Agenda - Council - 12/12/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kerr Transportation Service, Inc. is the organization that a number of TUG participating cities have contracted with to administer their policy in conjunction with the new law. I am recommending that the City of Ramsey also enter into a contract with Kerr Transportation to carry out the required drug testing under the law. The cost is the initial "subscription" fee which is approximately $200 and then the testing costs which vary between $49 and $69 per test, depending on where the test is administered. The initial fee provides the City with sample policies and procedures, tapes that meet the training requirements, and support throughout the process. By joining these other cities, we would be joining a pool of not more than 200 participating employees. The required random testing would be done from the entire pool, not just Ramsey participants. We would have seven employees in the pool at this time and some or all could be pulled for any or all of the six annual draws required under the law. The attached proposed policy would facilitate the process and provides guidance as to what happens "if'. It also provides information to the employees as to their rights under the policy and the law. This policy affects only those employees required to have a CDL for their job. The existing drag and alcohol policy for the City would remain in effect for all other employees and where the CDL policy is silent. As it pertains to individuals who provide temporary snow plowing services, they wilt be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test each year that they return to provide these services. This requirement will alter the way in which we bring them back each year. Staff Recommendation: It is the intent of this case to review the law, the mandates place on the City, and to review the policy. If the Personnel Committee and Council are comfortable with the policy as presented (modified from Brooklyn Park policy which has been in place since January, 1995) then adoption is recommended. If more time for review is requested, formal adoption could take place at the second meeting in December, if there is one, or into January 1996. The risk the City takes with adoption after the drop dead date of January 1, 1996 is potential fines. Committee Action: Recommend Council approval of contracting with Kerr Transportation Services, Inc. to provide the necessary sepvices to comply with Federal Regulations; and Recommend preliminary approval of Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act and Related Regulations Implementation Policy.