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All news releases concerning city personnel will be the responsibility of the city administrator.
<br />When the city administrator authorizes an employee to communicate on behalf of the city in interviews,
<br />publications, news releases, on social media sites, and related communications, employees must:
<br />• Identify themselves as representing the city. Account names on social media sites must be clearly
<br />connected to the city and approved by the city administrator.
<br />• Be respectful, professional, and truthful when providing information. Only factual information
<br />(not opinions or editorial comments) 4touldshall be provided. Corrections must be issued when
<br />needed.
<br />• GenerallL not include personal opinions in official city statements. Employees who have been
<br />approved to use social media sites on behalf of the city should seek assistance from the city
<br />administrator on this topic.
<br />• Notify the city administrator if they will be using their personal technology (cell phones, home
<br />computer, cameras, etc.) for city business. Employees should be aware that data transmitted or
<br />stored may be subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
<br />Personal Communications and Use of Social Media
<br />It is important for employees to remember that their personal communications may reflect on the city,
<br />especially if employees are commenting on city business or commenting on issues that implicate their city
<br />employment. As city representatives, employees share in the responsibility of earning and preserving the
<br />public's trust in the city. An employee's own personal communications, such as on social media, can have
<br />a significant impact on the public's belief that all city staff will cam out city functions faithf I4 and
<br />impartially and without regard to factors such as race, sex/gender, religion, national origin, disability,
<br />sexual orientation, or other protected categories. Nonpersonal communications (performed within one's
<br />job duties) to members of the public must always be professional. The following guidelines apply to
<br />personal communications, including various forms such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs
<br />YouTube, etc.). letters to the editor of newspapers, and personal endorsements:
<br />■ Do not share private or confidential information you have access to as a result of your
<br />Position.
<br />■ Any personal communications made on a matter of public concern must not disrupt the
<br />efficiency of the city's operation, including by negatively affecting morale. Public comments must
<br />not undermine any city department's ability to effectively serve the public. Disruptive personal
<br />communications can include liking or republishing(,sharing/retweeting) a social media post of
<br />another individual or entity. The city can act on the personal communication that violates this
<br />policy without waiting for the actual disruption.
<br />■ Remember what you write, or post cannot easily be undone. It may also be spread to larger
<br />audience than you intended. Use common sense when using email or social media sites. It is a
<br />good idea to refrain from sending or posting information or photos you would not want your
<br />boss or other employees to read, or you would be embarrassed to see in the newspaper. Keep in
<br />mind harassment, bullying, threats of violence, discrimination, or retaliation concerning a co-
<br />worker or between co-workers that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible
<br />online, even if it is done after hours, from home and on home computers.
<br />■ The city expects its employees to be fair, courteous, and respectful to supervisors, co-workers,
<br />citizens, customers, and other persons associated with the city. Avoid using statements,
<br />photographs, video or audio that reasonably may be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or
<br />intimidating, disparaging, or might constitute harassment or bullying,
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