Resolution No. 2012-136RESOLUTION NO. 2012-136
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON ADOPTING AN AMENDED AND RESTATED DRUG AND
ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY AND REPEALING ALL
RESOLUTIONS OR PARTS OF RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT
THEREWITH
WHEREAS, on March 30, 2009, the City Council of the City of
Vernon adopted Resolution No. 9876, approving and adopting various
policies relating to employment with the City and employee work
environment; and
WHEREAS, Exhibit H of Resolution No. 9876 provides for the
City's Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy for Employees Subject to
Department of Transportation Testing Regulations (the "Policy"); and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has recommended the Policy be
amended; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon desires to
adopt an amended and restated Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
finds and determines that the recitals contained hereinabove are true
and correct.
SECTION 2: The City Council of the.City of Vernon hereby
adopts an amended and restated Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy for All
City Employees who Drive City Owned Vehicles, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 3:. All resolutions or parts of resolutions,
specifically Exhibit H of Resolution No. 9876, not consistent with or
in conflict with this Resolution are hereby repealed; in all other
respects, Resolution No. 9876, shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4: The City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall
certify to the passage, approval and adoption of this resolution, and
the City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall cause this resolution and
the City Clerk's certification to be entered in the File of
Resolutions of the Council of this City.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of July; 2012.
Name: Will' m J. Davis
W
WilArd G. tYamag hi/, Ci�y Clerk
Title: Ma� / Mayor Pro-Tem
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, Willard G. Yamaguchi, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution
No. 2012-136, was duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Vernon at a regular meeting of the City Council duly
held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, and thereafter was duly.signed by the
Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Vernon.
Executed.this /% day of July, 2012, at Vernon, California.
(SEAL)
k
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EXHIBIT A
CITY OF VERNON
DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY
FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES WHO DRIVE
CITY -OWNED VEHICLES
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 1 EXHIBIT A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES
2.0 APPLICABILITY
3.0
•
Alcohol
•
Alcohol use
•
Chain of custody
•
Commercial Motor Vehicles
•
Current use of drugs
•
Driver
•
Illegal drug
•
Legal Drug
•
Reasonable suspicion
•
Safety -sensitive function
. Under the influence
4.0 ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITY
5.0 POLICY
A.
Pre -Employment Screening
B.
On the Job Use, Possession. Distribution
or Sale of Drugs and/or Alcohol
C.
Use of Prescribed Drugs and Over -The -Counter
Medications — Notification to Supervisor
D.
Use of Prescribed Drugs and Over -
The -Counter Medications - Physician
Clearance Requirement
E.
Off Duty Use
F.
Search Procedures
G.
Actions Taken if Employee is in Violation of
Policy
H.
Supervisor's.Resnonsibility
Page
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1
2
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3
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4
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5
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 2 EXHIBIT A
I.
City Administrator and Risk
Management/Personnel Office Notification
6.0
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
A.
Referrals
B.
Reasonable Accommodation
C.
Violation of Policy
7.0
MANDATORY TREATMENT
A.
First Offense — Rehabilitation Program
B.
Treatment by Rehabilitation Program Counselor
C.
Unsatisfactory Progress
D.
Leave of Absence Without Pav
E.
Rehabilitation Program In Lieu of Termination
Not Allowed For Second Offense
F.
Re-entry Agreement
8.0
EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
9.0
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUIDELINES
10.0
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
A.
Consent For Drug/Alcohol Testing
B.
Drug and/or Alcohol Analysis Testing
C.
Drug and/or Alcohol Analysis on Urine SMples
D.
When Urine and/or Blood Sample Taken
E.
Chain of Custody Form
11.0
REQUIRED
TESTS
A.
Pre -Employment Testing
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7
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7
10
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 3 EXHIBIT A
B.
Post -Accident Testing
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C.
Random Testing
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D.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
16
E.
Return -To -Duty Testing
17
F.
Follow up Testing
18
12.0
A. Removal from Safety -Sensitive Functions
B. Required Evaluation and Testing
C. Other Alcohol -Related Conduct
13.0 RESULTS OF DRUG AND/OR ALCOHOL ANALYSIS
A. Performance of Confirmation Test
B. Valid Prescription for Drugs/Medications
C. Investigation by City if Drug and/or
Alcohol Analysis is Positive
14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 4 EXHIBIT A
1.0 POLICY OBJECTIVE:
The City of Vernon ("the City") generally maintains a policy of not tolerating any drug or
alcohol use by any City employee. The Department of Transportation ("DOT") has promulgated
alcohol and drug regulations (49 CFR Part 382) which are designed to help prevent accidents and
injuries resulting from the misuse of alcohol or use of controlled substances, and which are made
applicable to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle in interstate or intrastate
commerce, and is subject to commercial driver's license requirements. The policy should in no way
be construed as prohibiting the City from applying other drug -testing procedures to all of its
employees to the extent allowed by law.
All persons covered by this policy should be aware that violations of the policy may result in
discipline, up to and including termination, or in not being hired. Nevertheless, the policy is not
intended by the City in any way to affect the rights of the City and its employees pursuant to their
employment relationship.
2.0 APPLICABILITY:
All employees who operate any City owned vehicle and who are subject to the commercial
driver's license requirements.
City firefighters shall comply with the requirements set forth in California Vehicle Code
VC 12804.11 and VC 12804.9.
3.0 DEFINITIONS:
• "Alcohol" means the intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low
molecular weight alcohols, including methyl and isopropyl alcohol.
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 5 EXHIBIT A
• . "Alcohol use" means the consumption of any beverage, mixture, or preparation,
including any medication, containing alcohol.
• "Chain of custody" means procedures to an account for the integrity of each urine or
blood specimen by tracking its handling or storage from point of specimen collection to final
disposition of the specimen.
• "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles
used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle-
(1) Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a
towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; or,
(2) Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds; or,
(3) Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or,
(4) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous
for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act in which require the
motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49CFR
Part 172, subpart F).
• "Current use of drugs means that the illegal drug use occurred recently enough to
indicate that the individual is still actively engaged in this conduct.
• "Driver" means any City employee whose job duties require the operation of a
commercial motor vehicle and is subject to commercial driver's licensed requirements. This
includes, but is not limited to: full time, regularly employed drivers and casual, intermittent or
occasional drivers. For the purposes of pre-employment/pre-duty testing only, the term "driver"
includes a person applying to the City to drive a City -owned vehicle, or whose job description
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 6 EXHIBIT A
would require the ability to drive a -vehicle.
• "Illegal drug" includes any drug which is not legally obtainable or possessed or which
is legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained. The term includes prescribed drugs which
were not legally obtained or are not being used for prescribed purposes.
• "Legal drug" includes prescribed drugs and over -the -counter drugs and/or medications
which have been legally obtained and are being used for the purpose for which they were prescribed
or manufactured.
• "Reasonable suspicion" is a belief based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable
observations concerning appearance, behavior, speech or body odors, or other objective.and
articulable observations sufficient to lead a reasonable manager/supervisor to suspect that an
employee is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Instances of reasonable suspicion include
but are not limited to when (1) and employee appears intoxicated, confused or uncoordinated; (2)
exhibits marked personality changes or changes in conduct or shows irrational behavior; or (3)
following accidents or serious incidents where there is reason to believe the employee's faculties are
impaired, presenting a reasonable likelihood of danger to his/her own safety or the safety of others.
• "Safety -sensitive function for purposes of this policy means the operation of any City
owned commercial motor vehicle.
• "Under the influence" means that the employee is affected by any drug and/or alcohol
or any combination thereof in any detectable manner. The symptoms of influence are not confined
to those consistent with misbehavior, nor to obvious impairment of physical or mental ability, such
as slurred speech or difficulty in maintaining balance. A determination of influence can be
established by public perception, a professional opinion, a scientifically valid test and in some cases,
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 7 EXHIBIT A
by a lay person's opinion.
4.0 ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITY:
It shall be the responsibility of all department heads, managers, and supervisors to
ensure that all covered employees abide by the provisions of this policy. Any questions regarding
the policy should be addressed to the Risk Management/Personnel Office.
5.0 POLICY:
A. Pre -Employment Screening.
All applicants accepted for employment in positions covered by this policy shall
be informed that a pre -placement physical assessment is mandatory, that an initial drug and alcohol
screening will be conducted during that examination and that a positive result could disqualify the
applicant.
B. On the Job Use, Possession. Distribution or Sale of Drugs and/or Alcohol.
No employee shall report to work while under the influence of drugs and/or
alcohol, possess or utilize such substances while on assigned duty or subject to scheduled City duty,
sell, manufacture or furnish drugs or alcohol to any other person, or have their ability to work
impaired as a result of the use of alcohol and/or drugs.
C. Use of Prescribed Drugs and Over -The -Counter Medications -Notification to
Supervisor.
The use of prescribed drugs and over-the-counter medications which have been
legally obtained and are being used for the purpose for which they were prescribed or manufactured
are not per se a violation of this policy. Nevertheless, when taking such drugs or medications which
may interfere with the safe and effective performance of duties or operation of City equipment, City
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 8 EXHIBIT A
employees must notify their supervisor of the need for such consumption before beginning work on
that date.
D. Use of Prescribed Drugs and Over -The -Counter Medications- Physician
Clearance Requirement.
An employee who conducts non -safety -sensitive functions may continue to
work, even though under the influence of a legally prescribed drug, if the City has determined after
consultation, that the employee does not pose a threat to the employee's own safety or the safety of
others, and that the employee's job performance is not significantly affected by the legal drug.
Otherwise, the employee may be required to take a leave of absence or comply with other
appropriate action determined by the City. In the event there is a question regarding an employee's
ability to safely and effectively perform assigned duties while using such drugs or medications,
clearance from a qualified physician will be required. Nevertheless, no employee who is required to
perform safety -sensitive functions shall report to duty or remain on duty when that employee is
under the influence of controlled substances, including such substances which may be taken pursuant
to the instructions of a physician, unless the physician has advised that the substance does not
adversely affect the ability to perform the safety -sensitive functions required of that employee.
E. Off Duty Use.
Off duty use of alcohol, prescription drugs and medications or other controlled
substances that result in substandard job performance or misconduct, or infringe upon the
maintenance of a safe, healthful and efficient working environment, may be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 9 EXHIBIT A
F. Search Procedures.
The City reserves the right to search all areas and property under which it
maintains full control to the extent authorized by the Public Safety Officers' Procedural Bill of
Rights (Government Code Sections 3300 et seg.), by the constitutional limitations upon search and
seizure, and by constitutional right of privacy.
G. Actions Taken if Employee is in Violation of Policy.
Employees reasonably. believed to be in violation of this policy shall be
prevented from engaging in further work activity and may be detained for a reasonable time until
transportation from the work site can be facilitated.
H. Supervisor's Responsibility.
A supervisor will accompany the employee to the clinic for testing. The
supervisor will wait until testing is completed and then either take the employee home or assure that
transportation from the work site can be facilitated.
I. City Administrator and Risk Management/Personnel Office Notification. .
In all instances of a violation of this policy, the City Administrator and the Risk
Management/Personnel Office shall be notified immediately as a matter of proper procedure.
6.0 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE:
A. Referrals.
The City recognizes alcohol and/or drug dependency as an illness and a major
health problem. The City also recognizes alcohol and/or drug abuse as potential health, safety and
security problems. The City encourages employees to seek help for alcohol and/or drug abuse/
dependency and other personal or emotional problems. Employees needing help in dealing with
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 10 EXHIBIT A
such issues are encouraged to contact the Risk Management/Personnel Office for optional referrals.
B. Reasonable Accommodation.
The City is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to those
employees whose drug and/or alcohol problems constitute a "disability" under federal law and will
cooperate with such efforts to the full extent required by the law
C. Violation of Policy.
No employee who voluntarily seeks treatment shall be disciplined or
discriminated against in any manner for having done so. However, any employee who seeks
treatment but is found to be "currently engaging" in drug use shall be in violation of this policy.
7.0 MANDATORY TREATMENT.
This section shall not be interpreted as limiting the City's independent authority
to take any personnel action otherwise authorized by the law, including those actions consistent with
the employment relationship which exists between the City and all of its employees.
Mandatory treatment, rather than termination, may be made as follows:
A. First Offense — Rehabilitation Program.
Upon a first offense of a violation of this policy not involving reasonable
suspicion of on—the-job impairment or accident as defined by this policy, an employee shall be
advised of the names and addresses of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment
programs. The .employee will be relieved of safety -sensitive functions until completion of the
rehabilitation program to the satisfaction of the rehabilitation counselor, a return of an alcohol test
indicating an alcohol concentration of less than 0,02, or if the offense involved controlled
substances, the return of a negative drug test and signing of a re-entry agreement as discussed further
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 11 EXHIBIT A
below.
B. Treatment by Rehabilitation Proeram Counselor.
An employee subject to mandatory treatment must agree to undertake and to
complete successfully a course of treatment as deemed appropriate by the rehabilitation program
counselor. Any employee refusing to comply with a mandatory referral is subject to termination.
After the employee returns to duty, the employee will be subject to
unannounced follow-up alcohol and controlled substances tests. The number and frequency of
such tests will be as directed by the substance abuse professional and consist of at least six tests in
the first 12 months following the return to duty. If the substances abuse professional then
determines that testing is no longer necessary, the testing requirement will be terminated.
C. Unsatisfactory Progress.
If an employee fails to conform to the requirements of the rehabilitation
program and/or fails to complete the program and/or fails to remain drug free, the employee may
be terminated. As part of the terms of the mandatory referral, the employee agrees that the
provider and/or rehabilitation counselor will report to the employee's supervisor or manager any
failure on the part of the employee to cooperate.in the rehabilitation program or to progress
through the program to the satisfaction of the counselor.
D. Leave of Absence Without Pay.
The City will require the employee to charge vacation or other leave credits
while the employee participates in the rehabilitation or treatment program. If no leave credits are
available to the employee, he or she may, if deemed necessary by management, be placed on a leave
of absence without pay for the duration of the rehabilitation or treatment program.
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 12 EXHIBIT A
E. Rehabilitation Program In Lieu of Termination Not Allowed For Second
Offense.
An employee will not be allowed a rehabilitation program in lieu of termination
for a second violation of this policy.
F. Re-entry Agreement.
An employee who desires to return to work after a mandatory referral must
agree to the terms of a Re-entry Agreement, the terms of which shall be established by the City in its
sole discretion.
8.0 EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employees are expected to support the maintenance of a drug and alcohol free work
place, and in so doing:
A. Shall not report for work, or while subject to City duty, while their ability to
perform job duties are impaired due to alcohol and/or drug use;
B. Shall not report for duty or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety -
sensitive functions while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater;
alcohol;
C. Shall not perform safety -sensitive functions within four hours after using
D. Shall not possess or use alcohol and/or illegal drugs during working hours;
while subject to scheduled City duty; or at any time while specifically identifiable as a City
employee, performing in his or her official capacity, whether on City property, in City uniform or
vehicle;
E. Shall not directly or through a third party sell or provide/distribute alcohol
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 13 EXHIBIT A
and/or drugs to any person or to any other employee while either employee is subject to City duty;
P. Shall submit to a drug and/or alcohol screening when requested by a City
representative responsible for enforcement of this policy or as required herein;
G. Shall not use alcohol for eight hours following any accident, or until he/she
undergoes a post -accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first;
activities;
H. Shall not refuse to submit any test required by this policy;
I. Shall cooperate, as a condition of employment, in searches and inspection
J. Shall notify their supervisor before beginning work, when taking any
medications or drugs, prescription or otherwise, which one would reasonably know interferes with
the safe and effective performance of job duties or operation of City equipment. Within one
subsequent work shift, provide a current valid prescription, in the employee's name for any
prohibited drug or medication identified when a drug analysis is positive;
K. Shall notify the department head of any arrest or conviction under a criminal
drug statute within five (5) working days of the arrest or conviction (disciplinary action shall not be
taken based solely on the arrest, however, disciplinary action may be taken based upon the failure to
notify); and
L. Shall generally abide by the terms of this policy.
9.0 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUIDELINES:
All managers and supervisors, including any officer designated as a field supervisor or
watch commander, are responsible for consistent enforcement of this policy, and in so doing:
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 14 EXHIBIT A
A. Given reasonable suspicion that an employee is using or under the influence of
or possesses alcohol and/or drugs, or is otherwise unable to perform the required job duties in a.
safe or satisfactory manner, shall immediately document in writing, the facts constituting
reasonable suspicion that the employee in question is using and/or under the influence of alcohol
and/or drugs; and, in all instances of violations of this policy, document in writing any and all
pertinent facts and observations;
B. May notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when there is reasonable
suspicion to believe that an employee may have illegal drugs in his/her possession or in an area not
controlled by the City;
C. Shall not physically search an employee, but seize any suspected alcohol and/or
illegal drugs which are in plain sight. Secure any container or the like where alcohol and/or illegal
drugs may be present for a subsequent search by appropriate personnel, but shall not confiscate
without consent, prescription drugs or medications from an employee who has a prescription;
D. When a supervisor or other management employee, and confirmed by a second
supervisor or management employee whenever reasonably possible, has reasonable cause to
believe that an employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol, the employee shall be removed to a
suitable location which will ensure his or her privacy and will be interviewed and informed of the
basis of the reasonable suspicion. Any statements made during the interview may be recorded and
may be used in any subsequent proceedings involving the employee. If the supervisor or other ,
management employee still has a reasonable suspicion that the employee is not drug free, the
employee will be given a copy of this policy and ordered to submit to urine testing and/or blood
testing in accordance with the procedures established by this policy. If the employee agrees, he or
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 15 EXHIBIT A
she will be transported to a designated collection site:
E. Any supervisor or management employee encountering an employee who
refuses an order to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test shall remind the employee of the
requirements and disciplinary consequences of this policy. Where there is reasonable suspicion that
the employee is then under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the supervisor or management
employee should detain the employee for a reasonable time until the employee can be safely
transported home.
10.0 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION PROCEDURES:
A. Consent For Drug/Alcohol Testing.
Prior to the collection of any urine or blood sample, employees will be requested to sign a consent
for drug/alcohol testing. Failure to sign the consent form will result in disciplinary action.
Employees are entitled to receive a copy of the signed consent form and the test results in the
strictest confidence.
B. Drug and/or Alcohol Analysis Testing.
The drug and/or alcohol analysis may test for any substance which could impair
an employee's ability to effectively and safely perform the functions of his/her job, including, but
not limited to prescription drugs/medications, heroin, cocaine, morphine and its derivatives, P.C.P.,
methadone, barbiturates, amphetamines, marijuana and other cannabinoids.
C. Drug and/or Alcohol Analysis on Urine Samples.
The drug and/or alcohol analysis shall be conducted on urine samples. During
the taking of the sample no one shall be present with the employee except a physician or a qualified
medical practitioner. A blood sample may also be taken. The employee shall follow the "chain of
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 16 EXHIBIT A
custody" procedure required by the laboratory or medical facility conducting the testing.
D. When Urine and/or Blood Sample Taken.
The urine and/or blood sample will be taken during regular working hours at
any pre -determined medical facility, as necessary or after regular working hours at any available
medical facility.
E. Chain of Custody Form.
The laboratory is required to complete a "Chain of Custody" form in
conjunction with the collection and testing of all samples.
11.0 REQUIRED TESTS.
A. Pre -Employment Testing.
Prior to the first time an employee performs safety -sensitive functions for the
City, but after the job has been offered to the employee, the employee shall undergo testing for
alcohol and controlled substances. The City shall not allow an employee to perform safety -sensitive
functions unless the employee has been administered an alcohol test with a result indicating an
alcohol concentration less than 0.04, and has received a controlled substances test result indicating a
verified negative test result.
The City considers such an examination a business necessity and a requirement
of the City's compliance with DOT. The results of the examination are intended to be used by the
City only for purposes of evaluating the employee's physical and mental ability to perform job -
related functions, including the employee's ability to remain alert, productive and safe from any
possible accidents which may be caused by current drug or alcohol use.
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 17 EXHIBIT A
B. Post -Accident Testine.
As soon as practicable following an accident involving a City vehicle, the City
shall test for alcohol and controlled substances each surviving employee:
(1) Who was performing safety -sensitive functions with respect to the vehicle, if the accident
involved the loss of human life, or an injury demanding medical treatment away from the
scene of the accident; or
(2) Who receives a citation under State or local, law for a moving traffic violation arising
from the accident;
(3) If an alcohol test required by this section is not administered within two hours following
the accident, the City shall prepare and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the
test was not promptly administered. If a test required by this section is not administered
within eight hours following the accident, the City shall cease attempts to administer the
alcohol test and shall prepare and maintain the same record. Records shall be submitted
to the Federal Highway Administration upon request of its Associate Administrator.
(4) If a controlled substance test required by this section is not administered within 32 hours
following the accident, the City shall cease attempts to administer the test and prepare
and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the test was not promptly administered.
Records shall be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration upon request of its
Associate Administrator.
(5) A driver who is subject to post -accident testing shall remain readily available for such
testing or may be deemed by the employer to have refused to submit to testing. Nothing
in this section shall be construed to require the delay of necessary medical attention for
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 18 EXHIBIT A
injured people following an accident or to prohibit a driver from leaving the scene of an
accident for the period necessary to obtain assistance in responding to the accident, or to
obtain necessary emergency medical care.
(6) The results of a breath or blood test for the use of alcohol, or a urine test for the use of
controlled substances, conducted by Federal, State, or local officials having independent
authority for the test, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section, provided
that the results of the tests are obtained by the City.
C. Random Testine.
Each calendar year, the City shall conduct a minimum annual percentage rate
for random alcohol testing of 25 percent of the average number of driver positions which are
subject to this policy, and random controlled substances testing of a minimum of 50 percent of the
average number of driver positions. The minimum annual percentage rate will be adjusted each
year so that it is consistent with the rates set by the Federal Highway Administration.
The selection of drivers for random testing shall be made by a scientifically
valid method, such as a random number table of a computer -based random number generator that
is matched with drivers' Social Security numbers, payroll identification numbers, or other
comparable identifying numbers. Under the selection process used, each employee shall have an
equal chance of being tested each time selections are made.
Random alcohol and controlled substances tests conducted under this policy will
be unannounced and the dates for administering the tests will be spread reasonably throughout the
calendar year. Each employee who is notified of selection for random alcohol and/or controlled
substances testing must proceed to test site immediately.
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 19 EXHIBIT A
D. Reasonable Suspicion Testine.
All employees shall be required to submit to urine testing and/or blood testing in
accordance with the procedures established by this policy when there is reasonable suspicion to
believe that the employee is impaired by drugs or alcohol. The determination that reasonable
suspicion exists to require said testing must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable
observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech, body odors of the employee, or
indications of the chronic and withdrawal effects of controlled substances. The observations may
be based upon observable phenomena such as direct observation of drug use or possession and/or
the physical symptoms of being under the influence of a drug, a pattern of abnormal conduct or
behavior or indications of chronic or withdrawal effects of controlled substances.
The required observations shall be made by a supervisor or company official
who is trained in accordance with this policy. The person who makes the determination that
reasonable suspicion exists to conduct an alcohol test shall not conduct the alcohol test of the
driver. Testing will be required when the observations amounting to reasonable suspicion are
made during, just preceding, or just after the period of the work day that the employee is required
to be in compliance with this policy.
If an alcohol test required by this section is not administered within two hours
following a determination of reasonable suspicion, the supervisor shall prepare and maintain on
file a record stating the reasons the alcohol test was not promptly administered. If an alcohol test
required by this section is not administered within eight hours following the determination of
reasonable suspicion, the supervisor shall cease attempts to administer an alcohol test and shall
state in the record the reasons for not administering the test. The City shall not take any action
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 20 EXHIBIT A
under this policy against an employee based solely on the employee's behavior and appearance,
with respect to alcohol use, in the absence of an alcohol test.
Notwithstanding the absence of a reasonable suspicion alcohol test under this
section, no employee shall report for duty or remain on duty requiring the performance of safety -
sensitive functions while the employee is under the influence of or impaired by alcohol, as shown
by the behavioral, speech, and performance indicators of alcohol misuse, nor shall the City permit
the employee to perform or continue to perform safety -sensitive functions, until:
(1) An alcohol test is administered and the employee's alcohol concentration
measures less than 0.02; or
(2) Twenty-four (24) hours have elapsed following the determination that there
is reasonable suspicion .to believe that the employee has violated the
prohibitions in this policy concerning the use of alcohol.
A written record shall be made of the observations leading to a controlled substance
reasonable suspicion test, and signed by the supervisor or City official who made the observations,
within 24 hours of the observed behavior or before the results of the controlled substances test are
released, whichever is earlier.
E. Return -to -Duty Testing.
Supervisors shall ensure that before an employee returns to duty requiring
the performance of a safety -sensitive function after engaging in conduct prohibited by this policy,
the employee shall undergo, depending on the violation, a return -to -duty alcohol test with a result
indicating an alcohol concentration of less than 0.02, or a return -to -duty controlled substances test
with a result indicating a verified negative result for controlled substances use.
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 21 EXHIBIT A
F. Follow -Up Testing.
Following a determination under this policy that an employee is in need of
assistance in resolving problems associated with alcohol misuse and/or use of controlled substances,
the City shall ensure that the employee is subject to unannounced follow-up alcohol and/or
controlled substances testing as directed by a substances abuse professional in accordance with the
provisions of Section 7.0 of this policy.
Follow-up alcohol testing shall be conducted only when the employee is
performing safety -sensitive functions, just before the employee is to perform safety -sensitive
functions, or just after the employee has ceased performing safety -sensitive features.
12.0 CONSEQUENCES FOR DRIVERS ENGAGING IN SUBSTANCE USE -RELATED
CONDUCT:
A. Removal from safety -sensitive functions.
No driver shall perform safety -sensitive functions if the driver has
engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy.
B. Required Evaluation and Testine.
No driver who has engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy shall
perform safety -sensitive functions unless the driver has met the requirements of Section 7.0 of this
policy.
C. Other Alcohol -Related Conduct.
No driver tested under the provisions of this policy who is found to
have an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater, but less than 0.04, shall perform or continue to
perform safety -sensitive functions for the City, nor shall the City permit the driver to perform or
Iff"
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 22 EXHIBIT A
continue to perform safety -sensitive functions, until the start of the driver's next regularly scheduled
duty period, but not less than 24 hours following administration of the test. Except as provided
herein, the City shall not take any action under this part against a driver based solely on the test
results showing an alcohol concentration less than 0.04.
13.0 RESULTS OF DRUG AND/OR ALCOHOL ANALYSIS:
A. Performance of Confirmation Test.
If the initial screening test is positive, the laboratory will perform a
confirmation test by the technique known as Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS),
before reporting a positive result to the City. In all cases of confirmed positive test results, the
employee will have the opportunity to explain or rebut the results and to substantiate the explanation
with medical evidence, which could include, at the employee's expense, an additional confirmation
test of the specimen.
B. Valid Prescription for Drugs/Medications.
In the case of prescribed drugs/medications, if the employee does not
have a valid prescription, or if the prescription is not in the employee's name, or if the employee has
not previously notified the supervisor that he or she is taking any medication or drugs as required
herein, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action.
C. Investigation by City if Drug and/or Alcohol Analysis is Positive.
If a drug and/or alcohol analysis is positive for alcohol and/or drug
presence, the City shall conduct an investigation to gather all facts. The City will cooperate in an
employee's voluntary effort to obtain treatment and rehabilitation. However, this policy shall not in
any way limit the City pursuant to its authority independent of this policy from taking any action
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DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 23 EXHIBIT A
otherwise consistent with the law.
14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY:
Laboratory reports or test results shall not appear in any employee's personnel file.
Information of this nature will be included in a separate, confidential, secured medical folder. The
reports or test results may be disclosed to City management on a strictly need -to -know basis and to
the tested employee upon request. Disclosures, without patient consent, may also occur when: (1)
the information is compelled bylaw or by judicial or administrative process; (2) the information has
been placed at issue in a formal dispute between the employer and employee; (3) the information is
to be used in administering an employee benefit plan and/or; (4) the information is needed by
medical personnel for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient who is unable to authorize disclosure.
W011
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 24 EXHIBIT A
DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY
I have received a copy of the City of Vernon Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy for all City
Employees who Drive City Owned Vehicles
The term "Reasonable Suspicion" has been explained to me. The procedure and/or penalty that
has been set if it is determined that I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol during working
hours has also been explained to me.
I understand the procedure following the "Reasonable Suspicion," and the penalty for being
under the influence of drugs or alcohol during working hours.
I also agree to abide by the policy and acknowledge that the policy in no way limits my rights
or the City of Vernon's rights under the employment relationship which exists between myself
and the City.
I consent to taking the tests which are required under the circumstances indicated in the policy.
Date
Signature
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing A - 25 EXHIBIT A
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 19, 2012
TO: Rory Burnett, Finance Director/City Treasurer
Daniel Calleros, Interim Police Chief
Kristen Enomoto, Assistant to the City Administrator
Carlos Fandino, Director of Light & Power
Masami Higa, Assistant Finance Director
Alex Kung, Assistant to the City Administrator
Joaquin Leon, Deputy City Treasurer
Leonard Grossberg, Interim Director of Health & Environmental Control
James Rodino, Police Captain
Martha Valenzuela, Director of Personnel/Business Services
Mark Whitworth, City Administrator/Fire Chief
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services & Water
FROM: Willard Yamaguchi, City Clerk n
RE: Resolution No. 2012-136 — A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Adopting an Amended and Restated Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and Repealing All
Resolutions or Parts of Resolutions in Conflict Therewith
Transmitted herewith is a copy of Resolution No. 2012-136 referenced above, which was approved by City
Council on June 17, 2012.
Thank you.
WY:dj
Attachment
c: Resolution No. 2012-136, 9876
DATE: July 12, 2012
TO: Honorable Mayor Pro Tem and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, Fire Chief
RE: Drug and Alcohol Policy Amend
Background
Under current City policy, random testing for drug and alcohol use is performed only on City
personnel holding a "Class C" drivers' license issued by the California Department of Motor
Vehicles. Class C licenses authorize the holder to operate heavy duty vehicles such as large
trucks and/or fire equipment.
To ensure the health and safety of persons living and/or working in Vernon, and because it is
important that all employees be drug and alcohol free while on duty and operating any motor
vehicle, it has been suggested that random testing for drug and alcohol be administered to ALL
City employees who drive City owned vehicles.
The attached resolution accomplishes that goal. In all other respects, the City's drug and alcohol
policy remains the same.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the proposed amendment to the City's drug and alcohol policy be
adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-161
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2012-136 REGARDING
AN AMENDED AND RESTATED DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
POLICY
WHEREAS, on July 17, 2012, the City Council of the City of
Vernon adopted Resolution No. 2012-136 approving an amended and
restated drug and alcohol testing policy and repealing all resolutions.
or parts of resolutions in conflict therewith; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon desires to
repeal Resolution No. 2012-136.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE.CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
finds and determines that the recitals contained hereinabove are true
and correct.
SECTION 2: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
repeals Resolution No. 2012-136.
SECTION 3: The City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall
certify to the passage, approval and adoption of this resolution, and
the City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall cause this resolution and
the City Clerk's certification to be entered in the File of
Resolutions of the Council of this City.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 215t day of August, 2012.
�n
Name: William J. Davis
Title: `n�r Mayor Pro-Tem
AT�iEST:.
and G. Yam�Kquohi,
ty Clerk
- 2 -
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, Willard G. Yamaguchi, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution
No. 2012-161, was duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Vernon at a regular meeting of the City Council duly
held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, and thereafter was duly signed by the
Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Vernon.
Executed this )'�3 day of August, 2012, at Vernon, California.
(SEAL)
"'t;
.Wity Clerk
- 3 -
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 22, 2012
TO: Rory Burnett, Finance Director/City Treasurer
Daniel Calleros, Interim Police Chief
Kristen Enomoto, Assistant to the City Administrator
Carlos Fandino, Director of Light & Power
Masami Higa, Assistant Finance Director
Alex Kung, Assistant to the City Administrator
Joaquin Leon, Deputy City Treasurer
Leonard Grossberg, Director of Health & Environmental Control
James Rodino, Police Captain
Martha Valenzuela, Director of Personnel/Business Services
Mark Whitworth, City Administrator/Fire Chief
Kevin Wilson, Director of Community Services & Water
FROM: Deborah Juarez, Records Management Assistant
RE: Resolution No. 2012-161 — A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon
Repealing Resolution No. 2012-136 Regarding an Amended and Restated Drug and Alcohol
Testing Policy
Transmitted herewith is a copy of Resolution No. 2012-161 referenced above, which was approved by City
Council on August 21, 2012.
Thank you.
Attachment
c: Resolution No. 2012-13 6, 2012-161
RECEIVS0
AUG 1 g 2012
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
ELI
STAFF REPORT
CITY ADMINISTRATION
DATE: August 16, 2012
TO: Honorable Mayor Pro Tem and City Council
FROM: Mark C. Whitworth, City Administrator (!tl
RE: Repeal Amended and Restated Drug and Alcohol Policy
Backaround
At the July 17, 2012 City Council meeting, staff recommended and the City Council approved an
amended and restated drug and alcohol testing policy to provide that random testing be
administered to all City employees who operate City owned vehicles.
Prior to proposing the amended and restated policy, the City inadvertently failed to meet and
confer with the police and fire unions on the matter as required per their respective MOUs. As
such, the City issued letters to the union presidents, with copies to their attorneys, stating the
following:
"We have heard your concerns regarding the recently adopted Amended and Restated
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (Resolution No. 2012-136), and in response we have
decided to recommend that the City Council rescind the policy at its August 21, 2012
meeting in favor of addressing it again later this year with the assistance and input of the
newly appointed Human Resources Director and City Attorney. We look forward to
working with you on a new policy at that time."
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council repeal Resolution No. 2012-136, which adopted the
amended and restated drug and alcohol testing policy.
Staff will work with all appropriate parties, including the police and fire unions through the meet
and confer process, to develop a new policy to be proposed later in the year.