SR-1000-001-03
BBB:TD:JBC:SG:rla:f:\trans\admin\council\drugpo32.doc.rtf Santa Monica, California
Council Meeting: February 27, 2001
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Adopt a Revised Alcohol and Anti-Drug Program
Policy for the Big Blue Bus
INTRODUCTION
This report recommends that the City Council adopt a revised Alcohol and Anti-Drug
Program Policy for the Big Blue Bus.
BACKGROUND
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus first established drug test procedures twenty years ago for
its motor coach operators. In 1994, the program was revised in response to changes in
Federal guidelines, including a mandate that the program include random testing of
employees. In April 1998, the program was again revised to accommodate changes in
Federal regulations and interpretation.
DISCUSSION
Based on experience with the drug test program, staff and the United Transportation
Union (UTU), representing the City’s motor coach operators, determined that the
program needed to be adjusted to minimize misinterpretation and clarify consequences
of policy violations. As a result of meeting and conferring, the drug policy is unchanged
and the disciplinary procedures have been clarified. The clarifications should minimize
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misinterpretation, while clearly setting out the consequences of violating the policy. The
program allows most employees one chance to visit the employee assistance program.
A second positive drug screen will subject the employee to termination. Other behavior,
such as a related preventable accident, would warrant immediate termination.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT
Adoption of this policy has no financial impact and preserves the system’s eligibility for
Federal funding.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the revised Alcohol and Anti-Drug
Program Policy for the Big Blue Bus.
Prepared by: John B. Catoe, Jr., Director of Transit Services
Stephanie Negriff, General Manager - Operations
Robert Ayer, Transit Services Manager
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