[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Lacey:
Art. I, 10-11-1984 as Ord. No. 52-84 (Ch. 13 of the 1974 Code). Amendments
noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
American Disabilities Act Advisory Board — See Ch. 7.
[Adopted 10-11-1984 as Ord.
No. 52-84 (Ch. 13 of the 1974 Code)]
The purpose of this Article is to establish a grievance procedure to
provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging handicapped
discrimination in the administration of municipal programs and activities.
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A complaint by any person or persons alleging a discriminatory practice,
procedure or effect in the administration of municipal programs, activities
or services based upon a physical or mental handicap or impairment.
A person who files a grievance.
Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one (1) or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment
or is regarded as having such an impairment.
A function such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks,
walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.
Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical
loss affecting one (1) or more of the following body systems: neurological;
musculoskeletal; special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organs;
cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic;
skin; and endocrine; or
Any mental or physiological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic
brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness and specific learning disabilities.
The term "physical or mental impairment" includes, but is not limited
to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing
impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis,
cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, drug
addiction and alcoholism.
A person or agent designated to represent any party in this procedure.
A.
Grievances shall be processed promptly and expeditiously
and shall be adjudicated according to the terms of the procedure provided
herein.
B.
Formal grievances and appeals shall be in writing.
C.
Communications and decisions concerning formal grievances
shall be in writing.
D.
A grievant shall be permitted a representative at all
levels of the grievance procedure and may produce witnesses for the purpose
of taking testimony relevant to the alleged discrimination on the basis of
handicap.
E.
A grievant shall present a written statement of the alleged
grievance to the Township Administrator within fifteen (15) days of the occurrence
of the grievance. The Township Administrator will review the grievance and
investigate the facts and submit a written answer to the grievant within seven
(7) days of the submission date on the grievance form.
F.
If the grievant is dissatisfied with the answer submitted
by the Township Administrator, the grievant may appeal the answer to the Mayor
and Township Committee within seven (7) days after receipt of the written
answer. A hearing shall be scheduled within seven (7) days after receipt of
the grievance appeal. The hearing granted by the Mayor will take place within
fifteen (15) days after the scheduled date is submitted to the grievant.
G.
If the grievant is still dissatisfied with the answer
received from the Mayor, a grievant may request arbitration of a grievance
within twenty (20) days of the decision of the Mayor by filing notice of the
grievance continued disagreement. An arbitrator shall be selected from the
American Arbitration Association according to the Association's procedure.
The cost of the services of the arbitrator shall be shared equally by the
parties. The arbitrator's decision shall be binding on all parties to the
grievance.
H.
Failure by a grievant to process a grievance within the
specified time limit shall render the grievance as settled in favor of the
township. Failure by the township to issue a decision within the specified
time limit shall render the grievance advanced to the next level. The aforementioned
time limits may, however, be extended by mutual consent of the parties.
I.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting
the right of a grievant to discuss the grievance informally with any township
administering personnel.
