Policy Manual - Carver County
Policy Manual - Carver County Policy Manual - Carver County
Personnel Rules & Regulations
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- Page 8 and 9: Management Rights The Carver County
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Personnel Rules<br />
& Regulations
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SECTION 1. PURPOSE, ADOPTION AND ADMINISTRATION Page Numbers<br />
A. Purpose Section 1-A<br />
B. Adoption Section 1-B<br />
C. Administration Section 1-C<br />
D. Application Section 1-D<br />
E. Personnel Board of Appeals Section 1-E<br />
F. Personnel Records, Forms and Transactions Section 1-F<br />
G. Definitions Section 1-G<br />
SECTION 2. EMPLOYMENT PROCESS<br />
A. Equal Employment Opportunity Section 2-A<br />
B. Recruitment and Selection Section 2-B<br />
C. Requirement of Physical & Psychological Examination Section 2-C<br />
D. Probationary Period Section 2-D<br />
E. Promotion, Demotion and Transfer Section 2-E<br />
F. Hours of Work Section 2-F<br />
i. (Timecard Instructions) Section 2-F (Insert)<br />
G. Outside Employment Section 2-G<br />
H. Termination Section 2-H<br />
SECTION 3. Performance, Behavior and Conduct<br />
A. Employee Training and Development Section 3-A<br />
B. Performance Evaluation Section 3-B<br />
C. Sexual Harassment <strong>Policy</strong> Section 3-C*<br />
D. Drug Free Workplace Section 3-D<br />
E. Tobacco Free Workplace Section 3-E<br />
F. Political Activity Section 3-F<br />
i. (Gift Prohibition Legislation) Section 3-F (Insert)<br />
G. Dispute Resolution Section 3-G<br />
H. Employee Discipline and Discharge Section 3-H<br />
SECTION 4. SAFETY AND HEALTH<br />
A. Emergency Closing Section 4-A<br />
B. Safety and Health Section 4-B<br />
i. (AWAIR <strong>Policy</strong>) Section 4-B (Insert)<br />
C. Access Card/Key Control <strong>Policy</strong> Section 4-C<br />
D. Access Card/Photo ID Section 4-D<br />
E. Workers Compensation Section 4-E<br />
F. Exposure Incident Evaluation and Follow-up Section 4-F<br />
i. (Incident Reporting <strong>Policy</strong>) Section 4-F (Insert)<br />
G. Life Threatening Illnesses Section 4-G<br />
H. Workplace Violence Section 4-H<br />
SECTION 5. COMPENSATION<br />
A. Position Classification Plan Section 5-A<br />
B. Compensation Section 5-B<br />
C. Severance Compensation Section 5-C<br />
SECTION 6. BENEFITS<br />
A. Holidays Section 6-A<br />
B. Vacations Section 6-B<br />
C. Sick Leave Section 6-C<br />
D. Leave of Absence Section 6-D<br />
E. Insurance Benefits Section 6-E<br />
SECTION 7. EXPENSES<br />
A. Reimbursement of Travel and Related Expenses Section 7-A<br />
i. (Mileage Reimbursement Rate) Section 7-A (Insert)<br />
B. Purchase of Licenses Section 7-B<br />
C. Uniform Allowance Section 7-C<br />
SECTION 8. COUNTY PROPERTY, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT<br />
A. Use of Meeting Rooms Section 8-A<br />
B. Government Center Parking Section 8-B<br />
C. Computer Hardware/Software <strong>Policy</strong> Section 8-C<br />
D. E-Mail, Internet and Telecommunication Use Section 8-D*<br />
E. Cablecasting <strong>Policy</strong> Section 8-E<br />
*Sections include a signature of acknowledgement.
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SECTION 1<br />
PURPOSE, ADOPTION AND ADMINISTRATION<br />
Purpose<br />
Adoption<br />
Administration<br />
Application<br />
Personnel Board of Appeals<br />
Personnel Records, Forms and Transactions<br />
Definitions
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PURPOSE<br />
It is the purpose of these Regulations to provide a uniform, comprehensive and efficient system of<br />
personnel administration in <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> (the <strong>County</strong>). The policies and resulting procedures are<br />
designed to be a working guide to the administration of the <strong>County</strong>’s terms and conditions of<br />
employment. The Regulations are not intended as a binding employment contract or an offer of<br />
employment conditions other than those of an at-will employee. These Regulations, in whole or in<br />
part, are subject to change, revocation, modification or amendment at anytime at the <strong>County</strong>’s sole<br />
discretion with or without advance notice. The <strong>County</strong> will try to keep the Personnel Rules and<br />
Regulations <strong>Manual</strong> current, but there may be times when policies will change before these<br />
materials can be updated. It shall be the further purpose of these Personnel Regulations to ensure<br />
that:<br />
1. Recruitment, selection and advancement of employees shall be based on job related factors<br />
such as relative ability, knowledge and skill.<br />
2. Positions with comparable duties and responsibilities shall be classified and compensated on<br />
the basis of comparable compensation for comparable work, consistent with attraction and<br />
retention considerations.<br />
3. Fair treatment be afforded to applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel<br />
administration without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability,<br />
marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance,<br />
arrest or conviction records, except as it pertains to bona fide occupational qualifications, as<br />
determined by applicable federal and Minnesota laws, executive orders, and administrative<br />
regulations regarding same.<br />
4. Retention and separation of employees be on the basis of necessity, legal authorization of the<br />
position or availability of funds.<br />
5. Employees are protected from coercive partisan political practices and that employees are<br />
likewise prohibited from using their official authority to interfere with or affect the result of an<br />
election or nomination for office.<br />
6. Continuity and consistency in type and style of management is promoted, thereby stimulating<br />
action and a higher level of productivity, assuring the citizens of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> that they are<br />
being served by the employment of the highest possible caliber of personnel.<br />
Savings Clause<br />
If any of these regulations shall be held invalid by judicial or legislative action, the remainder of<br />
these Regulations, other than that which has been held invalid, shall not be affected.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 1-A 1
Management Rights<br />
The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Board of Commissioners (<strong>County</strong> Board) has the sole authority to approve,<br />
modify, reject or approve as modified these Rules by resolution.<br />
The Regulations are not intended as a binding employment contract or an offer of employment<br />
conditions other than those of an at-will employee. These Regulations, in whole or in part, are<br />
subject to change, revocation, modification or amendment at anytime at the <strong>County</strong>’s sole<br />
discretion with or without advance notice. The <strong>County</strong> will try to keep the Personnel Rules and<br />
Regulations <strong>Manual</strong> current, but there may be times when policies will change before these<br />
materials can be updated.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> Board retains the full and unrestricted right to operate and manage all manpower,<br />
facilities and equipment; to establish functions and programs; to set and amend budgets; to<br />
determine the utilization of technology; to establish and modify the organizational structure; to<br />
select, direct and determine the number of personnel; to establish work schedules, and to perform<br />
any inherent managerial function not specifically limited by current collective bargaining<br />
agreements, these regulations and <strong>County</strong> Board resolutions.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 1-A 2
ADOPTION<br />
These Personnel Regulations were prepared and recommended by the Human Resources Director,<br />
approved by the <strong>County</strong> Board at a regular board meeting on June 23, 1970, in accordance with<br />
Minnesota Statute 375.56 – 375.71, and have subsequently been amended as indicated below.<br />
Adopted: June 23, 1970<br />
Amended: January 3, 1978<br />
Amended: October 1, 1981<br />
Amended: June 28, 1988<br />
Amended: March 30, 1993<br />
This revision, dated August 9, 1994, specifically supersedes and revokes any earlier policies or<br />
regulations.<br />
Subsequently, the following individual Regulations have been adopted, amended or deleted as<br />
listed below.<br />
Adopted: August 15, 1995<br />
Amended: February 7, 1996<br />
Amended: March 26, 1996<br />
Amended: May 21, 1996<br />
Name Tag <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Photo ID <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Political Activity<br />
Reimbursement of Travel and Related Expenses<br />
Recruitment and Selection<br />
Hours of Work<br />
Termination<br />
Performance Evaluation (formerly titled Performance<br />
Appraisal)<br />
Drug Free Workplace<br />
Compensation<br />
Severance Compensation<br />
Holidays<br />
Insurance Benefits<br />
Amended: May 21, 1996<br />
Application<br />
Definitions<br />
Requirement of Physical & Psychological Examination<br />
Promotion, Demotion and Transfer<br />
Employee Training and Development<br />
Tobacco Free Workplace<br />
Dispute Resolution<br />
Employee Discipline and Discharge<br />
Safety and Health <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Exposure Incident Evaluation and Follow-up<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-B 1
Position Classification Plan<br />
Vacations<br />
Sick Leave<br />
Leaves of Absence<br />
Amended: December 10, 1996<br />
Amended: July 1, 1997<br />
Amended: December 16, 1997<br />
Amended: December 30, 1997<br />
Adopted: March 10, 1998<br />
Amended: May 12, 1998<br />
Amended December 7, 1998<br />
Amended: February 9, 1999<br />
Adopted: April 13, 1999<br />
Amended: April 13, 1999<br />
Adopted: March 26, 2002<br />
Reimbursement of Travel and Related Expenses<br />
Personnel Board of Appeals<br />
Requirement of Physical & Psychological Examination<br />
Hours of Work<br />
Employee Training and Development<br />
Emergency Closing<br />
Exposure Incident Evaluation and Follow-Up<br />
Uniform Allowance<br />
Sick Leave<br />
Sick Leave<br />
Leaves of Absence<br />
Workplace Violence<br />
Government Center Parking<br />
Insurance Benefits<br />
Holidays<br />
E-Mail/Internet Use<br />
Adoption<br />
Application<br />
Definitions<br />
Probationary Period<br />
Hours of Work<br />
Drug Free Workplace<br />
Discipline & Discharge<br />
Safety & Health<br />
Severance Compensation<br />
Sick Leave<br />
Insurance Benefits<br />
Reimbursement of Travel<br />
Use of Meeting Rooms<br />
Access Card <strong>Policy</strong><br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-B 2
Amended: August 5, 2002<br />
Amended: September 9, 2003<br />
Amended: September 9, 2003<br />
Amended: September 9, 2003<br />
Revised: August 24, 2004<br />
Internet, E-mail & Telecommunication Use<br />
Promotion, Demotion and Transfer<br />
Position Compensation Plan<br />
Compensation<br />
Personnel Board of Appeals<br />
The <strong>County</strong> Board has the sole authority to approve, modify, reject or approve as modified these<br />
Regulations by resolution.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-B 3
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ADMINISTRATION<br />
These Regulations shall be administered by the Human Resources Director, who is accountable to<br />
the <strong>County</strong> Administrator. The Director shall develop and provide the necessary forms, procedures<br />
and instruction for the implementation of these Regulations.<br />
Copies of these Regulations shall be sent to all Department Heads and current employees and made<br />
available to interested union representatives. A copy of these Regulations is disseminated to each<br />
new employee as a part of the new employee orientation process. Printed copies of these<br />
Regulations will be available for public review upon request to the Human Resources Director.<br />
Departmental Rules<br />
In accordance with these Regulations, each Department Head may establish procedures for the<br />
express administration of Human Resources matters unique to that department. Such rules shall be<br />
filed with the Human Resources Department and approved by the Administrator prior to<br />
implementation.<br />
Indemnification<br />
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 466, the <strong>County</strong> declares its intent to defend, save<br />
harmless and indemnify any of its officers and employees against tort claim or demand, whether<br />
groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring in the performance of a<br />
duty, except that of malfeasance in office or willful or wanton neglect of duty, which shall be<br />
determined by the <strong>County</strong> Board at a hearing. The <strong>County</strong> Attorney’s office shall coordinate all<br />
claims.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 1-C 1
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APPLICATION<br />
These Personnel Regulations shall apply to all employees paid by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> except when they<br />
are in conflict with Minnesota Statutes; however, the following individuals are not covered under<br />
the Dispute Resolution and Personnel Board of Appeals rules (Section 1) for termination<br />
proceedings:<br />
1. Elected positions pertaining to provisions which may be in conflict with Minnesota Statutes.<br />
2. Positions appointed by a district court judge.<br />
3. Positions designated as Department Heads appointed by the <strong>County</strong> Administrator with the<br />
consent of the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
4. Positions designated as Department Heads appointed by boards or commissions appointed by<br />
the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
5. Positions designated by an elected department head as chief or principal assistant.<br />
6. Positions designated by an elected department head as a personal secretary.<br />
7. Positions held by Special Deputy Sheriff volunteers serving without pay.<br />
8. Positions held by students without pay.<br />
9. Members of appointed boards, commissions and committees.<br />
10. Persons engaged under contract to supply the <strong>County</strong> with expert, professional, technical or<br />
any other service.<br />
11. Seasonal, temporary and intern employees.<br />
12. Probationary employees.<br />
Department Heads<br />
For the purpose of these regulations, Department Heads shall be defined as to include the<br />
following:<br />
1. Court Administrator<br />
2. Court Services Director<br />
3. <strong>County</strong> Attorney<br />
4. <strong>County</strong> Auditor<br />
5. <strong>County</strong> Recorder and Registrar of Titles<br />
6. Information Services Director<br />
7. <strong>County</strong> Sheriff<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-D 1
Unclassified Positions<br />
8. <strong>County</strong> Administrator<br />
9. <strong>County</strong> Assessor<br />
10. <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
11. Community Health Services Director<br />
12. Library Director<br />
13. Community Social Services Director<br />
14. Environmental Services Director<br />
15. Controller<br />
16. Human Resources Director<br />
17. Planning & Zoning Director<br />
18. Highway Engineer<br />
19. Veteran’s Service Officer<br />
20. Risk/Emergency Manager<br />
21. Building Engineer<br />
22. Education & Training<br />
The <strong>County</strong> Board may create positions referred to as unclassified positions, for which the sections<br />
of these rules pertaining to selection and termination do not apply. Subject to applicable law,<br />
appointment for such positions shall be made by the <strong>County</strong> Board or an existing Appointment<br />
Authority; employment and termination shall be at the will of the Appointing Authority.<br />
Labor Agreements<br />
These regulations shall apply to all <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> employees except as specifically modified by a<br />
collective bargaining agreement or by the specific language of these personnel rules.<br />
Employee Responsibilities<br />
Employees subject to these Rules and Regulations shall comply with, and carry out, the provisions<br />
of these Rules and Regulations. Any employee who fails to comply with any of the provisions of<br />
these Rules and Regulations shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination<br />
of employment.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-D 2
PERSONNEL BOARD OF APPEALS<br />
Creation<br />
The <strong>County</strong> Board shall appoint three (3) persons to serve staggered terms not to exceed three<br />
years as members of the Personnel Board of Appeals. After the first appointment expires, the<br />
successors shall serve for terms of three years each. Expiration dates for the first terms of office<br />
shall be fixed by the <strong>County</strong> Board. Vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the <strong>County</strong><br />
Board for the unexpired term. Persons appointed to the Personnel Board of Appeals shall not<br />
serve while holding any <strong>County</strong> office or while standing as a candidate for any <strong>County</strong> office or<br />
while employed by the <strong>County</strong>. Each member of said Board shall be a resident of the <strong>County</strong><br />
and shall forfeit office if residency in the <strong>County</strong> is not maintained.<br />
Compensation<br />
Compensation for members of the Personnel Board of Appeals shall be set by the <strong>County</strong> Board,<br />
and members shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.<br />
Organization<br />
The Personnel Board of Appeals shall organize by electing a Chair and Vice-Chair and shall<br />
develop rules of procedure for matters brought before it under the provisions of Minnesota<br />
Statute 375.56 to 375.71 and these rules.<br />
Duties<br />
The Personnel Board of Appeals shall meet upon call of its Chair or of the Personnel Director to<br />
make findings of fact, conclusions and render recommendations to the <strong>County</strong> Board or final<br />
decisions for appeal under Minn.Stat.Chap.14. Said recommendations or decisions shall be<br />
made within thirty (30) days of the filing of an appeal form by an applicant, employee or<br />
appointing authority in the following circumstances:<br />
1. Alleged arbitrary and capricious action on the part of the <strong>County</strong> Board with respect to<br />
final establishment of rules under Minn.Stat.Sect. 375.56 to 375.71;<br />
2. Alleged discrimination by the personnel director or the director’s employees in<br />
examination procedures or preparation of lists of eligible candidates, or discriminatory<br />
use of them by the appointing authority under section 375.56 to 375.71 or rules<br />
promulgated under them;<br />
3. Alleged misinterpretation or evasion by the personnel director or the <strong>County</strong> Board of<br />
sections 375.56 – 375.71 or the rules promulgated under them in a manner seriously<br />
detrimental to the party bringing the appeal;<br />
4. Other matters of grievance as provided for in rules promulgated under sections 375.56 to<br />
375.71.<br />
July 1, 1997 Revised 8/24/2004<br />
Section 1-E 1
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PERSONNEL RECORDS, FORMS AND TRANSACTIONS<br />
Establishment of Personnel Records and Forms<br />
In order that proper reports may be made and records maintained concerning the various personnel<br />
activities, the Human Resources Director shall develop, or cause to have developed and installed,<br />
appropriate forms and records for this purpose. The Human Resources Director shall have<br />
responsibility for maintaining and coordinating all necessary personnel records. Advice and<br />
assistance shall be provided to Department Heads on all personnel transactions, record systems and<br />
procedures.<br />
Employee Access to Records<br />
The Human Resources Department shall maintain a personnel file on each individual employee.<br />
Employees may be granted access to their personnel records pursuant to the following procedures:<br />
- Request an appointment with the Human Resources Director to review contents of file.<br />
- A time convenient to both parties shall be selected, normally within five (5) days of the<br />
employee request.<br />
- The Director shall answer questions regarding the records. Copies may be made, but the<br />
file may not be removed from the Human Resources Department.<br />
Personnel Transactions<br />
Department Heads shall initiate and process personnel transactions affecting their employees in<br />
accordance with established systems and procedures.<br />
Reference Requests<br />
Department Heads and supervisors shall refer all requests for references on current or previous<br />
employees to the Human Resources Director.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 1-F 1
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DEFINITIONS<br />
Unless otherwise indicated, the following terms used in these Personnel Regulations shall have the<br />
following meaning:<br />
Appointing Authority - The official, commission, board, department head or other individual(s)<br />
empowered to appoint or remove employees in the service of the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Appointment - A regular appointment to a paid position within the <strong>County</strong> service.<br />
Class/Classification - One or more positions similar in duties, responsibilities and qualifications<br />
assigned to the same descriptive title or specification and the same salary range.<br />
<strong>County</strong> - <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong> Board - The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Board of Commissioners.<br />
Casual Employee – An individual who is hired to perform assignments on an occasional and<br />
sporadic basis as needed, with no guarantee of hours of work or future employment.<br />
Days - Calendar days unless otherwise noted.<br />
Demotion - A change of an employee's position from one classification to a position in another<br />
classification with lesser duties and/or compensation.<br />
Department Head - A person appointed, designated or elected to manage and direct a<br />
department as designated by statute or the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
Discharge - A permanent separation from <strong>County</strong> employment as a result of the employee's<br />
inability to perform all the requirements of the assigned position and/or unwillingness to comply<br />
with <strong>County</strong> policies and practices.<br />
Dispute - A disagreement as to the interpretation or implementation of these Regulations.<br />
Elected Officials - Those officials selected by vote of the constituency of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Employee - A person in a paid position within the <strong>County</strong> service, as defined by Minnesota Statute<br />
179.A.<br />
Employment Date - The date a person begins employment with the <strong>County</strong> in a regular position.<br />
Exempt Employee - All professional, administrative and executive employees excluded from the<br />
overtime pay provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.<br />
Intern - An individual in a training program who has limited status as an employee.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-G 1
Job Analysis - The systematic process of examining jobs to clarify the activities, methods,<br />
performance, context and requirements necessary to perform in the job. Information may be<br />
gathered by questionnaire, interview and/or observation.<br />
Job Description - The written document that identifies the purpose, duties, responsibilities,<br />
requirements, accountability of a job; and the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform<br />
the job.<br />
Job Elimination - The removal of a position from the organizational structure.<br />
Job Evaluation - Process of comparing and grading the relative value of jobs in the <strong>County</strong> for the<br />
purpose of determining salary levels and ranges, and compliance with pay equity statutes and rules.<br />
Layoff - A separation from employment due to lack of work, lack of funds or other reason not<br />
attributable to employee.<br />
Layoff List - A list of employees laid-off and eligible for recall.<br />
Leave of Absence - An approved, temporary separation from active employment status, which may<br />
be with or without compensation.<br />
Non-exempt Employee - All employees not excluded from the overtime pay provisions of the<br />
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.<br />
Overtime - All hours worked for non-exempt employees in excess of hours required to be paid as<br />
such under FLSA.<br />
Personnel Board of Appeals - A non-employee review board appointed by the <strong>County</strong> Board to<br />
hear appeals and complaints concerning the interpretation or application of these regulations.<br />
Human Resources Department - The Director and staff responsible for the administration of the<br />
Human Resources Department and these regulations.<br />
Position - A group of duties and responsibilities requiring the part-time or full-time employment of<br />
at least one person.<br />
Probationary Period - The first six (6) months of active service in a position, designed to be an<br />
extended selection period to determine if regular status should be granted. Under certain<br />
circumstances, the probationary period may be extended beyond six (6) months.<br />
Promotion - A change in an employee's status from a position in one class to a position in another<br />
class with more responsible duties and/or a higher salary range.<br />
Reclassification - A change in classification of a position by raising it to a higher class, reducing to<br />
a lower class, or moving it to an equivalent class.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-G 2
Re-employment - Appointment of a former employee to a position with the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Reinstatement - Appointment of a former <strong>County</strong> employee to a position, which the employee was<br />
assigned prior to their termination or separation.<br />
Resignation - Voluntary termination of employment from <strong>County</strong> service.<br />
Severance Pay – Pay out of benefits and compensation to regular employees leaving <strong>County</strong><br />
employment in good standing.<br />
Seniority - The duration of continuous employment from the employee's most recent date of hire.<br />
Sick Leave - Paid absence from work to <strong>County</strong> employees because of personal or family illness.<br />
Status (Employment)<br />
1. Regular Full-time - An employee in a position that is to be regularly budgeted, who works<br />
a 40 hour workweek and has successfully completed a probationary period.<br />
2. Regular Part-time - An employee in a long term, regularly budgeted position who works<br />
less than the 40-hour workweek and has successfully completed a probationary period. To<br />
be eligible for prorated benefits, including vacation, holidays and sick leave, a regular parttime<br />
employee must be regularly scheduled to work at least half time. Eligibility for<br />
participation in group insurance programs requires a regular part-time employee to be<br />
regularly scheduled to work at least 32 hours/week.<br />
3. Seasonal - An individual hired by the <strong>County</strong> generally during the time period from May<br />
through September performing duties that are temporary during that period of time.<br />
Seasonal employees are not eligible for <strong>County</strong> fringe benefits except as mandated by State<br />
and Federal Law.<br />
4. Temporary - An employee, working full or part-time, in a position that is seasonal or whose<br />
employment is limited by the duration of a specific project. Temporary employees serve at<br />
the will and pleasure of the Appointing Authority. Upon recommendation of the<br />
Appointing Authority, the Human Resources Director will make a determination of a<br />
reasonable wage. Temporary employees are not eligible for <strong>County</strong> fringe benefits except<br />
as mandated by State and Federal Law.<br />
5. Intern - An individual in a training program, paid or unpaid, who has limited status as an<br />
employee.<br />
Supervisor - Any employee or official having the authority to perform the majority of the<br />
following functions in the interest of the <strong>County</strong>: to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote,<br />
discharge, assign, reward, discipline, adjust grievances or effectively recommend such action, if<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-G 3
the foregoing exercise of such authority is not merely clerical or routine in nature, but requires the<br />
use of independent judgment.<br />
Suspension - A temporary separation from active employment, with or without compensation.<br />
Transfer - The movement of an employee from one position to another position in the same class<br />
or salary range.<br />
Trial Period - The first six (6) months of service after an employee is reclassified, transferred or<br />
promoted to a new position within <strong>County</strong> Service, which serves as an extended selection period.<br />
Unauthorized Leave - Any absence from normal duties, not authorized by a specific grant of a<br />
leave of absence under the provisions of these Regulations shall be deemed to be an absence<br />
without leave.<br />
Veteran - An individual defined as a veteran by Minnesota Statute 197.447.<br />
Voluntary Termination - All terminations initiated by the employee.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 1-G 4
SECTION 2<br />
EMPLOYMENT PROCESS<br />
Equal Employment Opportunity<br />
Recruitment and Selection<br />
Requirement of Physical & Psychological Examination<br />
Probationary Period<br />
Promotion, Demotion and Transfer<br />
Hours of Work<br />
Timecard Instructions<br />
Outside Employment<br />
Termination
This page intentionally left blank
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> embraces the concept of equal employment opportunity, and is committed to<br />
compliance with all applicable federal and Minnesota laws, executive orders and administrative<br />
regulations regarding same. The Regulations have been drafted and will be enforced without<br />
regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual<br />
orientation, status with regard to public assistance, arrest or conviction records, except in the<br />
instance of a bona fide occupational qualification necessary for proper and efficient government<br />
operations. In all instances, proper regard shall be provided for applicants' and employees' privacy<br />
and constitutional rights as citizens under Federal and Minnesota law.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-A 1
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RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION<br />
Overview<br />
Consistent with the concepts of Equal Employment and Affirmative Action, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will<br />
recruit and select qualified individuals available for all positions. As set forth more fully in other<br />
policies, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> is also committed to the philosophy of promoting from within the <strong>County</strong><br />
whenever all other qualifications are equal. Where it is necessary to recruit and hire new<br />
employees from outside, all such recruiting shall be conducted and coordinated by the Human<br />
Resources Department. Any recruiting, offers of employment, or other related matters must be<br />
authorized by Human Resources.<br />
Filling Authorized Positions<br />
Department Heads shall notify the Human Resources Department when an opening exists through<br />
a standard position requisition procedure. A signed personnel requisition is required to add staff or<br />
replace terminated staff. Approval is required by the: 1) Department Head; 2) Human Resources<br />
Director; and 3) Administrator. The requisition shall specify the employment status, duties,<br />
wage/salary and other pertinent information necessary for the recruiting process.<br />
Vacancies<br />
A vacancy shall be defined as any position receiving authorization pursuant to the paragraph<br />
above. Vacancies may be filled by reemployment, reinstatement, promotion, transfer, demotion or<br />
new hire.<br />
Recruitment<br />
When a vacancy exists, the Human Resources Department shall prepare and publish a notice of the<br />
position opening using the appropriate internal and external sources deemed necessary to attract<br />
sufficient numbers of qualified applicants. The notice shall specify the position's title, salary range<br />
and/or hiring range of the classification, a description of the duties and responsibilities, working<br />
hours, minimum qualifications, the application procedure and other pertinent information. Such<br />
announcements shall allow a reasonable period of time for interested parties to apply; the<br />
minimum notice period shall be five (5) working days.<br />
Application<br />
An applicant for a vacancy shall complete an employment application form, and submit a resume if<br />
applicable, to supply pertinent information relative to the applicant's skills, education, experience,<br />
licenses, etc. needed to assess the applicant's qualifications. Applications will be received and<br />
screened by Human Resources, with those possessing the required qualifications referred to the<br />
hiring authority for the selection process. Applications for non-law enforcement positions shall<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-B 1
emain active for a period of six (6) months if the applicant possesses the required qualifications of<br />
the position. Law enforcement applications may be maintained for up to twelve (12) months as<br />
part of an active eligibility list.<br />
Selection<br />
The selection process may consist of competitive examinations, ratings of experience and training,<br />
physical abilities and examination, oral interviews and/or other valid selection techniques. The<br />
specific procedure(s) utilized shall depend on the position. From the available candidates, the best<br />
candidate shall be selected by the Appointing Authority as a potential hire. The Human Resources<br />
Department or the hiring supervisor shall check a minimum of two (2) references. In the unusual<br />
circumstance that it is deemed necessary to appoint an applicant to a position before appropriate<br />
investigation is completed, the offer of appointment shall be conditional upon the investigation<br />
providing satisfactory results. In such cases, a prospective employee shall be required to sign a<br />
statement accepting a conditional appointment. All appointments are otherwise conditional,<br />
subject to <strong>County</strong> Board approval or approval by a <strong>County</strong> Board designated Appointing<br />
Authority. The <strong>County</strong> Board will review the appointments of all Department Heads as listed in<br />
the Application rule (Section 1).<br />
Human Resources shall formally notify the selected candidate of their appointment, the starting<br />
date, salary, benefits, status and other conditions of employment. Upon arrival, an orientation to<br />
<strong>County</strong> employment shall be conducted.<br />
Human Resources shall promptly notify those applicants not selected for the position.<br />
Re-employment<br />
Reemployed persons shall be considered new employees, without consideration of previous<br />
employment for purposes of pay, benefits or seniority and shall serve a probationary period.<br />
Re-instatement<br />
Former employees may receive consideration for re-instatement to their former position, upon the<br />
recommendation of the Department Head and Human Resources Director to the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
Re-instated employees may receive consideration of previous employment for the purposes of pay,<br />
benefits and probationary period for up to one (1) year after termination.<br />
Nepotism<br />
Relatives of <strong>County</strong> Department Heads and employees may not be employed or engaged to<br />
perform services where one relative will exercise or directly influence the recruitment,<br />
employment, salary, fees, performance reviews or other employment actions of another relative.<br />
Relatives for the purpose of this policy shall be defined as spouse, parents, children, siblings,<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-B 2
grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews. All decisions and determinations with<br />
regard to the interpretation and effect of the above shall be made by the <strong>County</strong> Administrator.<br />
Should questions of interpretation arise, the <strong>County</strong> will use the following legal definition of<br />
relative for making administrative determinations under the policy: "Relatives shall be defined as<br />
persons related by blood or marriage within the third degree of kinship, computed according to the<br />
rules of ‘civil law'". If two employees within the same department marry during their period of<br />
employment, and if they become ineligible due to the Nepotism policy, one of the employees shall<br />
be transferred if a like or similar position is available.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-B 3
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REQUIREMENT OF PHYSICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION<br />
An applicant or employee appointed to a position must be of sufficient health to satisfactorily<br />
perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.<br />
After a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected applicant will be required to<br />
undergo and pass an appropriate pre-placement health screening and may be required to undergo a<br />
physical and/or psychological examination prior to appointment to a position. The <strong>County</strong> will pay<br />
the total cost of such conditional offer pre-employment examinations. A medical evaluation report<br />
shall be prepared for each applicant and filed with the Human Resources Department. In the event<br />
that the applicant is appointed and upon obtaining the appropriate medical release, the report shall<br />
be considered part of the employee's personnel files.<br />
If a medical evaluation report indicates that an otherwise eligible applicant for employment has a<br />
mental or physical condition which causes such applicant to be considered as a serious health risk<br />
or whenever the applicant is reported to have a condition that may substantially affect the<br />
applicant's ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position involved, the<br />
<strong>County</strong> may declare the applicant/employee ineligible for consideration for appointment to the<br />
position. The provision of this subsection shall apply to all employees appointed before an<br />
examination is conducted or before results are determined and the services of such employees may<br />
be suspended or terminated until the condition is corrected and the applicant is reexamined and<br />
passed by a qualified physician or psychologist.<br />
Whenever it appears that an employee may have a mental or physical condition which causes such<br />
employee to be considered a risk to the health and safety of him/herself or others, or whenever the<br />
employee is considered by a Department Head to have a condition that may substantially affect the<br />
employee's ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position involved, or<br />
causes the employee to use sick leave in an excessive manner, the <strong>County</strong> may require such<br />
employee to discontinue work immediately and be examined at the <strong>County</strong>'s expense by a qualified<br />
physician or psychologist approved by the <strong>County</strong>. Upon proper medical release, the physician<br />
shall provide a medical evaluation report to the <strong>County</strong>. An employee required to discontinue<br />
work may not return until authorized by the physician approved by the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
If, upon receipt of the physician's report, the <strong>County</strong> determines that the employee is unable to<br />
perform the essential duties of the current position, the employee may be eligible for a transfer to a<br />
vacant position for which the employee is proven to be qualified. The <strong>County</strong> will make<br />
reasonable accommodations to assist the employee in gainful employment with the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Whenever an employee is receiving medical treatment which includes a prescription drug which<br />
would likely affect the employee's mental and/or physical ability to perform the employee's<br />
work, the employee has a duty to notify his/her Department Head of such treatment. If it is<br />
determined that such medication may impair the employee's ability to perform the duties of<br />
his/her position, reasonable accommodation shall be made within the limits of these regulations<br />
to place such an employee in gainful employment with the <strong>County</strong> for the duration of the<br />
medical treatment.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 2-C 1
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PROBATIONARY PERIOD<br />
Purpose<br />
A probationary period will be required for employees upon appointment or promotion to a position<br />
for the purpose of examining and evaluating the employee's total work performance and conduct.<br />
The Appointing Authority shall determine whether regular employment status is to be granted or<br />
denied. Such a determination is final.<br />
Duration<br />
Every person appointed, promoted, reclassified or transferred to a regular position shall be required<br />
to successfully complete a probationary period. The probationary period shall commence upon<br />
appointment to the position and normally continue for six (6) months of active service, except<br />
those employees of the Sheriff's Department required to serve one (1) year.<br />
A probationary period may be extended up to an additional six (6) months by the Department<br />
Head's filing for a request for an extension with the Human Resources Director prior to the<br />
expiration of probation period. A request for extension must detail the cause and length of the<br />
extension.<br />
Evaluation<br />
The employee's supervisor shall prepare periodic performance appraisals during the probationary<br />
period, normally at the mid-term of the period and one month prior to the end of the probationary<br />
period. Such reports shall indicate performance deficiencies, if any, and recommendations for<br />
improvement.<br />
Completion<br />
The Department Head shall have the option to certify that the employee's performance and conduct<br />
is satisfactory and grant regular employment status at the conclusion of the probationary period. If<br />
the employee is unable or unwilling to satisfactorily perform the duties and responsibilities or<br />
exhibit work habits that do not warrant granting regular status, the Department Head may terminate<br />
the employee at any time during the probation period. An employee so terminated shall be notified<br />
in writing of the decision.<br />
A regular employee who does not successfully complete the probationary period following a<br />
promotion or transfer, may, upon the acceptance of the Department Head, be eligible for<br />
reemployment to the first available position in the classification previously held. Employees<br />
transferred or promoted while serving a probationary period must complete a full probationary<br />
period in the new position.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 2-D 1
Benefits During Probation<br />
A probationary employee is eligible for the accumulation and usage of sick leave and for all<br />
<strong>County</strong> paid insurance benefits, after the employee has met the eligibility and/or waiting period<br />
requirements for these benefits. Vacation accumulates during the probationary period, but is not<br />
eligible for use or payment until regular status is first granted.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 2-D 2
PROMOTION, DEMOTION, AND TRANSFER<br />
Employees promoted, demoted, or transferred shall be required to successfully complete a<br />
probationary period beginning with the effective date of the employee’s promotion, demotion, or<br />
transfer.<br />
Regular employees promoted, demoted, or transferred shall retain and may use all accrued<br />
benefits, including accumulated sick leave and vacation and shall continue to earn benefits based<br />
upon total continued years of service during their probationary period.<br />
Promotions<br />
Vacancies in higher positions shall be filled, when it is in the best interests of the <strong>County</strong>, by<br />
promotion of present employees who meet the requirements established for the higher<br />
classification. A promoted employee shall generally be placed at the minimum of the new grade<br />
or receive an increase of 4.5% from their previous rate of compensation, but not to exceed the<br />
maximum of the new grade. Upon request from the Department Head in consultation with the<br />
Human Resources Director, the promoted employee may receive an increase of up to 9.0% of<br />
their previous base rate of compensation not to exceed the maximum of the new grade, based<br />
upon factors such as internal equity, the employee’s performance prior to promotion, the<br />
employee’s length of continuous service with <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>, and market influences. Requests<br />
for a higher wage or salary must be approved by the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
Transfers<br />
An employee may be transferred from one department to another. All employees transferring shall<br />
give their present Department Head twenty (20) working days notice, exclusive of time off, unless<br />
this requirement has been waived by both Department Heads.<br />
When an employee transfers from one department to another or within a department, and they<br />
make a lateral transfer or move to a same job classification, the employee’s rate of pay will<br />
remain the same. Anniversary date and step increases for the individual will not change.<br />
Demotion<br />
An employee may be demoted by a Department Head to a position of lower classification, for<br />
which the employee is qualified, for any of the following reasons:<br />
1. When an employee would otherwise be laid off because of position elimination,<br />
reclassification, lack of work or funds, or the return to work from authorized leave by<br />
another employee to such a position in accordance with the Regulations.<br />
2. When a voluntary demotion is requested by an employee, the employee’s pay shall be<br />
placed within the salary range for the class of the demoted position. The Department Head<br />
shall consult with the Human Resources Director to determine the new rate of pay.<br />
3. As a result of disciplinary action. Employees demoted for disciplinary reasons shall<br />
receive at least a 4.5% decrease in their rate of pay.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-E 1<br />
Revised: Sept. 9, 2003
Any regular or probationary employee about to be laid off may be demoted to replace any<br />
employee with less seniority in the same or lower class, provided the employee has previously<br />
worked in such class. The employee shall also be placed on the appropriate layoff list. Any<br />
employee to be demoted shall receive the reasons for such demotion, in writing, from the Human<br />
Resources Director.<br />
Demotions may be subject to position availability.<br />
In no event shall a demoted employee’s rate of pay remain above the maximum of the authorized<br />
salary range of the class to which the employee was demoted.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-E 2<br />
Revised: Sept. 9, 2003
HOURS OF WORK<br />
Except where other hours are authorized by Collective Bargaining Agreements or departmental<br />
rules, approved by the <strong>County</strong> Board, a full-time work shift shall be eight (8) hours and eighty (80)<br />
hours for a normal payroll period. The Department Head shall determine the work schedule, to<br />
include an unpaid meal period, not to exceed one (1) hour in length. Meal periods shall not be<br />
included in any computations to determine the amount of compensation or compensatory leave due<br />
an employee for overtime. Rest periods shall be fifteen (15) minutes for each four (4) hour<br />
period for employees as scheduled by the Department Head or immediate supervisor.<br />
Regular and punctual attendance at work shall be required of all employees. The <strong>County</strong> shall<br />
establish uniform attendance requirements, time recording and time reporting procedures. Each<br />
Department Head shall be responsible for documentation and completion of such procedures.<br />
Any employee who fails to observe attendance or time recording requirements shall be subject to<br />
disciplinary action, up to and including termination.<br />
Compensation payments are generally to be made on a biweekly basis, unless special<br />
circumstances require monthly compensation.<br />
Overtime<br />
1. For purposes of computing overtime, the workweek shall begin at 12:01 am Monday,<br />
unless the Sheriff establishes a different workweek within the Sheriff’s Office.<br />
2. Non-Exempt Employees: Hours worked by non-exempt employees in excess of 35 hours<br />
per week, but less than 40 hours, will be compensated at the employee's base wage rate.<br />
Hours worked beyond 40 hours per week will be compensated at one and one-half times<br />
their base wage rate or earn compensation time off at one-and-one-half the hours worked<br />
over 40. The employee must designate whether they choose to receive cash or<br />
compensatory time prior to each fiscal year, which will be applied for the entire year.<br />
3. Any hours worked beyond the normal workweek shall require prior supervisor approval.<br />
All hours in compensated payroll status shall be considered as hours of work required to<br />
qualify for overtime premium. Non-compensated leave of absence hours shall not be<br />
included in the worked hours per week required to qualify for overtime premium.<br />
3. Exempt Employees: Exempt employees shall not be eligible for additional paid<br />
compensation for hours worked in excess of forty (40) per week. They shall be eligible for<br />
compensatory time off on an hour-for hour-basis. No guarantee exists for the use of<br />
compensatory time.<br />
4. The use of compensatory time requires prior supervisor approval.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 2-F 1
Alternative Work Schedules<br />
If an employee makes a request for an alternative work schedule and such request is denied by the<br />
employee’s supervisor, the employee may appeal this decision in successive steps through their<br />
department’s management levels up to and concluding at the level of the <strong>County</strong> Administrator.<br />
Not withstanding the Dispute Resolution Rule, the ultimate work schedule decision shall not be<br />
subject to appeal through the dispute resolution mechanism of these Personnel Rules &<br />
Regulations.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 2-F 2
July 29, 2002<br />
Revised January 23, 2006<br />
CARVER COUNTY EMPLOYEE TIMECARD INSTRUCTIONS<br />
The following instructions explain how to complete each item on the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Timecard.<br />
If you have any questions, contact the Human Resources Department at 952-361-1525; extension<br />
1525.<br />
Please print the information on the timecard and complete the timecard using black ink.<br />
Numbers should be recorded in decimal format not as fractions. Payroll codes and Timecard<br />
codes are located on the back of each timecard. Payroll Code: These are mandatory and are<br />
used to identify the boxes along the right side of the timecard. These payroll codes appear on<br />
your bi-weekly paycheck. Timecard Code: These codes are to be used as identifiers in the<br />
comment and/or other columns as an explanation. Example: LL = Long Lunch<br />
Name<br />
List your last name, first name and middle initial.<br />
Department Number<br />
List the department number assigned to your department.<br />
Employee Number<br />
List your four-digit employee number as assigned to you by Human Resources<br />
Pay Period Ending<br />
List the number of the month, day, and year on which the payroll period ends. Pay periods begin<br />
effective 12:01 A.M. on the first Monday of the pay period and ends at midnight on the Sunday<br />
following the last Saturday of the pay period.<br />
Weekly In and Out Recording<br />
The “In and Out” column, located on the left side of the timecard, is used to record times you<br />
begin working and end working during each day. Put the time you arrive and begin working in<br />
the "In" column and the time you stop working in the "Out" column to reflect the actual time you<br />
worked. In the event you worked and left and returned to work, record the additional time in the<br />
"In" and "Out" column, separated by a slash (/) mark.<br />
IMPORTANT: The recording of vacation, sick leave taken, compensatory time<br />
taken, overtime, compensatory time accrued, etc. requires prior approval of<br />
your supervisor as outlined in the <strong>County</strong> Rules and Regulations and collective<br />
bargaining agreements.<br />
Actual Hours Worked<br />
Record actual hours worked per day, in the FT/PT (full-time/part-time) column. Record hours<br />
for recognized <strong>County</strong> Holidays in the FT/PT column, leaving the “In” and “Out” column blank,<br />
unless you actually worked on the holiday. DO NOT INCLUDE floating holidays, vacation,<br />
sick leave, shift differential, compensatory, funeral, military, jury duty, leave without pay,<br />
premium pay hours, etc.<br />
Section 2-F (insert)<br />
1
Sick Leave Time<br />
Record hours taken that are previously earned and approved in the SL (Sick Leave) column.<br />
Compensatory Time Taken<br />
Record hours taken that are previously earned and approved in the CT (Comp Taken) column.<br />
Compensatory hours are defined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Personnel Rules and Regulations and<br />
collective bargaining agreements.<br />
Vacation Time<br />
Record hours taken that are previously earned and approved in the VC (Vacation) column.<br />
Holidays<br />
Include hours taken for recognized <strong>County</strong> Holidays in the FT/PT column. When recording<br />
<strong>County</strong> and Floating Holidays, leave the "In" and "Out" columns blank. Record Floating<br />
Holiday hours taken in the Comment column and the total Floating Holiday hours in the FH box<br />
on the right. <strong>County</strong> and Floating Holidays are defined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Personnel Rules<br />
and Regulations and collective bargaining agreements.<br />
If you work on a recognized <strong>County</strong> Holiday, record the actual hours worked in the “In” and<br />
“Out” column. Calculate holiday pay in the comment column as defined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
Personnel Rules and Regulations or collective bargaining agreements. The recognized <strong>County</strong><br />
Holiday hours and actual holiday hours worked are included in the FT/PT box on the right. The<br />
additional holiday hours that are to be compensated for are recorded in either the SO (Overtime)<br />
or CE (Comp Earned) boxes on the right.<br />
Funeral Leave<br />
Hours taken as actual <strong>County</strong> paid Funeral Leave as approved by your supervisor in accordance<br />
with and as defined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Rules and Regulations or collective bargaining<br />
agreement. Hours taken as <strong>County</strong> paid Funeral Leave should be written in the comment section<br />
of your timecard on the day the leave was taken and identified with the coding FL. Additionally,<br />
these hours should be and listed as “other” hours and appropriately coded FL under the totals<br />
column along the right side of the timecard.<br />
Funeral Sick Leave<br />
Hours taken as sick leave to be used to attend a funeral as approved by your supervisor in<br />
accordance with and as defined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Rules and Regulations or collective<br />
bargaining agreement. These hours should be written in the comment section of your timecard<br />
on the day the leave taken and identified with the coding FS. Additionally, these hours should be<br />
and listed as “other” hours and appropriately coded FS under the totals column along the right<br />
side of the timecard.<br />
Jury Duty, Military<br />
Recording hours that an employee serves on Jury Duty should be written in the comment section<br />
of your timecard for the days that you served for Jury Duty as hours worked and identified with<br />
July 29, 2002<br />
Revised January 23, 2006<br />
Section 2-F (insert)<br />
2
the coding JD. Additionally, these hours should be and listed as “other” hours and appropriately<br />
coded JD under the totals column along the right side of the timecard<br />
Shift Differential (if applicable)<br />
Record the number of hours shift differential applies to in the SH (Shift Hours) box on the right.<br />
Record the shift differential rate below the number of shift hours. Shift differential time periods<br />
are defined by collective bargaining agreements.<br />
Leave Without Pay<br />
Record the beginning of the Leave of Absence without pay in the Comment column, identifying<br />
LW (Leave without Pay) using the Timecard Code<br />
Other<br />
List and record any of the following hours worked in the Comment column, identifying the<br />
appropriate Timecard or Payroll Code. Other hours worked are defined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
Personnel Rules and Regulations <strong>Manual</strong> and collective bargaining agreements and may include,<br />
but are not limited to the following:<br />
1. Premium Pay<br />
2. FTO (Field Training Officers)<br />
3. Call Out<br />
4. Court Time<br />
5. Call Back<br />
Subtotal<br />
Subtotal the FT/PT, SL, VC, and CT columns for each week.<br />
Overtime Worked<br />
If you are non-exempt and have elected to be paid cash for overtime, add together all hours in<br />
compensated status for the week in the sub-total line. Record any hours over forty in the subtotal<br />
comment box. Add the overtime for each sub-total comment box and calculate the hours<br />
worked over forty at time and one-half or double time in the SO (Overtime) box on the right.<br />
Compensatory Time Earned<br />
If you are non-exempt, and have elected to accrue compensatory time, add together all hours in<br />
compensated status for the week in the sub-total line. Record any hours over forty in the subtotal<br />
comment box. Add the overtime from each sub-total comment box and calculate the hours<br />
worked over forty at time and one-half or double time in the CE (Comp Earned) box on the right.<br />
If you are exempt, compensatory time is earned at straight time, unless defined differently in a<br />
collective bargaining agreement. Record actual hours worked in the FT/PT column. Record<br />
any hours compensated over eighty, or as defined in collective bargaining agreements, in the biweekly<br />
pay period, in the CE (Comp Earned) box on the right.<br />
July 29, 2002<br />
Revised January 23, 2006<br />
Section 2-F (insert)<br />
3
Total of All Hours Worked<br />
Total of all hours worked which you will be compensated for.<br />
Employee Signature/Supervisory Signature<br />
Sign the timecard and give it to your immediate supervisor to have it signed. Timecards must be<br />
turned in to payroll by noon on the Monday prior to that Friday's payday, unless other<br />
arrangements are approved. Finance may periodically request an earlier due date, i.e. when a<br />
holiday is observed on a Monday.<br />
NOTE: The above employee timecard instructions may not pertain to every<br />
employee situation. Questions for clarification of timecard completion should be<br />
directed to your immediate supervisor or to the Human Resources Department.<br />
July 29, 2002<br />
Revised January 23, 2006<br />
Section 2-F (insert)<br />
4
Timecard Example (front side):<br />
Name (Last, First, MI)<br />
Dept # Employee # Pay Period End<br />
Week One FT/PT VC SL CT Comments Hours<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
MON<br />
CARVER<br />
COUNTY<br />
FT<br />
Subtotal<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
SUN SAT FRI THUR WED TUE<br />
PT<br />
SH<br />
$<br />
VC<br />
SL<br />
FH<br />
OC<br />
$<br />
SO<br />
Week Two FT/PT VC SL CT Comments<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
TUE MON<br />
CE<br />
CT<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
In<br />
Out<br />
SUN SAT FRI THUR WED<br />
PW<br />
Human Resources / Payroll<br />
Use Only!!<br />
VQ<br />
SQ<br />
Subtotal<br />
HO<br />
Employee Signature<br />
Supervisor Signature<br />
Total
Timecard Example (backside):<br />
CARVER COUNTY<br />
Payroll Codes<br />
Full-time : FT<br />
Part-time : PT<br />
Vacation : VC<br />
Sick Leave : SL<br />
Comp Earned : CE<br />
Comp Taken : CT<br />
Shift Hours : SH<br />
Floating Holiday : FH<br />
Funeral Leave Co. Paid : FL<br />
Funeral Sick Leave : FS<br />
Jury Duty : JD<br />
Over-time : SO<br />
On-call Pay : OC<br />
Timecard Codes<br />
<strong>County</strong> Paid Holiday : CH<br />
Military Leave : ML<br />
Leave w/o Pay : LW<br />
Jury Duty : JD<br />
Long-Lunch : LL<br />
Worker's Comp. Pay : WC<br />
Field Training Officer : TO<br />
Premium Pay : PP<br />
Call-out : CL<br />
Court Call -out : CO<br />
Call Back : CB<br />
Education Incentive : EI<br />
Growth & Development : GD
Pay Periods for 2006<br />
Pay Period Pay Period Pay Period<br />
of the Year Starts Ends Check Date<br />
1 12/26/2005 1/8/2006 1/13/2006<br />
2 1/9/2006 1/22/2006 1/27/2006<br />
3 1/23/2006 2/5/2006 2/10/2006<br />
4 2/6/2006 2/19/2006 2/24/2006<br />
5 2/20/2006 3/5/2006 3/10/2006<br />
6 3/6/2006 3/19/2006 3/24/2006<br />
7 3/20/2006 4/2/2006 4/7/2006<br />
8 4/3/2006 4/16/2006 4/21/2006<br />
9 4/17/2006 4/30/2006 5/5/2006<br />
10 5/1/2006 5/14/2006 5/19/2006<br />
11 5/15/2006 5/28/2006 6/2/2006<br />
12 5/29/2006 6/11/2006 6/16/2006<br />
13 6/12/2006 6/25/2006 6/30/2006<br />
14 6/26/2006 7/9/2006 7/14/2006<br />
15 7/10/2006 7/23/2006 7/28/2006<br />
16 7/24/2006 8/6/2006 8/11/2006<br />
17 8/7/2006 8/20/2006 8/25/2006<br />
18 8/21/2006 9/3/2006 9/8/2006<br />
19 9/4/2006 9/17/2006 9/22/2006<br />
20 9/18/2006 10/1/2006 10/6/2006<br />
21 10/2/2006 10/15/2006 10/20/2006<br />
22 10/16/2006 10/29/2006 11/3/2006<br />
23 10/30/2006 11/12/2006 11/17/2006<br />
24 11/13/2006 11/26/2006 12/1/2006<br />
25 11/27/2006 12/10/2006 12/15/2006<br />
26 12/11/2006 12/24/2006 12/29/2006<br />
First Payroll of<br />
2007 12/25/2006 1/7/2007 1/12/2007
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OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT<br />
An employee shall not engage in any employment, private enterprise, participate in any<br />
professional activity or perform any act or service during or outside their employment with the<br />
<strong>County</strong>, which would affect the employee's ability to perform the normal duties and<br />
responsibilities of their position, or which is adverse to the interests of the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
The performance of an act in other than the capacity as an employee which may later be subject<br />
directly or indirectly to the control, inspection, review, audit or enforcement by said employee for<br />
the department by which that person is employed is prohibited.<br />
Employees shall notify their Department Head, in writing, of their intent to seek outside<br />
employment, including the nature, place and working hours. The Department Head shall examine<br />
whether the outside employment or activity is of a similar nature to <strong>County</strong> employment. The<br />
Department Head will indicate approval or disapproval in writing with a copy forwarded to the<br />
<strong>County</strong> Administrator. In instances where the <strong>County</strong> Administrator finds an actual or apparent<br />
conflict of interest, the employment or activity may be disapproved. In such cases, the aggrieved<br />
employee may appeal the determination to the Board, whose decision shall be final.<br />
An employee's failure to disclose non-<strong>County</strong> employment as referred to in the Employee<br />
Discipline and Discharge rule, Section 3, may be grounds for disciplinary action, including<br />
suspension or termination.<br />
Employees participating in non-compensated activities or volunteer work are encouraged to<br />
continue in such participation. If an employee is participating in any non-compensated activity<br />
that may cause a conflict, as referred to in the Employee Discipline and Discharge rule, Section 3,<br />
he/she is encouraged to discuss the activity with their supervisor or Department Head. If a potential<br />
for conflict exists, the Administrator will make a determination as to actual or apparent conflict of<br />
interest. If the activity is disapproved by the Administrator, the aggrieved employee may appeal<br />
the decision to the Board, whose decision shall be final.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 2-G 1
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TERMINATION<br />
Overview<br />
Employees may be separated from employment by means of retirement, voluntary termination,<br />
discharge or layoff. Payment for vacation and/or other severance may be withheld if the employee<br />
is in any way indebted to the <strong>County</strong> or in possession of <strong>County</strong> equipment or property. Whenever<br />
possible, an exit interview shall be conducted with the employee by the Human Resources<br />
Department.<br />
Retirement<br />
No regular employee shall be required to retire from <strong>County</strong> employment solely for age, except in<br />
those positions where a bona fide occupation qualification (BFOQ) exists.<br />
Voluntary Termination<br />
An employee who wishes to resign in good standing shall provide written notice to the immediate<br />
supervisor at least ten (10) working days, exclusive of time off, prior to the intended resignation<br />
date. A supervisory employee must provide their immediate supervisor with at least twenty (20)<br />
working days prior notice, exclusive of any time off. The employee shall then notify Human<br />
Resources of their intent to resign and complete the appropriate resignation forms.<br />
The supervisor shall notify the Human Resources Department of the acceptance of the employee's<br />
resignation notice as submitted, as well as the employee's opportunity for re-employment or<br />
reinstatement. The resignation will be forwarded to the Administrator, which may accept it with or<br />
without modification. The Administrator may reject the employee's resignation and discharge the<br />
employee.<br />
An employee who does not submit a resignation in compliance with the provisions of these<br />
regulations may be considered as having not resigned in good standing. An employee who does<br />
not resign in good standing will: 1) be deprived of the opportunity to be considered for<br />
reinstatement; 2) have the fact recorded into the employee's record; and 3) forfeit the sick leave<br />
portion of any available severance pay.<br />
Discharge<br />
When corrective action and/or disciplinary action has failed to: 1) improve unacceptable<br />
performance; 2) obtain compliance with policies or practices; or 3) correct conduct inappropriate<br />
for the specific circumstances, any employee may be discharged for cause consistent with the<br />
Employee Discipline and Discharge rule, Section 3, following proper notice to the employee.<br />
Under no circumstances shall an employee be discharged without reviewing the action with the<br />
Human Resources Director. The employee shall be suspended with pay, pending a review of the<br />
circumstances, if removal from the work site is necessary.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-H 1
An employee who is absent from work for a period of three (3) days or more without notifying<br />
their immediate supervisor of the reasons for the absence and receiving permission to remain<br />
away from work, shall be considered as having resigned without notice and not in good standing,<br />
provided that the failure to contact the Department Head was not caused by unavoidable<br />
circumstances. This rule shall also apply to an employee who fails to return within three (3) days<br />
of the expiration of an authorized leave.<br />
Work Force Reduction<br />
In order to maintain a balanced work force of experienced and qualified employees, the <strong>County</strong><br />
may, at its discretion, determine that work force adjustments are needed. If it becomes necessary<br />
to reduce the number of employees for a period of more than one week, the <strong>County</strong> will observe<br />
the following procedures.<br />
1. Reduction shall be implemented by inverse seniority within each classification.<br />
2. Employees will be laid off in the following order:<br />
First - all temporary and casual employees.<br />
Second - all probationary employees.<br />
Third - all regular part-time employees.<br />
Fourth - all regular full-time employees.<br />
3. Notice of reduction in work force will be issued 10 working days in advance of the effective<br />
date of layoff whenever work conditions permit.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 2-H 2
SECTION 3<br />
PERFORMANCE, BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT<br />
Employee Training and Development<br />
Performance Evaluation<br />
Sexual Harassment <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Acknowledgement of Sexual Harassment <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Drug Free Workplace<br />
Tobacco Free Workplace<br />
Political Activity<br />
Gift Prohibition<br />
Dispute Resolution<br />
Employee Discipline and Discharge<br />
1
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2
EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT<br />
Overview<br />
The <strong>County</strong> shall establish, whenever possible, programs for the training and development needs of<br />
<strong>County</strong> employees and encourage formal educational pursuits, which enhance a full-time, regular<br />
employee's present job performance or potential for increased responsibility. Participation does not<br />
guarantee improved earnings or job classification.<br />
In-Service Training<br />
The Human Resources Director shall be responsible for assessment of developmental needs and<br />
program recommendations to the <strong>County</strong> Board and for assistance in the development and<br />
implementation of training for specific needs of the department. Whenever possible, programs<br />
will be coordinated between departments or other organizations to maximize training staff and<br />
facilities.<br />
Reimbursement for Education<br />
The following criteria will be used for determination of reimbursable educational course work:<br />
1. The class is relevant to the employee's job.<br />
2. Attendance is warranted to keep an employee abreast of continuing developments in their<br />
professional field or specific area of general management and is important to the operation<br />
and function of the department.<br />
Upon successful completion of a course with a grade or evaluation equivalent to a "C" or<br />
better, reimbursement will be made as follows:<br />
- The employee has received approval from the Department Head and Human<br />
Resources Director, prior to enrollment in the course.<br />
- In the instance where the <strong>County</strong> requires or requests the course, 100% for the<br />
required cost of tuition, registration and laboratory fees. Assigned textbooks<br />
reimbursed by the <strong>County</strong> will become <strong>County</strong> property at the conclusion of the<br />
course.<br />
- In elective courses of study, regular full-time employees may be reimbursed 50% of<br />
tuition, registration and laboratory fees. Assigned textbooks for elective courses of<br />
study will be reimbursed at 50% by the <strong>County</strong>. Employees must reimburse the<br />
<strong>County</strong> 50% of the proceeds received if they sell the textbook(s) after the<br />
conclusion of the course.<br />
- Transcripts and itemized receipts are required as evidence of grades and<br />
expenses.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-A 1
- The employee agrees to return to employment with the <strong>County</strong> for a period at<br />
least equal to the training program.<br />
- Expenses requested are available in the budget for the specific department.<br />
No other fees or expenses will be reimbursed. If any of these criteria have not been met<br />
after <strong>County</strong> monies have been extended for such purpose, the employee shall be<br />
responsible for full restitution of <strong>County</strong> funds expended. The employee is responsible for<br />
the scheduling and payment of any training or course-work that is solely taken to maintain<br />
continuing education or certification for continued employment.<br />
Conferences, Workshops & Seminars<br />
Attendance at job-related conference, workshops or seminars must receive approval of the<br />
Department Head and may require approval of the <strong>County</strong> Board. The criteria to be used in<br />
selecting outside training to attend is the same as for Reimbursement for Education:<br />
1. Topic is relevant to the employee’s job.<br />
2. Attendance is warranted to keep employee abreast of continuing developments in their<br />
professional field or specific area of general management and is important to the operation<br />
and function of the department.<br />
3. Any costs incurred for outside training requested by the <strong>County</strong> shall be reimbursed in<br />
total.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-A 2
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION<br />
Performance Evaluation Guidelines<br />
The performance evaluation system shall be based on job descriptions and behavior and resultsoriented<br />
performance standards. The performance evaluation system shall be designed to assist<br />
and encourage the employee to reach maximum potential and enhance services provided by the<br />
<strong>County</strong>. Employees shall be evaluated and counseled on work performance at least once a year<br />
and an informal discussion shall occur approximately at a six (6) month interval between annual<br />
reviews. Standards against which performance is to be measured shall be specific, measurable,<br />
related to quality, quantity, timeliness of work or other reasonable performance criteria determined<br />
by the appropriate supervisor. Department Heads are responsible for the overall implementation<br />
and monitoring of performance evaluations of employees within the departments and shall be<br />
evaluated on such implementation and monitoring.<br />
A system for appraising performance of employees may be developed and placed into effect with<br />
the approval of the <strong>County</strong> Board to meet the following minimum standards:<br />
1. The performance evaluation system shall include, at a minimum, annual performance<br />
evaluations and six (6) month informal discussions between supervisors and their<br />
respective employees.<br />
2. Annual performance evaluations shall be made in writing using the "Performance<br />
Evaluation" form and both the supervisor and employee shall receive a copy.<br />
3. Official copies of the annual performance evaluations shall be kept on file in the Human<br />
Resources Department. An additional copy may be retained by the employee and/or the<br />
supervisor conducting the evaluation.<br />
4. Performance evaluations shall be based on job descriptions and behavior- and resultsoriented<br />
performance standards.<br />
5. The supervisor and the employee shall annually review the employee's job description and<br />
performance standards for the purpose of updating and maintaining current descriptions.<br />
6. In addition to the annual performance evaluations, employees shall also be evaluated under<br />
the following conditions:<br />
a. At the completion of three months service with the <strong>County</strong> supervisors shall<br />
complete, at a minimum a discussion session with the employee. A summary of<br />
this session shall be forwarded to the Human Resources Department.<br />
b. Prior to the completion of the probationary period for new employees and for<br />
employees promoted, transferred, demoted or reinstated into a new classification<br />
(using the "Performance Evaluation" form). The completed evaluation form shall<br />
be forwarded to the Human Resources department for inclusion in the employee's<br />
personnel file.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 3-B 1
c. Any time an employee's performance has changed significantly, positively or<br />
negatively.<br />
d. Any time the supervisor feels that it is in the best interest of the employee or the<br />
<strong>County</strong>.<br />
Record of Performance Evaluation<br />
Performance evaluations shall be recorded in writing in the form and manner described by the<br />
Human Resources Director.<br />
Performance Appraisal Procedure<br />
Performance appraisals shall be conducted by persons designated in the department, generally the<br />
employee's immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor is the individual who assigns and<br />
directs the employee's work, checks or inspects work for proper methods and results, is responsible<br />
for discipline and is immediately responsible for the work of the employee.<br />
In all instances, the person evaluating the performance of an individual must be familiar both with<br />
the duties of the position and the body of work performed by the individual. The performance<br />
evaluation shall be used for counseling and identifying the need for further training and<br />
development.<br />
The employee shall be notified at least one day before the interview to allow the employee to<br />
assess their individual performance and prepare any questions or suggestions regarding more<br />
effective ways of performing the duties of the position.<br />
The next highest supervisor is primarily a reviewing rater, usually the immediate supervisor of the<br />
first rater. The second rater's primary function, in the rating process, is to review the rating made<br />
by the first line supervisor for consistency with <strong>County</strong> policy and to officially approve the rating.<br />
Employees who have been under more than one supervisor during the rating period shall be rated<br />
by the rating official having supervision of the employee at the time the rating is to be prepared. In<br />
this instance, the present supervisor shall, where possible, consult with previous supervisors in<br />
arriving at a rating.<br />
Review of Performance Report<br />
The rating supervisor shall discuss the performance report with the employee before the report is<br />
made part of the employee's permanent record. The employee's signature is required to indicate<br />
receipt of the evaluation, not necessarily agreement with its' content. Employees may respond in<br />
writing to the evaluation. Employees concerns or disagreements may also be addressed through<br />
the appropriate dispute resolution process.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 3-B 2
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY<br />
Definition<br />
For purposes of this policy sexual harassment is defined as 1) any verbal, written, visual, or<br />
physical conduct of a sexual or gender biased nature which is sufficiently severe to alter the<br />
conditions of the victim's employment and create a hostile, intimidating or offensive work<br />
environment; OR 2) any conduct of a sexual or gender biased nature which is offensive,<br />
intimidating, unwelcome, or that could reasonably be taken as objectionable.<br />
<strong>Policy</strong><br />
It is the policy of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> that all employees should be able to enjoy a respectful<br />
workplace and a work atmosphere free from all forms of unlawful harassment, including implied<br />
or expressed forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment infringes on an employee's right to<br />
a comfortable, respectful work environment and is self-defeating as a workplace practice. It is a<br />
form of misconduct that is illegal, against <strong>County</strong> policy and will not be tolerated. No employee<br />
- male or female - should be subjected to sexual harassment. All employees are expected to<br />
treat their coworkers, subordinates, supervisors and public contacts with respect at all<br />
times. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment in the work place,<br />
including acts of non-employees.<br />
Complaints of violations of the <strong>County</strong>'s Sexual Harassment <strong>Policy</strong> will be quickly and<br />
thoroughly investigated. Violations of this policy by any employee, whether or not the<br />
violation rises to the level of illegal sexual harassment, will result in prompt disciplinary<br />
action, up to and including, termination of employment.<br />
Examples of sexually harassing conduct under this policy may include but are not limited to the<br />
following:<br />
1. Use of offensive or demeaning terms, which have a sexual connotation or a negative gender<br />
connotation;<br />
2. Objectionable physical proximity or physical contact;<br />
3. Repeated, unwelcome suggestions regarding, or invitations to, social engagements or workrelated<br />
social events;<br />
4. Any indication, express or implied, that an employee's job security, job assignment,<br />
opportunities for advancement or other terms or conditions of employment depend or may<br />
depend on the granting of sexual favors to any other employee, supervisor, or manager;<br />
5. Any action relating to an employee's job status, which is in fact affected by consideration of<br />
the granting or refusal of social or sexual favors;<br />
6. The deliberate or careless creation of an atmosphere of sexual harassment or intimidation;<br />
August 24, 1999 Section 3-C 1
7. The deliberate or careless expression of jokes, remarks of a sexual nature to, or in the<br />
presence of, employees who may find such jokes or remarks offensive;<br />
8. The deliberate or careless dissemination of materials such as cartoons, articles, pictures, etc.<br />
which have a sexual content, and which are not necessary for work, to employees who may<br />
find such materials offensive;<br />
9. The use of suggestive facial expressions or gestures of a sexual nature.<br />
All employees should keep in mind that the absence of intent to sexually harass an individual is<br />
not a defense to a complaint of sexual harassment. It is the impact and nature of the conduct,<br />
not the intent that determine whether the conduct is sexually harassing.<br />
Supervisory & Management Responsibilities<br />
The supervisory and management personnel of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> are responsible for maintaining a<br />
work environment that is respectful and free from discrimination in any form. A part of those<br />
responsibilities are proactively maintaining the compliance of all employees with this policy.<br />
Each supervisor's and manager's success in their jobs depends, in part, on carrying out these<br />
responsibilities to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and to maintain a respectful work<br />
environment.<br />
In the absence of a complaint, supervisors and managers observing conduct of the<br />
aforementioned nature in the workplace are responsible for calling such behavior and this policy<br />
to the attention of the participants at the time of the observance. A written summary of the<br />
discussion shall immediately be forwarded to the Human Resources Director.<br />
Supervisors receiving complaints or reports of alleged inappropriate conduct shall immediately<br />
forward a report to the Human Resources Director, Human Resources Representative, or<br />
Assistant <strong>County</strong> Attorney III - Civil Division (the <strong>County</strong>'s Sexual Harassment officers) prior to<br />
taking any action (screening, investigating, etc.) the complaint. In conference with a <strong>County</strong><br />
Sexual Harassment officer, a determination shall be made as to whether an investigation is<br />
merited, who will investigate and what methods will be used in the investigation.<br />
Failure of a supervisory or managerial employee to immediately forward reports of observances<br />
or complaints to a <strong>County</strong> Sexual Harassment officer shall be grounds for disciplinary action, up<br />
to and including termination of employment.<br />
Employee Responsibilities<br />
Non-supervisory employees observing conduct of the aforementioned nature are encouraged to<br />
call such behavior and this policy to the attention of the participants at the time of the<br />
observance, or promptly report such behavior to a supervisor or one of the <strong>County</strong>'s Sexual<br />
Harassment Officers.<br />
August 24, 1999 Section 3-C 2
Any employee who feels he or she is being subjected to sexual harassment in any form, or any<br />
employee with knowledge or belief of conduct on the part of another employee or other<br />
individual which may constitute a violation of this policy, is required to report the alleged<br />
conduct immediately to a supervisor or a <strong>County</strong> Sexual Harassment officer as designated by this<br />
policy. While the <strong>County</strong> encourages written reports of the alleged conduct, verbal reports will<br />
be accepted. The individual receiving the report will need the following information:<br />
1. Date, time and location of incident<br />
2. Identification of the offender(s)<br />
3. A detailed description of the incident<br />
4. Any materials in the complaining employee's possession related to the incident (e.g. cartoons,<br />
articles, pictures)<br />
5. Identification of any potential witnesses to the incident<br />
Additionally, at the time of the incident, if you are the employee being subjected to the<br />
inappropriate behavior and feel comfortable in so doing, you may courteously, but firmly, tell the<br />
individual(s) engaging in the inappropriate behavior to stop the behavior because the behavior<br />
makes you feel intimidated, offended or uncomfortable. Include a summary of this discussion in<br />
your report to the supervisor or <strong>County</strong> Sexual Harassment Officer.<br />
Complaint Investigation<br />
The investigation methodology will include, at a minimum, personal interviews with the<br />
reporting employee, the complaining employee (if different than the reporting employee) and<br />
alleged offender(s). The investigation methodology may additionally include additional<br />
interviews, document review and other methods deemed pertinent by the investigator.<br />
Every effort will be made to respect the privacy and identity of all parties to a complaint brought<br />
under this policy; however, this requires the cooperation of all parties involved in the<br />
investigation, including the complainant(s), the alleged harasser(s) and witnesses. Additionally,<br />
the <strong>County</strong> has an affirmative obligation to investigate, to take necessary action to resolve a<br />
complaint, and to comply with relevant state and federal regulations, and retains the right to<br />
disclose the identities of parties to a complaint, including witnesses, to those with a need or right<br />
to know.<br />
A determination as to whether a particular incident constitutes a violation of this policy will be<br />
made based on the totality of facts and surrounding circumstances available to the investigator.<br />
These facts and circumstances include the nature of the behavior, the nature of the relationships<br />
between the parties involved, the situation and setting in which the incident occurred, and<br />
previous incidents and/or past or continuing patterns of behavior related to the parties involved.<br />
August 24, 1999 Section 3-C 3
The investigator will forward a summary of their investigation, the investigator's determination<br />
as to whether the incident constitutes a violation of this policy and, as applicable,<br />
recommendations on counseling, mediation, disciplinary or other personnel actions to the<br />
Department Head(s) of the alleged violators. The Department Head(s) or supervisor shall<br />
consult with the Human Resources Director prior to taking any disciplinary action and then shall<br />
take such disciplinary action as deemed necessary to ensure the behavior is corrected. Failure of<br />
the Department Head or supervisor to promptly take the agreed upon action shall be grounds for<br />
disciplinary action, up to and including termination.<br />
Reprisal<br />
The <strong>County</strong> will not tolerate acts of retaliation against employees who have made a good faith<br />
report of suspected violations of this policy or any person who assists or participates in an<br />
investigation or assists or participates in a proceeding related to such investigation. The <strong>County</strong><br />
will discipline or take other appropriate action against any employee or elected official who<br />
engages in acts of retaliation towards these individuals. For purposes of this policy, retaliation<br />
includes but is not limited to: refusal to meet, or excessive delays in meeting with, or otherwise<br />
working with the individual; refusal to share, or excessive delays in sharing, appropriate workrelated<br />
information such as meetings schedules and agendas, changes in policies or laws; other<br />
forms of interference of the individual in the performance of their job; verbal or physical threats;<br />
ridicule; rumor spreading; making a false complaint against the individual; destruction of<br />
property.<br />
.<br />
August 24, 1999 Section 3-C 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY<br />
I _____________________________________________________, acknowledge that <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong> prohibits unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment and harassment based on race,<br />
national origin, religion, pregnancy or age.<br />
I understand that policies and procedures are in place at <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> to prevent and remedy such<br />
behavior.<br />
I have read the <strong>County</strong>'s Sexual Harassment <strong>Policy</strong> and understand that I am to make an immediate<br />
report if I am subjected to harassment (or have knowledge of any harassment) by any county<br />
employee (no matter if it is an executive, supervisor or coworker), customer, vendor or elected<br />
official.<br />
I acknowledge that I have attended the employee training session with Human Resources, and<br />
viewed the Sexual Harassment Video, as recommended. In accordance with the guidelines<br />
presented on the subjects covered and discussed, I agree to apply the information presented to the<br />
best of my ability.<br />
Employee Name (Printed)<br />
______________________________________<br />
Employee Signature<br />
______________________________________<br />
Date<br />
______________________________________<br />
Sign and return to Human Resources
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DRUG FREE WORKPLACE<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> recognizes that alcohol and other drugs or controlled substances may cause<br />
dependencies that are a significant social problem with a potential for causing severe effects to the<br />
<strong>County</strong>'s workforce. The <strong>County</strong> recognizes that alcohol and drug dependency may be an illness.<br />
Consistent with this understanding, however, is the <strong>County</strong>'s obligation to ensure that its<br />
employees perform the responsibilities of their job in an efficient, safe and professional manner.<br />
In recognition of the value of a drug and alcohol free workplace, and in conjunction with the Drug-<br />
Free Workplace Act of 1988, the <strong>County</strong> adopted the following policy.<br />
1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled<br />
substance is prohibited in the workplace. [For purposes of this section, the term "controlled<br />
substance" is defined as a controlled substance which appears in Schedules I through V of<br />
Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812)]. These may include, but are<br />
not limited to, narcotics, depressant, stimulants, hallucinogens and cannabis.<br />
2. If an employee is taking medically authorized drugs or other substances, which may alter<br />
job performance, the employee is under an affirmative duty to notify the appropriate<br />
supervisor of the potential that his/her ability to perform his/her regular duties may be<br />
impaired.<br />
3. Any violation of this drug-free policy shall constitute "just cause" for disciplinary action,<br />
up to and including immediate suspension and/or termination.<br />
4. As a condition of employment, employees will abide by the terms and conditions of this<br />
drug-free policy and will notify their Department Head of any criminal drug statute<br />
conviction for which a violation occurs in the workplace within five (5) calendar days after<br />
such conviction.<br />
5. The <strong>County</strong> will notify the contracting (granting) agency within ten (10) calendar days after<br />
receiving actual notice of an above conviction.<br />
6. Within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving notice from an employee of a drug related<br />
workplace conviction, the <strong>County</strong> may require an employee to satisfactorily participate in a<br />
drug abuse assistance or acceptable rehabilitation program. Programs of this type may be<br />
available through our medical insurance program or Employee Assistance Program (EAP).<br />
7. The <strong>County</strong> will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when there is a reasonable<br />
suspicion that an employee may have illegal drugs in his/her possession at work or on<br />
<strong>County</strong> premises. Where it is appropriate, the <strong>County</strong> will also notify licensing boards.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 3-D 1
8. The <strong>County</strong> will establish a drug-free awareness program to inform <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
employees about:<br />
a. The dangers of drug abuse, specifically in the workplace.<br />
b. The policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace.<br />
c. The availability of drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance<br />
programs.<br />
d. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.<br />
9. Employees are discouraged from consuming alcoholic beverages during lunch or dinner<br />
meals when returning immediately thereafter to perform work on behalf of the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Employees are advised that in any situation subsequent to the intake of alcohol, where the<br />
employee must continue conducting <strong>County</strong> business, any employee whose condition or<br />
behavior affects his/her work performance shall be subject to possible discipline, up to and<br />
including discharge.<br />
Each situation involving investigation and/or disciplinary action will be evaluated on a<br />
case-by-case basis, depending on the severity and circumstances involved. Disclosure of<br />
information regarding alcohol and other drug use in the workplace must be consistent with<br />
applicable collective bargaining agreements and law. Questions in this area should be<br />
directed to the Human Resources Department or the <strong>County</strong> Attorney's Office.<br />
10. Employees in safety sensitive job classifications must also comply with <strong>County</strong> policies,<br />
specific to these job classifications, which have been adopted in compliance with federal<br />
and state regulations regarding drug and alcohol use in the workplace. These job<br />
classifications include:<br />
- Highway Superintendent<br />
- Highway Foreman<br />
- Highway Maintenance Worker<br />
- Shop Mechanic Foreman<br />
- Sign Shop Foreman<br />
- Shop Mechanic<br />
- Lead Parkkeeper<br />
- Parkkeeper<br />
- Bus Driver<br />
Copies of these policies are available through Human Resources.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 3-D 2
TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE<br />
Consistent with the <strong>County</strong>'s policy of a healthy and safe environment, and the intent of its<br />
wellness programs, the use of tobacco products is prohibited in <strong>County</strong> facilities.<br />
1. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in all <strong>County</strong> work sites - Government Center,<br />
Health Services Building, MN Extension Offices, License Center, Libraries, maintenance<br />
sheds and garages, and Park Administration Offices.<br />
3. <strong>County</strong> vehicles are not covered by the <strong>County</strong>'s policy. However, departments may<br />
exercise the right to prohibit smoking in departmental vehicles.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 3-E 1
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POLITICAL ACTIVITY<br />
All <strong>County</strong> employees have the right to vote as they please, to express their opinions on political<br />
subjects and retain membership in political parties.<br />
Candidate for Public Office<br />
An employee may be a candidate for partisan or non-partisan public office provided that no<br />
employee shall campaign for such office during actual hours of work. Any employee seeking<br />
public office must notify the Department Head and the Human Resources Director so that a<br />
determination, by the Personnel Board of Appeals, can be made as to whether the position that the<br />
employee occupies with the <strong>County</strong> would be in conflict with the candidacy for the public office<br />
the employee is seeking. If the employee fails to provide proper notification of his/her candidacy,<br />
the Human Resources Director shall call a special meeting of the Personnel Board of Appeals for<br />
determination of any conflict of interest. If a finding of a conflict is made, the employee shall be<br />
required to take a leave of absence without pay until the first business day following the election at<br />
which the outcome of the election contest is determined.<br />
Upon election, the employee must immediately notify the Department Head in writing. If the<br />
Department Head determines that the duties of the elective office conflicts with the proper<br />
discharge of <strong>County</strong> responsibilities, the employee will be required to be separated from the<br />
<strong>County</strong> service or take a leave of absence.<br />
Any non-elected Department Head or employee seeking public office must nevertheless devote<br />
full-time energies to normal <strong>County</strong> employment and cannot campaign during normal working<br />
hours.<br />
Prohibited Activities<br />
The following employee political activity is strictly prohibited:<br />
- Using official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with, or affecting the<br />
result of, an election or nomination for office.<br />
- Using official authority or influence to compel any officer or employee to apply for<br />
membership in, or become a member of, any organization.<br />
- Directly or indirectly coercing or attempting to coerce or command a state or local officer<br />
or employee to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value for political purposes.<br />
- Soliciting or receiving funds during hours of employment.<br />
- Campaign material may only be placed or distributed at designated areas within <strong>County</strong><br />
facilities as determined by the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
- The wearing of campaign buttons or other campaign regalia.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 3-F 1
Legislative Protocol for Employees<br />
1. If you choose to lobby on a policy issue that would affect the operations of the <strong>County</strong>, you<br />
are expected to confine your efforts to the <strong>County</strong>'s current legislative agenda.<br />
2. Your participation should be immediately communicated to the <strong>County</strong>'s Legislative<br />
Coordinator or the <strong>County</strong> Administrator.<br />
3. If the issue has not been addressed by the <strong>County</strong>'s legislative agenda, a <strong>County</strong> Board<br />
position should be sought prior to any lobbying effort on your part.<br />
4. If you lobby in a professional capacity, either at the request of a legislator or a professional<br />
association, you must note in your testimony that you speak as a professional and not as a<br />
<strong>County</strong> representative.<br />
5. The Legislative Coordinator, <strong>County</strong> Administrator or designated personnel will organize<br />
the <strong>County</strong>'s efforts. Do not presume that you speak for the <strong>County</strong> Board, unless you have<br />
reviewed their positions or have checked with them on specific issues.<br />
6. When the <strong>County</strong> is paying the dues for membership in a professional association,<br />
employees shall not take a position within that professional association that is inconsistent<br />
with <strong>County</strong> Board policy.<br />
7. All employees and appointed representatives shall notify the <strong>County</strong> Board and/or the<br />
<strong>County</strong> Administrator of a pending appointment to an advisory board or task force initiated<br />
outside of the scope of <strong>County</strong> Board authority.<br />
This policy applies to all employees and respective appointed Board members that lobby as a<br />
representative of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 3-F 2
GIFT PROHIBITION<br />
The 1994 amendments to the Ethics in Government Act included a broad prohibition of gifts to<br />
officials given or requested by lobbyists or lobbyist principals. This amendment, codified as Minn.<br />
Stat. §10A.071, gave rise to numerous requests for advisory opinions from the Board interpreting<br />
the provision.<br />
The Board has promulgated administrative rules addressing some of the more settled points of<br />
interpretation of the gift prohibition. These rules became effective May 20, 1996 as Chapter 4512<br />
of Minnesota Rules. The Board also maintains the text of all of its Administrative Rules at this site.<br />
Annotated Statute<br />
Because of its broad application and because it is still the subject of numerous requests to the<br />
Board, the entire text of Minn. Stat. § 10A.071 is set forth below with annotations.<br />
10A.071 CERTAIN GIFTS BY LOBBYISTS AND PRINCIPALS PROHIBITED.<br />
Subdivision 1. Definitions<br />
(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.<br />
(b) "Gift" means money, real or personal property, a service, a loan, a forbearance or<br />
forgiveness of indebtedness, or a promise of future employment, that is given and<br />
received without the giver receiving consideration of equal or greater value in return.<br />
[Annotation: The term "gift" has been interpreted broadly by the Board in its advisory opinions<br />
with the recognition that nearly every benefit which may be conferred will fall into either real or<br />
personal property or services. In Minn. Rules 4512.0100, subp. 3, the Board sets forth certain<br />
categories of benefits which are specifically included in the definition. The definition extends to<br />
loans of personal property for less than payment of fair market value and giving preferential<br />
treatment for purchases. The latter category may be traced to an advisory opinion in which<br />
officials were allowed to purchase tickets to an event before they were made available to the<br />
general public.]<br />
(c) "Official" means a public official, an employee of the legislature, or a local official of a<br />
metropolitan governmental unit.<br />
[Annotation: See the definitions of "public official" and "local official" at Minn. Stat. § 10A.01,<br />
subds. 18 and 25, respectively, and the definition of a metropolitan governmental unit at 10A.01,<br />
subd. 26. Also review the list of metropolitan governmental units. It is important to note that the<br />
definition of "official" for the gift prohibition extends to employees of the legislature; a group not<br />
included in the definitions of public officials or local officials. This extended definition makes the<br />
gift prohibition the only section of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10A having specific application to<br />
all legislative employees.]<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-F (insert) 1
Subdivision 2. Prohibition<br />
A lobbyist or principal may not give a gift or request another to give a gift to an official. An<br />
official may not accept a gift from a lobbyist or principal.<br />
[Annotation: Implicit in this subdivision is the reciprocal prohibition on both the giver and the<br />
receiver of the gift. This prohibition as it applies to the receiver is stated explicitly in Minn. Rules.<br />
4512.0200.]<br />
Subdivision 3. Exceptions<br />
(a) The prohibitions in this section do not apply if the gift is:<br />
(1) a contribution as defined in section 10A.01, subdivision 7;<br />
[Annotation: The campaign contribution exception, as written, applies only to contributions to<br />
state candidates who must register with the Board under Chapter 10A. The Board has not issued a<br />
rule or an advisory opinion as to whether the exception also applies to campaign contributions to<br />
local officials in metropolitan governmental units.]<br />
(2) services to assist an official in the performance of official duties, including but<br />
not limited to providing advice, consultation, information, and communication<br />
in connection with legislation, and services to constituents;<br />
[Annotation: There is no dollar limit on gifts given under this exception. The Board has issued<br />
several advisory opinions on gifts falling under this exception has included both traditional<br />
"services" and services such as the production and provision of informational materials within the<br />
exception. The key element of the exception is that the benefit given must assist the official in the<br />
performance of official duties. Thus, for example, a federal tax guide for legislators, to assist them<br />
in preparation of their personal income tax returns, did not fall within this exception.]<br />
(3) services of insignificant monetary value;<br />
[Annotation: This exception applies to any services, even those of a personal nature. It might apply<br />
to something such as giving an official a ride home. "Insignificant monetary value" has not been<br />
specifically defined by the Board. In its recent rulemaking procedure, a proposed definition of<br />
$5.00 was withdrawn to allow further opportunity to review the issue.]<br />
(4) a plaque or similar memento recognizing individual services in a field of<br />
specialty or to a charitable cause;<br />
[Annotation: Rule 4512.0100, subp. 5, defines plaque or similar memento as "a decorative item<br />
with an inscription recognizing an individual for an accomplishment". There is no dollar limit for<br />
gifts falling under this exception. However, the gift must fit the definition of a plaque or similar<br />
memento and must recognize individual services. Rule 4512.0100, subp. 4, limits "individual<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-F (insert) 2
services" to services performed by an official outside of official duties, thus this exception may not<br />
be the basis for the award of a plaque for a voting record or other official performance.]<br />
(5) a trinket or memento of insignificant value;<br />
[Annotation: This exception may be applied to virtually anything tangible and of insignificant<br />
value. "Insignificant value" has not been specifically defined by the Board, however, a plaque not<br />
falling under exception (4) and valued at $40.00 was held in an advisory opinion to be of greater<br />
than insignificant value.]<br />
(6) informational material of unexceptional value; or<br />
[Annotation: This exception includes material which may not necessarily relate to the performance<br />
of the official's official duties and includes a value limit. "Unexceptional value" has not been<br />
specifically defined by the Board. The Board has held that a calendar valued at $5.00 would fall<br />
within this exception. A proposed rule setting the value at less than $5.00 was withdrawn by the<br />
Board to allow further time to review the issue.]<br />
(7) food or a beverage given at a reception, meal, or meeting away from the<br />
recipient's place of work by an organization before whom the recipient appears<br />
to make a speech or answer questions as part of a program.<br />
[Annotation: The Board has given effect to each part of this exception and required that in order to<br />
fall within the exception, the official must appear before the sponsoring organization to speak or<br />
answer questions as a part of a program. It is not enough that an official attending a function may<br />
merely have occasion to answer casual questions.]<br />
b) The prohibitions in this section do not apply if the gift is given:<br />
(1) because of the recipient's membership in a group, a majority of whose members<br />
are not officials, and an equivalent gift is given to the other members of the<br />
group; or<br />
[Annotation: The Board has not defined membership in a group by rule. However, in one advisory<br />
opinion the Board held that membership in a group required some level of formality to define the<br />
group and the member. The Board has also held that a group in which the members self-select,<br />
such as the group of all persons attending a particular conference, does not fall within the<br />
exception. It is likely that further examination by the Board through the advisory opinion process<br />
will result in a more concise definition of this concept.]<br />
(2) by a lobbyist or principal who is a member of the family of the recipient, unless<br />
the gift is given on behalf of someone who is not a member of that family.<br />
[Annotation: The Board has not defined the scope of the phrase "member of the family" in an<br />
administrative rule, nor has it discussed the issue in advisory opinions.]<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-F (insert) 3
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Overview<br />
DISPUTE RESOLUTION<br />
The <strong>County</strong> recognizes that open and effective communication is an essential ingredient for<br />
employee satisfaction and productivity. It shall be the policy of the <strong>County</strong> to encourage<br />
communications by employees and their supervisors. As part of this policy, the <strong>County</strong> has<br />
established an employee problem resolution procedure which employees will be encouraged to use<br />
for resolution of a personnel action which the employee believes will adversely impact the terms,<br />
conditions or status of their employment, without fear of criticism or reprisal.<br />
Objectives<br />
1. To ensure that employees receive equitable treatment.<br />
2. To provide employees with an easily accessible procedure for expressing dissatisfaction in<br />
regard to work related matters.<br />
3. To foster sound employee relations through communication and resolution of work related<br />
problems.<br />
Guidelines<br />
1. It is in the interest of the <strong>County</strong> that employees receive prompt resolution of disputes that<br />
arise during their term of employment.<br />
2. Dispute resolution meetings shall be scheduled at mutually satisfactory times.<br />
3. Employees and supervisors may have the assistance of the Human Resources Department<br />
at any time.<br />
4. Information will be treated with discretion by all persons involved.<br />
5. It is not the intention of the <strong>County</strong> Board, by establishment of this procedure, to thereby<br />
grant an employee a second opportunity to litigate an issue which has already been litigated<br />
in any other administrative or judicial proceeding.<br />
Procedure<br />
Step 1 - An employee with a dispute shall initially discuss the problem, within five (5) working<br />
days, with the designated supervisor. The employee may be accompanied by the counsel of his/her<br />
choice. The supervisor shall investigate the complaint, discuss the dispute with the employee and<br />
provide an oral response to the employee within five (5) working days from the date the complaint<br />
was initially presented. In instances where the organizational structure does not provide a level of<br />
supervision between the Department Head and the employee, a dispute may be presented directly<br />
to the Department Head as set forth in Step 2. The supervisor will explain the next appeal step if<br />
the problem is not solved.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-G 1
Step 2 - If the employee is not satisfied with the supervisor's response, the employee may present<br />
the dispute, in writing, to the Department Head within ten (10) working days of the response<br />
received in Step 1. The nature of the dispute, the facts on which it is based, the provision(s) of<br />
these regulations or the <strong>County</strong> work rules violated and the remedy requested must be included in<br />
the written presentation. The Department Head shall investigate the complaint, discuss the dispute<br />
with the employee and provide a written response to the employee within five (5) working days.<br />
Step 3 - A dispute not resolved in Step 2 may be appealed to Step 3 using the same presentation<br />
procedures outlined in Step 2. The <strong>County</strong> Administrator, or designated representative, shall<br />
make, or cause to make an investigation of the dispute and alleged violation of these regulations.<br />
The decision of the <strong>County</strong> Administrator shall be final (with the exception of suspensions over<br />
twenty eight (28) days and discharges) and shall be placed in writing to the employee within fifteen<br />
(15) working days following receipt of the appealed dispute.<br />
Appeals Procedure<br />
Where an employee complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved in the three steps of the Dispute<br />
Resolution Procedure, the appeal procedure outlined below shall be followed:<br />
If the employee is not satisfied with the supervisor’s response, the employee may present the<br />
dispute, in writing, to the Human Resources Director within ten (10) working days of the response<br />
received in Step 3.<br />
Upon receipt of the written request, the <strong>County</strong> Attorney shall schedule a hearing before the<br />
Personnel Board of Appeals to be held within fifty (50) working days from the day of receipt of<br />
such a request.<br />
The hearing may be continued by the Personnel Board of Appeals for good cause shown by either<br />
party.<br />
Conduct of Hearing<br />
A party may call witnesses to testify at the hearing. The witnesses shall be sworn by the chief<br />
presiding officer. Testimony shall be tape-recorded or transcribed and shall be preserved at least<br />
until the time for further appeal has expired. The employee, as the aggrieved party, shall present<br />
testimony first. The employer may introduce testimony at the close of the employee's case. Both<br />
parties may cross-examine witnesses as in a civil lawsuit. The Personnel Board of Appeals on its<br />
own motion may investigate the circumstances surrounding a complaint in any department for the<br />
purpose of resolving the dispute.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-G 2
Decision<br />
The decision of the Personnel Board of Appeals shall be based upon substantial and competent<br />
evidence. The Personnel Board of Appeals shall make written findings of fact, decision and order<br />
within sixty (60) days of the filing. All records of the proceedings shall be kept on file in the office<br />
of the Human Resources Director. Findings, decisions and orders and any reports of the Personnel<br />
Board of Appeals shall be submitted to the <strong>County</strong> Board for consideration and action as deemed<br />
appropriate by the <strong>County</strong> Board, except that to the extent required with respect to the employees<br />
of departments and agencies paid in full or in part by Federal funds, the findings of the Personnel<br />
Board of Appeals shall be binding and final in those circumstances necessary to conform to any<br />
valid Federal or State regulations affecting the department or position.<br />
Time Limits<br />
If the dispute is not presented within the time periods set forth above, it shall be considered waived.<br />
If a grievance is not appealed to the next step within the specified time limit, it shall be considered<br />
settled on the basis of the last answer. If the proper authority does not answer a complaint or<br />
appeal thereof within the specified time limits, the employee shall treat the dispute as denied and<br />
may immediately appeal to the next step. The time limit in each step may be extended by mutual<br />
agreement of the employee and the authority involved in the step.<br />
Reprisals Prohibited<br />
No employee shall be disciplined for seeking redress through this procedure or as a result of<br />
testimony in accordance with the provisions of these regulations.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 3-G 3
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EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE & DISCHARGE<br />
Overview<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> affirms its right and responsibility to develop and administer the regulations,<br />
disciplinary measures and general work rules necessary to ensure efficient operation of services,<br />
fair treatment and safe working conditions. The <strong>County</strong> retains all rights and privileges not<br />
specifically addressed in these Regulations.<br />
Cause<br />
Any disciplinary action shall be for a reasonable or just cause and may include, but will not be<br />
limited to, the following:<br />
1. Conduct or performance which fails to satisfy the duties, responsibilities, quantity, quality<br />
or safety rules of the job.<br />
2. Insubordinate conduct, refusal to follow a supervisor's direction or willful violation of a<br />
lawful regulation.<br />
3. Restriction, interference or harassment of others in the performance of their job, which is<br />
adversely distracting or disrupting the well being of others. (Complaints of harassment<br />
should be immediately filed with the supervisor or Human Resources Director).<br />
4. Gross negligence or willful destruction/abuse of any <strong>County</strong> property or material,<br />
misappropriation and/or mismanagement of <strong>County</strong> property or funds, theft, fighting,<br />
possession of illegal weapons and falsifying or destroying <strong>County</strong> reports or records,<br />
including falsification of an employee's time card.<br />
5. Reporting to work under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs or controlled substance,<br />
possession or consumption of same while on the job.<br />
6. Excessive or unexcused absences, lateness in reporting to work or leaving the work site<br />
before regular quitting time.<br />
7. The solicitation or acceptance of money, gifts or valued items which may be construed as<br />
evidence of favoritism, coercion, unfair advantage, collusion or otherwise impacting the<br />
decisions of an employee in public matters.<br />
8. The use or threatened use of political influence to exert pressure on any <strong>County</strong> employee<br />
for favors or to conduct actions contrary to these Regulations.<br />
9. Willful deception or misrepresentation on an employment application.<br />
10. Reporting for a scheduled work assignment in clothing or appearance, which an authorized<br />
supervisor has directed as not acceptable for the work assignment or disruptive to<br />
employees or the public.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 3-H 1
11. Unapproved acceptance of employment or volunteer activity determined to be a conflict of<br />
interest with <strong>County</strong> employment.<br />
The foregoing rules are not intended to be an all inclusive listing of proper standards of conduct or<br />
obligations which employees must observe at all times. Misconduct not covered by these rules<br />
will be treated as a violation of a general rule requiring the maintenance of good order and<br />
recognized business deportment.<br />
Discipline<br />
The <strong>County</strong> embraces the philosophy of progressive discipline where appropriate and maintains<br />
that any incident of employee misconduct or violation of policy may result in discharge, depending<br />
upon the circumstances.<br />
Supervisors shall inform the Department Head and the Human Resources Director of each step of<br />
disciplinary action prior to initiation to ensure consistency.<br />
Employees shall be permitted to respond to formal disciplinary action by written response to the<br />
disciplining authority and the employee's personnel file.<br />
1. Verbal Warning -- An informal action by the supervisor to inform an employee of a minor<br />
or first occurrence of a policy violation or misconduct. A verbal warning shall include the<br />
unacceptable performance or misconduct, the desired improvement and the consequences<br />
for failing to correct the infractions. Documentation of the action shall not be made a part<br />
of the employee's personnel file, unless additional disciplinary action references the verbal<br />
warning.<br />
2. Written Warning -- A formal action by the supervisor, providing official notice of the<br />
violation or misconduct, the corrections and time frame expected and the consequences for<br />
failing to correct the infractions. The maximum time frame which may be allowed for<br />
correction is twelve (12) months. The written warning will be maintained permanently in<br />
the employee's personnel file.<br />
3. Work Re-assignment -- An employee may be transferred, reassigned, demoted or have their<br />
duties temporarily changed as a disciplinary action by the supervisor, without the consent<br />
of the employee. Such an action should not be initiated if the behavior resulting in<br />
disciplinary action is likely to be repeated in the new position, work assignment or<br />
department.<br />
4. Suspension -- An employee may be temporarily removed from their assigned position, with<br />
or without compensation, in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations,<br />
seniority or benefits, for a period not to exceed twenty eight (28) days. The notice of<br />
suspension shall be written and shall notify the employee of the unacceptable behavior or<br />
performance, the desired performance and the consequences if not corrected.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 3-H 2
Discharge<br />
Whenever an employee is suspended during an investigation and such employee is<br />
subsequently exonerated, the employee shall be reinstated without loss of compensation,<br />
benefits or seniority.<br />
1. An employee may be removed from continued employment with the <strong>County</strong> for cause,<br />
following the use of progressive discipline or for acts where remedial action is not deemed<br />
effective or appropriate. The supervisor shall provide written recommendation of the cause<br />
for termination and the effective date to the Human Resources Director.<br />
2. After review of the recommended discharge by the Human Resources Director, the<br />
Department Head shall notify the employee of the intended action in writing. The<br />
notification shall contain the cause(s) and effective date. An eligible employee shall be<br />
informed that the right to request a hearing before the Personnel Board of Appeals is<br />
available (See Section 1, Application and Personnel Board of Appeals).<br />
Discharge of a Veteran<br />
A veteran who is an employee of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> covered by these regulations, who is being<br />
considered for termination of employment by discharge, shall receive a notice of intent to<br />
discharge, prior to any action, which shall include written notice of the right to request a hearing<br />
before the Personnel Board of Appeals, within sixty (60) days of receipt of the notice. Such<br />
requests must be in writing to the Human Resources Department. A veteran notified of the intent<br />
to discharge, may be suspended with pay, benefits and employment status from active duties until a<br />
final determination is made.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 3-H 3
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SECTION 4<br />
SAFETY AND HEALTH<br />
Emergency Closing<br />
Safety and Health<br />
Name Tag<br />
Photo Id<br />
Workers Compensation<br />
Exposure Incident Evaluation and Follow-Up<br />
Life Threatening Illnesses<br />
Workplace Violence
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EMERGENCY CLOSING<br />
The <strong>County</strong> offices shall be open for business on all business days except legal holidays, holidays<br />
established by the Board pursuant to contracts with certified employee bargaining units, and<br />
emergency situations. For the purposes of this policy, an emergency situation is defined as a<br />
severe weather or other condition(s) that threaten the health and/or safety of the employees and<br />
citizens served at all <strong>County</strong> locations or represent a condition that could potentially affect a<br />
specific location. Except in the most severe of weather emergencies, <strong>County</strong> offices will remain<br />
open and operating with full service if at all possible.<br />
Should the weather be sufficiently severe that the interests of the public and/or employees are best<br />
served by closing <strong>County</strong> offices; the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Board of Commissioners authorizes the<br />
<strong>County</strong> Administrator, or designee, to make such a decision.<br />
If a <strong>County</strong> office is closed due to an emergency or severe weather, subject to requirements of<br />
State and Federal law, the following shall apply:<br />
1. Employees are expected to listen to WCCO-AM radio for announcements of closing of<br />
<strong>County</strong> facilities and are not to report for work if their work site is not open. If notice of<br />
closing has not been broadcast by 7:15 A.M. of the workday, the employees may assume<br />
that the <strong>County</strong> facilities will open. Employees reporting to work when a public<br />
announcement has been made by 7:15 A.M. of the workday that their workstation is closed<br />
may remain at work that day only with the authorization of the Department Head.<br />
2. If the <strong>County</strong> offices are closed before the start of a work shift, employees will not be paid<br />
for that shift, except by utilizing accumulated vacation leave benefits, compensatory time<br />
or by making up the time by balancing hours as authorized by the Department Head.<br />
3. Employees required to work during the severe weather due to the nature of their position<br />
will not receive any premium pay for such work, excepting any premium pay required by<br />
these Regulations.<br />
4. If the release of employees occurs during a work shift, employees on duty will be paid for<br />
the hours actually worked and may utilize accumulated vacation leave benefits,<br />
compensatory time or leave without pay, or may make up the time by balancing hours<br />
when so authorized by the Department Head.<br />
5. Employees and citizens may be advised not to leave the premises because of severe<br />
weather or other emergency conditions, such as tornadoes, continuing after regular hours.<br />
Remaining on the premises after hours does not entitle employees to overtime<br />
compensation unless they are required by their Department Head to assist with services<br />
during the emergency situation.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 4-A 1
6. In situations where employees in general are not released but an individual faces hardships<br />
due to inclement weather, a Department Head or their designee may authorize employees<br />
not to report for duty or report at a later starting time than regularly scheduled. Department<br />
Heads or their designee are also authorized to allow employees to leave work earlier than<br />
regularly scheduled. In the event time cannot be made up by balancing hours as authorized<br />
by the Department Head, employees must utilize accumulated vacation leave,<br />
compensatory time or leave without pay.<br />
7. In the event that severe weather only creates an emergency situation for specific <strong>County</strong><br />
facilities, the <strong>County</strong> Administrator, or designee, shall notify the specific Department Head<br />
and authorize the release of employees. The Department Head shall determine which<br />
employees, if any, are essential to continued operations, reassign employees to another<br />
location or allow the use of accumulated vacation leave benefits, compensatory time or<br />
making up the time by balancing hours as authorized by the Department Head.<br />
8. At the Department Head’s discretion and based on the availability of work, employees may<br />
be allowed to come to work and/or stay at work when the <strong>County</strong> offices are otherwise<br />
closed due to an emergency or severe weather. Employees must have the express, prior<br />
approval of their Department Head or designated supervisor to come into work or remain<br />
at work when there is an emergency closing.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 4-A 2
SAFETY AND HEALTH<br />
The personal safety and health of each <strong>County</strong> employee is of primary importance. The goals of<br />
the <strong>County</strong>'s Health and Safety program/policies are as follows:<br />
- Provide a safe and healthful work environment for employees.<br />
- Reduce the frequency and severity of injuries and illnesses to a minimum, surpassing the<br />
experience of other counties.<br />
- Comply with applicable state and federal regulations.<br />
The success of the safety and health program requires the full, sincere cooperation of each<br />
employee; safety must be a vital part of every <strong>County</strong> position. To effectively reach the above<br />
goals, the <strong>County</strong> outlines the following:<br />
Responsibilities and Authorities<br />
The <strong>County</strong> Commissioners have overall responsibility for the direction and establishment of the<br />
safety and health program and policy.<br />
The <strong>County</strong>'s Risk Management and Human Resources Departments have the responsibility to<br />
implement, monitor, and evaluate the program on a departmental level and report to the <strong>County</strong><br />
Commissioners. They will maintain policy manual and records.<br />
The Risk Management and Human Resources Departments also have the responsibility for<br />
coordinating compliance with applicable state and federal standards and coordinating safety and<br />
health education.<br />
Department Heads have overall authority/responsibility for the safety program as implemented in<br />
their departments. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:<br />
1. Ensure compliance of applicable state and federal standards within department.<br />
2. Review of <strong>County</strong> safety program and making amendments/additions applicable to<br />
individual department.<br />
3. Ensure employees are apprised of their specific duties and responsibilities. Evaluate safety<br />
performance of department personnel.<br />
4. Ensure all serious accidents are investigated and appropriate corrective actions<br />
implemented.<br />
5. Review accident/illness summary data for trends.<br />
6. Ensure availability of necessary personal protective equipment, job safety materials and<br />
first aid materials.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 4-B 1
7. Ensure all new and existing hazards are identified and necessary corrective action is taken.<br />
8. Ensure mandated training is given to designated personnel.<br />
9. Set safety example.<br />
Supervisors<br />
1. Review/complete incident reports and investigate accidents/illnesses and "near misses".<br />
2. Monitor for unsafe acts/conditions and initiate corrective actions as needed.<br />
3. Monitor for use of safety equipment, personal protective wear and maintenance of tools<br />
and equipment.<br />
4. Set safety example and provide job specific safety training, including how to recognize<br />
hazards.<br />
5. Appraise employee performance relative to safety.<br />
6. Conduct hazard analysis of work area.<br />
7. Report health or safety concerns to manager and/or Safety Committee.<br />
Employees<br />
1. Adhere to all safety and health policies and procedures.<br />
1.1 Employees in certain job classifications must also comply with <strong>County</strong> Policies<br />
which have been adopted in compliance with Federal and State regulations<br />
regarding respirator use in the workplace. The Respiratory Protection <strong>Policy</strong><br />
applies to all employees who are required to wear respirators to perform specified<br />
job tasks that may pose a hazard to the health of employees. These job<br />
classifications include:<br />
Public Health Nurses<br />
Household Waste Specialists<br />
Detention Deputies<br />
Employees who are required to wear a respirator must participate in the Respiratory<br />
Protection Program developed by Risk and Emergency Management. Department<br />
Heads are responsible for working with Risk & Emergency Management<br />
Department in coordinating the program in their department. Front Line<br />
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring the training of every respirator wearer<br />
before the respirator is issued, and annually thereafter.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 4-B 2
1.2 If a respirator is not required after performing a hazard evaluation, but the employee<br />
is requesting one for voluntary use, the respirator may be used permitting the<br />
respirator itself will not create a hazard. If voluntary use is permissible, the<br />
employee is required to participate in the Respiratory Protection Program and<br />
comply with the Respiratory Protection <strong>Policy</strong>.<br />
Copies of the Respiratory Protection Program are available through Risk and<br />
Emergency Management.<br />
2. Alert supervisor to unsafe conditions/hazards.<br />
3. Report all injuries/illnesses to supervisor.<br />
4. Maintain a clean and safe work area.<br />
5. Set safety example.<br />
Safety Committee<br />
The purpose of the safety committee is to maintain an active interest in safety and support the<br />
safety and health goals and objectives.<br />
1. Review employee incidents and corrective actions taken. Review injury/illness statistics<br />
and determine appropriate response when trends identified.<br />
2. Serve as resource for employee safety concerns and promote safety through education and<br />
recognition.<br />
3. Maintain and monitor the safety and health program and review effectiveness annually.<br />
4. Assist with hazard recognition.<br />
Enforcement and Discipline<br />
The purpose of this section is to ensure that managers, supervisors and employees understand their<br />
responsibilities and rights related to safety and health rule compliance and enforcement. All<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> personnel will be evaluated on safety performance as part of their overall<br />
performance of duties. Conduct or performance which fails to satisfy the safety rules of the job<br />
may be cause for disciplinary action.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 4-B 3
General Safety Rules are as follows:<br />
- Report all incidents, even if not involving an injury/illness, to your supervisor as soon as<br />
possible to initiate medical management and corrective action.<br />
- Report any unsafe act/condition or hazard to your supervisor.<br />
- Use or maintain machines and equipment only if properly trained and authorized by<br />
supervisor. Operate all equipment as instructed; assure all machine guarding and safety<br />
devices are in place before using. Refer questions to supervisor.<br />
- Inspect tools, equipment, materials and work area before use. Report unsafe conditions to<br />
the supervisor.<br />
- Use and care for personal protective equipment required for the job.<br />
- Maintain a clean work area; free from obstacles which could cause slips, trips or falls.<br />
- Use safe techniques when lifting; keep object close to your center of gravity, keep back<br />
straight, avoid twisting of trunk and use legs.<br />
- Use appropriate body mechanics when working in a sitting position; assure chair is correct<br />
height and backrest is positioned to give low back support; head, shoulder and hips should<br />
be in alignment. Assure wrists are in neutral position when typing or keying. Stand and<br />
stretch at least every half hour.<br />
- Adhere to "no smoking" areas.<br />
- Know where fire exits, fire extinguishes and emergency manuals are located. Follow<br />
appropriate procedures.<br />
- Avoid horseplay, scuffling and other acts which may endanger the safety and well-being of<br />
self and others.<br />
Additional information regarding the <strong>County</strong>'s Health and Safety program is available through the<br />
Risk Management and Human Resources Departments<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 4-B 4
CARVER COUNTY<br />
A WORKPLACE<br />
ACCIDENT AND INJURY<br />
REDUCTION PROGRAM<br />
(AWAIR)<br />
November 13, 2001
November 13, 2001
A WORKPLACE ACCIDENT AND INJURY REDUCTION PROGRAM<br />
(AWAIR)<br />
INDEX<br />
1. AWAIR PROGRAM POLICY<br />
2. SAFETY AND HEALTH ORIENTATION<br />
a.) Departmental Safety Orientation Checklist<br />
3. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
4. SUPERVISOR / DEPARTMENT HEAD RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
5. POLICY ON REPORTING HAZARDS<br />
a.) Accident Investigation Report<br />
6. REPORTING<br />
7. SELF-INSPECTION<br />
a.) Self-Inspection Checklist<br />
8. ON-THE-JOB AND ON-GOING TRAINING<br />
November 13, 2001
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November 13, 2001
AWAIR PROGRAM POLICY<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> believes in the importance of each individual employee and gives top priority to<br />
maintaining a safe working environment for employees.<br />
We have established and implemented an accident prevention program which integrates safety and<br />
health measures into each job task, so that safety, health and job performance become<br />
synonymous. The installation of a formal safety program is the beginning of an ongoing and<br />
evolving set of safety oriented procedures, systems, equipment, philosophies, and enforcements<br />
that combine to develop a productive safety attitude and reduced loss environment. A reduced loss<br />
environment will be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of managers, supervisors and<br />
employees who will seek to obtain the lowest possible incident/accident rates.<br />
Safety orientation for new and transferred employees, timely and appropriate training, the<br />
use of the emergency procedures guide, emergency response system, an active self-inspection<br />
program, proper mechanical guards, and personal protective equipment are some of the tools used<br />
to reduce workplace hazards.<br />
By accepting mutual responsibility to operate safely, elected officials, managers, and employees<br />
will all contribute to the well-being of personnel, and subsequently, the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> has a good workers' safety record. Our goals are to continue that record while<br />
addressing associated areas of safety and compliance.<br />
This program/policy will be reviewed and updated accordingly on an annual basis by the<br />
Risk/Emergency Management Department.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 1
SAFETY AND HEALTH ORIENTATION<br />
Orientation will begin as soon as possible after the first day of employment for all new employees,<br />
re-hires, and part-time employees. Those transferred from another department within the <strong>County</strong><br />
will receive specific training about the hazards associated with their new duties. The orientation<br />
program will include the company's policies and rules and will provide a thorough safety<br />
orientation, as it relates to the job they are performing. The orientation will include:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A tour of the facilities to acquaint the employee with the entire operation<br />
Information on how the employee's job is important to the finished product or service.<br />
Covering training sections of this program, which include:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Safety and Health <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Employee responsibilities (covered in Safety <strong>Policy</strong> and Employee Responsibility<br />
List)<br />
Communication, responsibility, and reporting of incidents, accidents, hazards, and<br />
potential hazards<br />
Review of specific chemical hazards in the workplace and locations of MSDS<br />
information<br />
Accident investigation<br />
Emergency Procedures<br />
Specific Departmental On-the-job training (Done by Department)<br />
General Training<br />
Personal Protection Equipment Training<br />
Job-Specific Training<br />
The immediate supervisor of the employee will thoroughly instruct the employee in job safety and<br />
health requirements. In various departments, a field-training officer may be used in conjunction<br />
with the immediate supervisor. A safety component is included in the overall New Employee<br />
Orientation program to help the supervisor best conduct safety orientations. A checklist is also<br />
included in this section to assist in covering all components for workplace safety. The checklist<br />
must be completed by initialing each item as it is covered, signing the form and returning it to<br />
Human Resources for placement in the employee's file. The Employee responsibility list included<br />
in this section will also be reviewed with the employee by the supervisor.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 2
DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY ORIENTATION CHECK LIST<br />
Employee Name _________________________________________________________<br />
Department/Division ________________Title _______________ Date Hired _________<br />
This checklist is a guideline for conducting employee safety orientations for new and existing<br />
employees. Once completed and signed by both the supervisor and employee, it serves as<br />
documentation that orientation has taken place.<br />
Employee Supervisor<br />
Initials Initials<br />
______ _______ 1. Explain the <strong>County</strong> safety program, including:<br />
A. Orientation<br />
B. On-the-job training<br />
C. Safety meetings<br />
D. Accident/Incident investigation and reporting<br />
______ _______ 2. Personal protective equipment required<br />
______ _______ 3. Line of communication and responsibility for immediately<br />
reporting<br />
accidents or hazards:<br />
A. When to report an accident or hazard<br />
B. How to report an accident or hazard<br />
C. To whom an injury should be reported<br />
D. Filing of accident report forms<br />
______ _______ 4. Pertinent safety rules of the <strong>County</strong><br />
______ _______ 5. General overview of operations, procedures and methods<br />
used as they relate to the specific jobs and duties of<br />
employees<br />
_____ _______ 6. First aid supplies, equipment, and training<br />
A. Obtaining treatment<br />
B. Location of supplies and first aid personnel<br />
______ _______ 7. Emergency Procedures Guide<br />
A. Review of all sections<br />
______ _______ 8. Vehicle safety<br />
______ _______ 9. Personal work habits (smoking, housekeeping, lifting,<br />
etc.)<br />
* NOTE: DO NOT CHECK OFF AREAS THAT WERE NOT COVERED.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 3
The signatures below document that the appropriate elements have been discussed to the<br />
satisfaction of both parties, and that both the supervisor and employee accept responsibility for<br />
maintaining a safe and healthful work environment.<br />
Date __________<br />
Supervisor's signature _______________________________<br />
Date __________ Employee's signature ________________________________<br />
** Form should be filed in the employee file in the Human Resources **<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 4
EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
All employees are responsible for upholding the following standards:<br />
1. Observe all organization safety and health rules and apply the principles of accident<br />
prevention in your day-to-day activities.<br />
2. Horseplay and fooling around will not be tolerated. Never distract another<br />
employee, as you might cause injury.<br />
3. Always obey warning signs (i.e., "no smoking" signs).<br />
4. Read the safety information that is sent via e-mail or posted, for they will help you do your<br />
part in the accident prevention drive.<br />
5. Never report to work under the influence of a controlled substance. Nor<br />
shall any employee consume, purchase or possess controlled substances while on the<br />
<strong>County</strong> premises.<br />
6. In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slight, report at once to your<br />
supervisor for First Aid. Never attempt to treat injuries on your own.<br />
7. Report all Incidents that are out of the ordinary. (i.e. slip/fall, medical situations of<br />
client/customer, vehicle incidents, etc.)<br />
8. Do not attempt to lift or push objects that may be too heavy for you. ASK FOR<br />
HELP. Learn to lift objects the correct way to avoid strains: bend your knees;<br />
keep your body erect; then push up with your legs. This is the easiest and safest<br />
way.<br />
9. If you see someone working carelessly and liable to be hurt, warn and advise him/ her to<br />
work carefully.<br />
10. Gloves must not be worn when operating machinery unless their use has been<br />
approved by your supervisor.<br />
11. Never wear frayed, torn or loose clothing, jewelry, or long unrestrained hair near<br />
moving machinery.<br />
12. Before using a ladder, make sure it has good safety feet and is free from cracks,<br />
broken rungs, or other defects. When there is danger of slipping, have another<br />
worker hold the ladder.<br />
13. Never use makeshift or defective scaffolding, rigging or stages.<br />
14. Never tamper with electrical circuits or switches, unless you are an electrician.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 5
15. Shut down your machine before cleaning, adjusting, or repairing. Lock and tag the<br />
machine.<br />
16. Never oil machines while they are in motion except where points of oiling are so<br />
located or guarded that you are not subject to contact with moving parts.<br />
17. Never use defective chisels, sledgehammers, punches, wrenches or other tools.<br />
Flying chips from tools with mushroomed or split heads cause many injuries.<br />
Exchange or see that the defective tools are repaired.<br />
18. Operate only the equipment for which you are trained and authorized to use.<br />
Observe safe operating procedures for the equipment.<br />
19. If you are provided with eye protection, you are expected to wear it.<br />
20. Safety devices are for your protection. Never operate your machine unless all<br />
guards provided are in place. Guards must never be removed except when<br />
necessary to make adjustments or repairs and they should be replaced immediately<br />
upon completion of work. If a safeguard is not in its proper position, report this at<br />
once to your supervisor.<br />
21. If you are working where there are heavy fumes and/or dust, you are expected to<br />
wear the facemasks provided for your protection.<br />
22. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your body. (i.e. protect<br />
your feet and head by keeping your shoes and hardhat (especially the soles of the shoes and<br />
liner of the hard hat) in good shape.<br />
23. Keep your work area and the floor around you clean.<br />
24. FIRE DOORS MUST BE KEPT CLEAR.<br />
25. Learn the location and proper use of fire fighting equipment, safety exits and<br />
evacuation procedures in your department.<br />
26. If you do not know the safe procedure, stop and find out.<br />
27. Actively support and participate in the <strong>County</strong>'s efforts to provide a workplace<br />
accident, incident, and injury reduction program.<br />
CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF VIOLATIONS OF THESE SAFETY<br />
RULES OR UNSAFE ACTS ARE NOTED.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 6
SUPVERVISOR / DEPARTMENT HEAD RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
1. Provide leadership in upholding and following standards for all employees.<br />
2. Observe all organizational safety and health rules and provide corrective action where<br />
needed to eliminate the safety or health problem.<br />
3. Conduct New Employee safety orientations for specific department and job areas.<br />
4. Provide instruction to all employees in health and safety requirements for the department<br />
and specific job area. This may include delivery or coordination of specific safety and<br />
health training for department specific areas.<br />
5. Assist employee with filling out necessary report forms relating to the incident.<br />
6. Provide the appropriate investigation and follow-up to any incident report. This action<br />
includes evaluation, analysis, investigation and follow-up.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 7
POLICY ON REPORTING HAZARDS<br />
PURPOSE:<br />
Employee safety and well-being are extremely important to the <strong>County</strong>. Employees are<br />
encouraged to report any safety or health issue without concern for retaliation. To make sure that<br />
all potential hazards are eliminated before anyone becomes sick or injured while at work, the<br />
<strong>County</strong> has established the following procedure.<br />
PROCEDURE:<br />
Anyone who suspects that a hazard exists, or notices any unsafe work practices, shall:<br />
Report the hazard by completing "Incident/Injury/Accident Report" Form.<br />
Submit the form to his or her supervisor immediately.<br />
Evaluation of the report will be made by your supervisor.<br />
Copy of the evaluation will be forwarded to the employees’ Department Head and<br />
Risk/Emergency Management with any additional follow-up completed.<br />
The identifying employee shall be notified of the action taken to eliminate the<br />
condition by receiving a copy of a follow-up report.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 8
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT<br />
Name _______________________________________________ Employee # ____________<br />
Job Title<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Accident Location<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Injury Date ____________________ Time ___________ AM / PM<br />
Date Reported __________________<br />
Last Day Worked _______________<br />
Name & Address of Doctor/Hospital<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Did Employee Return To Work? ___Yes ___No ?<br />
If yes, Date Returned ________________________<br />
Describe Injury or Alleged Injury<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Description of Accident<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Witnesses<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Did Equipment Malfunction? ___Yes ___No If yes, Describe on Reverse Side<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 9
Describe Damage to Equipment or Property<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
What Caused the Accident?<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
What action has been or will be taken to prevent recurrence?<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
(cont. on reverse side)<br />
Supervisor and Department _____________________________________Date ____________<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 10
REPORTING<br />
ALL INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS, no matter how minor, shall be reported IMMEDIATELY to the<br />
immediate supervisor for evaluation and subsequent investigation as needed. Since every<br />
incident/accident includes a sequence of contributing causes, it may be possible to avoid a repeat<br />
performance of the first event by recognizing and eliminating these causes. The removal of a<br />
single cause may prevent a recurrence. All employees are encouraged to report any hazards in an<br />
effort to prevent unsafe or unhealthy situations without concern for retaliation from the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> records all incidents in a database maintained in the Risk/Emergency Management<br />
Department. This data is reviewed, analyzed and discussed at a quarterly claims review.<br />
Additionally, the information is distributed for analysis in a summary form to the Safety and<br />
Wellness Committee and Department heads on a quarterly basis.<br />
After the evaluation, the supervisor must determine the possible consequences that could take place<br />
if the situation is not corrected. The supervisor and/or the Risk/Emergency Management<br />
Department must take appropriate action to remedy the cause(s) based upon those findings (i.e.,<br />
investigate, report, correct, etc.).<br />
ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING<br />
All Accidents/Incidents should be recorded on the <strong>County</strong> Incident/Injury/Accident report form<br />
(two part white and pink form). After completing the emergency actions following an<br />
accident/incident, an evaluation and /or investigation of the incident/accident will be conducted by<br />
the immediate supervisor in conjunction with any witnesses to determine contributing factors,<br />
possible causes, and possible actions to reduce or eliminate the source problem in the future. The<br />
findings of the investigation shall be documented on an Accident Investigation Form as needed.<br />
Distribution of the Incident/Injury/Accident report form and the Accident investigation form by the<br />
supervisor will be as follows:<br />
Affected Department – All departments should advise all management staff in the<br />
respective department through the normal chain of command structure.<br />
Risk/Emergency Management Department – white copy and accident investigation<br />
form.<br />
Human Resources – pink copy<br />
MAJOR INCIDENTS<br />
In the case of fatality, or if two or more employees are hospitalized for the same injury or illness,<br />
the supervisor must report the accident or illness to the Risk/Emergency Management Department.<br />
The Risk/Emergency Management Department will notify the nearest office of the Department of<br />
Labor and Industries within 8 hours after the occurrence. The report shall relate the circumstances,<br />
the number of fatalities, and/or the extent of any injuries or illnesses.<br />
Note: Any equipment involved in a fatal accident is not to be moved until a<br />
representative of the Department of Labor and Industries investigates the accident<br />
and authorizes removal of the equipment. However, if it is necessary to move the<br />
equipment to prevent further accidents or to remove the victim, the equipment may be<br />
moved as required.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 11
NEAR MISSES<br />
To the greatest extent possible, all "near-miss" incidents/accidents shall be evaluated/investigated<br />
by supervisors and/or a Risk/Emergency Management representative. All “near-miss”<br />
incidents/accidents should be recorded on the <strong>County</strong> Incident/Injury/Accident report form (two<br />
part white and pink form). Documentation will be made on the Accident Investigation Form as<br />
applicable in an effort to eliminate or reduce future incidents.<br />
A near-miss accident is defined as an unplanned event where equipment is damaged, but there is<br />
no personal injury to employees OR where damage did not result, but the likelihood of personal<br />
injury to the employee was great.<br />
If the near-miss conditions are not eliminated, they could eventually result in personal injury to the<br />
employee.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 12
SELF-INSPECTION<br />
Accident prevention activities need to be reinforced systematically to minimize physical hazards<br />
within the workplace. The <strong>County</strong> believes that the best way to eliminate these hazards is through<br />
a plan of self-inspection.<br />
Self-inspection guidelines are as follows:<br />
An inspection checklist should be utilized. A form is provided in this section for<br />
this purpose. Other sources can be consulted or utilized in conducting inspections, they<br />
include:<br />
Employees<br />
Risk/Emergency Management Department<br />
Other department staff<br />
Outside safety and/or loss control resources<br />
Findings of the self-inspection will be reviewed and discussed. Unresolved problems<br />
resulting from this inspection will be forwarded through the Risk/Emergency Management<br />
Department for consideration.<br />
The introduction of new equipment or a new process with the <strong>County</strong> or a specific department will<br />
require a safety evaluation/inspection to be conducted.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 13
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November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 14
SELF INSPECTION<br />
Question Yes No N/A<br />
Is furniture positioned and adjusted to minimize strain on the body?<br />
Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler heads? (18” is minimum)<br />
Are stairwells and exits properly lighted?<br />
Is the general housekeeping good?<br />
Are contents of filing cabinets arranged so that they are not top-heavy?<br />
Is there safe storage of flammables, are they in a flammables cabinet?<br />
Are electrical fans properly guarded?<br />
Have work environment (office/field) safety areas been reviewed? (i.e. taking valuables<br />
in clients home, identification used, communications with on locations/meeting time, etc.)<br />
Are aisles and passageways kept clear?<br />
Are transferred employees trained in the working practices of their jobs?<br />
Have emergency procedures and routes been communicated to all employees?<br />
Have all employees been trained on the hazardous chemicals used in their workplace?<br />
Is eye protection available where needed?<br />
Are guards or deflection equipment provided for chips or sparks from rotating equipment.<br />
Does each machine operator have a power shut-off switch within reach?<br />
Is there a program for regular safety inspection of machinery and equipment?<br />
Is all machinery or equipment that is capable of movement required to be de-energized,<br />
disengaged and blocked, or locked-out during:<br />
- Cleaning<br />
- Servicing; and<br />
- Adjusting or setting-up operations?<br />
Are flexible extension cords free of fraying and splices?<br />
Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately?<br />
Are all exits kept free of obstructions?<br />
Are electrical cords kept off walkway?<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 15
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November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 16
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING<br />
On-going safety and health education programs will be provided for all employees in an effort to<br />
increase awareness of accident-causing factors, to improve team spirit by demonstrating<br />
management's concern for the individual worker, and to promote acceptance of safety and health<br />
rules by presenting accident prevention as a positive, desirable, and integral part of every activity<br />
within the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> will employ a systematic accident prevention program. This program will provide onthe-job<br />
training in work areas and will familiarize each person with company safety and health<br />
requirements.<br />
Specific training will be provided for certain jobs and kinds of equipment in accordance with<br />
applicable CFR’s.<br />
Job specific and general training sketches are as follows:<br />
HAZARD COMMUNICATION TRAINING<br />
"Hazard Communication", in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, will<br />
thoroughly be covered with every employee. MSDS documentation is available for employees to<br />
review and a contact name will be supplied in case they have any questions regarding hazard<br />
communication.<br />
BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN TRAINING<br />
Employees will be trained on the proper procedures to follow in any incident involving blood or<br />
any other infectious materials as stated in section 1910.1030, Title 29 of the Code of Federal<br />
Regulations.<br />
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT TRAINING<br />
The <strong>County</strong> is responsible for requiring employees to wear appropriate personal protective<br />
equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions or where there is a<br />
need for using such equipment to reduce the hazards to the employees. Employees required to use<br />
personal protective equipment will be trained in the use and care of the protection equipment in<br />
accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations and as it relates to the work they are performing.<br />
They will be trained to know when and which equipment to use.<br />
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION TRAINING<br />
Employees required to use eye and face protection will be trained in the use and care of eye and<br />
face protection in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations and as it relates to the work<br />
they are performing. They will be trained to know when and which equipment to use.<br />
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION TRAINING<br />
Employees required to use respiratory protective equipment approved for use shall be thoroughly<br />
trained in the use and limitations of all such equipment.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 17
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT<br />
Employees required to use lockout/tagout equipment will be trained in the lockout/tagout<br />
procedures as it relates to the work they are performing.<br />
ELECTRICAL TRAINING<br />
Employees will be trained in the use and care of electrical cords, electrically powered tools and<br />
electric related equipment in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations as it relates to the<br />
work they are performing.<br />
LADDER AND SCAFFOLDING TRAINING<br />
Employees will be trained in the use and care of ladders and scaffolding in accordance with the<br />
Code of Federal Regulations as it relates to the work they are performing.<br />
POWER-OPERATED TOOLS<br />
Employees will be trained in the use and care of power-operated hand tools in accordance with the<br />
Code of Federal Regulations as it relates to the work they are performing.<br />
FORKLIFT TRAINING<br />
OSHA requires that only trained and authorized personnel operate forklifts. All forklift operators<br />
will be trained and certified on how to properly operate and drive a forklift.<br />
BACK PROBLEMS TRAINING<br />
Employees will be trained in the use and care of the back and how to prevent back injuries (i.e.,<br />
how to lift) as it relates to the work they are performing.<br />
HEARING CONSERVATION TRAINING<br />
Employees will be trained in the use and care of hearing protection in accordance with the Code of<br />
Federal Regulations, as it relates to the work they are performing. They will be knowledgeable and<br />
aware of the need for hearing protection.<br />
November 13, 2001 Section 4-B (Insert) 18
ACCESS CARD / KEY CONTROL POLICY<br />
<strong>Policy</strong><br />
This policy establishes procedures for the issuance, replacement and accounting for keys and<br />
access cards issued to employees for access to <strong>County</strong> owned and leased facilities. Access to<br />
facilities is controlled to protect customer records, property and staff. This policy represents<br />
minimum standards. Each Department may enact stricter standards as appropriate for their<br />
department’s space. A copy must be sent to the Facilities Management Department for their<br />
records.<br />
The Facilities Management Department maintains control of all building keying systems. Changes<br />
cannot be made without the express authorization of the respective Department Head, and the<br />
Facilities Management Director or assigned designee.<br />
Under normal circumstances, employees will only be issued keys to their Department office if it<br />
features a keyed passage lock. All other keys will be issued on a “need for access” basis. Building<br />
master keys, sub-master keys and other change keys which provide access to areas greater than an<br />
individual Department’s portion of a facility will only be issued with the approval of<br />
Administration, the Facilities Management Director or assigned designee. The Facilities<br />
Management Director or assigned designee will identify the correct key(s) to issue based on the<br />
justification, and the areas to which access is being requested.<br />
Various access points to <strong>County</strong> facilities, which are not equipped with card access readers, will be<br />
re-keyed periodically. Interior office spaces must be secured and locked by individual department<br />
staff at the end of the workday to eliminate unauthorized theft or breach of document<br />
confidentiality. All areas containing sensitive information must be locked when <strong>County</strong> staff is not<br />
present.<br />
Custodial services personnel are not responsible for securing interior department or division doors<br />
following departure of individual department staff for the day. Custodial personnel are responsible<br />
for maintaining security established by the <strong>County</strong> and are provided with keys to access areas that<br />
need to be cleaned and are required to keep these spaces secure during and at the end of<br />
performance of their work.<br />
March 26, 2002 Section 4-C 1
ACCESS CARD/KEY PROCEDURES POLICY<br />
Responsibilities<br />
The Department Head and Facilities Director or authorized designees are responsible for approving<br />
key authorizations and key compliance within <strong>County</strong> departments.<br />
New Keys<br />
The Department Head, with assistance from the Facilities Management Director, should evaluate<br />
an employee’s need for a key prior to issuance. Requests for key issuance are to be submitted to<br />
the Facilities Management department through <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> key request forms available in paper<br />
form or on the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> computer network.<br />
Key Returns<br />
Department heads or authorized designees are responsible for ensuring that keys held by<br />
employees who are terminating or transferring employment are returned to the Facilities<br />
Management department at the time of employee’s departure.<br />
Keys turned in may not be retained by a department for reissue.<br />
Department heads or authorized designees, who fail to ask for keys to be returned, will incur the<br />
cost of re-keying a door, department, or building. If an employee is discharged or terminates their<br />
employment with <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>, and does not return their keys they will have their last paycheck<br />
withheld in an attempt to retrieve the <strong>County</strong>’s keys. Two attempts will be made to retrieve the<br />
keys. If these attempts are not successful an employee’s final paycheck may be secured to cover<br />
the cost for re-keying all affected areas.<br />
Employees must immediately report lost or stolen keys to their Department Head. Department<br />
Heads are responsible for notifying the Facilities Management Department with the following<br />
information:<br />
1 The door(s) which the key unlocks; and<br />
2 The key hardware group number and/or the equipment the key operates.<br />
If a replacement key is necessary, follow procedures for obtaining a new key.<br />
Broken Keys<br />
Broken keys should be returned to the Facilities Management Department. Replacements will be<br />
issued and broken keys destroyed. Replacements for a broken key that is not returned will be<br />
handled as a new key request.<br />
March 26, 2002 Section 4-C 2
Re-keying Locks<br />
The loss of keys or the failure to return keys may lead to the necessity of re-keying locks and<br />
reissuing entire sets of keys. All costs for re-keying may be charged to the department requesting<br />
re-keying. Requests for re-keying must be submitted through the Facilities Management<br />
Department on a Work Request form.<br />
Renovations and New Construction<br />
The following procedures are used for all facility renovation and new construction projects to<br />
provide adequate and economic security:<br />
1 The following information is incorporated into the original contract documents at the<br />
time of bid:<br />
a. Master keying schedule detail.<br />
b. Type and manufacturer of cylinders and keys.<br />
c. Type of lock and latches to be used including function at each door.<br />
d. Description of operation of the perimeter lock functions.<br />
2 All modifications or new installations affecting the existing card access electronic<br />
security system or network are the responsibility of the Facilities Management<br />
Department.<br />
Card Access Security System<br />
Electronic monitoring and card access security systems are planned, administered and maintained<br />
by the Facilities Management Department. Access to non-Sheriff’s department assigned space is<br />
granted through the Facilities Management Department.<br />
Security at the Law Office is established and controlled by the Sheriff’s Office. Access to Sheriff’s<br />
Office space is granted by the Sheriff and is generally restricted to Sheriff’s personnel.<br />
Access levels may be changed without warning, in response to a verified breach of building<br />
security, following notification to the Facilities Director. The card access system may<br />
automatically secure the building if an alarm condition exists, therefore limiting access to all<br />
cardholders.<br />
To temporarily change the weekend or evening access level for individual employees, the<br />
Department head or Supervisor in the department must notify the Facilities Management<br />
Department, using the Maintenance Work Request form, of the needed access level change. The<br />
request must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the business day preceding the change period<br />
requested. Email verification will be sent to the Department head to notify them that the change<br />
has been made.<br />
If the Department head does not receive an email response before the end of the following day,<br />
they will need to make alternate arrangements for their employee’s access for that time period.<br />
March 26, 2002 Section 4-C 3
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March 26, 2002 Section 4-C 1
ACCESS CARDS / PHOTO ID<br />
An access / identification card is automatically issued to each new employee by Risk Management.<br />
To assign access rights, the Department Head or Designee and the Facilities Management Director<br />
determines the access given to each employee. A request for access must be submitted to the<br />
Facilities department utilizing the work-order request system. <strong>County</strong> employees or individuals<br />
outside the user department or division, needing access, must request access from the affected<br />
department.<br />
1 The Human Resources Department will communicate the policy and procedures for<br />
obtaining a key or access card to new employees.<br />
2 A <strong>County</strong> employee or individual requiring access to a <strong>County</strong> facility, or interior<br />
space, must notify their supervisor of the need for a key or access card and provide<br />
appropriate justification.<br />
3 The supervisor must obtain approval from the responsible department authority to send<br />
a “work order” for an access card to the Facilities Management Director.<br />
a. Access cards will be issued to specific individuals rather than a department<br />
or division.<br />
b. Instructions concerning the care and use of the access card will accompany<br />
all new access cards issued.<br />
4 A lost or stolen access card or key is to be reported to Facilities Management<br />
immediately. Prompt reporting of lost or stolen access cards, and/or keys, is essential<br />
to maintain security within the key and card system and to assure adequate security<br />
within the Government Center buildings.<br />
5 All assigned keys and access cards must be returned to the Facilities Management<br />
Director prior to an employee’s employment termination with <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Duplication of <strong>County</strong> keys & Access Cards by unauthorized personnel is prohibited.<br />
Transfer of keys and Access Cards between employees without approval is prohibited<br />
March 26, 2002 Section 4-D 1
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March 26, 2002 Section 4-D 2
ACCESS ID PERSONAL DATA FORM<br />
BADGE FIRST NAME<br />
BADGE LAST NAME<br />
BADGE CREDENTIALS (PHN, etc.)<br />
DEPARTMENT /OFFICE<br />
DEPARTMENT/OFFICE NUMBER<br />
EMPLOYEES EXTENTION:<br />
ACCESS LEVEL<br />
DEPARTMENT HEAD SIGNATURE<br />
Turn this form into the Facilities Management Department (FMD). FMD will then notify<br />
Risk/Emergency Management to print the Access/ID card. FMD will notify employee when their<br />
Access/ID is ready to be picked up. Employee must sign the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Employee<br />
Identification Card Rights and Responsibilities Form when they pick up their Access/ID Card.
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CARVER COUNTY EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION CARD<br />
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
This is to certify that _________________________________ (hereinafter “Card Holder”) has<br />
been issued a <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Identification Card (hereinafter “ID”) on _____/_____/_____.<br />
This ID card is the property of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> and must be surrendered upon request or<br />
upon termination of employment with the <strong>County</strong>. By signing below, the Card Holder<br />
authorizes the <strong>County</strong> to withhold a $10.00 fee from his/her final paycheck if the Card<br />
Holder fails to surrender the ID card as required.<br />
The use of this card by any person other than the Card Holder is a violation of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>Policy</strong> and may result in disciplinary, civil or criminal proceedings against the Card Holder.<br />
The ID card must be visible on the Card Holder before, during and after normal business hours<br />
while on <strong>County</strong> property or while representing <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> in an official capacity.<br />
The ID card must be maintained in good condition for display and use for access to <strong>County</strong><br />
facilities. Any card that is lost, stolen or damaged should be reported immediately to<br />
Facilities Maintenance Department (FMD). A $10.00 replacement fee may be charged to the<br />
Card Holder.<br />
The Card Holder’s name and department shall be visible on the ID card. Facilities Management<br />
Department must be contacted for issuance of a new ID card if the Card Holder changes his/her<br />
name or transfers to another department. There will be no charge for a new ID card due to a<br />
name change or departmental transfer. Before a new ID card is issued, the original ID card must<br />
be returned.<br />
Duplication of <strong>County</strong> keys & Access Cards by unauthorized personnel is prohibited.<br />
Transfer of keys and Access Cards between employees without approval is prohibited.<br />
Conduct of such type will be followed through with employee discipline or other civil or criminal action as<br />
appropriate.<br />
I have received a copy of this form and I understand and agree to comply with these Rights<br />
and Responsibilities.<br />
____________________________________<br />
Card Holder<br />
_________________<br />
Date<br />
_____________________________________<br />
Witness<br />
__________________<br />
Date<br />
March 26, 2002<br />
Section 4-D (insert) B
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.<br />
March 26, 2002<br />
Section 4-D (insert) B
WORKERS COMPENSATION<br />
All employees are covered by Worker's Compensation insurance for injuries and loss of time as a<br />
result of on the job accidents and illnesses. All employees who are injured on the job, regardless of<br />
the severity of the injury, must report that injury to their immediate supervisor or complete a First<br />
Report of Injury form within 24 hours of the injury.<br />
The employee, supervisor and any witnesses to the accident shall complete the appropriate<br />
Accident Investigation reports and forward signed copies to Human Resources, which is<br />
responsible for the administration of Worker's Compensation. All medical bills pertaining to an<br />
injury shall be forwarded to the Human Resources Department.<br />
Failure of either the employee or the supervisor to accurately complete the injury notification<br />
reports may result in the delay or non-payment of bills.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 4-E 1
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August 9, 1994 Section 4-E 2
WAGE CONTINUATION POLICY<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> is obligated to comply with Minnesota Statute 176, Workers’ Compensation.<br />
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 176.021 Subd. 5, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will allow its employees to<br />
supplement their workers’ compensation benefits. Per this policy the workers’ compensation<br />
administrator, RSKCo, will notify the employee (at their home address) that their workers’<br />
compensation claim has been accepted or denied. If the employees claim has been accepted, the<br />
workers’ compensation administrator will make no payment for lost work time until after three<br />
calendar days of work have been missed due to the injury/illness. When ten or more calendar<br />
days have been lost the workers’ compensation administrator will retroactively reimburse the<br />
employee for the first three days of the employees lost work time.<br />
The workers’ compensation administrator will pay up to 66 2/3 % of the injured employee’s gross<br />
average weekly wages based on a 26-week period prior to the date of injury. This payment is<br />
exempt from Federal, State, Social Security tax, Public Employees Retirement Association<br />
(PERA) deductions or any other deductions the employee might normally have deducted from<br />
the employee’s paycheck.<br />
It is the policy of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> that if the employee has accumulated benefits under a sick,<br />
comp time or vacation plan at the time of the injury, the employee will be allowed to use the<br />
benefits to help make up the difference between the workers’ compensation administrator<br />
payment and their average weekly wage at the time of the injury. The amounts of the benefits<br />
that may be used are only those that had been accumulated up to the time of the injury. The<br />
employee will accrue benefits while receiving workers’ compensation per a collective bargaining<br />
agreement or personnel policy. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will keep a record of each of the accumulated<br />
benefit banks for an employee who is on workers’ compensation. In addition, the rate at which<br />
the employee will be paid for any wages they receive by either the workers’ compensation<br />
administrator or <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>, shall be the rate of pay the employee was receiving based on a<br />
26-week average prior to the date of the injury/illness. The additional payments shall not result<br />
in the payment of a combined total weekly rate of compensation that exceeds the average weekly<br />
wage of the employee on the date of the injury.<br />
The process for payment to an employee who has and chooses to use accumulated benefits (e.g.<br />
sick, comp time, vacation) shall be as follows:<br />
• The employee will receive directly from the workers’ compensation administrator<br />
at their home address, the check for payment on a bi-weekly basis of workers’<br />
compensation wage loss disability benefits.<br />
• Upon receipt of this check the employee shall make a copy of this check and its<br />
stub and provide it to the Risk/Emergency Management Department of <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>.<br />
• Upon receipt of this check copy, the payroll department shall determine whether<br />
accumulated benefits remain and if so, the amount.<br />
August 7, 2000 Section 4-E (Insert) 1
• If any benefits remain, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> shall issue the employee a check in the<br />
amount up to one-third of their compensation (at an average rate that the employee<br />
was earning based on a 26-week period prior to the time of the injury/illness) in a<br />
normal bi-weekly pay period.<br />
• The check issued by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> shall have Federal, State, Social Security tax,<br />
PERA deduction, and any other deductions that would normally be taken out of the<br />
employee’s paycheck (e.g. money for an employees portion of dental, life, union<br />
dues, disability insurance’s, etc).<br />
• The combined workers’ compensation wage loss check and accumulated benefit<br />
check from <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> shall not exceed the average weekly wage prior to the<br />
date of injury/illness.<br />
If an employee elects to be paid accumulated benefits, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> shall issue the<br />
accumulated benefits by deducting monetary amounts from each available plan (e.g. sick, comp<br />
time, vacation) until exhausted; or shall exhaust the available benefit plans in the following<br />
order: sick, comp time and finally vacation benefits.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> WILL NOT contribute to PERA an amount equal to the employer’s share of the<br />
workers’ compensation disability check issued by the workers’ compensation administrator. The<br />
employee may choose to personally make a contribution equal to his/her own portion of the<br />
workers’ compensation disability check. The employee may also make a payment equal to the<br />
employer’s portion if <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> chooses not to make this contribution. For more<br />
information on how an employee can go about making payments to PERA, contact the PERA<br />
offices at (651) 296-7460.<br />
This policy will be effective August 7, 2000 and will replace all previous policies or practices of<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
August 7, 2000 Section 4-E (Insert) 2
EXPOSURE INCIDENT EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP<br />
Purpose<br />
To provide for timely and appropriate management of persons who have had an exposure incident<br />
involving blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).<br />
Management of exposures to blood borne pathogens will meet or exceed current recommendations<br />
from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and<br />
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).<br />
Blood/OPIM exposure incidents sustained by employees will be promptly reported and<br />
documented.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will be responsible for counseling, medical and laboratory costs related to the<br />
exposure.<br />
Signed consent from the employee and source are obtained for testing following an exposure<br />
incident.<br />
Confidentiality of test results is maintained; positive HBsAg and HIVAb test results will be<br />
reported to the MN Department of Health as required by law.<br />
Records of the employee with an occupational exposure will be maintained for duration of<br />
employment plus 30 years.<br />
Procedure in the Event of a Potential Exposure Incident<br />
The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan will be followed in the event of<br />
an exposure incident. This plan is disseminated to specific job classifications, as written in the<br />
plan, within the following departments: Building Maintenance, Community Health Services,<br />
Environmental Services, Sheriff’s Department, Social Services, and Veterans Services.<br />
Definitions<br />
Blood Borne Pathogen: - Pathogenic microorganisms are organisms which are present in human<br />
blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis<br />
B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).<br />
Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM): - Blood (human blood, human blood components, and<br />
products made from human blood), any unfixed human tissue or organ, and the following human<br />
body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial<br />
fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental operations, any body fluid that is visibly<br />
contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to<br />
differentiate between body fluids.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 4-F 1
Exposure Incident: - A specific eye, mouth, or mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral*<br />
contact with blood or OPIM that results from the performance of an employee's duties.<br />
*Parenteral means piercing mucous membranes or the skin through such events as needle sticks,<br />
human bites, cuts, and abrasions.<br />
July 1, 1997 Section 4-F 2
INCIDENT REPORTS AND REPORTING PROCEDURES<br />
In an effort to clearly identify procedures following an incident, injury or accident, we have put<br />
together the following guidelines.<br />
Incident Reports<br />
1 An Incident/Injury/Accident report form needs to be completed by the reporting<br />
employee immediately following the incident. If this is not possible, it should be<br />
completed ASAP or within 24 hours.<br />
2 Please complete the form in its entirety. If a question does not apply, please indicate<br />
N/A. Be as specific as possible in the description of incident area and if additional<br />
writing space is needed, please feel free to attach additional sheets. (Please note the<br />
address and phone number section should indicate home information.)<br />
3 Upon completion of the form, the reporting employee shall forward the form to the<br />
department head/supervisor. The department should follow the normal chain of<br />
command in the department to inform all appropriate members of the department. The<br />
department head/supervisor will review the employee section, add any additional<br />
comments, sign, and date then route the white copy to the Risk/Emergency<br />
Management Department and the pink copy to Human Resources. (If the signature is<br />
hard to read, please print it legibly next to the signature.)<br />
Incident Reporting<br />
1 Any serious incident, injury, or accident requires notification of Risk/Emergency<br />
Management ASAP.<br />
2 Any auto accident involving a county owned vehicle, regardless of severity, requires a<br />
police report.<br />
The following is an idea of what Risk/Emergency Management and Human Resources will do with<br />
the form once completed.<br />
Risk/Emergency Management:<br />
Example A<br />
(Personal Injury Accident)<br />
1 Contact employee/supervisor to gather any additional information on injuries.<br />
2 Complete First Report of Injury and send information to workers compensation claims<br />
administrator.<br />
3 Send copy of incident to our insurance carrier – Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust<br />
(MCIT) for a claim file.<br />
4 Continue follow-up with employee/supervisor, physician, work comp carrier, MCIT,<br />
and others in regard to any other parts of the incident/injury.<br />
April 8, 2002 Section 4-F (insert) 1
Human Resources:<br />
1 Place in file for future follow-up needs.<br />
Risk/Emergency Management:<br />
Example B<br />
(Property Damage Accident)<br />
1 Contact employee/supervisor to gather additional information on accident.<br />
2 Send copy of incident to our insurance carrier – Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust<br />
(MCIT) for a claim file.<br />
3 Continue follow-up with employee/supervisor, MCIT, and others in regard to any<br />
other parts of the incident.<br />
Human Resources:<br />
1 Place in file for future follow-up needs.<br />
Risk/Emergency Management:<br />
Example C<br />
(Employee Injury)<br />
1 Contact employee/supervisor to gather any additional information on injuries.<br />
2 Complete First Report of Injury and send information to workers compensation<br />
administrator.<br />
3 Continue follow-up with employee/supervisor, physician, and work comp carrier on<br />
injury.<br />
Human Resources:<br />
1 Place in file for future follow-up needs.<br />
Risk/Emergency Management:<br />
Example D<br />
(Citizen Injury on <strong>County</strong> Property)<br />
1 Contact employee/supervisor to gather additional information on accident.<br />
2 Send copy of incident to our insurance carrier – Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust<br />
(MCIT) for a claim file.<br />
3 Continue follow-up with employee/supervisor, MCIT, and others in regard to any<br />
other parts of the incident.<br />
April 8, 2002 Section 4-F (insert) 2
Human Resources:<br />
1 Place in file for future follow-up needs.<br />
Risk/Emergency Management:<br />
Example E<br />
(Employee Injury – Cumulative Trauma)<br />
1 Contact employee/supervisor to gather additional information on incident.<br />
2 Complete First Report of Injury and send information to workers compensation claims<br />
administrator.<br />
3 Look at workstation and work with employee/supervisor to do an assessment of the<br />
workstation and work area to eliminate repetitive trauma.<br />
4 Continue follow-up with employee/supervisor, physician, work comp carrier, MCIT,<br />
and others in regard to any other parts of the incident.<br />
Human Resources:<br />
1 Place in file for future follow-up needs.<br />
The above scenarios are examples of the steps that may take place following an Incident, Injury or<br />
Accident. Based on circumstances behind each Incident, Injury or Accident, the procedures<br />
followed may vary.<br />
Please contact the Risk/Emergency Management Office if you are in need of a <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
Incident/Injury/Accident Report Form.<br />
April 8, 2002 Section 4-F (insert) 3
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LIFE THREATENING ILLNESSES<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> recognizes that employees with life-threatening communicable diseases and<br />
terminal illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and AIDS, may wish to continue to engage in as<br />
many of their normal pursuits as their condition allows, including work. As long as these<br />
employees are able to meet acceptable performance standards, and medical evidence indicates that<br />
their condition(s) are not a threat to themselves or others, management should be sensitive to their<br />
condition(s) and ensure that they are treated consistently with other employees. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
also recognizes that it has an obligation to provide a safe work environment for all employees,<br />
clients and the public. Therefore, precautions should be taken to ensure that an employee's<br />
condition does not present a health and/or safety threat to other employees, clients or the public.<br />
Consistent with this concern for employees with life-threatening communicable diseases and<br />
terminal illnesses, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> offers the following range of resources available through the<br />
Human Resources Department and the Community Health Services Department.<br />
* Mandatory education to management and employees on life threatening communicable<br />
diseases and terminal illnesses.<br />
* Referral to agencies and organizations which offer supportive services for life-threatening<br />
communicable diseases and terminal illnesses.<br />
* Benefit consultation to assist employees in effectively managing health, leaves and other<br />
benefits.<br />
Guidelines<br />
When dealing with situations involving employees with life-threatening communicable diseases<br />
and terminal illnesses, management will:<br />
1. Remember that an employee's health condition is personal and confidential, and every<br />
precaution should be taken to protect information regarding an employee's health condition.<br />
Health data regarding employees is private data, M.S. 13.43, subd. 2, and may not be<br />
released to the public or to fellow employees without a strict observance of data privacy<br />
rights of public employees. Knowledge that an employee has a life-threatening<br />
communicable disease or terminal illness will be limited to those persons determined by the<br />
<strong>County</strong> Human Resources Director to have a direct need to know.<br />
2. Contact the Human Resources Department or Community Health Services Department if<br />
you believe that you or other employees need information about life threatening<br />
communicable diseases or if you need further guidance in managing a situation that<br />
involves an employee with a life-threatening communicable disease before taking any<br />
action with the affected employee.<br />
3. Contact the Human Resources Department to determine if a statement should be obtained<br />
from the employee's attending physician that continued presence at work will pose no<br />
threat to the employee, co-workers or clients. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to require<br />
an examination by a medical doctor appointed by the <strong>County</strong>. (See Section 2, Requirement<br />
of Physical and Psychological Examination.)<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 4-G 1
4. If warranted, make reasonable accommodations (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) for<br />
employees with life-threatening communicable diseases and terminal illnesses consistent<br />
with the business needs of the office/department.<br />
5. Make a reasonable attempt to positively respond to transfer requests from employees with<br />
life-threatening communicable diseases and terminal illnesses, experiencing undue emotional<br />
stress.<br />
6. Be sensitive and responsive to co-worker's concerns, and emphasize employee education<br />
available through the Human Resources Department and the Community Health Services<br />
Department.<br />
7. No special consideration should be given beyond normal transfer requests for employees<br />
who feel threatened by a co-worker's life-threatening communicable disease or terminal<br />
illness. Be prepared to provide information to the threatened co-worker regarding the<br />
safety of the work environment as prescribed under the Minnesota Employee Right to<br />
Know Act.<br />
8. Be sensitive to the fact that continued employment for an employee with a life-threatening<br />
communicable disease or terminal illness may sometimes be therapeutically important in<br />
the remission or recovery process or may help prolong that employee's life.<br />
9. Encourage employees to seek assistance from established community support groups for<br />
medical treatment and counseling services. Information on these can be requested through<br />
the Community Health Services Department.<br />
10. Be aware that when dealing with employees who have some form of life-threatening<br />
communicable disease, they are covered by laws and regulations that protect handicapped<br />
people against discrimination. The Human Resources Department must be contacted prior<br />
to making any employment decisions regarding an employee with a life-threatening<br />
communicable disease.<br />
11. Notify employees that they are to contact the Community Health Services Department if<br />
they believe a communicable disease work incident involves significant risk of exposure.<br />
12. Be aware, and make employees aware, that testing for communicable diseases must not be<br />
done as a screening device for employment, reassignment or promotion, except as provided<br />
for in Section 2, Requirement of Physical and Psychological Examination and in accordance<br />
with labor contracts.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 4-G 2
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE<br />
Violence is the use of harassment, intimidation, physical force, or the abuse of power or authority,<br />
where the intent is to control by causing pain, fear or hurt. The <strong>County</strong> acknowledges that our<br />
employees may be exposed to violence by the very nature of their jobs in the provision of service<br />
to the public. Examples of these areas include Sheriff’s Department, Courts, and Social Services.<br />
Further, the <strong>County</strong> acknowledges that all human relationships include the potential for conflict,<br />
which may result in violence. This includes the actions of employees, clients, other internal or<br />
external customers, vendors or any other person. The <strong>County</strong> recognizes that violence at work;<br />
family violence or any other type of violence may impact an employee’s work performance.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> is committed to:<br />
• providing services to the public in a professional and caring manner;<br />
• providing a safe environment for employees and the public;<br />
• reducing employee vulnerability to workplace violence;<br />
• responding quickly to employees when workplace violence occurs;<br />
• supporting employees who experience violence both at the time of and subsequent to the<br />
incident.<br />
<strong>County</strong> employees are expected to be able to serve angry, upset or otherwise disgruntled customers<br />
with patience, courtesy and respect; however, no employee is required to tolerate physical or verbal<br />
threats to one’s safety, or physical or verbal abuse. Further, it is a goal of the <strong>County</strong> to maintain a<br />
work environment that provides for respectful conflict resolution.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> assumes the initiative for maintaining a safe workplace. Each Department Head is<br />
charged with the development and maintenance of appropriate procedures for addressing<br />
workplace violence relevant to the functions of that department. These include procedures for<br />
prevention, incident reporting and incident response. Each employee will receive training from<br />
their Department Head or designee on workplace violence prevention, reporting and response<br />
procedures pertinent to their department and/or job function. Each employee is responsible for<br />
adherence to these procedures. Procedures pertinent to all employees are addressed in the<br />
Workplace Violence Procedures, which are provided to each new employee at orientation and<br />
discussed by Risk/Emergency Management as a part of the new employee orientation process.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> retains the authority to act appropriately in performance evaluation and disciplinary<br />
procedures. The intention of this policy is not to conflict with any other <strong>County</strong> policy.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H 1
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROCEDURES<br />
Background Information<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> employees are occasionally in contact with individuals whose behavior may result<br />
in danger or injury to the employee. The <strong>County</strong> acknowledges that our employees may be<br />
exposed to violence by the very nature of their jobs in the provision of service to the public.<br />
Examples of these areas include the Sheriffs Department, Courts, and Social Services. It is<br />
essential that the employee be prepared to deal with this situation when it occurs and be aware of<br />
preventative measures that may be taken. The <strong>County</strong> has established a Workplace Violence<br />
<strong>Policy</strong> (copy attached) and countywide overall incident prevention and response procedures are<br />
enclosed herein. Individual departments may modify the overall <strong>County</strong> policy and procedure to<br />
meet specific departmental requirements. The <strong>County</strong> retains the authority to act appropriately in<br />
performance evaluation and disciplinary procedures. The intention of these procedures is not to<br />
conflict with any other <strong>County</strong> policy or procedures.<br />
I. Prevention<br />
A. Safe work Environment<br />
It is a goal of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> to reduce employee vulnerability to violence by individuals.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> assumes the initiative for creating a safe workplace and will take appropriate<br />
action to prevent danger to employees. All employees are furnished with a copy of the<br />
Workplace Violence <strong>Policy</strong>, Workplace Violence Procedures, and are offered additional<br />
training.<br />
Modified procedures, specific to each department, will be incorporated as supplemental to<br />
the overall policy and procedures as needed. Departments implementing modified<br />
procedures need to follow the established <strong>County</strong> personnel rules.<br />
B. Prevention procedures applicable to all departments<br />
1. Department Reception Areas<br />
Where appropriate, department reception areas should be equipped with a<br />
visitor’s sign in register for use in tracking visitors in the department and<br />
building.<br />
2. Identification<br />
Identification while in or on <strong>County</strong> property will be in accordance with the<br />
<strong>County</strong>’s Name Tag and Photo ID policies.<br />
3. Reporting of Potential Threats<br />
The best protection against violence is prevention. There are many things<br />
we can do to reduce the probability of violence. However, violence may<br />
still occur despite our efforts. If you are aware of a threat against someone<br />
in the office or in the field, Minnesota Data Practices laws allow you to<br />
warn the individual of the threat. Report all threats to your supervisor.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 1
4. Employee Responsibilities<br />
• Take responsibility for your own safety. Don't take unnecessary<br />
risks.<br />
• If you know that you are a target of a threat, notify your supervisor.<br />
• Recognize there is always potential for violence. Attend safety<br />
training. Be prepared with your own safety plan. Review caseload<br />
if appropriate and identify violent/potentially violent individuals.<br />
• In a new situation it is helpful to assume that the individual could be<br />
dangerous until either experience with the individual or assessment<br />
proves otherwise.<br />
• Some characteristics of violent behavior:<br />
‣ Verbal cues such as swearing, refusals, threatening,<br />
voice too loud or too soft, mumbling, slurred speech,<br />
distorted thinking;<br />
‣ Physical cues such as body shakes, pacing, apparent<br />
irritation, neck muscles stiffening, face/fists tightening,<br />
change in breathing, "wild" eyes.<br />
• When appropriate, check law enforcement records. Previous<br />
incidents of violence can be the best predictors of future violence.<br />
• When possible, require potentially dangerous individuals to come to<br />
the office for meetings.<br />
• Individual concerns and/or complaints regarding the service<br />
received should be directed to the supervisor. Supervisors and<br />
managers should evaluate any concern/complaint with an<br />
assessment of potential violence and what actions may help to avoid<br />
violence.<br />
• Don’t “psychologically corner” an individual. Attempt to re-direct<br />
or re-word any discussion to a positive framework:<br />
‣ Never touch an angry individual;<br />
‣ Leave plenty of space between yourself and the<br />
individual;<br />
‣ Don't correct or challenge a hostile individual’s<br />
statements;<br />
‣ Assume a non-threatening position;<br />
‣ Try to be at eye level with the person. If the individual<br />
can be calmed--stay with the individual and let him/her<br />
know you want to help solve the problem;<br />
‣ Listen to the individual;<br />
‣ Be aware of body language.<br />
‣ Speak clearly, calmly, and in a low voice.<br />
‣ Be respectful. Do not argue, demand, command, or<br />
disagree.<br />
• Request assistance from additional staff when necessary.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 2
4a. Preparation for Field<br />
• If you are concerned for your safety in the field, make your<br />
supervisor aware of your concerns prior to your visit. Departments<br />
are encouraged to develop procedural parameters with area law<br />
enforcement as needed.<br />
• Look over the room at the beginning of the interview. Potential<br />
weapons that might be used against you include: beverages,<br />
ashtrays, keys, phones, pens, pencils, etc.<br />
• Pay special attention to situations that may evoke anger, which may<br />
cause enough stress to agitate even an ordinarily cooperative<br />
individual such as: removing a child from a home, denying<br />
assistance, or issuing a fine.<br />
• Choose an appropriate place to sit (i.e. near an exit) etc. Ideally the<br />
individual would also have access to an exit. Don't allow<br />
individuals to be between you and the door. Don't physically corner<br />
yourself. Leave a way out and stand out of reach. Don't physically<br />
or psychologically corner the person.<br />
• Check out from department when making a field visit to a home or<br />
place of business, noting your anticipated return time. If a change in<br />
plans occurs, notify your department as soon as possible.<br />
• Check in with department promptly upon your return.<br />
• Be aware of emergency resources in the area when on a field visit.<br />
• In a potentially dangerous situation in the field, leave the site if you<br />
feel you are in imminent danger. Leave immediately if asked to<br />
leave. The exception to this would be if legally appropriate (i.e.<br />
search warrant).<br />
• Utilize communication devices available from departments, (i.e.<br />
radios, pagers, and/or cellular phones, etc.) for notification of<br />
changes, delays, etc.<br />
4b. Preparation for Office<br />
• Receptionists should be aware of their surroundings.<br />
• Receptionists should be made aware of potentially violent<br />
individuals that may come to the office location.<br />
• Consideration should be given to the layout of your office.<br />
• If you are concerned for your safety in the office, inform your<br />
supervisor and/or other staff as necessary.<br />
• Interview as a team, if necessary.<br />
• Before interviewing a known violent individual, discuss the violence<br />
prevention plan with your supervisor. Consider the person's past<br />
history.<br />
• If the window between the office and the hallway is equipped with a<br />
blind, leave the blind open.<br />
• In a potentially dangerous situation in the office consider<br />
temporarily terminating the interview and leaving the room. Seek<br />
the assistance of other staff or law enforcement.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 3
4c. Transporting<br />
If you are concerned for your safety with an individual whom you plan to<br />
transport, consult with your supervisor about an alternate plan before<br />
proceeding. Utilize appropriate transport vehicle as needed.<br />
5. Department Head/Supervisor Responsibilities<br />
6. Training<br />
• Advise new employees of safety issues specific to their job. The<br />
importance of the Workplace Violence <strong>Policy</strong> and Procedures and<br />
any department specific procedures must be stressed with employees<br />
at their initial orientation with the supervisor.<br />
• When interviewing prospective employees, inform the candidate of<br />
any safety issues pertinent to the relevant position.<br />
• Regularly assess employees’ workload to determine whether there<br />
are factors that may increase the risk of workplace violence.<br />
• Employees are directed to route individual concerns and/or<br />
complaints regarding the service of the department to the supervisor.<br />
Supervisors and managers should evaluate any concern/complaint<br />
with an assessment of potential violence and what actions may help<br />
to avoid violence.<br />
• Review the Workplace Violence <strong>Policy</strong> and Procedures, and any<br />
department specific procedures at least annually with employees.<br />
• Provide the time and support necessary to ensure staff attendance at<br />
safety training.<br />
• Assure employees that the <strong>County</strong> will not tolerate any form of<br />
assaults or threats toward staff.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> shall offer in-service training to staff on personal safety. The<br />
training may include the following:<br />
1. Techniques for interviewing potentially violent and violent<br />
individuals.<br />
2. Techniques for avoidance of confrontations.<br />
3. Assertiveness training.<br />
4. Staff vulnerability to violence.<br />
5. How to recognize violent and potentially violent situations.<br />
6. Self-defense training.<br />
7. How to document assessment of violence.<br />
8. How to cope physically and emotionally with a violent or<br />
harassing incident.<br />
9. Department site specific planning<br />
10. De-escalation techniques<br />
11. Interpersonal communication skills<br />
Appropriate personal safety training will be offered to all staff on a periodic<br />
basis.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 4
II.<br />
RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS<br />
A. Suggested response to violent/potentially violent situations<br />
Avoid power struggles. Be respectful, calm, and not emotional. Do not threaten or<br />
retaliate. Listen. Agree with the individual to diffuse anger.<br />
When attempts to calm the individual fail and the individual continues to become<br />
aggressive or threatening, let the individual know that you take threats seriously and<br />
terminate the meeting. Be firm, not confrontational<br />
If threatened or assaulted during an interview, wherever it occurs, end the<br />
interview, remove yourself from of the situation and get to a secure place. Your<br />
actions should be an attempt to insure your safety or reduce additional risk rather<br />
than to inflict harm upon an individual. Your defense should be reasonable and<br />
proportionate to the situation with a minimum of contact with or injury to the<br />
individual. The <strong>County</strong> supports acts of self-defense when protecting yourself.<br />
Obtain medical help immediately if needed. Report incident to law enforcement<br />
and supervisor.<br />
1. Response in the Office<br />
• If you see or overhear a violent incident in progress,<br />
determine if intervention will assist the staff member. If you<br />
are aware that another employee is possibly in trouble in an<br />
interview room, knock on the door and call the employee out<br />
of the room saying, for example, "I apologize for<br />
interrupting, may I see you for a moment please?" This will<br />
prevent embarrassment of either the employee or the<br />
individual and will help to remove the employee and the<br />
individual from the situation. Call 911 or consult with law<br />
enforcement as appropriate. If your intervention in the<br />
interview may help prevent or reduce violence, the <strong>County</strong><br />
supports your decision to act.<br />
• Notify a supervisor or other staff as necessary immediately.<br />
Consult with supervisor/manager or other staff regarding<br />
joining the employee in attempting to persuade the<br />
individual to leave the office.<br />
• Lock all interview room doors and the door leading to the<br />
receptionist area (if possible). Everyone in the receptionist<br />
area may be escorted into an interview room if deemed<br />
appropriate after consultation with a supervisor/manager.<br />
• Alert law enforcement in the area for assistance.<br />
• Notify your supervisor of the incident as soon as possible.<br />
• If threatened or assaulted, notify law enforcement and your<br />
supervisor.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 5
2. Response in the Field<br />
• When on a field visit, if you feel in imminent danger, leave<br />
immediately.<br />
• Leave immediately if you are asked to leave. The exception<br />
to this would be if legally appropriate (i.e. search warrant).<br />
• Notify your supervisor of the incident as soon as possible.<br />
• If threatened or assaulted, notify law enforcement and your<br />
supervisor.<br />
III.<br />
ACTION FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT<br />
All incidents should be reported using the Incident/Injury/Accident Report form. A report<br />
should also be made when you have perceived a potential for violence but the violence did<br />
not occur, i.e., a sufficient number of warning signs, actions, or level of emotion suggesting<br />
violence might have occurred. Each department shall maintain a supply of the<br />
incident/injury/accident report forms.<br />
The following actions shall be taken:<br />
Employee Responsibilities<br />
• Access 911 with Emergency needs! Get immediate medical<br />
help if physical injury has occurred.<br />
• Notify your supervisor*. If supervisor not available, follow<br />
the departmental chain of command to report the incident.<br />
• Discuss incident with supervisor* and fill out an<br />
Incident/Injury/Accident Report form.<br />
• Submit Incident Report to supervisor* for completion and<br />
routing.<br />
• If threatened or assaulted, report to law enforcement.<br />
• Develop a plan with your supervisor* to reduce or eliminate<br />
a future occurrence of violence.<br />
• Continue to get the medical help and/or the support you need<br />
to completely recover from the incident. Recognize that this<br />
may take time. The <strong>County</strong> has Employee Assistance<br />
Program (EAP) resources available.<br />
* If supervisor is the violence producing individual, follow the existing<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> grievance/dispute resolution upward chain of command<br />
procedures for notification.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 6
Department Head/Supervisor Responsibilities<br />
• Assist the incident assault victim in obtaining necessary<br />
medical or other treatment.<br />
• Administer to the needs of and debrief bystanders or other<br />
witnesses. Obtain name and contact numbers as available.<br />
• Assist employee with filling out necessary report forms<br />
relating to the incident.<br />
• If threatened or assaulted, be sure law enforcement was<br />
notified.<br />
• Encourage injured workers to seek support and refer the<br />
employee to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as<br />
appropriate.<br />
• If necessary, assess potential options for temporary<br />
modifications to the employee workload while the worker<br />
recovers from the incident. Discuss these modifications with<br />
the appropriate chain of command.<br />
• Supervisor should consider long term reassignment of<br />
case(s) to other staff when supervisor and employee<br />
determine that an antagonistic relationship exists between<br />
the employee and an individual.<br />
• Review plan and make changes for reduction of future<br />
incidents.<br />
• When necessary, write a letter to the violence-producing<br />
individual to warn them of consequences for inappropriate<br />
behavior. This letter should be reviewed by Risk/Emergency<br />
Management and the <strong>County</strong> Attorney’s Office before it is<br />
sent.<br />
• As a last resort, consider with the consultation of the<br />
employee, the feasibility of suspending, denying or altering<br />
services to the violence-producing individual.<br />
• Consult Human Resources, Administration, Attorney’s<br />
Office, Mental Health and/or Risk/Emergency Management<br />
for further assistance.<br />
Department Head Responsibilities<br />
• Review and maintain appropriate departmental procedures.<br />
• When responding to any client concern/complaint, assess the<br />
potential for violence and actions that may be taken to avoid<br />
violence.<br />
• Insure that supervisors give priority attention to violent<br />
incidents and that they provide empathetic, responsive, and<br />
individualized support to the affected employees.<br />
• Assess the incident that has occurred and the potential for<br />
future violence. Determine actions that may be taken to<br />
avoid repeated and/or escalated incident in the future.<br />
March 10, 1998 Section 4-H (insert) 7
SECTION 5<br />
COMPENSATION<br />
Position Classification Plan<br />
Compensation<br />
Severance Compensation
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POSITION CLASSIFICATION PLAN<br />
Establishment and Maintenance of the Classification Plan<br />
The <strong>County</strong> shall establish and maintain a Position Classification Plan and shall classify thereunder<br />
all <strong>County</strong> positions. It is the inherent right of management to redesign jobs, restructure jobs, and<br />
create new jobs in meeting the objectives of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>. From time to time, management will<br />
need to create new classifications to better respond to the needs and challenges of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
The Plan shall be developed and maintained so that positions substantially similar with respect to<br />
knowledge and skills, supervisory authority, public relations and working conditions are included<br />
within the same class; and that the same schedules of compensation shall apply to all positions in<br />
the class.<br />
Section I<br />
Position/Classification Creation Procedure<br />
If a new classification/FTE is created, it will be the responsibility of management to define and<br />
determine essential requirements and duties of the position. Human Resources will work with<br />
department heads and supervisors to develop the job description in a format consistent with all job<br />
descriptions. The job description will be assigned to a class under the Classification Plan and to an<br />
appropriate grade under one of the compensation schedules. Final approval of any new job<br />
classifications/FTE will require <strong>County</strong> Board approval.<br />
Section II<br />
Classification Review Procedure<br />
The <strong>County</strong> shall review the Classification Plan periodically to ascertain whether or not it<br />
corresponds with existing conditions in the <strong>County</strong> service, and to make any revisions, where<br />
necessary.<br />
1. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will review and analyze one third (1/3) of the <strong>County</strong>’s job<br />
classifications annually, during the budget process. Job classifications for review will<br />
be selected by job family, i.e. department heads, assistants/supervisory, professional,<br />
technical/service, and administrative assistant/support staff. Department heads will be<br />
notified in writing by Human Resources of the classifications in their department up for<br />
review and sent the necessary forms for completion.<br />
2. Department heads will be responsible for reviewing the job descriptions and<br />
determining if there is a significant change in the nature or scope of the work performed<br />
in the job classification selected for review. If a significant change is noted, 30% or<br />
more, department heads are responsible for completing a Position Description<br />
Questionnaire (PDQ) identifying the changes. This information will be submitted to<br />
Human Resources. The information will then be evaluated and assigned an appropriate<br />
grade under one of the compensation schedules. If a significant change is not found in<br />
the job classification selected for review, this is noted and the position will be included<br />
in the next classification cycle for the job family.<br />
3. Each request will be evaluated using the job evaluation method adopted by <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>. Based on the new evaluation, the job classification can have no change, a<br />
higher placement, a lower placement, or a reallocation to a new classification<br />
altogether. A brief statement detailing the recommendations for each job classification<br />
review will be prepared and filed in the Human Resources Department.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 5-A 1<br />
Revised: September 9, 2003
4. Human Resources will be responsible for dating all classification reviews and tracking<br />
when job classifications are subject to review. It will also be the responsibility of<br />
Human Resources to maintain all evaluation results.<br />
5. For department heads, the <strong>County</strong> Administrator will be responsible for reviewing<br />
department head classification descriptions and determining the need to review these<br />
positions.<br />
6. Consideration for job classifications that are not scheduled for their annual review but<br />
experience significant change will be handled on a case by case basis by the department<br />
head notifying Human Resources in writing of the changes and reasons for the changes.<br />
Section III<br />
Position Elimination<br />
In the event a position is eliminated by the <strong>County</strong>, and the employee occupying the position is not<br />
qualified for any other position, the employee shall be laid off and shall be eligible for reemployment<br />
rights for a period of one year, in a position for which the employee is qualified.<br />
Section IV<br />
Decrease in Grade Level or Rating<br />
In the event a position decreases in grade level, the employee in the position classification will<br />
move to the next step in the new grade which provides them an increase.<br />
In the event a position decreases in a grade level and as a result the employee’s pay falls over the<br />
new grade maximum, their current pay will be frozen until their wage is equal to or less than the<br />
grade range maximum.<br />
Increased or Classified to a Higher Grade<br />
In the event an employee is evaluated to a higher grade, the employee shall be moved to the step<br />
closest to but higher than their current rate of pay provided the rate does not exceed the maximum<br />
of the new range.<br />
Pay Adjustment Effective Date<br />
The effective date of any pay adjustments shall be the beginning of the first pay period following<br />
the first of the new year, so costs can be reflected in the budget cycle.<br />
Step movement will continue as defined in the <strong>County</strong> Rules and Regulations and collective<br />
bargaining agreements.<br />
.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 5-A 2<br />
Revised: September 9, 2003
COMPENSATION<br />
Compensation Plan<br />
It is the policy of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> that competitive and equitable compensation be provided to<br />
employees. The Human Resources Director shall be responsible for maintaining a Compensation<br />
Plan, which shall recognize such factors as:<br />
1. Uniformity of pay ranges for each classification.<br />
2. The relative difficulty and responsibility of work.<br />
3. The recruiting experience of the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
4. The rate of pay in the public and private sector.<br />
5. The financial condition and policies of the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
6. Pertinent economic data.<br />
7. Availability of applicants possessing required skills.<br />
8. Internal Equity as defined by the Local Government Pay Equity Act.<br />
The Compensation Plan shall be reviewed regularly by the Human Resources Director, with any<br />
changes recommended to the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
Administration<br />
The Compensation Plan shall consist of designated salary ranges, each with a minimum and<br />
maximum rate, for each classification. Wage advancement within each range shall be 4.5% on an<br />
annual basis until the maximum of the range is attained. Satisfactory performance is required for<br />
any wage advancement within a range. Notice of satisfactory performance must be received in the<br />
Human Resources Department.<br />
A new employee shall generally be hired at the minimum of the range. The Department Head shall<br />
consult with the Human Resources Director to determine the starting wage or salary; up to Step D<br />
for Grades 1-9 and up to Step F for Grades 10 and above. Requests for a starting wage or salary<br />
higher than outlined above must be approved by the <strong>County</strong> Board. Such authorization shall be<br />
based on exceptional qualifications and background of the proposed employee or by labor market<br />
conditions.<br />
Movement within the range shall occur upon the successful completion of a probationary period if<br />
hired at the minimum of the salary range. Individuals hired after January 1, 2004 shall receive step<br />
movement on their anniversary date. Employees hired before that date shall receive step increases<br />
effective January 1 of each year. Step movements shall be effective at the beginning of the pay<br />
period following the date on which the employee becomes eligible and authorized to receive such<br />
remuneration. After completion of a probationary period, no employee shall receive more than one<br />
step per year.<br />
Wage Deductions<br />
Whenever an employee is indebted to the <strong>County</strong>, the amount due may be deducted from the<br />
employee's wages. The <strong>County</strong> will also make mandatory deductions from an employee's wages<br />
as required by court order, IRS directive or statute, and will make voluntary deductions from an<br />
employee's wages as authorized by the employee.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 5-B 1<br />
Revised: September 9, 2003
Work Out-of-Classification<br />
An employee who is specifically assigned for more than ten (10) working days to perform work<br />
which is at a higher job classification shall receive the higher classification rate for each day of<br />
such out-of-classification work. Work out-of-classification is the performance of work more than<br />
fifty percent (50%) of which is exclusively covered by a higher job classification. The out-ofclassification<br />
pay rate shall normally be 4.5% more than the employee's regular classification pay<br />
rate, except that the employee's out-of-classification pay rate must at least be at the minimum of<br />
the pay range for the higher classification and may not exceed the maximum of the pay range for<br />
the higher classification.<br />
.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 5-B 2<br />
Revised: September 9, 2003
SEVERANCE COMPENSATION<br />
A. Regular, full-time and part-time employees shall be eligible for severance compensation<br />
upon retirement, death, resignation or layoff in accordance with the following conditions:<br />
1. The employee shall have been employed by the <strong>County</strong> for at least five (5) years and<br />
shall have resigned in good standing as defined in Section 2, Termination.<br />
2. Severance compensation shall be one-half (1/2) of unused sick leave, but not to exceed<br />
seven thousand two hundred dollars ($7,200) for year 2001; not to exceed seven thousand<br />
six hundred dollars ($7,600) for year 2002; not to exceed eight thousand dollars ($8,000)<br />
for year 2003. The <strong>County</strong> reserves the right not to pay severance compensation if an<br />
employee is terminated for cause.<br />
3. In the event severance compensation is due an employee as the result of death, the death<br />
benefits shall be paid to the surviving spouses or to the employee’s estate.<br />
4. All earned vacation time shall be dispersed upon termination. Payment for vacation or<br />
other severance may be withheld if the employee is in any way indebted to the <strong>County</strong> or<br />
in possession of <strong>County</strong> equipment or property.<br />
Non-exempt employees shall receive all earned compensatory time upon termination.<br />
5. Exempt, non-unit employees are eligible for severance compensation for earned<br />
compensatory time at a rate of one-half (1/2) of the earned time available. The maximum<br />
dollar amount for severance from compensatory time is the same as that established for<br />
sick leave severance, number two above.<br />
B. Regular, full-time employees, not covered under a collective bargaining agreement, shall be<br />
eligible to participate in the Minnesota Post Retirement Health Care Savings Plan (PRHCSP)<br />
upon retirement with the following conditions:<br />
1. The employee shall have been employed by the <strong>County</strong> for ten (10) consecutive years<br />
and shall have resigned in good standing as defined in Section 2, Termination.<br />
2. The employee shall be retirement eligible at the time of separation.<br />
3. Effective January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003, the employee will contribute one<br />
hundred percent (100%) of their accrued sick leave, sick leave bank, vacation leave, and<br />
accrued compensatory time to the Post Retirement Health Care Savings Plan. Said contribution<br />
will not exceed one times the employee’s base annual salary.<br />
Effective January 1, 2004, the employee will contribute one hundred percent (100%)<br />
of their accrued sick leave, sick leave bank and vacation leave, and fifty percent (50%) of their<br />
accrued compensatory time to the Post Retirement Health Care Savings Plan. The total<br />
contribution of these benefits combined shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the<br />
employee’s base annual salary.<br />
4. The <strong>County</strong> reserves the right not to contribute any of the employee’s<br />
accrued sick, sick leave bank, vacation leave or compensatory time to the Post<br />
Retirement Health Care Savings Plan if an employee is terminated for cause.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 5-C 1<br />
Revised: July 01, 2003
5. In the event severance compensation is due an employee as the result of death, prior to<br />
separation, the employee will receive death benefits as defined in Severance Compensation<br />
<strong>Policy</strong> A3.<br />
6. Contribution to the Post Retirement Health Care Saving Plan may be withheld if the<br />
employee is in any way indebted to the <strong>County</strong> or in possession of <strong>County</strong> equipment or<br />
property.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 5-C 2<br />
Revised: July 01, 2003
CARVER COUNTY POST RETIREMENT HEALTH CARE SAVINGS PLAN<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> non-bargaining employees are eligible to participate in the Minnesota Post<br />
Retirement Health Care Savings Plan (PRHCSP) established under Minnesota Statutes, section<br />
352.98 (Minn. Supp. 2001) and as outlined in the Minnesota State Retirement System’s Trust<br />
and Plan Documents. All funds collected by the employer on the behalf of the employee will be<br />
deposited into the employee’s post retirement health care savings plan account.<br />
Effective January 1, 2004, <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> non-bargaining employees eligible for the severance<br />
payment outlined in the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Personnel Rules and Regulations, Section 5C, Severance<br />
Compensation B, will contribute their one hundred percent (100%) of their accrued sick leave,<br />
sick leave bank and vacation leave, and fifty percent (50%) of their accrued compensatory time<br />
to the Post Retirement Health Care Savings Plan. The total contribution of these benefits<br />
combined shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the employee’s base annual salary.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 5-C 3<br />
Revised: July 01, 2003
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April 13, 1999 Section 5-C 4
SECTION 6<br />
BENEFITS<br />
Holidays<br />
Vacations<br />
Sick Leave<br />
Leave of Absence<br />
Insurance Benefit
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HOLIDAYS<br />
The following days, and other such days as the Board may designate, are holidays, to be<br />
compensated at straight time for regular full-time employees, provided the employee is on<br />
compensated payroll status the last working day preceding the holiday and the first working day<br />
following the holiday:<br />
1. * New Year's Day................................ January 1<br />
* Martin Luther King Day................... Third Monday in January<br />
* President's Day ................................. Third Monday in February<br />
* Memorial Day................................... Last Monday in May<br />
* Independence Day ............................ July 4<br />
* Labor Day ......................................... First Monday in September<br />
* Veteran's Day.................................... November 11<br />
* Thanksgiving Day ............................ 4th Thursday in November<br />
* Friday After Thanksgiving............... 4th Friday in November<br />
* Christmas Day .................................. December 25<br />
* Three (3) Floating Days ................... Employee's choice<br />
2. Holidays that fall on Sunday will be observed the following Monday, those that fall on<br />
Saturday will be observed the preceding Friday, unless another day is designated by the<br />
Board. An employee scheduled to work other than the normal workweek of Monday<br />
through Friday shall receive the same number of holidays.<br />
3. Non-exempt employees assigned in accordance with the normal work day schedule and<br />
required by the <strong>County</strong> to work on a designated holiday shall receive overtime<br />
compensation at one and one-half (1.5) times their base pay rate for hours worked plus<br />
holiday compensation at their base rate. Exempt employees required to work on a holiday<br />
by the Department Head shall be eligible for compensatory time off at one and one half<br />
time for the hours worked on that holiday. If exempt employees chose to work on a<br />
holiday, and if approved by the Department Head, they shall be eligible for compensatory<br />
time off on an hour for hour basis. In no case shall the total compensation exceed two and<br />
one-half (2.5) times the employee's base pay rate.<br />
4. Designated holidays that occur within an employee's approved and compensated leaves of<br />
absence or vacations shall not be charged to the employee's sick days or vacation time, but<br />
shall be recorded as a holiday.<br />
5. Employees will not receive holiday pay for holidays occurring while on an unpaid leave of<br />
absence or while receiving donated vacation time.<br />
6. Scheduling of an employee's floating holiday shall be by mutual agreement between the<br />
employee and supervisor. Should the number of employees requesting the use of their<br />
floating holiday exceed the number the supervisor determines necessary to effectively<br />
conduct business, the supervisor shall grant such requests on the basis of first request<br />
received, ties shall be broken by department seniority. Probationary employees can not use<br />
a floating holiday.<br />
7. A floating holiday cannot be carried over from one calendar year to the next.<br />
February 9, 1999 Section 6-A 1
8. Regular part-time employees, working at least half time, shall receive compensation for the<br />
holidays designated in Item 1 above but on a pro-rated basis. Holiday compensation for<br />
employees working less than 4/5 time (32 hours per week) shall be paid in one lump sum<br />
payment in January of each year for the holidays which fell during the previous year.<br />
Employees working at least 4/5 time shall receive holiday compensation on a regular basis.<br />
However, any holiday compensation due a terminating or laid off employee shall be paid at<br />
the time of termination or layoff. The rate of holiday compensation shall be the employee's<br />
base rate in effect on December 31 st . In no case shall an employee's total pro-rata holiday<br />
compensation exceed pay for eleven (11), eight (8) hour days.<br />
February 9, 1999 Section 6-A 2
VACATIONS<br />
1. All full-time regular employees shall be eligible for and accrue vacation at their current rate<br />
of pay. Newly hired employees will not accrue vacation during their probationary period.<br />
Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the employee will be credited with<br />
five (5) days of vacation. Accumulation shall be based on an employee's regular<br />
workweek. Thereafter, vacation shall be earned in accordance with the following schedule,<br />
provided that the employee is on compensated payroll status or approved military leave:<br />
Years of Completed Service<br />
Vacation Days Earned per year<br />
1 - 12 months 10.00<br />
1 year but less than 5 years 12.00<br />
5 years but less than 10 years 15.00<br />
10 years but less than 15 years 18.00<br />
15 years but less than 20 years 21.00<br />
20 years but less than 23 years 22.00<br />
23 years but less than 24 years 23.00<br />
24 years but less than 25 years 24.00<br />
25 years or more 25.00<br />
Regular part-time employees, working at least half time, shall earn vacation benefits in<br />
accordance with the above schedule on a pro-rated basis.<br />
When continuous length of service reaches a point entitling the employee to the next higher<br />
rate, the new rate will commence on the first day of the pay period following the date of<br />
eligibility.<br />
2. Vacation leave shall not accumulate in excess of two hundred eighty (280) hours.<br />
3. An employee shall request vacation time off at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of<br />
the absence requested and fifteen (15) calendar days in advance of vacation periods of five<br />
(5) days or more duration. All vacation requests are subject to supervisory approval. The<br />
supervisor shall respond within twenty-four (24) hours to the forty-eight (48) hour request<br />
and within five (5) days for the longer period request. The advance notice requirements<br />
may be waived if, in the judgment of the supervisor, the leave will not cause undue<br />
inconvenience to the Employer. At no time shall an employee be granted vacation leave<br />
when the supervisor determines that the employee's absence may impair the efficient<br />
operation of the department. Once a request is approved, the <strong>County</strong> must show<br />
substantial cause to cancel or postpone a vacation.<br />
4. In the event of two or more overlapping vacation requests which cannot be granted<br />
simultaneously, seniority of the requesting employee will govern to the greatest extent possible<br />
if submitted prior to April 1 of each year. Thereafter, requests for overlapping<br />
vacation dates shall be granted on a first arrival basis.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 6-B 1
5. Pay in lieu of vacation shall not be allowed, except upon mutual agreement of the <strong>County</strong><br />
and the employee or in the event of termination. Payment of vacation upon termination<br />
shall be at the employee's base rate at the time of termination with compensation in the<br />
form of a lump sum payment. There may be a clearance period of two weeks from<br />
effective date of termination until issuance of the accrued leave payment. Payment for<br />
vacation or other severance may be withheld if the employee is in any way indebted to the<br />
<strong>County</strong> or in possession of <strong>County</strong> equipment or property.<br />
6. Employees that become ill during an approved vacation may use sick leave for the days on<br />
which they were ill. Such leave is subject to the conditions regulating the use of sick leave<br />
noted in Section 6, Sick Leave.<br />
7. Employees may use accumulated vacation leave benefits as an extension of sick leave,<br />
provided all sick leave benefits have been exhausted. Vacation leave benefits utilized as an<br />
extension of sick leave shall be subject to the conditions regulating the use of sick leave.<br />
8. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right, as a matter of policy, to permit employees of the <strong>County</strong><br />
to donate vacation time to other employees who have exhausted their leave benefits, but<br />
would otherwise be allowed to use sick leave for a personal illness. The <strong>County</strong> further<br />
reserves the right to establish this policy under circumstances that it deems appropriate and<br />
under such conditions that it deems appropriate, all on a case-by-case basis. An exercise of<br />
this policy shall not establish a precedent or practice, nor shall such exercise be subject to<br />
review under the grievance process of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.<br />
An employee's request under this policy shall be in writing and sent to the employee's<br />
immediate supervisor. The request shall be forwarded, along with the supervisor's<br />
recommendation, to the Human Resources Director for review.<br />
9. Upon termination an employee shall be compensated for all accumulated unused vacation,<br />
subject to Item 5 above. Compensation shall be in a lump sum payment, at the employee's<br />
current rate of compensation. In the event of death of an employee, all earned vacation of<br />
the deceased shall be paid to the employee's spouse, if living, otherwise to the estate of the<br />
deceased employee.<br />
10. An employee who retires under the laws governing the Public Employee's Retirement<br />
Association of the State of Minnesota may, at the employee's option, receive a lump sum<br />
payment for accumulated vacation and severance compensation before the effective day of<br />
retirement, but not sooner than fifteen (15) calendar days.<br />
11. Creditable service for use in determining an employee's vacation accrual shall be only<br />
current continuous service, including all authorized paid leave and authorized leave without<br />
pay for military service. Unpaid leaves of absence, less than thirty (30) days, will not affect<br />
the date used to determine vacation accrual.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 6-B 2
Vacation Cashout Plan<br />
An employee may request to be paid for accumulated vacation, to a maximum of forty (40)<br />
hours per calendar year, in conjunction with taking a block of forty (40) hours per calendar<br />
year, in conjunction with taking a block of forty (40) hours of vacation provided that after<br />
the reduction of the hours requested, the employee retains a minimum vacation balance of<br />
forty (40) hours. The request may be made prior to the taking of forty (40) hours of<br />
vacation for payment with the last payroll prior to taking of the vacation or at any time<br />
within the same calendar year after the taking of forty (40) hours of vacation. If the<br />
cashout is requested prior to the taking of the vacation, and the employee does not take the<br />
forty (40) hours of requested vacation, the employee's pay will be reduced by forty (40)<br />
hours on the next payroll. The number of whole hours that may be requested for cashout<br />
will be determined by the employee and will be limited only by the employee's choice and<br />
the conditions previously stated in this section.<br />
May 21, 1996 Section 6-B 3
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May 21, 1996 Section 6-B 4
SICK LEAVE<br />
1. Sick leave shall be earned by full time employees at the rate of one (1) day for each full<br />
month of service. A person employed on a regular part-time basis, of at least 20 hours per<br />
week, shall accrue sick leave prorated in accordance with the actual hours worked. Sick<br />
leave benefits, when authorized, shall be paid at the employee's base rate of pay.<br />
Seasonal, casual, temporary, part-time (except as defined above) and intern employees<br />
shall not receive sick leave credit.<br />
2. Sick leave benefits shall only accrue when an employee is on compensated payroll status.<br />
3. Unused, earned sick leave may be accumulated to a maximum of one hundred (100) days.<br />
Sick leave in excess of one hundred days may be banked for use after the exhaustion of<br />
regular sick leave in the case of catastrophic illness.<br />
4. Sick leave may be authorized, upon application to the immediate supervisor, for the actual<br />
disability due to illness, maternity, injury, legal quarantine, dental or medical treatment<br />
necessitating the employee's absence or for serious illness in the employee's immediate<br />
family. Immediate family, for the purpose of this section shall be defined as spouse, minor<br />
children, ward, parent and siblings when living in the household of the employee. In<br />
instances of critical illness to a member of the family, who is either not a member of the<br />
immediate family or not living in the household, an appeal may be made to the<br />
Administrator to waive these requirements. Sick leave usage shall be subject to approval<br />
and verification by a supervisor who may require the employee to furnish a report from a<br />
recognized medical authority attesting to the necessity of the leave, and other information<br />
the supervisor deems necessary.<br />
Exception to definition of immediate family member: <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right, as<br />
a matter of policy, to permit employees to take sick leave for the illness of an adult child or<br />
parent. Further, the <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to establish this policy under such<br />
circumstances and conditions that it deems appropriate, all on a case-by-case basis. An<br />
exercise of this policy shall not establish a precedent or practice, nor shall such practice be<br />
subject to review under the grievance process of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. An<br />
employee's request under this policy shall be in writing and sent to the employee's<br />
immediate supervisor. The supervisor shall forward this request, along with the<br />
supervisor's recommendation, to the <strong>County</strong> Administrator for review.<br />
5. To be eligible for sick leave payment an employee must notify his/her designated<br />
supervisor prior to the starting time of the scheduled shift. This notice may be waived if<br />
the supervisor determines that the employee could not reasonably be expected to comply<br />
with this requirement because of circumstances beyond the control of the employee.<br />
6. A disabled employee who, because of extended illness or injury, has exhausted all<br />
compensated leave, including sick leave, vacation, compensatory time and personal<br />
holidays, may be granted a medical leave of absence without pay, in accordance with the<br />
provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Provided, however, a non-bargaining<br />
employee may elect to retain up to five (5) days of sick leave (pro-rated for part-time<br />
employees) prior to converting to the unpaid leave. This leave may be extended up to one<br />
year.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-C 1
7. A department may require an employee who is absent from duty to undergo a medical<br />
evaluation and furnish a report from an appropriate medical authority, at the <strong>County</strong>'s<br />
expense, that will enable the Department Head to determine the employee's fitness for<br />
performance of assigned duties. When it is determined that the employee's absence from<br />
work is unnecessary, the Department Head may require the employee to either return to<br />
work or resign.<br />
8. Disabilities caused or contributed to by pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, childbirth and<br />
recovery are considered temporary disabilities and shall be treated as any other illness in<br />
connection with employment.<br />
9. An employee, upon separation from the <strong>County</strong>, may receive compensation for<br />
accumulated sick leave in accordance with the regulations governing Severance<br />
Compensation, as defined in Section 5.<br />
10. An employee who improperly claims sick leave shall be subject to disciplinary action,<br />
including loss of compensation and/or dismissal.<br />
11. Any employee who by reason of sickness or injury receives workers' compensation benefits<br />
or long-term disability insurance benefits may keep the workers' compensation benefits and<br />
receive from the Employer additional differential benefits from the accumulated sick leave,<br />
vacation leave or other accumulated time; but, in any case, the total weekly compensation<br />
including leave and workers' compensation benefits or long-term disability insurance<br />
benefits shall not exceed the weekly net base pay rate of an employee.<br />
12. Sick leave charges to accruals may not be made in less than half-hour amounts.<br />
13. Non-bargaining unit employees using 8.0 hours or less of sick leave in an immediately<br />
preceding 12-month period shall be eligible to add one-half (1/2) floating holiday (prorated<br />
for part-time employees) to their available floating holidays for the calendar year in<br />
which they make the request. January 1, 1998 shall be the first date on which an employee<br />
may request this benefit based on sick leave usage over the previous twelve-(12) months.<br />
To qualify, the employee must track their own sick leave usage and submit to the Human<br />
Resources Department a written request for the additional one-half (1/2) floating holiday<br />
and a summary of sick leave usage over the previous twelve month period.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-C 2
LEAVES OF ABSENCE<br />
Funeral Leave<br />
1. Leave with pay, not deducted from sick leave, to a maximum of five (5) days shall be<br />
granted upon the occasion of the death of a spouse or child; three (3) days shall be<br />
granted upon the occasion of the death of a remaining member of the employee’s<br />
immediate family. For purposes of this policy, immediate family includes ward,<br />
parents and siblings. Sick days may be granted for additional days.<br />
2. An employee may utilize up to three (3) days of sick leave when a death occurs outside<br />
the immediate family to the in-laws of the persons listed in item number one above.<br />
3. An employee may utilize up to three (3) days of sick leave if the employee can<br />
establish a relationship with the deceased similar to that of the immediate family. Such<br />
leave shall be granted at the discretion of the supervisor.<br />
4. An employee may utilize one day of sick leave at the death of a grandparent, spouse’s<br />
grandparent, or a grandchild.<br />
5. One day of sick leave, per calendar year, may be utilizes when a death occurs outside<br />
the immediate family, to include aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, godchildren of nonbargaining<br />
employees.<br />
6. Leave with pay, not deducted from sick leave, to a maximum of three (3) hours shall be<br />
granted upon the death of a co-employee, subject to the needs of the departments as<br />
determined by the supervisor.<br />
Military Leave<br />
1. Training - In accordance with State and Federal laws, any employee required by official<br />
military orders or related authority to attend Military Reserve Training shall receive full<br />
pay at base wage rate for the period of active duty required for such training, not to exceed<br />
fifteen (15) consecutive days per year. Military leave in excess of fifteen days in a calendar<br />
year may be provided without pay.<br />
2. Extended Leave - In accordance with State and Federal laws, employee shall be entitled to<br />
a military leave of absence, without pay, for up to four (4) years of service in the armed<br />
forces of the United States. Reinstatement to a comparable position shall be made upon the<br />
request of an employee within 90 days of discharge from active duty.<br />
Court Appearances<br />
Employees called for jury duty shall receive their normal compensation for days they are<br />
scheduled to work. Any payments, per diem or fees, excepting expenses, shall be remitted to the<br />
<strong>County</strong>. If an employee is excused from court duty prior to the end of the work shift, the employee<br />
shall return to work as directed by the <strong>County</strong> or make arrangements for a leave, with or without<br />
pay.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-D 1
Employees subpoenaed as a witness in an official capacity or for <strong>County</strong> related business will<br />
receive their normal compensation, less any fees exclusive of expenses, unless the action is instituted<br />
by the employee.<br />
Any voluntary absence to testify in litigation, not in the status of an employee, shall not qualify for<br />
any compensation and the employee shall arrange for a leave, with or without pay.<br />
Any party to a lawsuit, not connected to <strong>County</strong> duties shall not qualify for compensation and the<br />
employee shall arrange for a leave, with or without pay.<br />
Family and Medical Leave of Absence<br />
The Family & Medical Leave Act of 1993 permits eligible employees (as defined under the Act) to<br />
take up to twelve (12) weeks of leave during a twelve (12) month period for the following reasons:<br />
Birth of a child; placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care; for a serious<br />
health condition (as defined under the Act) which makes the employee unable to perform his/her<br />
job; to care for the employee's spouse, son or daughter, or parent (as defined under the Act).<br />
Employees eligible for a Family & Medical Leave are employees who have been employed by the<br />
<strong>County</strong> for at least twelve (12) months and who have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12<br />
month period immediately preceding the leave. If both spouses are employed by the <strong>County</strong>, the<br />
total number of weeks to which both spouses are entitled (i.e. the combined total) is limited to 12<br />
weeks if the leave is for the birth or placement of a child or to care for a sick parent. Employees<br />
who do not qualify for a Family & Medical Leave may qualify for a parenting or disability leave.<br />
Employees are required to request the leave through the Human Resources Department at least<br />
thirty (30) days in advance where the leave is foreseeable. If circumstances require that the leave<br />
begin in less than thirty (30) days, employees must notify Human Resources as soon as is<br />
practicable.<br />
If the leave is for a medical reason, the requesting employee must provide a medical certification to<br />
the Human Resources Department in a timely manner. The certification must state the date of<br />
onset of the leave, the probable duration of the leave and the appropriate medical facts concerning<br />
the leave. If the leave is for the employee's own serious health condition, the certification must<br />
also state that the employee is unable to perform the functions of his/her position. If the leave is to<br />
care for an ill or injured family member, the certification must state that the employee is needed to<br />
care for the family member and include an estimate of the amount of time needed. The <strong>County</strong><br />
reserves the right to require a second and third medical opinion (at the <strong>County</strong>'s expense) and to<br />
require recertification, at reasonable intervals, of the continuing need for the leave. The <strong>County</strong><br />
also reserves the right to require a fitness for duty medical certification at the end of a leave taken<br />
for the employee's own serious health condition.<br />
Employees utilizing a Family & Medical Leave must exhaust all appropriate paid leave benefits<br />
(vacation, personal holidays, compensatory time, and sick leave when appropriate) before<br />
converting to an unpaid leave. During the leave, the <strong>County</strong> will maintain the employee's group<br />
health benefits so long as the employee continues to make any required premium co-payments in a<br />
timely manner.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-D 2
Employees, except key employees (as defined under the Act), will be able to return to their original<br />
or an equivalent position upon return from the leave. The <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to deny<br />
reinstatement to key employees when such denial is necessary to prevent serious economic injury<br />
to the <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Employees should contact the Human Resources Department for additional information about<br />
Family & Medical Leaves.<br />
Personal Leaves Without Pay<br />
1. A leave of absence for reasons other than disability may be granted to an employee<br />
requesting such a leave in writing. A Department Head may approve a personal leave of<br />
absence for a maximum of two (2) work days. A request for leave of more than two (2)<br />
days, up to and including ten (10) days, shall require the additional approval of the Human<br />
Resources Director. A leave in excess of ten (10) days shall require the approval of the<br />
<strong>County</strong> Board. Such leaves shall not exceed one (1) year, unless extended by mutual<br />
agreement of the <strong>County</strong> Board and the employee. Upon return from an unpaid leave of<br />
absence, the employee will be offered the first available like or similar position.<br />
Vacation leave, compensatory time and floating holidays must be exhausted prior to<br />
approval of any unpaid personal leave, excepting a leave of absence for a campaign for<br />
political office.<br />
2. Limitations while on Personal Leave Without Pay: Sick leave, vacation and seniority shall<br />
not accumulate during any unpaid leave of absence exceeding ten (10) days. Any accrued<br />
amounts of sick leave shall remain on the record at the inception of the leave and shall<br />
continue upon the return of the employee. Health insurance benefits shall cease at the end<br />
of the month in which the leave begins and will resume on the first of the month following<br />
the return date. Subject to applicable law and insurance policy provisions, the employee<br />
has the right to maintain coverage, at the employee's total expense, during the period of<br />
absence. Failure to comply with the dates established for the leave, or to request an<br />
extension from the supervisor and <strong>County</strong> Board within five (5) days prior to the expiration<br />
of the leave, shall constitute grounds for termination.<br />
Work Related Injury<br />
An employee temporarily disabled from work due to an injury or illness sustained directly in the<br />
performance of the employee's work with the <strong>County</strong> shall be eligible for Worker's Compensation<br />
subject to the following: All injuries or illness must be reported to the supervisor on the date of the<br />
injury or as soon as possible thereafter.<br />
Line of Duty Injury<br />
A Sheriff's Captain or Lieutenant who is injured in the line of duty will continue to receive full pay<br />
for the first 90 working days lost due to the injury, less any worker's compensation or other<br />
benefits paid to the Captain or Lieutenant. After these first 90 working days, the Captain or<br />
Lieutenant may utilize accumulated sick leave and vacation to supplement other compensation up<br />
to the equivalent of full pay. If a Captain or Lieutenant performs services as required by the<br />
Sheriff's rules, whether or not "on Duty" and is injured in the course of performing such duties,<br />
then the Captain or Lieutenant will be eligible for the benefits outlined in this paragraph.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-D 3
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April 13, 1999 Section 6-D 4
INSURANCE BENEFITS<br />
Health Insurance<br />
Health insurance coverage will be provided for regular full-time employees and regular part-time<br />
employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 32 hours per week, upon completing the<br />
eligibility and/or waiting period requirements. The <strong>County</strong> will contribute set dollar amounts<br />
toward either dependent coverage or the <strong>County</strong> Medical Reimbursement Pool. The <strong>County</strong> will<br />
review its contributions on a regular basis.<br />
Employees who have separated from <strong>County</strong> service may continue group health benefits according<br />
to Federal and Minnesota law.<br />
Dental Insurance<br />
Dental insurance coverage is made available to regular full-time employees and regular part-time<br />
employees who are scheduled to work at least 32 hours per week, upon completing the eligibility<br />
and/or waiting period requirements. Dental insurance coverage for both the employee and<br />
dependents is at the employee's full expense.<br />
Life Insurance<br />
Regular full-time employees and regular part-time employees scheduled to work at least 32 hours<br />
per week will be provided life insurance at no cost to the employee. Employees enrolled in the<br />
plan may purchase, through payroll deduction, additional term life insurance to supplement the<br />
insurance coverage provided by the <strong>County</strong>. Life insurance coverage paid by the <strong>County</strong> terminates<br />
when employment ends. Coverage is provided as follows:<br />
1. Employee - $50,000 ($100,000 for accidental death)<br />
2. Spouse - $2,000<br />
3. Dependent children - $1,000<br />
Long Term Disability Insurance<br />
Regular full-time employees will be provided with long-term disability insurance at no cost to the<br />
employee.<br />
Deferred Compensation Program<br />
The <strong>County</strong> provides employees the opportunity to participate in voluntary plans that allow<br />
employees to place a portion of their earnings into a pre-tax deferred investment program.<br />
Community Center Memberships<br />
The <strong>County</strong> offers discount membership to the Chaska Community Center and the Safari Island<br />
community center in Waconia. The cost of either the single discounted membership or family<br />
discounted membership, are paid entirely by the employee. Such payments can be set up through a<br />
post-tax payroll deduction.<br />
Flexible Spending Accounts<br />
Employees may enroll for participation in pre-tax reimbursement of dependent health insurance<br />
premiums, day care and personal medical expenses.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-E 1
Retiree's Insurance<br />
In accordance with Minnesota Statute 471.61, a <strong>County</strong> employee who retires before the age of<br />
sixty-five (65) has the option of continuing with the <strong>County</strong>'s group health policy at his/her own<br />
expense under the conditions outlined below:<br />
1. The retiree must meet the age and service requirements necessary for eligibility<br />
requirements for an annuity under PERA or be receiving a disability benefit from PERA;<br />
2. The retiree may receive dependent coverage only if the retiree received dependent coverage<br />
immediately before leaving employment;<br />
3. The retiree may initially elect dependent coverage as stipulated immediately above and<br />
later drop dependent coverage while retaining individual coverage. The retiree may not<br />
drop individual coverage and retain dependent coverage except for certain circumstances<br />
which may apply if the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare prior to the dependent(s)'<br />
eligibility for Medicare;<br />
4. Until the retiree reaches age sixty-five (65), the retiree and his/her dependents will be<br />
pooled in the same group as active employees for purposes of establishing premiums and<br />
coverage.<br />
The <strong>County</strong> will contribute set dollars amounts towards either family healthcare coverage or<br />
towards single healthcare coverage until Medicare eligible (currently age 65) for non-bargaining<br />
employees that meet the following criteria:<br />
1. Must have been employed by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> as a full time employee with uninterrupted<br />
full time service of twenty (20) years or more.<br />
2. Must have attained the age of sixty (60) years.<br />
3. Must refrain from full time employment for another employer, either public or private.<br />
4. Should Medicare eligibility age (65) increase in the future, the age criteria in #2 above shall<br />
increase a like number.<br />
5. Must accept the provider of health insurance providing coverage to <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> nonbargaining<br />
employees and the terms of coverage being offered to non-bargaining unit.<br />
Terms, conditions, and cost of this coverage may change from time to time and these are<br />
not negotiable by employees using this benefit. Employees must accept the provider and<br />
terms of the health coverage contract selected by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
6. Must maintain health coverage on the same or lesser basis as when employed by <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>.<br />
7. The <strong>County</strong> will review its contributions on a regular basis.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-E 2
A retiree who attains the age of sixty-five (65) has the option of continuing with the <strong>County</strong>'s<br />
group health policy at his/her own expense under the conditions outlined below:<br />
1. The retiree must meet the age and service requirements necessary for eligibility<br />
requirements for an annuity under PERA or be receiving a disability benefit from PERA;<br />
2. The retiree may receive dependent coverage only if the retiree received dependent coverage<br />
immediately before leaving employment;<br />
3. The retiree may initially elect dependent coverage as stipulated immediately above and<br />
later drop dependent coverage while retaining individual coverage. The retiree may drop<br />
individual coverage and retain dependent coverage for up to 36 months if the retiree<br />
becomes eligible for Medicare prior to the dependent(s)' eligibility for Medicare;<br />
4. The retiree and his/her dependent(s) may be pooled in a separate group from active<br />
employees for purposes of establishing premiums and coverage.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 6-E 3
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CARVER COUNTY<br />
MEDICAL POOL / HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA)<br />
PROCEDURES<br />
The following general rules shall apply:<br />
(1) Funds not utilized in a calendar year will be lost and may not be carried forward to the next<br />
year.<br />
(2) The pool will reimburse employees for individual spousal and dependent medical and dental<br />
expenses incurred during the year that are not otherwise reimbursed or provided by a third<br />
party.<br />
(3) The expenses must be used primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or<br />
illness. Expenses for solely cosmetic reasons generally are not expenses for medical care.<br />
Also, expenses that are merely beneficial to one’s general health (for example, vacations,<br />
health club memberships) are not expenses for medical care.<br />
(4) Reimbursement shall be available for documented medical services and products to include:<br />
1. amounts paid for health insurance deductibles or co-payments;<br />
2. prescription eye glass or contact lenses;<br />
3. hearing aids;<br />
4. chiropractic services;<br />
5. chemical dependency and alcohol rehabilitation programs;<br />
6. prescription drugs;<br />
7. ambulance services;<br />
8. dental procedures;<br />
9. mental/nervous disorder treatment;<br />
10. diagnostic, healing and preventive services (including pre-natal);<br />
11. products to aid in physical or mental disabilities;<br />
12. special education and training for physical and mental disabilities;<br />
13. over the counter medicine and drugs.<br />
Reimbursement requests must be received by H & A Administrators by the 1 st and 15 th of each<br />
month. Checks will be issued along with a new claim form five (5) working days after the deadline.<br />
Participants may submit claims for expenses incurred during the plan year for up to forty-five (45)<br />
days following the close of the plan year. Note: there is no carry-over of funds into the next year.<br />
Reimbursements made for any types of services other than specified under general rules previously<br />
stated will be made only upon the authorization of H & A Administrators. Employees considering<br />
submitting bills for such types of services may wish to obtain a determination from H & A<br />
Administrators prior to receiving the services so they know whether they may obtain reimbursement<br />
through this program in advance.<br />
Information submitted for reimbursement under this program will be verified by the H & A<br />
Administrators. Employees will be required to attach a copy of the invoice or statement from the
care provider. An explanation of the product(s) or service(s) should be attached if not clear from the<br />
billing statement.<br />
To assist in the determination of who is an eligible dependent for whom reimbursement may be<br />
claimed, the intent of this Medical Pool/HRA shall be to follow the guidelines and definitions in<br />
accordance with the <strong>County</strong> group health policy in place at the time the question arises.<br />
At a minimum, the term dependent will include the following:<br />
1. The employee's spouse<br />
2. The employee's unmarried natural child or adopted child or an unmarried child placed<br />
with the employee for the purpose of adoption or grandchild who resides with and is<br />
dependent upon the employee for support.<br />
In the case of a dependent child, he or she must be under the age of:<br />
Dependent limiting age: 19<br />
**Student limiting age: 24<br />
**The dependent is eligible up to the student limiting age if he or she is enrolled full-time in<br />
a recognized high school, college, university, trade or vocational school. If the student is<br />
unable to carry a full-time course load due to illness, injury, or a physical or mental<br />
disability (as documented by a physician), full time student status will be granted if the<br />
student carries at least 60% of a full time course load as determined by the educational<br />
institution.<br />
When an employee is submitting bills for reimbursement, the MEDICAL POOL/HRA<br />
REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST form (see attached) should be completed for the claims, all<br />
relating bills attached, and submitted to H & A Administrators during the time periods indicated.<br />
Additional forms will be available upon request through the Human Resources Department.
SECTION 7<br />
EXPENSES<br />
Reimbursement of Travel and Related Expenses<br />
Purchase of Licenses<br />
Uniform Allowance
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Reimbursement of Travel and Related Expenses<br />
EXPENSES<br />
This policy has been adopted by the <strong>County</strong> Board of Commissioners of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>,<br />
Minnesota, to be consistent with Minnesota Statutes for claims against the <strong>County</strong> incurred by<br />
employees in the conduct of official <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> business. Further, this policy is designed to<br />
provide the basis for determination that: there is authority for <strong>County</strong> expenditure and a public<br />
purpose, the expenditure is necessary and directly related to the betterment of the functions of<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Government.<br />
<strong>County</strong> personnel traveling within or outside the <strong>County</strong> may be reimbursed for reasonable and<br />
necessary travel, meals and lodging expenses, provided that such expenses are not incurred in the<br />
routine performance of their duties. It shall be the responsibility of the respective Department<br />
Head to review the expense report to assure that the expense is not a substitute for expenses<br />
normally incurred as day-to-day personal expenses, there is authority for <strong>County</strong> expenditure, the<br />
expenditure serves as a public purpose and finally, the expenditure is necessary and directly related<br />
to the betterment of the function of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Government.<br />
This policy shall apply to all employees and elected officials of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>. In the event that<br />
there should be any conflict between this policy and any current collective bargaining agreement<br />
between a recognized bargaining unit and <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>, the bargaining agreement shall control.<br />
This policy shall be administered and interpreted by the <strong>County</strong> Administrator under the<br />
supervision of the <strong>County</strong> Board. In the event that there are recurring unique circumstances which<br />
exist in a particular department and may pose a conflict or inconsistency with this policy, that<br />
specific division manager/department head may establish special policies and rules of procedure to<br />
cover these circumstances. Said special policies and rules shall not be applicable until such time<br />
that they have been reviewed and approved by the <strong>County</strong> Administrator.<br />
<strong>County</strong> personnel traveling in the conduct of authorized <strong>County</strong> business shall adhere to the<br />
following:<br />
1. Location of Conference – When a conference or seminar is scheduled at several<br />
locations, the location in or nearest the metropolitan area should be selected.<br />
2. Use of Automobile for Travel – Employees may be reimbursed for traveling on official<br />
county business with a private automobile at the prevailing rate as set by the <strong>County</strong><br />
Board. Any <strong>County</strong> official or employee using a private automobile for travel on<br />
<strong>County</strong> business is to be reimbursed, at the approved rates, but not to exceed the cost of<br />
coach class airfare. This reimbursement is provided to cover costs associated with<br />
operating the private automobile including, but not limited to, gasoline, wear and tear,<br />
and automobile insurance. Employees are responsible for any automobile insurance<br />
costs or coverage related to their operation of a private automobile for travel on <strong>County</strong><br />
business. In the event more than one employee shares the use of an automobile for<br />
such travel, the employees sharing shall not receive more than their share of actual<br />
expenses, which may not exceed the cost of coach class airfare for each employee.<br />
Mileage shall be paid on the most reasonable direct route. The reimbursement claim<br />
must include a listing of FROM and TO and the number of miles driven and purpose of<br />
travel. Commute miles are not reimbursed. Commute miles are the distance you travel<br />
from your home to your usual work place except if you leave from home and travel on<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 7-A 1
<strong>County</strong> business by personal auto, the amount of miles claimed should be the lesser of<br />
the distance from your home to the destination or the distance from your usual work<br />
place to the destination.<br />
3. Use of Air Transportation – Any <strong>County</strong> official or employee traveling on <strong>County</strong><br />
business and utilizing air transportation shall be reimbursed for travel expense by coach<br />
airfare rates when such accommodations are available.<br />
4. Gratuities – Gratuities incurred during travel shall be reimbursable and shall be<br />
included under the classification of miscellaneous expenses. Gratuities shall not exceed<br />
15% of the main billing amount.<br />
5. Lodging Expense –<br />
a. The <strong>County</strong> will reimburse lodging expenses at the single accommodation<br />
rate.<br />
b. Charges for lodging for the night prior to the formal start of the conference,<br />
meeting, etc. shall require the approval of the Department Head. Charges for<br />
those nights the conference is actually in session will be reimbursed unless it<br />
is reasonably expected that the employee could return.<br />
6. Meal Allotment – Authorized meal expenses shall be reimbursed at a rate not to exceed<br />
$50 per day. Receipts for all meals must be submitted with the reimbursement request.<br />
7. Telephone Charges – Employees may claim reimbursement for telephone charges at<br />
actual cost in accordance with the following:<br />
a. Charges incurred by the employee for <strong>County</strong>-related business phone calls<br />
from his/her home phone or personal cellular phone or charged to an<br />
employee’s calling or credit card if away from home.<br />
b. Charges incurred by the employee for <strong>County</strong>-related business phone calls<br />
received on his/her personal cellular phone or other communications device.<br />
c. <strong>County</strong>-owned and authorized telephones and cellular phones should be<br />
billed to the <strong>County</strong> directly and charges or costs incurred paid through<br />
normal <strong>County</strong> payment procedures.<br />
Conversely, from time to time and on a very limited basis, an employee may make a<br />
personal long distance phone call from a <strong>County</strong> telephone or make a phone call on a<br />
<strong>County</strong>-owned and authorized cellular phone or other communications device (FAX,<br />
etc.). Employees are responsible for reporting these personal charges to their supervisor<br />
and must reimburse the <strong>County</strong> for that actual costs incurred.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 7-A 2
Other Authorized Expenses<br />
1. Parking – Employees using private automobiles and <strong>County</strong> vehicles shall be<br />
reimbursed on an actual expense basis for parking.<br />
2. Car Rental – Employees may only use a rental vehicle at <strong>County</strong> expense when<br />
authorized or in an emergency situation. When using rental vehicles, the lowest rate<br />
available shall be used.<br />
3. Taxi/Bus – Payment reimbursement will be authorized for taxi, bus or limousine<br />
service when on <strong>County</strong> business and no private vehicle is available.<br />
Approval and Notification of Travel<br />
1. The <strong>County</strong> Board shall approve all travel costs through the annual budget process.<br />
2. It shall be the responsibility of the respective Department Head to review the expense<br />
report to assure that the expense is not a substitute for expenses normally incurred as<br />
day-to-day personal expenses, there is authority for <strong>County</strong> expenditure, the<br />
expenditure serves a public purpose and finally, the expenditure is necessary and<br />
directly related to the betterment of the function of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Government.<br />
Department Heads or divisional managers within that department must sign all travel<br />
claims for their personnel and assure that the proper documentation is attached to the<br />
claim for reimbursement.<br />
3. The <strong>County</strong> Administrator shall approve all travel that is not budgeted.<br />
4. For information purposes, the <strong>County</strong> Administrator shall be advised of all Department<br />
Head travel and prior to registration approve all out of state departmental travel. The<br />
claim for out of state travel reimbursement must have the signed approval of the<br />
<strong>County</strong> Administrator attached.<br />
Funds Available<br />
1. The Department Head is responsible to see that funds are available to pay for the<br />
attendance of all conferences they approve.<br />
2. The Administrator may approve travel advances when deemed necessary.<br />
Travel Expenses for Spouse, Other Members of the Family or Non-<strong>County</strong> Employees<br />
If an employee's spouse, family member or any non-<strong>County</strong> employee accompanies a <strong>County</strong><br />
employee on a <strong>County</strong> business trip, any portion of the expenses attributable to the spouse, family<br />
member or non-<strong>County</strong> employee's travel, meals, lodging, etc. are in no circumstances<br />
reimbursable. If a spouse, family member or non-<strong>County</strong> employee accompanies an employee on<br />
a business trip, the reimbursable business expense for transportation and lodging is the single rate<br />
cost of accommodations for the employee.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 7-A 3
Violations<br />
Any violation of this section shall subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including<br />
discharge, as set forth in these regulations.<br />
Limitations<br />
Subject to the exceptions set forth below, any employee who resigns from employment with<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> within ninety (90) calendar days of attending an elective conference, seminar or<br />
other event for which the individual has received reimbursement for expenses from the <strong>County</strong> in<br />
the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) or more, shall pay back any and all such reimbursement<br />
received from the <strong>County</strong> in excess of one hundred dollars ($100). This provision shall not apply<br />
to any employee who is forced to resign for health reasons as verified by a licensed physician or<br />
any Department Head who fails to be re-appointed or re-elected his/her position. Any exceptions<br />
to this provision must be reviewed by the <strong>County</strong> Administrator.<br />
Travel Credits<br />
Any <strong>County</strong> employee or elected official who uses airline travel for <strong>County</strong> business must report<br />
the receipt of any credits or other benefits to the <strong>County</strong> by notifying the Controller's Office within<br />
ninety (90) days of receipt of any such benefits or credit. Any employee or elected official may<br />
accrue credits or other benefits to be used by the individual for additional airline travel only for<br />
<strong>County</strong> business. Credits or other benefits accrued by an employee or elected official who uses<br />
airline travel for <strong>County</strong> business cannot be used for personal gain.<br />
Billings<br />
Whenever possible, employees shall make travel and accommodation arrangements in advance and<br />
request that <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> be billed. If advanced direct billing cannot be arranged, all authorized<br />
travel expenses which are not billed directly to <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> are to be paid by the employee,<br />
subject to reimbursement upon approval of a Travel Expense Claim. An employee may request a<br />
travel advance in accordance with MN Statute 471.97. If a travel advance is used, a complete<br />
accounting must be provided to the Controller Office within 10 days of travel return. In keeping<br />
with this policy, there will be no credit cards issued in the name of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Travel and Miscellaneous Expense Claim<br />
In order to be considered for reimbursement, an expense claim shall be prepared after return from<br />
travel and presented to the Controller Office with department head signature. The Controller<br />
Department shall present such claims to the <strong>County</strong> board for approval in a manner and form as<br />
prescribed by Minnesota Statute. Original bills and receipts shall be attached itemizing expenses,<br />
names of attendees, nature of the business conducted, time and place of the meeting and any other<br />
pertinent information necessary for the establishment of the validity of the claim including copies<br />
of any <strong>County</strong> Board minutes necessary for payment approval. Failure to submit such a claim in<br />
accordance with MN. Statute 471.38 Subd. 1 or violation of any portion of this policy shall subject<br />
the employee to disciplinary action and to the penalties prescribed by law in MN. Statute 471.392.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 7-A 4
Claims for Goods and Services<br />
Claims for goods and services against <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> must also be reduced to writing and itemized<br />
with original supporting bills, receipts and invoices attached. These claims must be signed, not<br />
initialed, by the department head or divisional manager within that department. Additionally, any<br />
claim for payment that requires the compliance with the Uniform Municipal; Contracting Law,<br />
MN Statute 471.34, 574.26, must have attached to the claim evidence that the originating<br />
department has complied with this law; or, when the contract is filed in accounting, the originating<br />
department may attach evidence supporting compliance with MN Statute 471.345.<br />
April 13, 1999 Section 7-A 5
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MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE<br />
Effective January 1, 2006, the IRS has decreased its “vehicle-cents-per-mile” rate from $0.485<br />
(48.5 cents) per mile to $0.445 (44.5 cents) per mile. Accordingly, the reimbursement rate for<br />
<strong>County</strong>-related travel will increase to $0.445 (44.5 cents) per mile effective January 1, 2006.<br />
December 19, 2002 Section 7-A (insert) 1
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PURCHASE OF LICENSES<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> will not permit the use of <strong>County</strong> funds to purchase driver's licenses for <strong>County</strong><br />
employees. This includes reimbursement for driver's licenses purchased by <strong>County</strong> employees.<br />
August 9, 1994 Section 7-B 1
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE<br />
The Building Maintenance Director and the Assistant Building Maintenance Director will be<br />
provided an initial uniform issue as required by the Employer. The initial uniform issue shall<br />
include: Three (3) shirts and three (3) pants. Building maintenance employees shall be entitled to<br />
a clothing allowance of one hundred twenty five dollars ($125.00) per year to reimburse employees<br />
for the cost of using a service for cleaning and/or replacement of uniform required by the<br />
Employer.<br />
March 27, 2001 Section 7-C 1
SECTION 8<br />
COUNTY PROPERTY, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT<br />
Use of Meeting Rooms<br />
Government Center Parking<br />
E-Mail and Internet Use
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USE OF MEETING ROOMS<br />
All Conference Rooms: Room setup, refreshments and any equipment required for the meeting is<br />
the responsibility of the department holding the meeting. Cleanup immediately after the meeting is<br />
also the responsibility of the department holding the meeting. All conference rooms must be left<br />
neat and orderly<br />
ADMINISTRATION<br />
<strong>County</strong> Board Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.) For regularly scheduled<br />
meetings, it is suggested that you schedule as many meetings in advance as reasonably possible.<br />
For all meetings, schedule as far in advance as possible.<br />
Room has: TV/VCR, screen, overhead projector<br />
Room Setup: 50 chairs, banquet tables.<br />
Board Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room has: white Board, markers<br />
Room Setup: 10 chairs, table<br />
Administration Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: 10 chairs, table<br />
ASSESSOR<br />
Assessor Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table set in rectangular shape, 16 chairs<br />
CHS<br />
CHS Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: board table, 12 chairs<br />
COURT ADMINISTRATION<br />
Jury Assembly<br />
Call Court Administration, extension 1420, to schedule this room. Notify Court Administration of<br />
cancellations as soon as possible.<br />
Room Setup: 60 – 65 people, approximately 24 chairs in rows.<br />
Section 8-A 1
Deliberation Rooms<br />
Call Court Administration, extension 1420, to schedule the deliberation rooms. These rooms are<br />
under control of the court system, but can be made available for use by others. However, because<br />
of their size and location, these rooms are best suited for small meetings at which <strong>County</strong> staff is<br />
present. Because of the difficulty in finding these rooms, the department holding the meeting is<br />
responsible for directing outside attendees to these rooms. Notify Court Administration of<br />
cancellations as soon as possible.<br />
Old Courtroom #1<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.<br />
Room Setup: 84 stationary chairs, rows of 12 & 13<br />
Old Courtroom #2<br />
(See Training Room)<br />
HUMAN RESOURCES<br />
Human Resources Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room has: white board, markers<br />
Room Setup: 2 large tables, 10 chairs<br />
PLANNING & ZONING<br />
Lakeview Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table, 6 chairs<br />
Land Services Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table, 6 chairs<br />
PUBLIC WORKS<br />
Public Works Conference Room #1 (Training Room)<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: tables, approx. 35 chairs, viewing screen, TV/VBR<br />
Public Works Conference Room #2<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: board table, 20 chairs<br />
Section 8-A 2
Public Works Conference Room #3<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table, 8 chairs<br />
Public Works Conference Room #4<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table, 8 chairs<br />
Public Works Employee Lunch Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: Lunchroom style set-up<br />
SHERIFF’S OFFICE<br />
Sheriff Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table, 12 chairs, white board, markers<br />
Sheriff EOC Training Room<br />
Call the Sheriff's office, extension 1262, to reserve this conference room. Notify the department of<br />
cancellations as soon as possible. Sheriff Department typically uses this room every Tuesday and<br />
Wednesday.<br />
Room has: TV/VCR, overhead projector, screen<br />
Room Setup: 3 rows of 3 tables, seating 9 in a row – maximum 30 people<br />
Sheriff Muster Room<br />
Call the Sheriff's office, extension 1262, to reserve this conference room. Notify the department of<br />
cancellations as soon as possible<br />
COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES<br />
Social Services Central Conference Room<br />
This room is scheduled through Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.)<br />
Room Setup: table, 12 chairs<br />
TRAINING ROOM<br />
(Old Courtroom #2)<br />
This room is scheduled through the Outlook Calendar in the Outlook Public Folder area.* (If you<br />
cancel room, be sure to delete entry in Outlook as soon as possible.) If you are planning a larger<br />
meeting, please consider this room before the <strong>County</strong> Board Room.<br />
Room has: AV equipment, which includes TV/VCR, overhead projector, easel, large white board,<br />
markers, and projection screen.<br />
Room Setup: Normally “U” Shape, 25 chairs; when classroom style seating is needed, tables can<br />
be moved into rows to seat 65 people<br />
Section 8-A 3
WACONIA SITE MEETING ROOMS<br />
U of M Extension Office<br />
Call the Minnesota Extension Office, extension 3018, to reserve the conference room in their area.<br />
Notify the Minnesota Extension Office of cancellations as soon as possible. This room is available<br />
during regular business hours only.<br />
Room setup: 80-100 people<br />
Historical Society Conference Room<br />
Call the Museum, extension 442-4234 to schedule this conference room. Notify the Museum of<br />
cancellations as soon as possible.<br />
Room setup: 24 people<br />
Lakeside Conference Room (Health Services Building)<br />
This calendar is in Outlook, but you need to call Mental Health extension 442-4437 to schedule<br />
this room. Notify Mental Health of cancellations as soon as possible.<br />
Room setup: board table, 12 chairs<br />
Community Health Services Lower Level Lab Conference Room<br />
This calendar is in Outlook, but you need to call Community Health Services, extension 3045 to<br />
schedule this room. Notify Health Services of cancellations as soon as possible.<br />
*Note: To access calendars in Outlook, you must be in the Public Folder Area of Outlook. These<br />
calendars are located in a folder entitled: Conference Rooms. Click on the Conference Room<br />
you wish to look at.<br />
Section 8-A 4
GOVERNMENT CENTER EMPLOYEE PARKING<br />
<strong>Policy</strong><br />
The following Government Center employee parking policy is designed to maximize public<br />
access; respect residential parking needs, and effectively utilize lots for employee parking. The<br />
attached map identifies lots and available parking.<br />
Employees shall not park in public stalls including the first two rows of the Main Lot and the first<br />
row of the small Northwest Lot. In addition, employees shall not park in any stall specifically<br />
marked for another purpose such as handicapped parking or <strong>County</strong>-owned vehicle parking.<br />
Employees are required, at first option, to park in one of the <strong>County</strong> lots identified on the attached<br />
map or along the east side of Beech Street. If all employee stalls are full, employees may then use<br />
other City street parking.<br />
Employees may park in stalls designated for short-term loading and unloading according to<br />
signage. An employee with a State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety Disability Parking<br />
Certificate may park in any designated handicapped parking stall.<br />
This policy only applies Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on days when the<br />
Government Center is officially open for <strong>County</strong> business. Employees are encouraged to park in<br />
the Main Lot after 4:30 p.m. for security purposes.<br />
Enforcement of this policy is the responsibility of an employee’s Department Head or supervisor.<br />
Violation of this policy is cause for disciplinary action.<br />
According to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 373, the <strong>County</strong> Board may regulate, by resolution, the<br />
parking of motor vehicles in any parking lot owned by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>. Chapter 373 also states that<br />
persons violating that <strong>County</strong> Board resolution are guilty of a misdemeanor.<br />
September 10, 2002 Section 8-B 1
Map of <strong>County</strong> Parking<br />
MAP OF GOVERNMENT CENTER PARKING<br />
NORTH LOT<br />
(Emp. parking)<br />
Admin Bldg.<br />
Human Svcs.<br />
Bldg.<br />
Justice<br />
Center<br />
Admin Bldg.<br />
NORTHWEST LOT<br />
(Front row<br />
public/back row<br />
emp. parking)<br />
MAIN LOT<br />
(Front two rows<br />
public/ back two rows<br />
empl. parking)<br />
Beech Street<br />
CITY STREET PARKING<br />
(emp. parking on east side of<br />
Beech Street Only!)<br />
JUSTICE CENTER LOTS<br />
(Emp. parking)<br />
Center<br />
Map of Parking<br />
September 10, 2002 Section 8-B 2
Hardware <strong>Policy</strong><br />
COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE POLICY<br />
The <strong>County</strong> computer hardware, which includes but is not limited to computer stations, computer<br />
networks, printers, modems and scanners, is the property of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> and is a valuable<br />
<strong>County</strong> asset. Individuals using and having access to this <strong>County</strong> asset must protect and take<br />
reasonable and prudent steps to preserve the integrity of the systems and their data.<br />
<strong>County</strong> computer hardware is part of what makes up the employee workstations, local area<br />
networks, and wide area networks. All hardware purchase requests must go through the I.S.<br />
Director for approval. Only the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> I.S. staff may make or authorize installation,<br />
changes, modifications, and alterations to computer hardware.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> employees may not remove computer hardware from the <strong>County</strong>'s premises without<br />
prior approval of the Department Director. All hardware moves must be done by I.S. staff.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> employees may not modify the <strong>County</strong> computer hardware.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> employees may not install software on <strong>County</strong>'s hardware. Software matters are<br />
additionally governed by the <strong>County</strong>'s policy on Software and Data Ownership.<br />
Rights Reserved by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>:<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to inspect the <strong>County</strong> computer hardware at any time in<br />
order to verify or maintain compliance with <strong>County</strong> policy.<br />
Potential Disciplinary Action:<br />
Security<br />
Violations of policy, misuse of <strong>County</strong> assets and/or unauthorized use of <strong>County</strong> assets are<br />
all subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Any action that breaches,<br />
evades, or circumvents this policy should be immediately reported to the I.S. Director.<br />
Failure to report known violations in policy constitutes a violation in policy itself and is<br />
therefore subject to disciplinary action.<br />
Employees are responsible for all <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> assets and resources entrusted to them. Due<br />
diligence and care should be exercised to ensure the security and integrity of these <strong>County</strong> assets<br />
and resources, including but not limited to <strong>County</strong> computer hardware, computer software,<br />
telecommunication equipment (telephone, cellular phone, facsimile machine) and data. These<br />
electronic tools serve to enhance both job efficiency and work performance.<br />
Reasonable and prudent steps must be taken to protect <strong>County</strong> computers, software,<br />
telecommunication equipment, data and other assets and resources.<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-C 1
Data Security and Client Confidentiality:<br />
Rights Reserved by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
1. Data security and client confidentiality procedures are an indispensable and<br />
integral part of the policies and procedures followed at <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
2. The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Network Administrator is responsible for backup<br />
systems that ensure the safe and effective storage of critical <strong>County</strong> data.<br />
The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Network Administrator implements an anti-virus<br />
protocol meant to protect <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> data and data systems from<br />
software that can damage or otherwise corrupt the <strong>County</strong>'s data and data<br />
systems.<br />
3. All data and messages generated on <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> systems are considered<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> property. Information must be stored and retained in<br />
accordance with applicable law and <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> records management<br />
guidelines.<br />
4. Users must "password protect" their system when they are away from their<br />
workstation. Password scheme will be a minimum of six positions and a<br />
combination of random alpha and numeric characters. Example of a proper<br />
password is “ilm2cc6”. Example of an improper password is “robert3”.<br />
Passwords will not be shared between employees or given to non-county<br />
persons, unless requested by direct supervisor.<br />
5. Users must ‘lockdown’ the computer system when they are away from the<br />
office. The ‘lockdown’ process is achieved by using the combination of<br />
‘ctrl.-alt.-delete’ keys selecting ‘lockdown’ from the menu. To resume<br />
work, use the combination of ‘ctrl.-alt.-delete’ keys and enter password.<br />
You will be returned to status previous to lockdown. No applications are<br />
closed and the computer is not shutdown.<br />
Data and equipment are property of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>. Data shared and distributed must<br />
follow the state data practices guidelines. Inquiries into public data or classification will be<br />
directed to the county data compliance officer. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to monitor<br />
policy compliance at any time.<br />
Data Ownership <strong>Policy</strong><br />
The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Network Administrator assumes responsibilities for security and back up of<br />
information on the network and other central information services systems while the employee<br />
assumes responsibility for data maintained on the individual computer/workstation.<br />
Computer software and data that is accessed on the employee workstation is the direct<br />
responsibility of the employee. Release of data must be in compliance or in keeping with <strong>County</strong>,<br />
and state data privacy guidelines<br />
Rights Reserved by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>:<br />
All software and data are the property of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> and are valuable <strong>County</strong> assets.<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to monitor policy compliance at any time.<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-C 2
E-MAIL, INTERNET AND TELECOMMUNICATION USE<br />
Internet <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Access to the Internet is primarily intended for business related purposes. Occasional informal or<br />
personal use of the Internet is permissible provided that use does not interfere with or disrupt other<br />
employees, network users, services or equipment. Because playing of video streaming and radio<br />
stations on the internet requires significant bandwidth and hampers overall performance for all<br />
internet connections, these functions are prohibited unless directly related to county business.<br />
Use of the Internet should be treated with the same rules of reasonableness, courtesy, common<br />
sense, and legal responsibility as other forms of communication. Employees need to use good<br />
judgment in Internet use.<br />
The Internet may not be used in violation of Federal or State laws or regulations including but not<br />
limited to the Minnesota Data Practices Act, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and the Computer<br />
Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 or the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Policies.<br />
Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to:<br />
• Illegal activities by law<br />
• Gambling, wagering, betting, or selling<br />
• Harassment and discrimination<br />
• Fund-raising for any purpose, unless <strong>County</strong>-authorized<br />
• Commercial activities, whether for personal gain or for the profit of other<br />
businesses.<br />
• Intentional acquisition, storage or transmission of offensive, racist, sexist,<br />
obscene or pornographic information<br />
• Promotion of political or religious positions or activities<br />
• Participation in chat lines, bulletin boards or Internet discussion groups that<br />
are not business related<br />
• Activities that promote the use or means of inflicting violence<br />
• Used by an unauthorized person<br />
• Conducting personal business beyond what is reasonable and usual during<br />
the course of a business day<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 1
Downloading software. Software downloaded from the Internet may introduce viruses, present<br />
compatibility problems in the computer network environment and subject <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> to<br />
copyright violations if unlicensed software is on <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> networks or workstations.<br />
Rights Reserved by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>:<br />
Internet access provided by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> is a <strong>County</strong> asset and may not be<br />
considered private. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right, at any time, to monitor policy<br />
compliance and review content maintained and/or accessed through the <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>'s network.<br />
Information may be subject to review.<br />
At times, it may be necessary to end someone's authorization and access. Examples<br />
of such occasions include but are not limited to: separation from <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>,<br />
extended leave of absence, and investigation of employee activities. Employee<br />
accounts and password access may be withdrawn without notice, as <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
deems appropriate.<br />
Electronic Mail (e-mail) <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Access to and use of e-mail is primarily intended for business related purposes. Occasional<br />
informal or personal use of the e-mail is permissible provided that use does not interfere with or<br />
disrupt other employees, network users, services or equipment.<br />
Use of e-mail should be treated with the same rules of reasonableness, courtesy, common sense,<br />
and legal responsibility as other forms of communication. Employees need to use good judgment<br />
in e-mail use. It is expected that employees ensure that e-mail messages they send are appropriate<br />
in both the types of e-mails messages created and the tone and content of those messages.<br />
If an employee receives an inappropriate e-mail message or a message that is not commonly<br />
accepted business standards, it is the employee's responsibility to notify their immediate supervisor<br />
and forward the inappropriate email to their supervisor.<br />
E-mail may not be used in violation of Federal or State laws or regulations including but not<br />
limited to the Minnesota Data practices Act, the Open Meeting Law, the Minnesota Human Rights<br />
Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986) or the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> policies.<br />
Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to:<br />
• Illegal activities by law<br />
• Gambling, wagering, betting, or selling<br />
• Fundraising for any purpose unless <strong>County</strong>-sanctioned<br />
• Commercial activities, whether for personal or for the profit of other<br />
businesses.<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 2
• Harassment and discrimination<br />
• Intentional acquisition, storage or transmission of offensive, racist, sexist,<br />
obscene or pornographic information<br />
• Promotion of political or religious positions or activities<br />
• Activities that promote the use or means of inflicting violence<br />
• Used by an unauthorized person<br />
• Used to intentionally intercept, eavesdrop, record, read, alter, or receive<br />
other person's e-mail messages without proper authorization<br />
• Used to provide <strong>County</strong> information or <strong>County</strong> performance information<br />
without consent of the <strong>County</strong> Board.<br />
• Distributing material or information that contradicts or violates the spirit of<br />
the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>'s policies<br />
• Conducting personal business beyond what is reasonable and usual during<br />
the course of a business day<br />
• The e-mail system is not to be cluttered with chain letters, long-held<br />
attachments, junk mail, or “spamming.<br />
Chain letters that include "virus alerts" should be immediately reported to the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> I.S.<br />
for follow-up. Forwarding to other people is strictly prohibited because the heavy load of junk and<br />
chain mail may overload the e-mail operating system. Also, "virus alerts" may be viruses in and of<br />
themselves, created to encourage receivers to forward to others with the intent of overloading and<br />
bringing down e-mail systems.<br />
Rights Reserved by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>:<br />
E-mail resources and files are <strong>County</strong> assets and an employee should not expect<br />
these items to be his or her private communications. In accordance with state or<br />
federal laws and regulations, employees have no right to privacy on the <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>'s e-mail system other than as outlined in state or federal laws and<br />
regulations. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the right to monitor, at any time, policy<br />
compliance, and review the content maintained and/or accessed through the <strong>Carver</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong>'s network.<br />
Examples include but are not limited to:<br />
• Management may review e-mail messages to determine if an<br />
employee has breached security or violated <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> policy or<br />
other law.<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 3
• Management may review an employee's e-mail messages if the<br />
employee is on leave or absent, on vacation, or transferring to<br />
another program.<br />
Disclosure language<br />
A disclosure will be added to the signature area of <strong>County</strong> e-mails.<br />
It will read –<br />
“The unauthorized disclosure or interception of e-mail is a federal crime. See<br />
18 U.S.C Sec. 2517(4). This e-mail is intended only for the use of those whom it<br />
is addressed and may contain information which is privileged, confidential and<br />
exempt from disclosure under law. If you have received this e-mail in error,<br />
do not distribute or copy it. Return it immediately to the sender with<br />
attachments, if any, and notify the sender by telephone.”<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 4
E-mail Disclaimer Instructions:<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 5
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D<br />
6
Telecommunication Use <strong>Policy</strong><br />
Telecommunication equipment includes but is not limited to cellular telephone, telephone, pagers,<br />
handheld, mobile computers, voice mail messages, and facsimile machine.<br />
Access to and use of telecommunication equipment is primarily intended for business related<br />
purposes. Occasional informal or personal use of the telecommunication equipment is permissible<br />
provided that use does not interfere with or disrupt other employees, services or equipment.<br />
Use of telecommunication equipment should be treated with the same rules of reasonableness,<br />
courtesy, common sense, and legal responsibility as other forms of communication. Employees<br />
need to use good judgment when using the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>'s telecommunication equipment. It is<br />
expected that employees ensure that the use of telecommunication equipment is appropriate in both<br />
the types of messages created and the tone and content of those messages.<br />
Telecommunication equipment may not be used in violation of Federal or State laws, or<br />
regulations including but not limited to the Minnesota Data Practices Act, the Open Meeting Law,<br />
the Minnesota Human Rights Act or <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> policies.<br />
Examples of inappropriate use include, but are not limited to:<br />
• Illegal activities by law<br />
• Gambling, wagering, betting, or selling<br />
• Harassment and discrimination<br />
• Fundraising for any purpose unless <strong>County</strong>-sanctioned<br />
• Commercial activities, whether for personal gain or for the profit of other<br />
businesses.<br />
• Intentional acquisition, storage or transmission of offensive, racist, sexist,<br />
obscene or pornographic information<br />
• Promotion of political or religious positions or activities<br />
• Activities that promote the use of means of inflicting violence<br />
• Used to intentionally intercept, eavesdrop, record, read, alter, or receive<br />
other persons messages without proper authorization<br />
• Distributing material or information that contradicts or violates the spirit of<br />
the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>'s policies<br />
• Conducting personal business beyond what is reasonable and usual during<br />
the course of a business day<br />
• Use by an unauthorized person<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 7
Rights Reserved by <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>:<br />
Telecommunication equipment is a <strong>County</strong> asset and an employee should not<br />
expect that conversations using these items are private. <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> reserves the<br />
right, at any time, to monitor policy compliance, and review the content maintained<br />
and/or accessed through <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> telecommunication equipment.<br />
At times, it may be necessary to end someone's authorization and access. Examples<br />
of such occasions include but are not limited to: separation from <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
services, extended leave of absence and investigation of employee activities.<br />
Employee accounts and password access may be withdrawn without notice, as<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> deems appropriate.<br />
August 5, 2002 Section 8-D 8
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICIES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT<br />
<strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
Information Technology and Telecommunication<br />
Employee Acknowledgement Statement<br />
Please sign, date and return this form to the Human Resources Department.<br />
I have read and understand the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Information Technology and Telecommunication<br />
Policies and I agree to adhere to the stated requirements. I also understand that signing of this page<br />
does not constitute a contract, nor is it to be construed as such; rather, my signature only indicates I<br />
have read the enclosed policies on pages 1 through 9 and will comply with same.<br />
Name:___________________________________________<br />
Signature: ________________________________________<br />
Date:____________________________________________<br />
Please Note:<br />
This signed acknowledgement statement will become part of your personnel file.
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CABLE CASTING POLICY<br />
All official meetings of the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Board of Commissioners will be videotaped from the<br />
convening of the meeting to the adjournment of the meeting’s regular session.<br />
These tapes will then be broadcast on cable television channels to allow for public viewing.<br />
Efforts will be made to use cable channels that provide the most complete coverage possible across<br />
the entire geographic area of <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong>.<br />
Tapes will be available for checkout through the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> library system. Tapes will also be<br />
available for purchase by the general public. The cost of the tapes will be set by the <strong>County</strong> Board<br />
and included in the <strong>County</strong>’s Fee for Service Schedule.<br />
The <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Administration Department will retain a copy of the tape for a period of twoyears<br />
and one week after the taping date. These videotaped recordings are not the official minutes<br />
of the <strong>Carver</strong> <strong>County</strong> Board of Commissioners.<br />
October 23, 2001 Section 8-E 1
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