[Res. No. 11-84, passed 9-4-1984]
The Township adopts an internal grievance procedure providing
for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action
prohibited by federal revenue sharing regulations implementing Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794).
Section 504 states, in part, that "no otherwise qualified handicapped
individual . . . shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded
from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected
to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal
financial assistance . . ."
Complaints should be addressed to: Secretary-Manager, Compliance
Coordinator, P.O. Box 466, Glenwillard, PA 15046, phone 457-8100,
who has been designated to coordinate Section 504 compliance efforts.
A.
A complaint shall be filed in writing, contain the name and address
of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation
of the regulations.
B.
A complaint shall be filed within five days after the complainant
becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Processing of allegations
of discrimination which occurred before this grievance procedure was
in place will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
C.
An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall follow a filing of
a complaint. The investigation shall be conducted by the Secretary-Manager.
These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording
all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity
to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
D.
Written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description
of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the Secretary-Manager
and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than 20 days after
its filing.
E.
The Section 504 Coordinator shall maintain the files and records
of the Township of Crescent relating to the complaints filed.
F.
The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances
where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for
reconsideration should be made within 10 days to the Grievance Officer.
A hearing will be held by the Grievance Committee, within 10 days
after receipt of the request for reconsideration.
G.
The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the
complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's
pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a Section 504 complaint
with the responsible federal department or agency. Utilization of
this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other
remedies.
H.
These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights
of interested persons, to meet appropriate due process standards,
and to assure that Crescent Township complies with Section 504 and
implementing regulations.
