Although the city has operated with an anti-harassment policy for almost a year, no one knew until this week just what to do should a complaint arise.
The City Council now has amended the policy twice to provide guides for administrative review and to identify potential harassment from elected or appointed officials.
“These were just two items I noticed weren’t there but probably should be,” said Ald. Gary Moline, a member of the Finance and Administration Committee who proposed the amendments. “At least now, if there is a claim made, we will know how it should be handled.”
City employees who believe they have been harassed must first inform their supervisor, who in turn is required to bring the matter before the city administrator. If the matter still cannot be resolved, the case will be heard by an independent grievance panel.
The city adopted the anti-harassment policy last August based on a federal mandate that public agencies have something like it on the books.
A couple of aldermen objected to the proposed amendments by calling the original mandate an unnecessary burden.
“I really resent the government coming in here and forcing us to take on an extra administrative expense,” said Ald. William Bezanson.