Gary William Political Activity Notice

Notice to Ogden City Employees:

There have been several recent reports of City employees making derogatory or disrespectful comments about the City, including the Administration or City Council, supervisors, managers or co-workers, in the course of performing their employment duties. Please be advised that such statements may be subject to disciplinary action.

Being a public employee does not eliminate your rights as a citizen to comment on matters of public concern, even if such matters involve your employer, the City. Therefore, your status as a city employee does not prevent you from commenting as a citizen on a matter of public concern in city council meetings, letters to the editor, citizen meetings, etc., even though your comments may involve City government. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that when a City employee is speaking in the scope of their employment, the City has the right to discipline the employee for statements that may discredit the City or its management or conflict with the City’s policies, goals or interests.

Derogatory and disrespectful statements made pursuant to your employment in the workplace at Ogden City may be subject to disciplinary action, as described in the following provisions of the Ogden City Employee Policy Manual, section 9-6.B:

§9-6.B. Behavior Resulting In Disciplinary Action: In addition to the policies outlined in this manual, the following behavior or conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment:

3. Violations of applicable departmental rules and procedures. . . .

7. Behavior or activity which reflects an intent to be dishonest or untruthful.

8. Insubordination or disrespectful conduct or language toward members of the public, superiors or other employees.

9. Actions which serve to discredit the name, reputation or public mission or interest of the city. . . .

11. Boisterous or disruptive activity in the workplace; behavior or activity which serves to create disharmony or a disorderly environment without regard for the interest of the city in conducting its business in an efficient, effective and orderly manner. . . .

17. Unsatisfactory performance or conduct.

Please take care that your workplace conduct and statements do not violate the above performance standards.

I request that supervisors provide a copy of this notice to any employee who does not have email access.

Gary R. Williams
Ogden City Attorney
2549 Washington Blvd., Suite 840