Resolution - #10-04-077 - 04/13/2010

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I. Policy The City of Ramsey strives to provide the public accurate and timely information, communicated in a professional manner, and in accordance with the laws regarding public information and data practices. The City of Ramsey will determine, at its discretion, how its web -based social media resources will be designed, implemented, and managed as a part of its overall communication strategy. City- related social media web resources administered by City departments may be modified or removed by the City at any time and without notice as further described in this document. II. Purpose The City of Ramsey wishes to represent itself appropriately and consistently on the Internet. The purpose of this policy is to define social media, as well as establish procedures for creating an overall social media presence. Departments must not create social media accounts themselves, but must follow the provisions of Section VI — General Conditions and Restrictions included herein. The City of Ramsey has created a Facebook page, a social media web site, as an additional communication channel to help promote its programs, events, and services. The technology allows news of an event to spread quickly through a "fan's" network of "friends." The City's official web site, located at www.ci.ramsey.mn.us, shall remain the City's primary online medium for communicating information to the public. The City's email notification system shall remain the City's primary e-mail notification tool. Public Hearing Notices may be added to social media web pages as an additional convenience to the Citizens of Ramsey, but the City will continue to comply with State Statute by publicizing Public Hearing Notices in the City's official publication. The City of Ramsey also recognizes that employees may sometimes comment on city matters outside of their official role as employees and others that serve the City of Ramsey. Therefore, this policy also provides guidelines when communicating as a private citizen on matters pertaining to City business. III. Scope This policy applies to any pre - existing or proposed social media networking web site sponsored by the City. IV. Disclaimer (to be posted on every social media page) The City's Facebook site(s) is /are operated by City of Ramsey employees. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to change, modify, add, or delete comments or posts, photos, and videos at any time. In general, it is the City's intent to not allow comments to be posted on its Facebook pages. However, in the instances where comments are allowed, then the City reserves the right to edit/delete comments that: • contain vulgar language;