[Adopted 4-24-2008 by Ord. No. 1996]
The purpose of this article is to set forth
the guidelines under which Borough of North Arlington ("Borough")
vehicles will be authorized to Borough personnel and the guidelines
under which Borough vehicles may be used.
Employees whose employment is regulated by a
collective bargaining agreement ("CBA") are subject only to those
provisions of this article not specifically regulated by a CBA.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Those automobiles, trucks, vans or other self-propelled equipment
owned, rented or leased by the Borough and licensed for travel on
a public way.
It is the policy of the Borough that certain
positions require or are entitled to employee access to Borough vehicles.
Said vehicles are not personal vehicles and are not for personal use.
Borough vehicles should be viewed as belonging to the citizens of
North Arlington and are assigned solely for purposes consistent with
providing services to those citizens.
The assignment of Borough vehicles is based
upon job description. Borough vehicles available for this purpose
may be assigned in a manner consistent with Borough workload and employee
function. The assignment of vehicles may be rescinded by the Borough
Administrator at any time.
A.
Borough vehicles may only be used for legitimate Borough
business. Vehicles may be taken home only upon the advance approval
of the Administrator, except that department heads may also grant
temporary approval to facilitate responses to after-hours emergency
calls. When an employee takes home a Borough vehicle, it is to be
utilized only for Borough business. The above provision shall not
apply to those personnel who are required to be first responders to
Borough emergencies, including, but not limited to, the Police Chief
and Fire Chiefs.
B.
Borough vehicles shall not be used to transport any
individual who is not directly or indirectly related to Borough business.
Passengers shall be limited to Borough employees and individuals who
are directly associated with Borough work activity (Borough members,
consultants, contractors, etc.). Family members shall not be transported
in Borough vehicles. A North Arlington employee who is also employed
by another governmental entity may utilize a Borough vehicle for that
employment only if the employment is pursuant to an interlocal agreement
between the Borough and the other governmental entity. The above provision
shall not apply to those personnel who are required to be first responders
to Borough emergencies, including, but not limited to, the Police
Chief and Fire Chiefs.
C.
Vehicles should contain only those items for which
the vehicle is designed. The Borough shall not be liable for the loss
or damage of any personal property transported m the vehicle.
D.
Employees are expected to keep Borough vehicles clean
and to report any malfunction or damage to their supervisors immediately.
E.
Employees may not operate Borough vehicles under the
influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs or medications
which may interfere with effective and safe operation.
F.
Employees who operate Borough vehicles must have a
valid motor vehicle license issued by the state of their current residence
and may be required to provide proof of a valid motor vehicle license
once every six months.
G.
Employees driving Borough vehicles shall obey all
applicable traffic and parking regulations, ordinances and laws, including,
but not limited to, laws regarding cellular telephone usage.
(1)
Employees who incur parking or other fines in Borough
vehicles will generally be personally responsible for a payment of
such fines, unless the payment of such fines is approved by the Borough
Administrator.
H.
Vehicles are to be used within a fifteen-mile radius
of the Borough of North Arlington. No employee may use a Borough vehicle
for out-of-the-state use, or in a location outside the fifteen-mile
radius, without advance approval of the Borough Administrator. The
fifteen-mile use limitation shall not apply to those personnel who
are required, as part of their job description, to be first responders
to Borough emergencies, such as the Police Chief, Fire Chiefs or Superintendent
of the Department of Public Works.
This article is intended to provide a basic
framework governing the use of Borough vehicles and, as such, cannot
contain procedures governing every situation that might arise. Employees
seeking clarification of or exemption from the provisions of this
article should contact the Borough Administrator, who will provide
such clarification and may authorize exceptions to this article under
mitigating circumstances. Such preapproval is required in order to
avoid discipline for a violation of terms hereof.
Failure to comply with any of the provisions
of this article may result in disciplinary action up to and including
removal of Borough vehicle privileges, suspension and/or termination
from Borough service.
