A. 
Dispute resolution. The Town Board has established a set of procedures to provide for the orderly resolution of differences in a fair and equitable manner at the earliest possible stage and to promote a harmonious and cooperative relationship between employees, Department Heads and members of the Town Board which will enhance the overall operation of the Town.
B. 
Definition of grievance. For the purpose of this Employee Handbook, a grievance will mean a claimed violation, misinterpretation or inequitable application of the provisions of this Employee Handbook.
C. 
Informal grievance (step one).
(1) 
An employee who claims to have a grievance may present the grievance to the employee's immediate supervisor. The grievance must be submitted, in writing or verbally, within seven calendar days following knowledge of the event(s) which caused the grievance or when the employee should have had knowledge.
(2) 
Within seven calendar days after receiving the grievance, the employee's immediate supervisor will meet with the employee to discuss and attempt to resolve the matter.
D. 
Formal grievance (step two).
(1) 
In the event that the informal grievance is not adjusted at step one, the employee may submit the matter to the employee's department head. The grievance must be submitted, in writing, within seven calendar days from receiving the step one response or when the response should have been received.
(2) 
Within seven calendar days after receiving the grievance, the department head will meet with the employee to discuss and attempt to resolve the matter. Within seven calendar days from the meeting, the department head will issue a written response which will be given to the Town Supervisor and the employee.
E. 
Appeal to Town Supervisor (step three).
(1) 
In the event that the employee is not satisfied with the response at step two, the employee may submit the matter to the Town Supervisor. The grievance must be submitted, in writing, within seven calendar days from receiving the step two response or when the response should have been received.
(2) 
At this step, the grievance will specify the nature of the grievance, including the provision of the Employee Handbook that was allegedly violated and a statement of facts, times, dates and the remedy sought.
(3) 
Within seven calendar days after receiving the grievance, the Town Supervisor will investigate the matter and issue a written response, which will be given to the employee.
F. 
Appeal to Town Board (step four).
(1) 
In the event that the employee is not satisfied with the response at step three, the employee may submit the matter to the Town Board by filing a request for hearing with the Town Clerk. The request for hearing must be submitted, in writing, within seven calendar days from receiving the step three response or when the response should have been received.
(2) 
The Town Board will set the time and place for the hearing. All decisions rendered by the Town Board will be final and binding.
G. 
Right to representation. The employee will be allowed representation by counsel at the hearing or have the right to summon witnesses.
H. 
Time limits. The employee must adhere to the time limits set forth in this grievance procedure. In the event that the employee does not advance the grievance to the next step within the established time limit, the grievance will be considered withdrawn and no further appeal will be accepted. The time limits may be extended by mutual agreement, provided that the extension is in writing, dated and signed by the employee and the official who is to receive the grievance.