a. The personnel policies shall provide review procedures which may be initiated by an employee to resolve disputes which he/she sees to exist and to arise out of an application (1) of this chapter; (2) of the personnel policies; or (3) of the city's compensation plan.

The grievance procedure here provided for specifically does not apply to disputes arising out of disciplinary action (see Section 2.45.110) nor to claims of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, national origin, handicap or other such protected class as defined by state and federal law (see Chapter 2.69 of this title).

b. The personnel policies may provide for one or more steps or appeals in such review procedure, and may provide for instances in which steps or appeals may be omitted. The policies may provide time limitations and require that any request for review be made by the employee within a reasonable time and may otherwise provide for prompt and efficient management of such appeals.

c. No matter may be reviewed under the procedure provided for in this chapter if the matter may be grieved under a procedure provided for in a collective bargaining agreement or may be appealed to the Civil Service Commission under rules of the commission.

d. The personnel policies may provide for resolution of the grievance by the department head of any matter appealed under this section, but such resolution by the department head shall be subject to review and written confirmation by the personnel director. (Ord. M-2850 §12, 1989)