HomeMy WebLinkAbout7172_CCv0001.pdf RESOLUTION NO. 7172
A RE-SOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RED ISS
ADOPTING A SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
WHEREAS, the to "social media7' refers to web-based and mobile technologies that
allow for interactive dialogue,collaboration and sharing; and
WHEREAS,examples of social media site include Facebook,Twitter and YouTube; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, an increasing number of persons use social media for
obtaining information and communicating with others; and
WHEREAS, many cities throughout the United States use social media sites to increase
communications with residents of their communities and have effectively used social is sites
for a variety of purposes, including civic engagement, economic development and emergency
notification; and
WHEREAS, the attached Social Media Policy serves to regulate use of the City of
Redlands' social media sites and ensure that the City's sites are properly maintained;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Redlands as
follows:
Section 1. The City of Redlands' Social Media Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit
"A," is hereby adopted.
ADOPTED,SIGNED AND APPROVED this 50'day of June,2012.
,a AJ
Pete Aguilar,Mayor
ATTEST:
S l4rwin,cfty Llerk
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1, Sam Irwin,City Clerk of the City of Redlands, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was
adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting thereofheld on 5th day of June, 2012, by the
following vote:
AYES: Counciltnembers Harrison,Be , Foster,Gardner; Mayor Aguilar
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
SENT: None
Sam Irwin,,City Clerk
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EXHIBIT "A"
SOCIAL NETWORKING USE POLICY
STANDARDS,AND PROCEDURES
POLICY STATEMENT
Purpose
To address the fast-changing landscape of the Internet and the way residents and businesses
communicate and obtain information about the City of Redlands online,the City of Redlands
(the "City")departments may consider using social media tools to reach a broader audience.
The City encourages the use of social media to further the goals of the City and the missions of
its departments,where appropriate.
The City has an overriding interest and expectation in deciding what is"announced"or
"spoken"on behalf of the City on social media sites.This policy establishes internal procedures
for the use of social media in any format.
"Social media"and"Web 2.0" are terms used interchangeably to refer to activities that
integrate technotogy,social interaction and content creation.This media allows people to
generate,organize,share,edit and comment on web content by means of RSS and other web
feeds, blogs, mashups,widgets,wikis, podcasts and photo-and video-sharing;to name a few.
General
- All of the Ws social media sites that are posted by departments and offices Will be
subject to approval by the Public Information Officer{"PIC:')or designee.
- The City's website ra will remain the City's primary and
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predominant internet presence.
- The most appropriate uses of social media tools are as informational channels to
increase the City's ability to broadcast its messages to the widest possible audience.
o Social media will not be the primary tool used for disseminating emergency
information.
- Wherever possible,content posted to the City's social media sites will also be made
available on the City's website.
- Wherever possible, content posted to the City's social media sites must contain
hyperlinks directing users back to the City's official website for in-depth information,
forms,documents or online services necessary to conduct business with the City of
Redlands.
- As is the case for the City's website,the department's director or designee will be
responsible for the content and upkeep(including maintenance and monitoring)of any
social media site that the department may create.
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o Wherever possible,the City's social media sites shall comply with all appropriate
City of Redlands' policies and procedures
Record Retention
The City's social media sites are subject to the California Public Records Act and
Proposition 59,amending Article 1,Section 3 of the California Constitution.
• Any content maintained in a social media format that is related to City business,
including a list of subscribers and posted communication(with certain
exceptions), is a public record.
• The department maintaining the site is responsible for responding completely
and accurately to any public records request for public records on social media;
provided, however, such requests shall be handled in collaboration with the City
Attorney's Office.
• Content related to City business shall be maintained in an accessible format and
so that it can be produced in response to a request (see the Facebook and
Twitter standards).
o Wherever possible,such sites shall clearly indicate that any articles and any
other content posted or submitted for posting may be or are subject to public
disclosure upon request. Users shall be notified that public disclosure requests
must be directed to the relevant department's director or designee.
o California law and relevant City records retention schedules apply to social
media forrnats and social media content,the department maintaining a site shall
preserve records required to be maintained pursuant to a relevant records
retention schedule for the required retention period on a City server in a format
that preserves the integrity of the original record and is easily accessible.
Appropriate retention formats for specific social media toots are detailed in the
City's Facebook and Twitter standards.
Content Guidelines
- Users and visitors to the City's social media sites shall be notified that the intended
purpose of the site is to serve as a means of communication between City departments
and members of the public.The City's social media site articles,posts and comments
containing any of the following forms of content shall not be allowed and shall be
removed as soon as possible:
o Profane language or content
o Content that promotes,fosters,or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of
race,creed,color,age, religion,gender, marital status,status with regard to
public assistance,national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual
orientation
• Sexual content or links to sexual content
o Solicitations of commerce
o Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity
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o information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public
systems
o Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party
- Users shall be informed by posting to the City's social media sites that the City disclaims
any and all responsibility and liability for any materials that the City deems
inappropriate for posting,which cannot be removed in an expeditious and otherwise
timely manner.
- These guidelines must be displayed to users or made available by hyperlink-Any content
removed based on these guidelines must be retained,including the time,date and
identity of the poster when available in accordance with the City's policy on the
retention of such information.
- The City reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation
of this policy or any applicable law.
- All new social media tools proposed for City use will be approved by the PIO(or
designee)and/or the City Manager's Office.
PROCEDURES
Administration of s Social Media Sites
- The PIO will maintain a list of social media tools which are approved for use by City
departments and staff.
- The PIO w maintain a list of the City's social media sites,including login and password
information.The departments director or designee will inform the PICT of any new
social media sites or administrative changes to existing sites.
- The City must be able to immediately edit or remove content from social media sites.
- For each social media tool approved for use by the City the following documentation will
be developed and adopted:
• Operational and use guidelines
• Standards and processes for managing accounts on social is sites
• City and departmental branding standards
• Enterprise-wide design standards
o Standards for the administration of social media sites
o Social Media Standards
FACESOOK STANDARD
PuMgse
Facebook is a social networking site that continues to grow in popularity and functionality.
Businesses and government agencies have joined individuals in using Facebook to promote
activities,programs,prejects and events.This standard is designed for City departments looking
to drive traffic to department websites and to inform more people about City activities.These
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standards should be used in conjunction with the Social Media Use policy.As Facebook
changes,these standards may be updated as needed.
Establishing_kPage
Whenever a department determines it has a business need for a Facebook account, it will
submit a request to the PICA or designee. Once approved,the PIC}will work with the department
to create a basic page for the department.Applications are not to be added to the Citys
Facebook site without the express written approval of the PICS.The departmenfs director or
designee will register the page with a City email address. Personal Facebook profiles should not
be used to administrate City pages unless approved by the PIC}or designee.
Type of Vggge
- The City will create "pages" in Facebook(not`groups"). Facebook"pages"offer distinct
advantages including greater visibility,customization and measurability.
Format
- For'type'description,choose "government."
- The main image shall be the Department logo or an appropriate photo. It may also be
the City's logo and the City logo must be one of the profile pictures.
- Departments will include a mission statement or appropriate text in the introduction
box on the Wall Page.
- Using the Facebook Markup Language(FBML)static page application,a boilerplate
section should contain a department/program description and the followivig:
o 'This is an official Facebook page of the City of Redlands. For more information
about the City of Redlands please visit Ato-/" ,Nkp,.Ai.r-��tofrediarids-org.
o This site is intended to serve as a mechanism for communication between the
public and the department on the listed topics and as a forum to further the
mission of the department.Any comment submitted to this page and its list of
fans may be considered a public record which is subject to disclosure pursuant to
the California Public Records Act. Public information requests must be directed
to the Public Information Officer.
- If comments are turned on,the FBI L page shall also include a Comment Policy Box with
the following disclaimer:
o "Comments posted to this page will be monitored and inappropriate content will
be removed as soon as possible. Under the City of Redlands Social Media Use
Policy,Standards and Procedures,the City reserves the right to remove
inappropriate content, including,but not limited to,those items that have
obscene language or sexual content,threaten or defame any person or
organization,violate the legal ownership interest of another party,promote
illegal activity and promote commercial services or products.The City disclaims
any and all responsibility and liability for any materials that the City deems
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inappropriate for postin&which cannot be removed in an expeditious and
otherwise timely manner."
- The page shall be linked to the City's Facebook page.
- A I I n k to htt :�1w�%ww-r-i�ttj(- will be included on the Info page.
- City department and project pages should be fans of other City Facebook pages.
- The page name must be descriptive of the department. Each department will choose
carefully with due consideration given to abbreviations,slang iterations,and proper
grammatical usage.
o The PIC)or designee will approve proposed names.
Page Administrators
- A successful page requires consistent attention.The department's director will
designate one or more staff members as page administrators who will be responsible
for monitoring the department's Facebook page.Only designated department staff
members will make posts.
- It is the responsibility of all departments to ensure that their content is accurate and up
to date.
- The same standards,principles and guidelines that apply to Redlands employees in the
performance of their assigned duties apply to employee social media use.
Comments and Discussion Boards
- Comments to the Wall generally will be allowed if the department is able to and does
regularly monitor content. If the department is unable to do so,comments to the Wall
shall be turned off. Discussion Boards shall be turned off unless approved by the PIO or
designee.
Photos and Video
- Page administrators may add photos and videos to the department's Facebook page.
The approval of the City Manager and/or the PIO will not be required- Photos and/or
videos of the City's employees taken during regular office hours may be posted without
obtaining waivers.
- The ability for fans to post photos,videos and links shall be turned off unless approved
by the PIO or designee.
Style
The Ca and the departments' Facebook pages will be based upon a template that
includes consistent City branding.
The PIO will provide departments and offices with the template.
Departments will use proper grammar and standard AP style, and will avoid the use of
jargon and abbreviations.
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o Face le is more casual than most other communication tools, but
communications must still best represent the City at all times.
Applications
- There are thousands of Facebook applications. Common applications can allow users to
stream video and music, post photos, and view and subscribe to RSS feeds.While some
may be useful to the page's mission,they can use clutter and security risks.
- An application must not be used unless it serves an appropriate and a valid business
purpose,adds to the user experience,comes from a trusted source,and is approved by
the PIO.
- An application may be removed at any time if the City determines that it is causing a
security breach or spreading viruses.
Archive
- The department's director or designee will maintain an electronic record or printout of
any information necessary to retain for the purposes of public records retention in
accordance with applicable City policy regarding retention of such information that is
not available from the application.
TWITTER STANDARD
EMEpose
Twitter is a micro-blogging tool that allows account holders to tweet up to 140 characters of
information to followers. By procuring and maintaining Twitter accounts,Citydepartments can
communicate information directly to their Twitter followers,alerting them to news and
directing them to the City's website for more information.These standards should be used in
conjunction with the City's Social Media Use Policy,Standards and Procedures.
Content
- A department's director or designee shall hold and maintain that department's Twitter
account
® Each department will have only one Twitter account, unless otherwise approved by the
Communication Manager.Account information, including usernames and passwords,
shall be registered with the PIC).
- A department's Twitter biography and/or background information will include a link to
Cit)(s,website where the following disclaimer information will be posted:
o 'This is an official City of Redlands Twitter account. For more information about
the City Redlands please visithtitLofregilands.or g.This site is
intended to serve as a mechanism for communication between the public and
the department on the listed topics and as a forum to further the mission of the
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department. Any direct tweets to this page and its list of followers may be
considered a public record which is subject to disclosure pursuant to the
California Public Records Act. Public information requests must be directed to
the PIC}."
- When possible Twitter usernames shall begin with "Redlands" (ie. RecllandsPD,
RedlandsFire and RedIandsMgr.The main image shall be the Department logo or an
appropriate photo. It may also be the City's logo which will be provided by the PIO or
designee.If the City logo is not used as the main image it should be in the background
section.
- Twitter accounts shall serve three primary purposes:
• Disseminate immediate interesting or important information to residents of
which a news item on the City's website is not necessary or possible
• Promote City-sponsored meetings,events, programs and facilities
• Refer followers to a news item or content hosted at the Citys website and the
department's Facebook page
Information posted on Twitter shall conform to the existing protocols the City and the
department that is posting the information.Tweets shall be relevant,timely and
informative.
Twitter content, as much as possible,shall mirror information presented on the City's
website and other existing information-dissemination mechanisms.The department's
director or designee shall ensure that information is posted correctly the first time.
Departments will use proper grammar and standard AP style, and will avoid the use of
jargon and abbreviations.Twitter is more casual than most other communication tools,
but communications must still best represent the City at all times.
The department's director or designee shall be responsive to those constituents who
communicate Via Twitter's @reply or direct message functions. Communication with
followers will be timely and consistent with existing protocols.
Archive
- The departments director or designee will maintain an electronic record or printout of
any information necessary to retain for the purposes of public records retention in
accordance with applicable City policy regarding retention of such information that is
not available from the application.
VIDEO POSTING STANDARD
Purpose
The City will enable access to online video content, as this is the way many residents
communicate and obtain information online. Key objectives for Video content shall meet one or
more of the follow goals:to further the department's mission,provide information about City
services,showcase City and community events and explore City issues The City encourages the
use of video content to further the goals of the City and the missions of its departments,where
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appropriate.These standards should be used in conjunction with the City's Social Media Use
Policy, Standards and Procedures.
Video Posting Guidelines
- The department's director or designee will be responsible for approving the video
content.
- Low quality video will be considered as long as the audio portion is clear and the
content is compelling and informative.
- All videos must be posted on the department's website and the department's Facebook
page-
- The department must secure a disclaimer from the author or owner or the right to use
all of or part of a video if the video was not produced by the department or any other
City department.
- Videos streamed from other sources may not be posted to the City's website. Links to
external videos are permitted, but it must only be used when content is relevant and
necessary approvals are received.
Submitting Videos to Hosting Sites
- Videos may be submitted to hosting sites such as YouTube and Vimeo as well as
Facebook on a case-by-case basis under the direction of the departments director or
designee.
- Most of these sites limit the video to the lesser of 10 minutes in length or less than 1 GB
of data storage.
- Comments posted to these sites must be monitored or the ability to post a comment
shall be turned off. Comments must adhere to the guidelines stated in the Social Media
Use Policy.
Archive
- Any video posted to a third party's video site must also be posted the department's
website for purposes of records retention.
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