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ITEM 5.1. <br />fiver <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: City Council <br />FROM: Tina Allard, City Clerk <br />DATE: June 14, 2010 <br />SUBJECT: Communications Policy <br />Council is asked to consider the attached draft communications policy to help encourage and <br />assist employees in the responsible use of communication tools. This policy should help <br />facilitate better communication, increase interaction with the public, and provide <br />transparency of city government to those who do business with the city. <br />The policy discusses general communications such as handling media requests, how to speak <br />on behalf of the city, and general guidelines for employees to consider when personally <br />communicating with the public. The Policy also addresses the fast growing social media <br />segment of communications. <br />Council is asked to review the policy and provide any comments. <br />One point the Council should discuss is whether comments to walls and discussion board <br />should be allowed to be turned on (Number 13 in Exhibit A). Currently the city's social <br />media sites are allowing comments. <br />Primary purposes of social media are to encourage two-way communication and provide <br />information sharing in real time. I sent the draft policy out to various staff and the main <br />comments I received were that the comments/walls should be allowed. Some staff <br />comments: <br />Beneficial in helping to answer questions from citizens. <br />Can solicit immediate feedback or gauge public interest on a topic. <br />A free marketing tool and provides another level of customer service. <br />Council should also be aware of some of the following concerns/risks: <br />S:\Public Bodies\Council\Council RCA\Branding Program\Communications Policy.doc <br />