003-13 - Resolution - Establishing a Social Media PolicyIntroduced by:
Requested by:
Drafted by:
Introduced:
Adopted:
RESOLUTION NO. 003-13
City Clerk
Public Works
City Clerk
September10,2013
September10,2013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD,
WASHINGTON THEREBY ESTABLISHING A SOCIAL MEDIA
POUCY
WHEREAS, some departments have expressed an interest in creating a City
Facebook or Twitter account as another way to inform the public of City business; and
WHEREAS, at the October 16, 2012, Work Study Session, a presentation on
Social media was presented to the Council. Council directed staff to create a Social
Media Policy; and
WHEREAS, At the February 19, 2013, Council meeting, Council asked staff for
more time to review the policy; and
WHEREAS, at the August 20, 2013, Council work study session meeting,
Council directed staff to revise the Social Media policy to state there will only be a one way
conversation and no discussion boards; now, therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD HEREBY
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
THAT: the attached Exhibit A establishes the Social Media Policy.
PASS ED by the City Council of the City of Port Orchard, APPROVED by the
Mayor and attested by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage this 10th day of
September 2013.
,£~~(!~
Timothy C. Matthes, Mayor
ATTEST:
Exhibit A
1.0 PURPOSE
City of Port Orchard
Social Media Policy
This policy is to provide guidelines and define individual and departmental
responsibilities for the use of social media, such as Facebook and/or Twitter.
The purpose of social media is to inform as many citizens of City business in an effective
and efficient manner. This will build a stronger community, by providing citizens a
better understanding of their government.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
Blog: A self-published diary or commentary on a particular topic that may allow visitors
to post responses, redactions, or comments.
Content: Any text, metadata, QR codes, digital recordings, videos, graphics, photos,
and links on approved sites.
Employee: Elected officials and personnel appointed to a position (regular, temporary,
or volunteer) of service with the City.
Employer: The City of Port Orchard
Page: The specific portion of a social media website where content is displayed, and
managed by an individual or individuals with administrator rights.
Post: Content that an individual shares on a social media site or the act of publishing
content on a site.
Profile: Information that a user provides about himself or herself on a social
networking site.
Public Record: Any writing containing information relating to the conduct of
government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared,
owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or
characteristics (RCW 42.56.010(2)).
Social Media Coordinator: A City of Port Orchard employee who has been
designated to oversee the City's social media program.
Social Media Representative: A City of Port Orchard employee who has been
trained in the Social Media Policy and who has been designated to establish and/ or
maintain a social media account on behalf of their department. A representative must be
identified before the City department can use social media.
Social Media I Web 2.0: Internet-based technology communication tools with a
focus on immediacy, interactivity, user participation and information sharing. Examples
include, but are not limited to: forums; weblogs; wikis; social networking,
Social Media Policy
Page 1 of 7
Exhibit A
communication, and bookmarking sites; podcasts; photo or video sharing sites; and
real-time web communication sites/systems.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of the Social Media Coordinator to train the Social Media
Representatives, determine the content provided on the social media sites is subject to
records retention requirements, assign and maintain a list of logins and passwords, and
to oversee the City's social media program generally in order to ensure the City's social
media activities adhere to the guidelines set forth herein.
It is the responsibility of Social Media Representatives to read and adhere to relevant
policies, to maintain archival data, maintain current accurate information via City social
media platforms, and to ensure that the City is being appropriately represented. (see
City's Personnel Policies Manual Chapter 10.1)
It is the responsibility of Department Directors or designees to enforce this policy, to
ensure that relevant City standards are met, and to ensure that the use of social media
platforms meets the City's business needs. It is also the responsibility of Department
Directors or designees to review and make decisions regarding the approval and
distribution of information on social media platforms.
It is the responsibility of the LAN Technician/ IT Manager to grant access to technology
resources to appropriate staff.
It is the responsibility of Human Resources to integrate the policy into new employee
training, orientation, and ongoing training of City work rules and policies.
4.0 POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Social media platforms must comply with applicable federal, state, and city laws,
regulations and policies. This includes adherence to established laws and policies
regarding copyright, public records, records retention, First Amendment rights, privacy
and security laws, and conduct policies established by the City of Port Orchard.
The best, most appropriate uses of social media platforms for the City of Port Orchard
fall into two general categories: as channels for disseminating time-sensitive
information as quickly as possible (i.e., emergency information); and as marketing or
promotional channels which increase the City's ability to deliver its messages to the
widest possible audience.
4.1 Designation of Social Media Coordinator and Social Media Representatives
The Public Records Officer is hereby designated as the Social Media Coordinator for the
City. As such, he/she is responsible for coordinating the activities of Social Media
Social Media Policy
Page 2 of7
Exhibit A
Representatives and overseeing the social media program generally pursuant to Section
3.0 above.
Each Department Director will designate at least one Social Media Representative for
the department, who is responsible for providing and updating content and information
posted on the social media site(s) pursuant to Section 3.0 above.
4.2 Request for Creation of Social Media Site
All requests for official City of Port Orchard social media sites are subject to review and
approval by the Mayor. To request a new social media site, a Social Media Approval
form (Appendix C) must be submitted to the Mayor.
4.3 Terms of Service
Typically, a Terms of Service (TOS) agreement is associated with the use of third-party
social media tools. Each social media site usually requires users to accept a TOS
agreement specific to that site.
a. In order to avoid violations, the Social Media Coordinator in conjunction with
the City Attorney, will review the most current TOS prior to implementing any
new social media site.
b. The Social Media Coordinator in conjunction with the City Attorney will review
significant amendments made to the TOS for any sites currently used by the
City, to determine whether these amendments contradict City policy.
c. If the TOS appears to contradict City policy, the Social Media Coordinator will
notify the Mayor, who will determine whether the use of such social media site
is appropriate.
4.4 Access, User Names, and Passwords
Requests for social media sites or account changes (including, but not limited to adding
or removing a social media sites, creating new user accounts, and changing permissions)
must be submitted using the Social Media Approval form (Appendix C).
a. Each Social Media Representative authorized to access and update a social
media site must have a unique user account. Multiple Social Media
Representatives will not share a generic login, and Social Media
Representatives may not share their login or passwords with other staff
members, volunteers, or others who update the social media site. Upon
separation of the Social Media Representative, the Social Medial Coordinator
will be responsible for changing the login and password.
b. Each social media user account will be set up in conjunction with an official
City e-mail account for the purposes of privacy, security, and records retention.
c. The Social Media Coordinator will maintain a list of all City social media sites,
logins, and passwords. As needed, she/he may create administrative user
accounts to enable the City to change account settings and to immediately add,
edit, or remove content from social media sites. (see City's Personnel Policies
Manual Chapter 9.3 (C))
Social Media Policy
Page 3 of 7
Exhibit A
4 . .5 Site Maintenance, Format and Content
4.5.01 Official Website
The City of Port Orchard's official website (www.cityofportorchard.us) will
remain the City's primary and predominant internet presence.
a. Prior to posting information/ content on a social media site, the Social Media
Representative must have posted the information/content the City's official
website. (see also section 4.7)
b. All social media posts will include a link back to the City's official website.
4.5.02 Language
Content provided by the City on social media sites should avoid the use of
abbreviations, jargon, acronyms, or slang iterations. Although social media sites
are often more casual than other communication tools, they still represent the
City and should maintain a professional image (see Personnel Policies Manual
Chapter 9.3(B)).
4.5.03 Site Standards & Templates
For consistency and ease of use, the City's social media sites will use approved
names, official titles, and the official City logo in the header/main page whenever
possible.
4 . .5.04 Equal Access
Social Media sites requiring membership or subscription to view content should
be avoided. Security settings should be as open as possible to allow the public to
view content without requiring membership or login. When posting information
on a social media site that requires membership or subscription, the City will
provide an alternate source for the information so those who are not members
may have equal access.
4 . .5.05 Updates and Maintenance
A social media platform, like any communication resource, must be updated
regularly to ensure the information provided is current, accurate, and useful.
Social Media Representatives are responsible for maintaining social media sites
by viewing and updating them as necessary and appropriate. As a general rule of
thumb, social media site content should be updated at least once per week.
4.5.06 Commenting and Discussions
Commenting and/ or discussion boards are prohibited, unless approved by the
City Council.
4.5.07 Disclaimers
Users of the City's social media sites shall be notified that the intended purpose of
the site is to serve as a mechanism for communication between City departments
and members of the public.
Social Media Policy
Page 4 of 7
Exhibit A
a. All social media sites must include a general disclaimer regarding
public records and external links. (see Appendix A)
4.6 Appropriate Use
All City of Port Orchard presences on social media platforms are considered an
extension of the City's Personnel Policies Manual.
Approved Social Media Representatives are permitted to access and maintain approved
City social media accounts during regular work hours and/ or using City equipment.
Employees representing the City via social media platforms must conduct themselves at
all times as representatives of the City of Port Orchard. Employees who fail to conduct
themselves in an appropriate manner are subject to the disciplinary procedures outlined
in applicable City's Personnel Policies Manual Chapter 9-4).
a. When posting information on the City's or another agency's social media site,
the Social Media Representative must identify themselves by full name, title,
agency, and contact information, and shall address issues only within the
scope of their specific authorization.
b. All content posted by the Social Media Representative on the City's social
media sites should be true and not misleading and all claims should be
substantiated. In the event inaccurate information is posted on the City's
social media sites it should be removed as soon as discovered and a public
correction should be made.
c. If employees exchange information on the City's or another agency's social
media site, but are not authorized to speak on behalf of the City, they must
clarify that they are presenting information on their own behalf and that they
do not represent the position of the City.
4.7 Public Records Act Compliance
Any public records created through the use of social media platforms are subject to State
and Local public records laws and records retention requirements. (see Disclaimers,
Appendix A)
Each City-sponsored social media site must clearly indicate that any articles or other
content posted or submitted for posting are subject to public disclosure laws.
Original content shall not be created via social media platforms. All information posted
on the City's social media sites shall be first provided on the City's official website
and/ or in another readily available format, such as a public notice or press release
posted at City buildings and/or the newspaper. According to Washington State public
records retention requirements, the City is not required to maintain secondary copies of
records (see Appendix B).
An original record is created when unique information related to City businesses is
posted on social media sites, which are not provided via the City's official website or in
Social Media Policy
Page 5 of 7
Exhibit A
another format, and are, therefore, subject to the Public Records Act and records
retention requirements. Examples of original records that may be created through use of
social media sites include, but are not limited to:
a. Account information (user names, passwords, etc.);
b. Listings of social media site 'friends,' 'followers,' 'fans,' etc.;
c. Information posted to social media sites that was not first provided via the
City's official website, press release, or other format.
All social media content with public records value must be maintained for the minimum
required retention period in an easily accessible format that preserves the integrity of
the original record to the extent possible. The Social Media Representative should refer
to the most recent versions of the Washington State approved Records Retention
Schedules for applicable records retention requirements. In general, the majority of
content provided by the City on social media sites must be retained for at least two years
(see Appendix B). Various methods may be employed to retain public records created on
social media sites. Options include:
a. Archiving Software/Service: The City may use software or service designed to
capture content from social media sites for retention and retrieval;
b. E-mail: Updates, comments and account change notifications are sent to a City
email account created for this purpose and retained as described in this
section;
c. Website Capture: Web capture tools may be used to capture snapshots of City's
social media sites in their native format, such as the Washington State Digital
Archives website capturing program; or
d. PDF Format: Staff may convert social media pages to PDF format, and the PDF
files saved for retention purposes. This option retains the content and
formatting (look and feel) of the original web page.
4.8 Privacy and Security
See the City's Personnel Policies Manual Chapter 9.3 (c) for information related to
pnvacy.
Employees should not include personally identifiable information about themselves or
others, such as Social Security Numbers, personal phone numbers, email addresses, or
home address via official City social media sites. As a security measure, Social Media
Representatives shall not use the same password used in their personal accounts as the
City's password.
Employees may not post any content involving or related to any of the following:
a. Items that are involved in litigation or that could be involved in future
litigation;
b. Violates copyright license agreements;
c. Promotes or advertises any political campaign or ballot measure;
d. Can be used for or to promote any illegal activity;
Social Media Policy
Page 6 of 7
Exhibit A
e. Promotes or solicits for an outside organization or group unless authorized by
the Mayor;
f. Defamatory, libelous, combative, offensive, disparaging, demeaning, or
threatening materials related to any person or group; or
g. Personal, private, sensitive or confidential information of any kind.
Social Media Policy
Page 7 of7
Exhibit A
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Appendix A: Disclaimers
General Disclaimer: For use on all social media sites/platforms.
Disclaimers: All comments or other content posted to this site may be considered public records and
be subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). When
you select a link to an outside website, you are leaving the City of Port Orchard and are subject to
the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of that site. The City is not responsible for
transmissions users receive from external websites. Reference to any specific commercial products,
processes or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation by the City of Port Orchard or its employees.
Exhibit A
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
APPENDIX B: Records Retention Requirements
Excerpted from Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) Version 3.0 (Nov 2012).
Refer to the most recent version of the approved Records Retention Schedules for retention requirements.
Disposition Retention and
Authority Disposition
Description of Records Number Action Designation
Secondary (Duplicate) Copies GSS0-02-04 Retain until no Non-archival
Copies of records (created or received), provided that the agency Rev.1 longer needed Non-essential
retains the primary record in accordance with the current for agency OFM
approved minimum retention period. business then
Includes, but is not limited to, data extracts and printouts from Destroy.
agency electronic information systems, provided that the:
• Records within the database are retained for their
minimum retention period; and,
• Data extracts/printouts are NOT required to substantiate
"point-in-time" evidence of business transactions.
Online Content Management 652010-007 Retain for 1 Non-archival
Records documenting the publishing of the agency's online Rev.O year after Non-essential
(internet and intranet) content. online content OFM
Includes, but is not limited to: removed
• Requests/approvals to upload/update/remove content; then
• Confirmation of content upload/update/removal; Destroy •
• Point-in-time record of webpage/site (screenshot,
snapshot, site map).
Note: All published content consists of individual records which
have their own separate retention requirements. Each of these
records must be retained for the current approved minimum
retention period(s) according to their applicable records series.
Communications-Governing/Executive/ Advisory GSS0-01-12 Retain for 2 ARCHIVAL
Internal and external communications to, from, and/or on behalf Rev. 3 years after (Appraisal
of the agency's governing bodies, elected official(s)/executive communication Required)
management, and advisory bodies, that are made or received in received or NON-
connection with the transaction of public business, and that are provided, ESSENTIAL
not covered by a more specific records series. whichever is OFM
Includes all communication types, regardless offormat: later
then Correspondence, email;
Transfer to Web sites/forms/pages, social networking posts and comments, Washington etc.
State Archives
for appraisal
and selective
retention.
Communications -Non-Executive GS2010-001 Retain for 2 NON-
Internal and external communications to or from employees Rev.3 years after ARCHIVAL
(includes contractors and volunteers), that are made or received communication NON-
in connection with the transaction of public business, and that received or ESSENTIAL
are not covered by a more specific records series. provided, OFM
whichever is
later
then
Destroy.
Page 9 of 10
Exhibit A
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
APPENDIX C: Social Media Approval Form
SOCIAL MEDIA APPROVAL FORM
Request: D Request for NEW social media site/page
D Change to existing social media site/page
D Update Social Media Representative(s)
(New user account, update to user account)
Site Name: ______________ _
Site URL: No comme-n....,.tz~.n-g_o_r-d'"is_c_u_ss-i~o-n'b_o_a-rdS-.-a-l"to_w_e_d...--
Social Media Representative(s) (Staff authorized to update and maintain the site.)
Social Media Representative Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the City's Social Media Policy. I agree to comply with this
policy and understand that failure to do so could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. I
further understand that ifl have questions regarding this policy, I should discuss those questions with my supervisor,
department director, or the Human Resources Coordinator.
Staff Name Signature User Name I Login Password
I.
2.
3.
Department Director I Supervisor Approval
I authorize the staffmember(s) listed above to act as Social Media Representative(s) for the site listed above.
In addition, please consider the following requests for special permissions or account settings:
Prrntea Name Srgnature Date
Submit completed form to the Social Media Coordinator for review by the Mayor.
Mayor Approval
Date Request Received: Date Reviewed: Approved: 0 Yes 0 No
Comments:
FOR NEW SITES ONLY:
Mayor or Designee Approval: I authorize the creation of the social media site listed above, to be maintained by
the designated Social Media Representative(s).
PrmteaName Srgnature Date
New Site Prelaunch Checklist:
0 Terms of Service (site agreement) reviewed by Social Media Coordinator and City Attorney.
0 General Disclaimer
0 Link to the social media site placed on the official City website, and vice versa.
0 New site and/or user information provided to Social Media Coordinator.
Page 10 of 10