[Ord. No. 20-03, 3-3-2020]
A. 
The City of Albany, Missouri, has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and 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 individual with a disability…shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, 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.”
1. 
Complaints should be addressed to the City Administrator, who has been designated by the City of Albany to coordinate Section 504/ADA compliance efforts. Complaints should be filed in writing or verbally, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.
2. 
A complaint should be filed within ten (10) days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. Processing allegations of discrimination that allegedly occurred prior to this grievance procedure being in place will be considered on a case by case basis.
3. 
An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow a filing of a complaint. The aforementioned Section 504/ADA Coordinator will be in charge of the investigation. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations that afford all interested persons and their representatives an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to a complaint.
4. 
A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the Section 504/ADA Coordinator and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than thirty (30) days after its filing.
5. 
The Section 504/ADA Coordinator, or designate, will maintain the files and records of the City of Albany relating to the complaints filed.
6. 
The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he/she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration shall be made, in writing, within ten (10) days to the Mayor of the City of Albany.
7. 
Using the grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies, including the filing of a Section 504 or ADA-related complaint with the responsible Federal department or agency.
8. 
These rules will be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, meet appropriate due process standards, and assure that the City of Albany complies with the ADA, Section 504 and all implementing regulations.