2006/05/09 City Council Resolution (7)RESOLUTION NO. 2006 -117
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT
PARK RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 91-192
AND APPROVING A DRUG -FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
WHEREAS, the City adopted Resolution No. 91 -192 establishing an Anti -Drug
Policy for the Workplace on September 10, 1991; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager recommends an update of this policy as attached;
and
WHEREAS, the policy will improve public and employee safety and reduce risks
and liability to the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager initiated pre - employment drug testing for all full -
time and regular, part -time budgeted positions as well as all part -time hourly and
volunteer positions which involve driving a City vehicle effective November 1, 2005;
and
WHEREAS, the City has engaged the employee bargaining unit representatives
in the process of developing said policy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Rohnert Park that it does hereby rescind Resolution No. 91 -192 and authorize and
approve the attached updated Drug -Free Workplace Policy.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 9t" day of May, 2006.
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK __-
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CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
DRUG -FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
L Purpose
The City of Rohnert Park has a vital interest in maintaining safe and efficient
working conditions for its employees. Substance abuse is incompatible with health,
safety, efficiency, and success at the City. While the City has no intention of intruding
into the private lives of its employees, employees who are under the influence of drugs
and alcohol on the job compromise the City's interests, endanger their own health and
safety and the health and safety of others, and can cause a number of other work
related problems, including absenteeism and tardiness, substandard job performance,
increased workloads for co- workers, behavior that disrupts other employees, delays in
the completion of jobs, inferior quality in products or service, and disruption of customer
relations.
The purpose of the Drug -Free Workplace Policy is to recognize the City's
commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace for its employees, to protect
employees and the public, to ensure a drug free workplace, and to comply with the Drug
Free Workplace Act of 1988. To further this purpose, the city has established the
following anti -drug policy concerning the use of drugs and the circumstances under
which job applicants may be tested for usage of illegal drugs. As a condition of
continued employment with the City, each employee must abide by this Policy. All
prospective employees for certain designated positions who have received a conditional
job offer and all City employees shall receive a copy of this Policy, acknowledge by
signature that they have read and understand its terms, and agree to comply with this
Policy.
11. Definitions
For purposes of this Policy:
(1) "Illegal drugs or other controlled substances" means any drug or
substance that (a) is not legally obtainable; or (b) is legally obtainable but
has not been legally obtained; or (c) has been legally obtained but is being
sold or distributed unlawfully.
(2) "Legal drug" means any drug, including any prescription drug or over -the-
counter drug, that has been legally obtained and that is not unlawfully sold
or distributed.
City of Rohnert Park
Drug -Free Workplace Policy
Page 2
(3) "Abuse of any legal drug" means the use of any legal drug (a) for any
purpose other than the purpose for which it was prescribed or
manufactured; or (b) in a quantity, frequency, or manner that is contrary to
the instructions or recommendations of the prescribing physician or
manufacturer.
(4) "Possession" means that an employee knowingly has the substance on
his or her person or otherwise under his or her control.
111. Prohibited Conduct
A. Scope.
The prohibitions of this section apply whenever the interests of the City
may be adversely affected, including any time the employee is:
(1) In the workplace or in uniform;
(2) Conducting or performing City business, regardless of location;
(3) Operating or responsible for the operation, custody, or care of City
equipment or other property; or
(4) Responsible for the safety of others.
B. Illegal Drugs
The following acts are prohibited and subject an employee to discipline:
(1) The use, possession, purchase, sale, manufacture, distribution,
transportation, or dispensation of any illegal drug or other controlled
substance; or
(2) Being under the ' influence of any illegal drug or other controlled
substance.
C. Alcohol
The following acts are prohibited and subject an employee to discipline:
(1) The unauthorized use, possession, purchase, sale, manufacture,
distribution, transportation, or dispensation of alcohol at work; or
(2) Being under the influence of alcohol at work.
D. Legal Drugs
The following acts are prohibited and subject an employee to discipline:
(1) The abuse of any legal drug:
(2) The purchase, sale, manufacture, distribution, transportation,
dispensation, or possession of any legal prescription drug in a
manner inconsistent with law; or
(3) Working while impaired by the use of a legal drug whenever such
impairment might:
City of Rohnert Park
Drug -Free Workplace Policy
Page 3
(a) Endanger the safety of the employee or some other person;
(b) Pose a risk of significant damage to City property or
equipment; or
(c) Substantially interfere with the employee's job performance
or the efficient operation of the City's business or equipment.
IV. Disciplinary Action
Employees who fail to comply with the foregoing prohibitions will be subject to
disciplinary action, up to and including termination, consistent with the City's disciplinary
procedures. Employees may also be required to participate in a drug rehabilitation
counseling program.
In certain instances, and solely at the City's discretion, the City may enter into an
agreement with an employee who would otherwise be disciplined to permit the
employee to keep his or her job upon fulfilling certain requirements pertaining to
rehabilitation.
V. Use of Legal Drugs
The City recognizes that employees may, from time to time, be prescribed legal
drugs that, when taken as prescribed or according to the manufacturer's instructions,
may result in their impairment. Employees may not work while impaired by the use of
legal drugs if the impairment might endanger the employee or someone else, pose a
risk of significant damage to City property, or substantially interfere with the employee's
job performance. if an employee is so impaired by the appropriate use of legal drugs,
he or she may not report to work. To accommodate the absence, the employee may
use accrued sick leave or vacation time. The employee may also contact the Human
Resources Department to determine whether or not s /he qualifies for an unpaid leave -
of- absence, such as family care or medical leave. Nothing in this Policy is intended to
sanction the use of accrued paid time off to accommodate absences due to the abuse
of legal drugs.
Further, nothing in this Policy is intended to diminish the City's commitment to
employ and reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals. The City will
reasonably accommodate qualified disabled employees who must take legal drugs
because of their disability and who, because of their appropriate use of such drugs,
cannot perform the essential functions of their positions adequately or safely.
City of Rohnert Park
Drug -Free Workplace Policy
Page 4
VI. Unregulated or Authorized Conduct
Customary Use of Over - the - Counter Drugs. Nothing in this Policy is intended
to prohibit the customary and ordinary purchase, sale, use, possession, or dispensation
of over - the - counter drugs, so long as that activity does not violate any law or result in an
employee being impaired by the use of such drugs in violation of this Policy.
VII. Drug Convictions and the Drug _Free Workplace Act of 1988
Pursuant to the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, any City employee convicted
of a criminal drug statute or criminal offense involving the use and /or consumption of
drugs or alcohol in the workplace, must notify the Human Resources Department no
later than five (5) calendar days following the conviction. For purposes of this Policy, a
conviction includes a finding of guilt, a plea of no contest, and /or an imposition of
sentence by any judicial body charged with responsibility to determine violations of
federal or state criminal drug and alcohol statutes. The. City shall report that conviction
to any federal agency requiring such notification pursuant to the Drug Free Workplace
Act of 1988 in writing within ten (10) calendar days after receiving notice from the
convicted employee or otherwise receiving notice of such conviction.
VIII. Confidentiality
Disclosures made by employees to the Human Resources Department
concerning their use of legal drugs will be treated confidentially and will not be revealed
to managers or supervisors unless there is an important work - related reason to do so in
order to determine whether it is advisable for the employee to continue working.
Disclosures made by employees to the Human Resources Department concerning their
participation in any drug or alcohol rehabilitation program will be treated confidentially.
IX. Counseling /Employee Assistance
Employees who suspect they may have alcohol or drug problems, even in the
early stages, are encouraged voluntarily to seek diagnosis and to follow through with
the treatment as prescribed by qualified professionals. Employees who wish to
voluntarily enter and participate in an approved alcohol or drug rehabilitation program
are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department who will determine
City of Rohnert Park
Drug -Free Workplace Policy
Page 5
whether the City can accommodate the employee by providing unpaid leave for the time
necessary to complete participation in the program. Employees should be aware that
participation in a rehabilitation program will not necessarily shield them from disciplinary
action for a violation of this Policy, particularly if discipline is imposed for a violation
occurring before the employee seeks assistance.
The City also maintains an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), administered
by the Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund (REMIF), which provides help to
employees who seek assistance for drug or alcohol abuse, as well as for other personal
or emotional problems. Employees who suspect that they may have alcohol or drug
problems, even in the early stages, are encouraged to voluntarily seek diagnosis and to
follow through with the treatment as prescribed by qualified professionals. Employees
should be aware that participation in the Employee Assistance Program will not
necessarily shield them from disciplinary action for a violation of this Policy, particularly
if discipline is imposed for a violation occurring before the employee seeks assistance.
X. Drug Testing
The City will conduct drug testing under the following circumstances:
A. Pre - Employment. At this time, pre - employment drug testing (bodily fluid
test) will be conducted for all full -time and regular part-time positions. In addition,
all part -time hourly and volunteer positions which involve driving a City vehicle
will be covered under this policy. All offers of employment/appointment are
conditioned on a negative drug test result. Positive test results will not bar
reapplication at a later time.
B. Reasonable Suspicion. A Manager and /or supervisor may request that
an employee submit to a drug and /or alcohol test pursuant to the procedures set
forth below when such manager or supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that an
employee is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job.
"Reasonable Suspicion" is a suspicion that is based on specific personal
observations such as an employee's manner, disposition, muscular movement,
appearance, behavior, speech or breath odor; information provided to
management by an employee, by law enforcement officials, by a security service,
or by other persons believed to be reliable; or a suspicion that is based on other
surrounding circumstances, including a pattern of unusual conduct or erratic
behavior.
City of Rohnert Park
Drug -Free Workplace Policy
Page 6
A manager or supervisor requesting that an employee be required to submit to a
reasonable suspicion test shall first give the employee an opportunity to respond
to the manager or supervisor's suspicions. The employee has the option to
request a neutral second opinion. If the employee makes this request, then'the
supervisor or manager would contact a sworn member from the Dept. of Public
Safety for a second opinion. If the manager or supervisor continues to have a
reasonable suspicion that the employee is intoxicated or under the influence of
illegal drugs, the manager or supervisor shall document in writing the facts
constituting reasonable suspicion. The manager or supervisor shall then contact
the City Manager or his /her designee, who will then determine whether to order
the employee to submit to a reasonable suspicion test. The City Manager or
his /her designee will arrange safe transportation for the employee to the
designated medical clinic for testing.
Employees who refuse to cooperate with the drug test administration shall be
transported safely home. The employee's manager or supervisor shall notify the
City Manager or Human Resources Department. An investigation will be
conducted and the employee may be subject to discipline, up to and including
termination, consistent with the City's disciplinary procedures.
C. As Required by Federal and State Law. In addition to pre - employment
screening, some employees may be required to submit to drug or alcohol testing
if required pursuant to federal or state law, including but not limited to employees
required to operate a commercial motor. vehicle as established in the federal
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 (OTETA). The Human
Resources Department will provide all affected employees with the appropriate
drug testing policies.
D. Procedures for Pre - Employment Drug Testing. The City will arrange
the pre- employment medical exam appointment and drug testing and will pay the
cost of the medical exam and drug test. The job candidate will have the
opportunity to alert the clinic or laboratory personnel to any prescription or non-
prescription drugs that s/he has taken that may affect the outcome of the test. All
drug testing will be performed by urinalysis. The clinic will inform the City as to
whether the candidate passed or failed the drug test.
E. Acknowledgment and Consent. All job candidates subject to testing
under this policy will be asked to sign a form acknowledging the procedures
governing testing, and consenting to (1) the collection of a urine sample for the
purpose of determining the presence of drugs, and (2) the release to the City of
medical information regarding the test results. Refusal to sign the agreement
City of Rohnert Park
Drug -Free Workplace Policy
Page 7
and consent form, or to submit to the drug test, will result in rejection of an
application for employment or withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.
F. Confidentiality. All drug testing - records will be treated as confidential.
XI. Additional.. Related Information
Additional, related information may be found in the Memorandums of Agreement
(MOAs) of the individual employee bargaining units and the City's Personnel
Rules & Regulations.
4pNNfi RT PARR
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CALIPORN1N
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF POLICY
I acknowledge I have received a copy of the City of Rohnert Park's Drug -Free
Workplace Policy. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply
with this policy.
Employee/Volunteer's Employee/Volunteer's Date
Signature Printed Name
ROHNfiRr.P„gk
9 _ 62
CALI P OR" %I'
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT FOR
PRE - EMPLOYMENT /APPOINTMENT DRUG TESTING
I acknowledge 1 have received a copy of the City of Rohnert Park's Drug -Free
Workplace Policy.
The City of Rohnert Park requires pre - employment drug testing for all full. -time and
regular, part -time positions plus part -time hourly and volunteer positions which involve
driving a City vehicle. As a candidate for one of these positions with the City of
Rohnert Park, I have been asked to submit to a pre- employmentlappointment drug test.
I consent (1) to the collection of a urine sample for the purpose of determining the
presence of drugs, and (2) to the release to the City of medical information regarding
the test results.
I understand that if I decline to sign this consent or decline to submit to a pre-
employment drug test, my application for employment/appointment will be rejected
and /or my conditional offer or employment/appointment will be withdrawn.
Candidate's Signature
Copy to: Candidate
Clinic
Candidate's Printed Name Date
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
CONSENT TO "REASONABLE CAUSE" DRUG TESTING
consent to a "reasonable cause" alcohol and /or drug test at the medical clinic utilized
by the City of Rohnert Park at the City's expense.
EmployeeNolunteer's EmployeeNolunteer's Date
Signature Printed Name
1 refuse to cooperate and consent to a "reasonable cause" alcohol and /or drug test and
understand I may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination, consistent
with the City's Drug -Free Workplace Program and the City of Rohnert Park Personnel
Rules and Regulations.
EmployeeNolunteer's EmployeeNolunteer's Date
Signature Printed Name
Copy to: Employee
Clinic
-1
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
DRUG -FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
List of positions subject to pre- employment/appointment drug testing:
• All full -time budgeted positions
• All regular, part -time budgeted positions
• All part-time hourly positions or volunteer assignments which involve driving a
City vehicle:
Recreation: Rec. Leader II
Sr. Rec. Leader
Volunteer Sunshine Bus Driver
Theatre: P/T Theatre Technician
Public Works: Seasonal Maintenance Assistant
Public Safety: P/T Public Safety Dispatcher
Public Safety Reserve Officer
Volunteer Auxiliary Firefighter
Volunteer Police Service Aide
Other: P/T Building Inspector
The City Manager has the authority to modify the above list at anytime. Not all of the
above positions require a pre - employment or appointment physical exam; however,
they all require passing the drug test prior to their start date with the City.