Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 10, 1994 TAG: 9408100059
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By LEIGH ANNE LARANCE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
City Attorney John "Bunny" Spiers Jr. drafted the seven-page policy. It defines harassment as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature" that could interfere with job performance or negatively affect the work place.
"I don't mind telling you that identifying sexual harassment is a ticklish situation," Spiers told the council.
The new policy details how sexual harassment will be reported, investigated and resolved. Employees who violate the policy could face dismissal.
In addition to providing written copies to current and prospective employees, council members agreed that supervisors should meet with workers to explain the policy and its implications.
The council delayed adopting an ordinance creating a permanent commission to oversee the city's annual Cleanin' 'n' Greenin' spring cleanup and advise the council on environmental policies. Council wants to review the name and mission of the group.
Near the end of the meeting, the Rev. Tom Magri of St. Jude's Catholic Church presented a petition with more than 300 names of parishioners and residents urging the council to implement curb-side recycling in the city. When Magri explained that the petition was the work of a parish committee on the environment, he was asked to submit the name of one committee member as a candidate for appointment to the commission.
In other business, council members:
Approved a resolution amending the Pepper's Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority user agreement and rules and regulations. The changes bring the agreement in line with new laws and regulations, Spiers said.
Authorized the staff to find a firm to conduct real estate reassessments. The assessments would be effective in 1996.
Delayed consideration of a contract with Virginia Election Services Inc. until the next meeting. Council members had questions about the increased cost of hiring a technician to monitor the voting machines.
OK'd the Radford Recreation, Parks, Playground Commission's request for a restricted fund established in conjunction with a $5 increase in youth registration fees. Rather than being deposited in the city's general fund, the extra money will go in the restricted fund and be used for sports equipment and costs associated with increasing participation.
Approved the sale of a surplus 1975 fire truck to the Simmonsville Volunteer Fire Department for $4,000. Although the truck is estimated to be worth $5,000, City Manager Robert Asbury, who was out of town and did not attend Monday's meeting, recommended it be sold to the cash-strapped Craig County department at the lower price as "a goodwill gesture."
Authorized downtown merchants' use of four city blocks for sidewalk displays promoting local goods and services Aug. 20-22, when many Radford University students return for the fall semester. Main Street Radford is coordinating the event.
by CNB