HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-2002 City of WInter Springs - General # 1193 Internet Use - City's Tuition Assistance ProgramBROWN, WARD, SALZMAN & WEISS, P.A.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Usher L. Brown •
Suzanne D' Agresta
Anthony A. Garganese°
Gary S. Salzman*
John H. Ward •
Jeffrey S. Weiss
Debra S. Babb
Jeffrey P. Buak
Alfred Truesdell
Joseph E. Blitch
Scott D. Danahy
Brett A. Marlowe
Cheyenne R. Young
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
° Board Certified Business Litigation Lawyer
Board Certified City, County & Local Government Law
April 18, 2002
Joanne Dalka
Information Services Manager
City of Winter Springs
1126 East S. R. 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Re: City of Winter Springs - General # 1193
Internet Use - City's Tuition Assistance Program
Dear Joanne:
Two Landmark Center
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 660
Post Office Box 2873
Orlando, FL 32802-2873
(407) 425-9566
(407) 425-9596 FAX
Email: agarganese@orlandolaw.net
Website: www.orlandolaw.net
Cocoa: 866-425-9566
I am in receipt of your April 8, 2002, e-mail. In that e-mail, you are forwarding to me an
inquiry from Bob Beck. In general, Mr. Beck is asking whether a City employee can use the City's
internet system on his own time for conducting research associated with a college class. The
employee is eligible for reimbursement for that class under the Employee Self -Improvement and
Educational Program set forth in Section 37 of the City's Employment Manual C'Program").
Under the Program, the City has established a policy that encourages all regular, full-time City
employees to participate in the City's educational program. The Program recognizes courses for job
improvement and in-service training. The City will generally reimburse the employee's tuition under
the Program.
Joanne Dalka, Information Services Manager
April 18, 2002
Page 2
The City's Computer Use Policy states that the City's computers "shall be used to promote
the City's mission, goals, and objectives." Further, the City's electronic systems "may be used for
research, business communications, and other uses relevant to City business."
An employee's participation in the Program furthers the City's policy ofproviding job -related
educational opportunities to employees. As such, participation in the Program is relevant to City
business. Accordingly, I am of the opinion that City employees may use the City's internet system
for research related to course assignments under the Program. The employee must, however, comply
with the provisions of the Computer Use Policy including, but not limited to, avoiding "unacceptable
uses" and "distractions that prevent employees from getting their work done."
I trust this letter is responsive to your inquiry. Please call should you have any questions.
Ve tru y yours,
Anthony A. Garganese
City Attorney
AAG:jf
cc: Ron McLemore, City Manager