Vehicle fleet policy to be introduced at Mandeville City Council meeting

Along with a new credit card policy and travel policy, the Mandeville City Council is scheduled to introduce the new vehicle fleet policy at Thursday night’s council meeting.

In an effort to solidify work standards and operational guidelines, council members have been hard at work revising several of the city’s policies since the legislative audit released two weeks ago uncovered questionable usage of city-issued credit cards and vehicles among employees and elected officials.

The eight-page vehicle fleet policy recently drafted by city officials and currently undergoing scrutiny by council members is made up of seven categories including the Driver Selection and Retention Procedures, Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Procedures, Use of City Vehicles, Emergency Procedures, Driver Rules for the Road, Driver conduct at an Accident Scene and Proper Accident Investigation, and the City Alcohol and Drug Policy.

One major topic found in the audit that possibly violates state law concerned the personal use of city vehicles. According to the new vehicle fleet policy, personal use of city vehicles is permitted but considered a “privilege extended only to authorized employees.” The mayor and department heads are listed as the only employees authorized for personal use.

However, the policy restricts passengers from riding in the vehicle, stating, “unauthorized passengers will result in immediate termination.”

The policy also states city drivers with two or more “type B” traffic violations, which among other things includes speeding, careless driving and failure to yield, are not eligible to drive a city vehicle. Drivers who receive a citation for a “type A” violation, which includes among other things DWI and DUI, reckless driving and excessive speeding, are subject to disciplinary action, including termination.

“This includes citations received in personal vehicles during off-duty hours,” according to the policy.

After any accident, the policy mandates a drug test be administered immediately after the accident. “Delay in reporting will result in termination.”

Mayor Pro Tem Trilby Lenfant and other council members declined to disclose any amendments they were considering making to the policy but did say it would be discussed at tomorrow night’s meeting.