means of communication are not readily available.

1. 1.

   The assignment of a cellular phone to an employee shall be determined by the City Manager upon recommendation of a Department Head and such assignment may be withdrawn at any time.

2. 2.

   Cellular phones are to be used in the conduct of official City business. However, the City recognizes that there may be instances where de minimis personal use of a cellular phone is appropriate. In those instances, the use of a City-issued cellular phone must be kept to a minimum and must not interfere with the conduct of City business.

3. 3.

   All City-issued cellular phones remain the property of the City of Oakwood.

4. 4.

   All users shall receive training in the proper use of a cellular phone.

5. 5.

   Cellular phones lost or damaged through employee negligence shall be replaced or repaired at the expense of the employee.

6. 6.

   The use of cellular phones to transmit or receive inappropriate communications is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Inappropriate communications include, but are not limited to: discriminatory, hostile, obscene, harassing or otherwise inappropriate language and content.

7. 7.

   By reviewing monthly schedules of cellular phone activity, Department Heads shall be responsible for making sure that cellular phones are being used in a manner consistent with this policy.

8. 8.

   All city employees are expected to drive with safety as the first consideration. This includes driving safely while operating cellular telephones. Recommendations for safe handling of vehicle – based calling from the wireless connections industry include the following:

   1. A.

      When driving, use voice-activated dialing, or have frequently called number pre-programmed into the device, or consider pulling off the road to dial (or ask a passenger to dial).

   2. B.

      Do not use the wireless communication device at all if there are hazardous road or traffic conditions.

   3. C.

      Avoid multiple tasks where driving, such as trying to take notes while using a wireless communications device.

9. 9.

   Failure to comply with the provisions outlined herein may result in the temporary or permanent suspension of cellular phone privileges, or other appropriate disciplinary action.