Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/23/2024

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Upon receipt of a report or complaint of sexual harassment or other protected class harassment,the Administrative Services Director or City Administrator shall undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation may be conducted by City officials or by a third party designated by the City. The City may take immediate steps,at its discretion,to protect the complainant and other employees or members of the public pending completion of the investigation. The investigation methodology will be determined by the investigator depending on the specifics of each complaint. Investigations typically include,at a minimum,interviews with the reporting employee,the complaining employee(if different from the reporting employee)and alleged offender(s).The investigation methodology may additionally include additional interviews, document review,and other methods deemed pertinent by the investigator. Every effort will be made to respect the privacy and identity of all parties to a complaint brought under this policy,subject to any applicable law,including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act("MGDPA"). In addition,the City has an obligation to investigate,to take necessary action to address allegations,and to comply with relevant state and federal regulations,and retains the right to disclose the identities of parties to a complaint,including witnesses,and the substance of complaints or witness statements as permitted or required by applicable law,including the MGDPA. The investigator will forward a summary of the investigation,including the investigator's findings and conclusions,to the Administrative Services Director or City Administrator,as appropriate. The City will take all appropriate action,including,but not limited to,disciplinary action,to address any confirmed violation of this policy. The City will not tolerate acts of retaliation against employees who have made a good faith report of suspected violations of this policy or any person who assists or participates in an investigation or assists or participates in a proceeding related to such investigation.The City will discipline or take other appropriate action against any employee,personnel,elected official,or volunteer who engages in acts of retaliation towards such individuals.For purposes of this policy,retaliation includes but is not limited to:any form of intimidation,reprisal or harassment. 7.3 Workplace Violence Policy Purpose and Definitions The city of Ramsey is committed to maintaining a safe environment for its employees and customers,free from violence,threats of violence,harassment,intimidation,and other disruptive behavior. Accordingly,the City will not tolerate any acts of violence toward employees or customers of the City,or to property. Any employee who commits or threatens an act of workplace violence may be subject to investigation and discipline,up to and including immediate termination. It is the goal of the City to provide a workplace that is free of intimidation,threats, and violence. This policy will also seek to provide guidance to employees when they encounter a situation that they believe could result in violence. For purposes of this policy,the following definitions will be used: Workplace Violence-The term"workplace violence"encompasses a wide range of behaviors that include,but is not limited to,any act of physical,verbal,or written aggression against an employee 561Page