IS IT TRUE we asked George Fithian, PHR the Executive Director of Administrative Services for the City of Evansville to provide us with a copy of the employee handbook for our review? … Mr. Fithian honored our request in a timely manner? …Attached below is the response from Mr. Fihian concerning our request?
Dear Editor:
This letter is an additional response to your Request for Records dated October 15, 2015. This response is made pursuant to Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (“APRA”, IC 5-14-3). Enclosed is a copy of the City of Evansville’s Employee Handbook per that request.
However, we need to clarify two issues raised by the request itself.
First, we note the request contains what you may have intended it to be a single request, rather than two requests, because of certain assumptions you may have made. Your request first states you seek “a copy of pension/retirement benefits, sick leave and personal leave”, but then states “Just send me a copy of employee handbook.” It appears you assume the records satisfying the first part of the request (benefits and leave records) would be contained in the record satisfying the second part (employee handbook), which is not entirely true. The employee handbook does contain information about the sick and personal leave benefits. But it only references the pension or retirement benefit without providing any substantial detail, because those details are provided to employees by the Indiana Public Retirement System (“INPRS”), which administers various retirement programs including the Public Employee Retirement Fund (“PERF”). As such, if you in fact wish to request additional pension and retirement plan records not contained in the employee handbook, we might suggest directing that request to INPRS, although we will certainly respond to any request you send to us.
Second, please note that the employee handbook does not cover all City employees. Rather, it only applies to employees who are not part of a collective bargaining unit. The employees who are part of collective bargaining units would find the terms of their employment in their collective bargaining contracts.
Sincerely,
George Fithian, PHR
IS IT TRUE we have attached below a couple sections of the City of Evansville Employee Handbook we found interesting?
DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT POLICY STATEMENT
IS IT TRUE part of this section states that “It is the policy of the City of Evansville that all employees have the right to work in a professional atmosphere and be treated with respect and dignity. The City of Evansville expects all employees to be business like and free of bias,  prejudice, and harassment”. …its unfortunate that that the Employee Handbook doesn’t address how city employees should treat citizens of this community?  …later this week will give you documentation why we feel the Public Information Officer of the EPD not only censored but also discrimated against the CCO?  …we are in the process of filing a formal complaint against him with the Indiana Public Access Counselor and the EPD Merit Commission?
POLITICAL ACTIVITY
IS IT TRUE can you tell us how many current city employees has violated this section of the Employee Handbook?  …the City Employee Handbook states that; ” as an employee of the City of Evansville, you are entitled to exercise your rights as a citizen, to express your opinions, and to cast your vote.  As a public employee however, you may not engage in political activities during work hours.  You may not wear clothing or buttons demonstrating political affiliation.  Displaying stickers or other political items in your work area or on City property is also prohibited.  Failure to comply with this notice will subject you to the appropriate disciplinary action by your Supervisor.”
EMPLOYEE CONDUCT
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville Employee Handbook addresses Employee Conduct? Â …it states “Our goal is to provide quality service to the residents of the Evansville community. Your actions toward fellow employees and the general public directly affect the public’s perception of the City’s ability to effectively manage City services. Â You are expected to treat all employees and the general public with courtesy, fairness, and impartiality. There should be no intentional or unintentional conflicts between your interests and the interests of the general public.” Â …we look forward to hearing what our buddy George Lumley has to say about this policy listed in the City Employee Handbook?
IS IT TRUE the Employee Handbook states; “The City of Evansville expects our employees to conduct business according to the highest ethical standards of conduct. Â Employees are expected to devote their best efforts to the interests of the City of Evansville.” Â “A conflict of interest occurs when an employee’s private interest interferes or even appears to interfere in any way with the interest of the City.” Â “The existence of a conflict depends upon the circumstances, including the nature and relative importance of the interest involved. A conflict of interest may be present when an employee takes actions or has interests that impair the employee’s ability to performhis/her job duties objectively and effectively. Â A conflict of interest may occur when an employee improperly receives personal benefits as a result of his/her position with the City.” Â “An employee may not receive any payment, fees, services, vacations, or other unusual favors from any person or business organization that does or seeks to do business with the city. If an employee has any question whether an action or proposed course of conduct would create a conflict of interest, he/she should immediately contact their Supervisor or the Personnel Department to obtain advice on the issue”.
ANTI-NEPOTISM
IS IT TRUE that the Employee Handbook states; “The employment of relatives can cause various problems, including charges of favoritism, conflicts of interest, family discord, and scheduling conflicts that work to the disadvantage of both the City of Evansville and its employees”. Â “Therefore, immediate family may not be hired if employment would:
1. create a supervisor/subordinate relationship with a family member; have the potential for creating an adverse impact on work
3. create either an actual conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest”.
City of Evansville Handbook Revised February 2015
IS IT TRUEÂ CCO has posted the entire City of Evansville Handbook policies as revised in the February 2015?
IS IT TRUEÂ attached below is a link to the entire City of Evansville Employee Handbook for your review and comments?
Employee Handbook REVISED 2015
