They will also be eligible to participate in Group Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance) at the same rate in which they participated as an active employee. Disabled employees who voluntarily sign the letter of agreement and who exhaust the one (1) calendar year of supplemental benefits and who are still unable to return to work, will have their benefit reduced to the statutorily required two-thirds benefit. Additionally, upon exhausting the supplemental benefit, they will no longer accrue the other benefits, 65 (vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, etc.) which were accrued during the one-year full pay period. Disabled employees who choose not to voluntarily sign the letter of agreement cited above, will be ineligible to accrue benefits (vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, etc.) normally accrued by active employees. These disabled employees will also be required to pay 100% of all costs associated with Group Benefit, Plans. UTILIZATION OF ACCRUED BENEFITS Upon Return to Work An employee who is disabled as a result of an injury or illness arising out of, or in the course of, employment, who has continued to accrue benefits (vacation and holidays) may or may not, upon their return to work, have an opportunity to utilize those benefits in the current calendar year. When the injured employee returns to work, that employee shall meet with their supervisor to determine if there is sufficient time remaining in the calendar year to utilize these benefits considering the work load of the department. If sufficient time remains in the calendar year to schedule these days, and the needs of the department are such that they can be scheduled, they shall be scheduled. If insufficient time remains in the calendar year to schedule these days, or the needs of the department are such that the scheduling of these days are impractical, the employee will be allowed to carry over such days into the following year. No further carryover will be allowed. Fixed holidays celebrated during the employee's absence from work will not be re -scheduled nor carried over. IF UNABLE TO RETURN TO WORK If, as the result of the work related illness or injury, it is determined that an employee is disabled to the extent that the employee cannot return to work, the employee so affected shall have payment for accrued vacation and floating holidays upon separation. No compensation will be given for fixed holidays celebrated while the employee was off. Compensation shall be at a rate equal to the employee's rate of pay in effect on their last day worked prior to the injury or illness. SUPPLEMENTAL USE OF ACCRUED VACATION AND FLOATING HOLIDAY BENEFITS Employees who are disabled as a result of a work related injury or illness, and who have exhausted the one-third supplemental pay benefit as stated above, and who have accrued benefits in accordance with this policy, will be allowed to use accrued vacation and 66 floating holiday benefits immediately following the exhaustion of the one-third supplemental pay benefit. Use shall be consecutive and shall be at a rate of one day used for each day off. Following the exhaustion of these benefits, the two-thirds statutory compensation will begin. Such use of the accrued vacation and floating holiday shall be consecutive. Sick leave benefits may not be used at this time. Payment for Group Benefit Plans while using accrued benefits will be provided at the same level as was provided during the period of active employment or during the period of use of supplemental pay benefits. When the employee reverts to two-thirds pay, the employee will be responsible for 100% of all required payments for Benefit Plans. WORKER SHORTAGE When a department experiences a worker shortage due to a work related injury(s), and when it can be shown that such absence will continue for a period of time in excess of thirty (30) calendar days, a department may replace the ill or injured employee with a temporary substitute. Although the Village does not guarantee the employee's reinstatement to their original position, the Village will permit employees, who have been absent from work due to a work related illness or injury, to resume their job duties if the position they absented themselves from is still in existence and if it otherwise makes sound management sense to do so. If the position no longer exists, they will be laid off in accordance with the appropriate layoff provisions. LIGHT DUTY STATUS It is in the best interest of the employees and the Village to have employees who have been injured or who become ill as a result of a work related incident, return to work as soon as they are physically able. Therefore, following a work related illness or injury, an employee who is determined to be capable of working at some level and capacity may be assigned such work as may be beneficial to the employee and the Village. The Department Head shall review each case on an individual basis and shall determine if the employee's health status and department work environment are such that the injured or ill employee could fill a Light Duty Work Status. The Department Head shall consult with the employee and the appropriate medical/professional person as may be appropriate. After carefully reviewing the circumstances of each case, the Department Head shall make a recommendation to the Village Manager indicating whether the employee should be classified in a Light Duty Status position. if Light Duty is recommended by the Department Head, such 67 recommendation must include a written medical opinion from a qualified physician stating the employee is able to return to work in a Light Duty Status. Based on the doctors written statement, the Department Head shall identify the duties that could be performed by the employee, as well as the recommended length of the Light Duty Work status. The Village Manager shall review each case and shall decide if the Light Duty assignment will be authorized. The employee may be directed by the Village Manager to any medical authority (at Village expense) for a medical examination when it is considered appropriate. The Village Manager shall establish the terns and conditions, as well as the duration of the Light Duty assignment, based upon the circumstances of each specific case. Upon receiving authorization to place the employee on a Light Duty assignment, the Department Head shall immediately advise the employee and direct the employee to report for the assignment. An employee assigned to a Light Duty assignment will be paid at a rate equal to that of their regular rate of pay. 4AG DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM The Village will permit all permanent full time and permanent part time employees to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program as prescribed within the terms and conditions of the plan in effect. The Deferred Compensation Program will provide participating employees with the ability to start a supplemental retirement plan. 4AH SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM Employees completing five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty, and thirty-five years of service and those that retire with at least 15 years of service shall receive awards in recognition of that length of faithful, continuous service. 4.5A PAYROLL PERIODS The payroll period is now two weeks in duration. Paychecks will be distributed on the appropriate payday, except when the payday is an official holiday. In such cases, the paychecks will be distributed the day before the holiday. For purposes of calculating employee's paychecks, the following policy will be followed: (A) Sworn personnel and personnel who work variable shifts shall have their salaries computed in accordance with their labor agreement if applicable. (B) General personnel who are paid a base salary shall have their pay computed based on their annual salary. M (C) Hourly employees shall be paid on the basis of the hours that are actually worked during the pay period. 4.513 PAYROLL ADVANCES If a payday will fall during an employee's vacation or while attending a job-related function out of town, the employee, through their Department Head, may request the Finance Department to mail his/her paycheck directly to his/her personal bank. To take advantage of this section, the request must received by Finance a minimum of five (5) calendar days before the payday. The request shall include identification and address of the bank and a completed deposit slip. 4.6 RETIREMENT AND PENSION All employees shall participate in a retirement program governed by the policies and benefits as prescribed by the various retirement and pension programs. Both the Village and the employee shall contribute an amount prescribed by policy or statute. The current retirement programs and the eligible participants are: A. ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND — Persons (except sworn Police and Fire personnel) employed on jobs that normally require one thousand (1000) or more hours per year, who are less than age sixty (60) when first employed, must participate. This Statewide plan was created by Illinois Law and is governed by a seven (7) member Board of Trustees, elected by participating municipalities and participating employees. B. POLICE PENSION FUND - All sworn Police Personnel are eligible to participate in the pension fund. Within three (3) months after being appointed to the sworn position, the Police Officer must make a written application to the Police Pension Board if they wish to participate. The Police Pension Board will make a decision to accept or reject the application based on the criteria provided in the State Statute. C. FIREFIGHTERS' PENSION FUND - All sworn Fire personnel must make a written application to the Fire Pension Board within three (3) months if they wish to participate. The Fire Pension Board will make a decision to accept or reject the application based on the criteria provided in the State Statute. D. SOCIAL SECURITY/ FICA - All employees, except ineligible Sworn Fire and Police personnel, must participate. E. MEDICARE — All general employees and Fire and Police personnel hired after Apr -it 1486, participate in Medicare. .• SECTION 4.7 - DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PAYCHECKS The opportunity to electronically deposit paychecks is now provided to all employees provided they properly complete all required forms and submit them to the Finance Department. 70 Leaving Village Employment Employees leave service with the Village in many ways, the most common being resignation and retirement. 5.1 A RETIREMENT The mandatory retirement age for all employees is now seventy (70) years of age. One (1) year extensions may be requested annually by an employee. The approval of the Village Manager, upon recommendation of the Department Head, is necessary in order for the employee to continue working for the Village beyond age seventy (70). His/her decision shall be based on the mental alertness and physical ability of the employee to perform his/her essential duties as indicated by work record, doctor's examination and other pertinent evidence. Social Security and/or the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund cover all employees, except sworn Fire and Police personnel. Illinois Law created IMRF. To be eligible to receive IMRF retirement pension, an employee must be at least fifty-five (55) years old, and have at least either (8) years of service under IMRF. Length of service and average earnings determines the amount of the pension. Sworn Police personnel, who have creditable service of twenty (20) years or more and have reached age fifty (50), and who are no longer in the service as a Police Officer, are now entitled to a minimum yearly pension equal to one half of the salary attached to the rank he/she held on the date of retirement, payable from the Police Pension Fund of the Village. Sworn Fire personnel, age fifty (50) or more, who have creditable service of twenty (20) years or more and are no longer in service as a Firefighter, are now eligible to receive from the Firefighter's Pension Fund, a minimum monthly pension of one half the monthly salary attached to the rank held by him/her in the fire service at the date of his/her retirement. For more detailed information on pension benefits, employees are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Officer, Director of Finance, or members of their respective Pension Boards. 5.1B RESIGNATION Employees shall submit a written letter of resignation or retirement stating the reasons and the effective date of their action to their Department Head and the Fire and Police Commission if applicable. Such written notice shall be provided at the discretion of the employee and dictates of common courtesy. 72 During the notice period, unused benefit days (vacation and floating holidays) may not be used except that if notice is given in excess of four (4) weeks (twenty working days). Earned benefit days may be used during this notice period. The Department Head shall route the notice of resignation to the Village Manager's office and it shall become a part of the employee's personnel file. The Village Manager retains the sole right to rescind any notice of resignation. Failure to provide proper notice will result in the employee's personnel record to indicate that the employee did not leave in good standing, and that any eligibility for re -hire will be forfeited. SECTION 5.2 DISPOSITION OF THE FINAL PAYCHECK The final paycheck will normally be available to be picked up in the Human Resources Office (or mailed if so requested) on the next regular payday covering the period that includes the employee's last day worked. Prior to distribution of the final check, the employee will be responsible to return to the Village all Village property including uniforms, keys, tools, and Village documents including their copy of the Personnel Rules and Regulations. Failure to return any items will result in a deduction from the employee's last check in an amount equal to the reasonable costs associated with unretumed items. A separation checklist will be maintained in the Department and in the Human Resources office. SECTION 5.3 EXIT INTERVIEW In addition to the normal exit interview forms completed by the employee at the time of sign out with the Village, each employee should be provided with the opportunity to meet with the Personnel Committee of the Board of Trustees. 73 SECTION 6.1 POLICE OFFICERS LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ON AND OFF DUTY An Elk Grove Village Police Officer shall be considered to have full authority of a law enforcement officer, as prescribed by State Statutes and Village Ordinances on a twenty- four (24) hour continuous basis, as defined and restricted by this section of the Personnel Rules and Regulations. A Police Officer's authority shall be determined based on his/her status of either On -Duty or Off -Duty. A. ON -DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the duty and responsibility of every Elk Grove Village police officer who is on duty to enforce the laws enacted by the State of Illinois, as well as, all of the Village ordinances and all other duties as defined in the Police Department's Policies, Procedures and Regulations Manual. Such Police authority shall only be exercised in a reasonable and prudent manner and be consistent with established police practices as follows: (a) within the corporate limits of Village of Elk Grove Village for the enforcement of State laws and Village ordinances; (b) within the State of Illinois for the enforcement of State laws as provided by State statutes. 2. In no event, and under no circumstances, is an Elk Grove Village Police Officer authorized to perform law enforcement duties outside the boundaries of the State of Illinois, unless he/she is so authorized by the Chief of Police. B. OFF-DUTY ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES An off-duty Elk Grove Village Police Officer who witnesses an event or situation within the corporate limits of Elk Grove Village, or within the State of Illinois, which left unattended, could reasonably result in death or serious bodily injury or the loss and/or destruction of property shall immediately come under the direction and control of the Elk Grove Village Police 75 Department. In such situations the Police Officer shall be considered on duty. 2. The Police Officer shall have all the authority as provided by Village Ordinance and State Statute and shall be answerable for any and all actions that he/she shall be required to react to during such an event or situation. The Elk Grove Village Police Officer shall have the duty and responsibility and be required to react to an event or situation when he/she is off-duty at all times when within the corporate limits of Elk Grove Village or within the State of Illinois, except: (a) when he/she is in a mental or physical state which would prevent or interfere with the prudent functioning of a Police Officer in the performance of his/her Police duties consistent with established police practices, and (b) when such action would be imprudent or unnecessarily increase the risk of bodily injury or death to the Police Officer or others. 4. The Police Officer who is off-duty and required to react to an event or situation shall be provided with all of the liability coverage (including Workers Compensation) that is provided by the Village for on -duty personnel. 5. Any events or situations which would faltunder this Section, but which occur outside the State of Illinois are specifically excluded and the off-duty Police Officer shall not have any responsibility to take any type of Police action. C. LAW ENFORCEMENT TYPE WORK PERFORMED AS AN APPROVED OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT JOB An off-duty Police Officer who is performing law enforcement type work for an outside employer who has entered into a contractual arrangement with the Village shall be considered to be on duty. The Police Officer shall have full law enforcement authority and shall be compensated by the Village. Contractual arrangements for law enforcement type work shall be executed by the 76 Village Manager only with the parties who are located within the Village corporate limits. The contractual arrangements shall be defined and administered by the Village Manager. 2. Elk Grove Village Police Officers are prohibited from engaging in any outside employment which involves performing law enforcement type work (including security work) with an outside employer who has not entered into a contractual agreement with the Village. D. NON -LAW ENFORCEMENT TYPE WORK PERFORMED AS AN APPROVED OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT JOB. 1. An off-duty Police Officer performing an approved outside employment job, which consists of non -law enforcement type work shall have the same law enforcement responsibilities and authority. 2. Any action or consequence of any work or action, performed by an off-duty Police Officer while performing an approved non -law enforcement outside employment activity which does not fall under this section shall be the responsibility of the employee and his/her outside employer. In such a situation the Village will not be liable for the employee and the employee will be considered to have no relationship with the Village. SECTION 6.2 FIRE OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITIES WHILE ON/OFF DUTY For the purpose of this section the term Fire Officer shall mean all sworn personnel of the Elk Grove Village Fire Department. An Elk Grove Village Fire Officer shall be considered to have full authority of a Fire Officer, as prescribed by State Statute and Village Ordinance on a twenty-four (24) hour continuous basis, as defined and restricted by this section of the Personnel Rules and Regulations manual. A Fire Officer's authority shall be determined based on his/her status of either on -duty or off-duty. A. ON -DUTY FIRE OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the duty and responsibility of every Elk Grove Village Fire Officer, who is on duty, to enforce the laws enacted by the State of Illinois, as well as all of the Village ordinances and all other duties as defined in the Fire 77 Department's Policies, Procedures and Regulations. Such authority shall only be exercised in a reasonable and prudent manner consistent with established Fire Department practices: a. within the corporate limits of the Village of Elk Grove Village; b. within the State of Illinois for the preservation of life and property. 2. In no event and under no circumstances is an Elk Grove Village Fire Officer authorized to perform fire suppression duties outside of the boundaries of the State of Illinois unless so authorized by the Fire Chief. B. OFF DUTY FIRE OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITIES An off-duty Elk Grove Village Fire Officer who witnesses an event or situation within the corporate limits of Elk Grove Village or within the State of Illinois, which if left unattended, could reasonably result in death or serious bodily injury or the loss and/or destruction of property, shall immediately come under the direction and control of the Elk Grove Village Fire Department. In such situations, the Fire Officer shall be considered on -duty, and shall be required to react to such an event or situation. 2. The Fire Officer shall have all the authority as provided by Village ordinances and State Statutes and shall be answerable for any and all actions taken in reacting to the event or situation. 3. The Elk Grove Village Fire Officer shall have the duty and responsibility and be required to react to an event or situation when off-duty at all times when within the corporate limits of Elk Grove Village or within the State of Illinois except: a. when in a mental or physical state which would prevent or interfere with the normal functioning of a Fire Officer in the performance of duties consistent with established Fire Department practices; and b. when such action would be imprudent or unnecessarily increase the risk of bodily injury or death to the Fire Officer or others. M 4. The Fire Officer who is off-duty and required to react to an event or situation, shall be provided with all of the liability coverage (including Worker's Compensation)that is provided by the Village for on -duty Fire Personnel. 5. Any event or situation which would fall under this Section, but which occurs outside the State of Illinois, is specifically excluded and the off-duty Fire Officer shall not have any duty, nor responsibility, to take any type of action. C. NON -FIRE DEPARTMENT TYPE WORK PERFORMED AS AN APPROVED OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT JOB An off-duty Fire Officer performing an approved outside employment job, which consists of non -Fire Department type work shall have the same responsibilities and authority. 2. Any action or consequence of any work or action performed by an off-duty Fire Officer while performing an approved outside employment activity which does not fall under this section shall be the responsibility of the employee and/or his/her outside employer. In such a situation, the Village will not be liable for the employee and the employee will be considered to have no relationship to the Village. SECTION 6.3 - SOLICITATION PROHIBITED Solicitation may be defined in a number of ways. First, the distribution of literature (including catalogs) for personal reasons, such as selling products or services, the selling of tickets, chances, magazines or other merchandise for personal or personally related organizations for profit or non-profit reasons is strictly prohibited on Village property, and during employees' normal work times unless approved by the Village Manager. Solicitation may also encompass contacting Village citizens or members of the business community asking for funds, property, or services. If Village employees elect to participate in such activities; they are prohibited from using their position as a Village employee either directly or indirectly to influence a person's or business generosity. Additionally, such solicitation may not be done as part of an employee's regular work activity or on Village time. SECTION 6.4 POLITICAL ACTIVITY To serve the best interests of the employee, taxpayers, and Village government, it is the policy of Elk Grove Village to restrict certain types of political activity without infringing upon the employee's right to exercise their suffrage as citizens. The purpose is to safeguard the employee from political pressure to support financially or otherwise any 79 political party or person. Another important reason is to safeguard the interest of the public who all municipal employees must serve without political bias and without regard to their political opinions or affiliations. This policy has been developed not to restrict one's constitutional rights but to dramatize and protect the neutrality of public service personnel. A. Therefore, employees are prohibited from: Using their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election or a nomination for office; 2. Directly or indirectly coercing, attempting to coerce, commanding, or advising a State or local officer or employee to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to a party, committee organization, agency or person for political purposes; or 3. Being a candidate for any elective governmental office if, at any time, political activity involved in being a candidate occurs while the employee is on duty. Prohibited political activity shall include, but not limited to, the following: a. Assembly or construction of campaign material. Telephone calls to campaign workers or to voters soliciting votes or calls relating to the campaign in any manner whatsoever. c. Discussing issues of the campaign with co-workers except during authorized lunch or break periods. d. Writing speeches or preparing agendas for campaign activity. e. Any similar conduct relating to the employee's campaign which disrupts the work force or otherwise interferes with the employee's performance of his or her required duties. B. On the other hand, employees on their own time shall be permitted to: 1. Express their opinions on political subjects and candidates; 2. Take an active part in political management and political campaigns; 3. Campaign for a candidate in a partisan election by making speeches, writing on behalf of the candidate, or soliciting voters to support or oppose a candidate; 4. Attend political rallies or partisan campaign meetings; 5. Transport voters to the polls for their convenience; 6. Make voluntary contributions to a political party or organization. SECTION 6.5 REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS The Village of Elk Grove will not reimburse any Village employee in any manner or form, for any personal objects, possessions or clothing which are lost or damaged, either while on duty or off duty, as an employee of the Village, unless the employee can prove liability rests with the Village. Personal objects, possessions and clothes are items purchased and maintained by the employee and not purchased or maintained by the Village of Elk Grove. If an employee utilizes personal items in the normal course of their work activities, written authorization from the employee's Department Head must be obtained prior to such use. In order that the employee's request for reimbursement is processed in accordance with the foregoing policy, all Departments shall use the following procedures: A. The employee shall submit to his/her Department Head a request for reimbursement along with a full description of what contributed to the loss and the extent to which the Village or one of its employees was liable or responsible for the loss sustained. B. The appropriate Department Head will review the incident and the facts and present to the Village Manager a report and recommendation on disposition of the claim. C. The Village Manager will review the case and either declare the claim invalid and so advise the employee, or present it to the Village Board with a recommendation for reimbursement in part or full. D. The decision of the Village Board is final and shall be communicated to the employee by the Village Manager. SECTION 6.6 USE OF VILLAGE PROPERTY A. Employees shall observe the rules of telephone courtesy in receiving or placing calls. B. Employees are permitted to use Village telephones for personal reasons EE only in cases of absolute necessity. This is a privilege and not a right and may be withdrawn by the Department Head if abused through excessive use or if telephoning causes interference with work duties. C. Toll and extra unit calls for personal reasons may be made only with the prior approval of the Department Head or his designee and at the employee's expense. D. Employees shall discourage persons from telephoning them at work. E. In using the Village's vehicular equipment, employees must remember that they are representatives of the Village government and that their conduct in adhering to the rules of safety and courtesy on the road is a reflection, for good or bad, on the Village. Thus, it is imperative that such employees abide by these rules and customs with the highest degree of exactitude. Any fines incurred by an employee while operating a Village vehicle due to traffic or parking violations shall be the responsibility of the employee and all fines or monies shall be paid by the employee. F. Village vehicles, equipment, supplies, tools, and uniforms shall not be used for private or unauthorized purposes. G. Employees shall be responsible for the proper care and use of Village vehicles, equipment, supplies tools and uniforms, and shall report accidents, breakdowns or the malfunction of any equipment so that the repairs may be made. H. Village owned vehicles may be taken home overnight on an assigned regular basis only when authorized by the Village President and Board of Trustees.The Village Manager may authorize the occasional overnight use of Village owned vehicles when work conditions so warrant. Such vehicles are to be used only for Village business or duties. SECTION 6.7 IDENTIFICATION CARDS Employees whose duties warrant identification as representatives of the Village of Elk Grove shall be furnished photo identification cards by the Human Resources Officer. The Department Head shall be responsible for determining which employees require cards in connection with their assignments and for collecting them upon separation of the employee from Village service. All costs for identification cards issued to an employee shall be borne by the Village. E� SECTION 6.8 PERSONAL MAIL Employees shall not use the addresses of the Village Municipal Buildings or offices for receipt of personal mail and other deliveries nor shall they use Village postage machines, stationery, and out -going mail services. SECTION 6.9 DEPARTMENTAL BULLETIN BOARDS Each Department is equipped with a bulletin board. The bulletin board is designed as a communication tool that shall be used to keep all employees advised about useful information pertaining to various aspects of employment. Only approved items shall be posted on the departmental bulletin board. Employees may request permission to post information on the bulletin board. Requests should be submitted to the Department Head in writing. Each request must be accompanied with a copy of the material that the employee is requesting be posted. If the material is determined to be germane to employment with the Village and beneficial to the employee population, the Department Head may authorize the posting of this material. If authorization is provided, a time period will be established for the posting. SECTION 6.10 EMPLOYEE ONLY AREAS All areas designated as "Employee Only" or "Authorized Personnel Only" shall be considered off limits to everyone except for authorized individuals. For purposes of this section, authorized individuals shall include Village employees, Village elected officials and invited guests who have received authorization from the Department Head or the Village Manager. In the event that a non -authorized individual enters an "Employee Only" area, he/she shall be immediately escorted to a public area in a courteous and helpful manner. Under no circumstances will a non -authorized individual be allowed to stay in an area so determined and identified as "Employee Only" or "Authorized Personnel Only." W