Consider action to approve a Resolution of the City Council of Watauga revising Policies 2.02 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 4.01 Performance Evaluations, 7.02 Workers' Compensation, and 16.01 Employee Safety of the Personnel, Administration and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual.

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

City staff is proposing revisions to the following policies 2.02 ADA Policy, 4.01 Performance Evaluations, 7.02 Workers’ Compensation, and 16.01 Employee Safety of the Personnel, Administration, and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual. 2.02 ADA policy revisions clarify the City’s procedures for addressing reasonable accommodation requests and to ensure the policy provides clear guidance to applicants, employees, supervisors, department directors, and Human Resources. The proposed revisions reorganize and clarify existing requirements while adding additional procedural guidance. The intent is to establish a consistent and well-documented process for handling ADA-related matters while protecting the rights of qualified individuals and supporting the City’s operational needs including: Clarifies the accommodation process by providing a more clearly defined procedure for employees and applicants requesting a reasonable accommodation. Establishes consistent responsibilities for Human Resources, the ADA Coordinator, supervisors, department directors, and employees throughout the accommodation process. Strengthens the interactive process by providing guidance for communicating with employees and applicants and determining whether an effective reasonable accommodation is available. Improves documentation and consistency by establishing clearer procedures for reviewing, evaluating, and responding to accommodation requests. Provides additional guidance regarding medical information and confidentiality, helping ensure disability-related information is appropriately maintained and shared only as necessary. Clarifies the process for applicants and employees, including procedures for requesting accommodations during the hiring process and during employment. Provides a defined process for concerns and complaints, including review and resolution procedures when an individual believes an ADA-related concern has not been appropriately addressed. These revisions are intended to p