Columbia Definitions ordinance (§ 19-4)

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated in this section:

Classification. A grouping of city positions which are substantially alike in duties and responsibilities and which require substantially the same qualifications.

Classified employee. An employee occupying a classified position.

Classified position. A position in the classified service.

Classified service. All government offices and positions (full- and part-time) not specifically placed in exempt or unclassified service by these policies and procedures.

Complaints. A written document filed:

(a) By the affected employee regarding any inequitable, unsafe, or malicious imposition upon an employee by a person associated with city government that alleges any violation of the terms and provisions of the existing personnel procedures; or

(b) By the affected employee regarding a dispute regarding the meaning, interpretation or application of personnel procedures; or

(c) By the affected collective bargaining group regarding a dispute regarding the meaning, interpretation or application of a collective bargaining agreement.

Complaint does not include any disciplinary action or the review of a job performance.

Confidential employee. Any public employee who works with or has access to information subject to use by the public employer in negotiating or who works in a close continuing relationship/capacity with public officers or representatives associated with negotiating on behalf of the employer.

Curtailment of work. A situation in which the need for the employee's services are no longer required because the city no longer performs the function to which the employee was assigned, to the degree that the same number of employees are needed.

Disciplinary review. A review requested by the employee of written discipline submitted to the human resources department other than suspension without pay, dismissal or disciplinary demotion.

Domestic partner. A person who has resided together with an employee for at least six (6) months and each intend for the person to continue to reside with the employee and to share the common necessities of life. Domestic partners must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, mentally competent to contract, and not related by blood to the employee closer than would bar marriage in the State of Missouri. Neither the employee nor the domestic partner may be married to any person.

Exempt service. Officers, appointments and positions of the city that are exempt from the provisions of this chapter unless specifically provided otherwise. The following are in the exempt service: city council members; city manager; municipal judge; city clerk; members of boards and commissions, and committees; volunteer and other personnel who serve without pay; medical director; and consultants and counsel rendering temporary professional service.

Grievance. Any dispute regarding any discipline involving suspension without pay, dismissal or disciplinary demotion.

Lack of funds. A situation in which the city is forced to drop positions because it does not have the funds to pay the salaries of the incumbent employees.

Overtime rate. The overtime rate is the rate of pay equal to one and one-half times the regular rate of pay.

Pay status. An employee is in pay status when the employee is on duty or on an authorized paid leave and not on leave without pay.

Permanent employees. A permanent appointment is one made to a position created without intent of limitation, and intended to exist for at least one budget year. A permanent appointment may be for a full-time position or a part-time position. In order to be considered a permanent appointment, a part-time position shall be specifically planned, approved and budgeted for a minimum of one thousand forty (1,040) hours per year.

Personnel procedures. Ordinance requirements under chapter 19; city manager's administrative rules issued under section 19-27; departmental rules issued under section 19-22 and applicable to the employee or the collective bargaining unit recognized under section 19-25.

Position. A unit of duties and responsibilities to be carried out by one employee, normally on a full work-year basis.

Probationary period. The period of time (either six (6), twelve (12) or eighteen (18) months as established in section 19-192) following initial placement in a city position, and regarded as an integral part of the examination process and which shall be utilized for closely observing the employee's work, for securing the most effective adjustment of a new employee to the position, and for replacing any employee whose performance does not meet the required work standards. An employee who has not successfully completed a probationary period and/or extension thereof shall not have access to grievance or appeal privileges.

Protected category. Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, receipt of governmental assistance, alienage or citizenship status, status as a survivor of sexual or domestic violence, order of protection status, or source of income as these terms are

defined in section 12-32 of this code, and any other protected category recognized under federal, state or local law. For purposes of this definition, sex discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, discrimination because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. For purposes of chapter 19, protected category also includes creed, age, and political affiliation.

Qualifying period. The period of time (either six (6), twelve (12) or eighteen (18) months as established in section 19-192) following transfer or promotion from one classification to another within city service, subsequent to the completion of a probationary period, shall be regarded as an integral part of the examination process and shall be utilized for closely observing the employee's work, for securing the most effective adjustment of a transferred or promoted employee to the position, and for replacing any employee whose performance does not meet the required work standards. An employee who has completed a probationary period and is serving a qualifying period shall have grievance/complaint appeal privileges except in matters relating to the employee's status in the position in which the employee is serving the qualifying period.

Supervisory employee. Any individual having the authority in the interest of the employer to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline other public employees, or to adjust their grievances, or effectively to recommend such actions, if in connection with the foregoing, exercise of such authority is not merely of a routine or clerical nature, but requires the use of independent judgment.

Temporary employees. Those individuals retained by the city on a limited, indefinite basis with the intention of limiting their total number of hours worked as provided in this chapter.

Unclassified employee. An employee occupying an unclassified position.

Unclassified position. A position in the unclassified service.

Unclassified service. The following offices and positions are in the unclassified service: All department heads; all assistant department heads; deputy city manager; assistant city manager; deputy city counselor; prosecutor; assistant city counselor; assistant city prosecutor, internal auditor; sustainability manager; assistant fire chief; deputy fire chief; assistant police chief; deputy police chief; deputy city clerk; city management fellowship; cultural affairs manager; municipal court administrator; deputy court administrator; diversity, equity and inclusion administrator; communications and creative services manager; assistant to the city manager; administrative services manager; contact center and engagement manager; violence prevention administrator; executive assistant; airport manager.