HomeMy WebLinkAboutCode of Conduct Policy - Approved1
Title: Code of Conduct Policy
Date of Current Version: March 2019
Replaces Version: April 2012
Background
The Center encourages broad-based community participation in a welcoming environment. A Code of
Conduct Policy has been established to ensure that each person visiting The Center has an enjoyable
experience that is not disrupted by the behavior or actions of others. This policy identifies prohibited
behaviors likely to infringe on the enjoyment of other people and the consequences of any violations of
the policy.
Code of Conduct Policy
1. Conduct that interferes with the rights of individuals to use Center services in a safe and secure
environment is prohibited. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Committing or attempting to commit any activity that would constitute a violation of any
federal, state, or local criminal law or ordinance on City of Iowa City property.
b. Willfully annoying, harassing, or threatening another person.
c. Sexual, physical, or other harassment.
d. Possessing, consuming, selling, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or other
substances.
i. Any use of alcohol on the premises must adhere to The Center’s alcohol policy.
e. Soliciting, panhandling, or unlicensed gambling inside the building.
f. Impeding access to the building or an area of the building.
g. Leaving personal items in the building unless properly stored and secured in a rented
locker. The Center assumes no responsibility for any belongings left unattended.
h. Improper use of another person’s membership card.
i. Entering non-public or locked areas of the building unless accompanied by a staff person
or with prior authorization from a staff member.
j. Intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing any materials, equipment or property
belonging to The Center, visitors, participants, or staff.
2. No person may carry into The Center a dangerous weapon as defined in Section 702.7 of the
Iowa Code with the following exceptions: a) any peace officer; b) any member of the Armed
Services or National Guard; c) a correctional officer; and d) a person who has been issued a permit
to carry a weapon under Sections 724.11 and .11A of the Iowa Code.
3. The Center endeavors to provide a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Center
users are expected to treat each other respectfully and behave in a manner that does not
disrupt other participants or Center programing and services. Prohibited conduct includes, but is
not limited to, the following:
a. Using profane, obscene, or abusive language.
b. Behaving in a loud, boisterous, or disruptive manner that is not solely caused by a
disability.
c. Fighting or challenging to fight, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
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d. Campaigning, petitioning, interviewing, survey taking, soliciting, and selling unless
previously reviewed and authorized by the coordinator or designee.
e. Taking pictures or videos of people, except at public events, unless authorized by the
coordinator (or designee) and by the patrons involved or parents of minor children.
4. Participants are expected to support staff efforts to maintain a healthy and clean environment.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products in or on the grounds of any City
of Iowa City property, including The Center and Tower Place Parking Garage. Smoking is
allowed inside private vehicles parked in the Tower Place Parking Garage.
b. Consuming food or beverages in the computer lab.
c. Consuming food or beverages in a manner that creates an unclean environment,
disrupts other patrons, or is harmful or potentially harmful to The Center’s resources.
d. Bodily hygiene that is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other persons.
e. Bringing animals into the Senior Center, with the exception of service animals and those
allowed during special programs.
Enforcement
1. Individuals who fail to observe The Center’s Code of Conduct Policy may be asked to leave The
Center and surrounding property, be expelled from The Center for a period of time, be subject
to arrest or other lawful action.
2. Levels of progressive discipline shall be followed.
a. First offense: Warning
b. Second offense: Expelled for 1 day
c. Third offense: Expelled for a period of days up to 1 year
d. Fourth offense: Expelled for 1 year
3. The Coordinator may skip levels of progressive discipline depending on the situation and the
nature of the violations.
4. Center staff and/or Iowa City Police Department will intervene to stop prohibited activities and
behaviors.
5. Security cameras are located in public areas of The Center to protect the safety and security of
people, the building, and its contents. Cameras are monitored as needed.
Appealing Disciplinary Action
1. Individuals who have been cited for violations of the Code of Conduct Policy have the right to
appeal all levels of disciplinary action.
Administration
The policy is administered by the coordinator or designee. All staff members shall intervene if violations
of the Code of Conduct Policy are taking place in their presence or currently in progress.
Approved by the Senior Center Commission on: April 18, 2019