This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA").  It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City of Hickory (“City”).  The City’s Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.

The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request. The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:

Mailing Address:

Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator
City of Hickory
P.O. Box 398
Hickory, NC 28603
(828) 323-7442

Street Address: Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator
City of Hickory
76 N. Center St.
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 323-7442

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator or his/her designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions.  Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator or his/her designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape.  The response will explain the position of the City of Hickory and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.

If the response by the Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator or his/her designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, City of Hickory staff will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions.  Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the City will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.

All written complaints received by the Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator or his/her designee, and any appeals, will be retained by the City of Hickory for at least three years.

The ADA does not require the City of Hickory to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Complaints that a program, service, or activity of the City of Hickory is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator at (828)323-7442.