Disciplinary Appeals In the case of suspension without pay, demotion, or dismissal, the employee may appeal the decision of the Department Head to the City Manager. An employee shall have ten (10) calendar days from the date of the Department Head’s decision to notify the City Manager in writing of the appeal. If the employee fails to appeal the Department Head’s decision, the intended discipline shall be imposed on the day specified therein. If the employee appeals within the specified time, the Department Head will determine if the employee can remain on his/her normal work schedule or be placed on leave with pay until the appeal to the City Manager has been completed. Appeal of suspension without pay up to a maximum of forty (40) hours - In the case of suspension without pay up to a maximum of forty (40) hours, the decision of the City Manager shall be final. Appeal of suspension without pay exceeding forty (40) hours, demotion, or dismissal - In the case of suspension without pay exceeding forty (40) hours, demotion, or dismissal, the employee may appeal the decision of the City Manager to an arbitrator. A written notice of appeal must be received by the City Manager no later than five (5) calendar days following the date of the City Manager’s decision. Upon receipt of the appeal, the City Manager shall contact the State Mediation and Conciliation Service (SMCS) to provide, in accordance with its normal customary procedures, a list of names of neutral parties who may serve as an arbitrator. Upon receipt of the list from SMCS, the City and the Organization shall meet and alternately strike names from the list until the name of one individual remains, who shall serve as the arbitrator. The employee and the City shall share the fees and expenses of the arbitrator equally. A court reporter may be included in the proceedings upon mutual agreement of the parties, the cost of which shall be shared equally between the parties. All other expenses shall be borne by the party incurring them and neither party shall be responsible for the cost or expenses of witnesses called by the other party. A party requesting a transcript of the arbitration shall bear the cost thereof. The decision rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and binding and not appealable to the City Council or a court of law.
