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• Generally, 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 �i�share the responsibility of earning and preserving
<br />the public's trust in the city. An employee's own personal communications, such as on social media, can
<br />have a significant impact on the public's belief that all city staff will carry out city functions faithfully 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 city
<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 entinr. 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 ��a
<br />lar�et audience than you intended. Use common sense when using email or social media sites. It
<br />is a good idea to refrain from sending or posting information or photos you would not want
<br />your boss or other employees to read, or you would be embarrassed to see in the newspaper.
<br />Keep in mind harassment, bullying, threats of violence, discrimination, or retaliation concerning
<br />a co-worker or between co-workers that would not be permissible in the workplace is not
<br />permissible online, e�=en 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, �=it�ec�t-ideo or audio that reasonably may be viewed as malicious, obscene,
<br />threatening or intimidating, disparaging, or might constitute harassment or bullying.
<br />■ If you publish something related to city business and there is potential for confusion whether
<br />you are speaking on behalf of the city, it would be best to identify yourself and use a disclaimer
<br />such as, "These are my own opinions and do not represent those of the City of E1k River."
<br />■ City resources, work time, or official city positions cannot be used for personal profit or business
<br />interests, or to participate in personal political activity.
<br />■ Personal social media account name or email names should not be tied to the city.
<br />Compensation
<br />Employees will be compensated according to the compensation plan approved by the City Council. The
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