Employee Handbook

Section 3 — EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Problem Solving

The City recognizes that problems may exist despite our best efforts and prefers to address and resolve problems as they arise. Employees should not hesitate to bring their concerns to the City’s attention. Open communication between all employees and management is fundamental to the City's organizational philosophy. If you have an idea, concern, or complaint, you are encouraged to speak with your supervisor. If you have a discussion with your supervisor and your issue is not resolved, contact your department director.  

Employees can also submit an Employee Communication Form to address a specific idea or concern. See also Section 3.3, Employee Communication Form.  

Appeals and Hearing Process

If your supervisor has not addressed your concern or complaint to your satisfaction, or if you believe you have been treated unfairly during the formal performance appraisal process or during a disciplinary proceeding, you may use the Appeals and Hearing Process.

The following steps outline the Appeals and Hearing Process:  

Step 1: Submit a written statement to your department director that outlines your concern or complaint, or indicate which performance appraisal or disciplinary action you are appealing, the reasons for the appeal, and the desired remedy.

You shall receive a written decision from the department director within 10 business days of submitting the written appeal. If you do not receive a written decision within 10 business days, you may advance to Step 2.

Step 2: If you are not satisfied with the department director’s decision, you may appeal the decision to the City Manager (Administrative Board/Westcom Management Committee Chairperson, if applicable) within five business days of receiving the department director’s decision. Submit a written statement that outlines your concern or complaint, or indicate which performance appraisal or disciplinary action you are appealing, the reasons for the appeal, the desired remedy, and a copy of the department director’s decision.

You shall receive a written decision from the City Manager or Administrative Board within 10 business days of submitting the written appeal.

If mutually agreed upon by you and the City, the time limits in the Appeals and Hearing Process may be adjusted.  

You are entitled to have another City employee present with you during any meetings that take place throughout the Appeals and Hearing Process. You and your representative may be released from work without loss of pay for a reasonable amount of time if approved by the City Manager (Administrative Board, if applicable). However, your department director or supervisor must be given sufficient notice to adjust work schedules in your absence.

IF YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE APPEALS AND HEARING PROCESS, YOU SHALL REMAIN FREE FROM REPRISAL. ANY EXCEPTION SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE CITY MANAGER’S ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.

State of Iowa Office of the Ombudsman

Per the Iowa Code (Chapter 2C) employees may contact the Office of the Ombudsman for an independent investigation if you have a complaint of improper government actions with a state or local government agency. Please see the brochure below for additional information including how to contact the Office of the Ombudsman.

State of Iowa Office of Ombudsman Complaint Information

Definition:

"Improper Government Action" is any action by any employee or official that:

• Is undertaken in the performance of his/her duties, whether or not the action is within the scope of the employee's or official's employment; and
• Is in violation of any federal, state, or local law or rule;
• Is an abuse of authority;
• Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety; or
• Is a gross waste of public funds