§ 2-215. Screening process.

In keeping with the city's goal to establish and maintain a work environment free from the effects of drugs and intoxicating substances, and to insure the safety of citizens, the work place and the work force, the following procedures as established:

(1)

For designated positions, applicants who have received an offer of employment must successfully complete a drug and alcohol detection test in addition to successful completion of any other physical examination requirements. A positive finding of alcohol or illegal drugs will result in denial of employment with the city.

(2)

Applicants for designated positions who do not submit to screening at the appointed time will be denied employment.

(3)

The safety director at the request of department heads, with input from the immediate supervisor, shall initiate drug or alcohol screening of employees involved in reportable incidents (see definitions) that result in injury to person or property, if there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse.

(4)

Drug or alcohol testing of employees may be initiated by department heads, when there is a reasonable suspicion that substance abuse is occurring. The safety director shall be consulted, if possible, before ordering a test.

(5)

For purposes of drug or alcohol testing under subsections (3) and (4) above, a determination of reasonable suspicion that a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol includes, but not limited to, any of the following criteria:

An employee seems disoriented; confirmed reports from police, citizens or other employees of drug or alcohol use or abnormal, potentially dangerous behavior, medical or physical information such as track marks; absenteeism or tardiness; any articulate facts which lead supervisors or department heads to believe an employee is in possession of drugs or alcohol; or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or the accumulation of facts that indicate an employee, because of alcohol or drug abuse, is unfit for duty. (The areas of observation listed in Exhibit B at the end of this article and by the reference made a part hereof, will be used as a guide for such determination.)

Drug or alcohol screening of applicants or employees will include any approved DOT test method. The consent form to be used for each such test is Exhibit C at the end of this article and by this reference made a part hereof. Any positive readings following urine testing will be confirmed by an alternative testing method before any management action is taken.

The tests designed to detect drugs most commonly abused. Listed below are nine (9) drug groups that are identified by the use of the test:

Alcohol

Amphetamines

Barbiturates

Cocaine/Metabolite

Methaqualone

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Opiates

Benzodiazepines

Cannabinoides (THC)

These drug groups were selected based on known abuse in the community and the ability of each drug to adversely affect physical and mental performance. As new or existing drugs develop into abuse problems, they shall be included in the screening when technically and financially feasible. All positive urine or blood samples will be retained by the laboratory for one (1) year, or longer if an appeal or court action is in process.

(Ord. No. 94-05, § 1, 11-17-05)