City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION
OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON’S FIRST
COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
Whereas, by letter dated September 16, 2024, the Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources has requested legislation authorizing the City of Mount Vernon to adopt the comprehensive employee handbook developed and reviewed by the Human Resources Department as the guide for all City employees. The handbook shall cover, but is not limited to, the following key topics and policies; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the need to establish clear and consistent guidelines for all City employees and management to foster fairness, transparency, and equity in the workplace; and
Whereas, the Human Resources Department, established in 2008, has developed a comprehensive employee handbook to provide guidance on employee management, standards of conduct, and workplace policies, ensuring alignment with modern legal and operational standards; and
Whereas, the employee handbook will serve as a dynamic document, subject to annual updates to reflect changes in laws, mandates, and legislation introduced by the City, thereby maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of City policies; and
Whereas, outside counsel has thoroughly reviewed the final draft of the employee handbook to ensure legal accuracy and alignment with best practices in human resources; and
Whereas, the adoption of this handbook will help reduce confusion, enhance fairness, and bring consistency to employee management across the City’s workforce; and
Whereas, the City Council recognizes the need for all City employees, regardless of their date of hire, to adhere to and acknowledge the handbook, its rules, and policies to ensure uniformity and fairness across departments; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Definitions:
Employee Handbook: A document that outlines the City’s expectations, policies, and guidelines for all employees, covering topics such as employee conduct, workplace policies, benefits, and leave entitlements.
City Employees: All individuals employed by the City of Mount Vernon, including full-time, part-time, and temporary staff.
Section 2. Adoption of the Employee Handbook. The City of Mount Vernon adopts the comprehensive employee handbook developed and reviewed by the Human Resources Department as the guide for all City employees. The handbook shall cover, but is not limited to, the following key topics and policies:
• Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Anti-Harassment Policy
• Non-Discrimination Against Individuals with Disabilities
• Violence in the Workplace
• Vehicle Policy
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Policy
• Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy
• Employee Standards of Conduct
• Worker’s Compensation
• Personal Appearance Guidelines
• Breaks/Meal Periods
• Breaks for Nursing Mothers
• Bereavement Leave
• Jury/Court Leave
• Military Leave
• Blood Donation Leave
• Breast and Prostate Cancer Screening Leave
• Paid Leave for Bone Marrow Donors
• Voting Time
• Electronic Communications Systems Policy
• Work During Weather Emergencies or Disasters
Section 3. Updating and Maintenance of the Handbook. The Human Resources Department shall review and update the employee handbook annually to reflect evolving laws, mandates, and City legislation. Any amendments or updates to the handbook shall be communicated to all employees promptly.
Section 4. Employee Acknowledgement and Adherence. All City employees, regardless of their hire date, must adhere to and acknowledge the rules and policies outlined in the employee handbook. Employees shall sign an acknowledgment form confirming their understanding and compliance upon receiving the handbook.
Section 5. Enforcement and Compliance. Failure to comply with the policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, as deemed appropriate by the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption, and the policies outlined in the employee handbook shall be enforced upon its adoption by the City Council.