Grievance Procedures and Instructions

File a Grievance

ADA Complaint/Grievances should be filed with the City’s ADA Coordinator or another authorized City representative within 60 days of the alleged disability-related discrimination.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided in completing the form, or alternative formats of the form will be provided.

Obtain and Submit Grievance Form

Options for Obtaining Grievance Form

There are several options for you to get a Grievance Form

  1. Submit the Grievance Procedure and Form to file your complaint online.
  2. Use the GoModesto App available for mobile devices from Apple Store or Google Play.
  3. Request by phone dial 209-577-5402 or TTY Users dial 7-1-1 (California Relay Service).
  4. All requests received will be entered into our electronic tracking system, Accela.

Investigations Conducted

A notice of receipt shall be sent via email from Accela or mailed to the complainant by registered mail within ten days of the receipt of the complaint or grievance (or acknowledged on the Go Modesto App), and the ADA Coordinator or another authorized representative shall begin an investigation into the merits of the complaint within 60 days. 

If necessary, the ADA Coordinator or another authorized representative may contact the complainant directly to obtain additional information or documentation relevant to the grievance. If the complainant does not wish to be contacted personally, he/she should indicate it on the ADA Complaint/Grievance Form in their GoModesto request or written request. 

Prepare Written Decision and Forward to the Complainant

The ADA Disability Coordinator shall prepare a written decision, after full consideration of the merits of the grievance no later than 75 days following the receipt of the grievance.  A copy of the written decision shall be emailed via Accela or mailed to the complainant by registered mail (or responded to on the Go Modesto App) no later than five days after preparation of the written decision.

Appeal Decision

If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the written decision, the Complainant may file a written appeal with the City Manager no later than 30 days from the date of the receipt of the decision. The appeal must contain a statement of the reasons for the appeal. A notice of receipt shall be emailed or mailed to the complainant by registered mail within five days of the receipt of the appeal.  The appeal reviewers shall act upon the appeal no later than 60 days after receipt, and a copy of the appeal reviewer’s written decision shall be mailed to the complainant by registered mail no later than five days after preparation of the decision.  The decision of the appeal reviewer shall be final.  

Grievance Confidentiality 

The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the confidentiality of all files and records relating to grievances filed, unless disclosure is authorized or required by law.  Any retaliation, coercion, intimidation, threat, interference or harassment of the filing of a grievance, or used to restrain a complainant from filing, is prohibited and should be reported immediately to the City Manager or his designee.