Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBy-law No. 2025-002THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM BY-LAW NO. 2025-002 A BY-LAW TO ADOPT A SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY WHEREAS Section 8 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, provides a Municipality with the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; AND WHEREAS Council is desirous to enact a Social Media Policy; THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. THAT the Social Media Policy attached hereto as Schedule "A" and forming part of this by-law is hereby adopted, 2. AND THAT this by-law shall come into full force and effect on the day of its passing. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 16tn DAY OF JANUARY, 2025. ^MAYOR CLERK FST , �4' A47 Social Media Policy Section 1 — Purpose The Municipality of Bayham supports and promotes the use of social media as a tool to deliver effective and accessible communication about Municipal news, services and programs to the community. The purpose of this Policy is to set guidelines and standards to ensure the appropriate use and management of social media by employees whether at work or on personal time. These standards are in place for the protection of all employees and representatives of the Municipality. Section 2 — Scope This Policy applies to all Municipality of Bayham employees, Members of Council, and representatives of the Municipality. Section 3 — General Provisions Philosophy The Municipality is committed to delivering quality services and administration that is done in a transparent, accountable manner with a focus on communication and customer service. The Municipality utilizes social media for the purposes of sharing municipal information to our community, stakeholders, and visitors. Although having a social media presence, the Municipality does not engage on other platforms to correct false information. Any member of the public looking for information should always go through the Corporate Website or contact the Municipal Office directly. The use of social media is to support the information that is posted through the Corporate Website, Corporate Social Media Accounts & Use The Municipality of Bayham maintains a corporate Facebook page. The Clerk or designate is the Account Administrator and has access to log in, publish, post, share, and answer direct messages. The Account Administrator shall abide by the following: ■ Not disclose confidential information Respect copyright laws + Ensure content is accessible * Not engage in online disputes The Corporate Facebook page shall operate in a "post -only" manner. Information is to be shared and/or posted without the ability for followers to leave comments. The intent of this approach is to use social media as an additional gateway tool to direct users to the Municipal website for comprehensive information. The ability for followers to "direct message" shall be available, however, complaints received through this channel will not be considered formally submitted. When applicable, the Account Administrator or designate may respond to a direct message by referring to the appropriate contact or location of information on the Corporate Website. At their sole and unfettered discretion, the Account Administrator or designate has the authority to not respond to any direct message deemed derogatory, abusive, profane, or hostile, or any direct message containing language deemed to be bullying, harassing, or aggressive in nature. The Account Administrator or designate shall only monitor the Corporate Facebook page and direct messages during regular business hours. Members of Council & Social Media The open, transparent nature of social media can present procedural considerations for Members of Council. It is important to note that communications via social media channels are not considered official correspondence in the way email and letters to and from Council are deemed to be official, as outlined within the Municipality's current Procedural By-law. Social media should not be used to conduct official Municipal business, other than to informally communicate with the public and connect them to information on the Municipal website. Posts or comments will not circulate any organizational or confidential information such as internal deliberations or negative comments about the Municipality, Council, Employees, Representatives, or Residents. Council is encouraged to share Municipal social media posts. Personal Social Media Accounts Employees who maintain personal social media accounts are personally responsible for the posted content and their conduct. Any information, images, and/or statements shared by the employee on their personal social media account should never reflect negatively on the Municipality and employees will be held accountable for what they share on social media if there is a risk of the content leading to negative repercussions for the Municipality. In all instances, Employees should conduct themselves professionally both on- and off -duty. Employees should never make discriminatory statements or comments of a harassing or bullying nature about anyone, including co-workers, management, customers, or vendors. Employees should further adhere to the Municipality's current Personnel Policy, which refers to social media use. Employees who use social media sites are prohibited from publishing any proprietary and confidential corporate information Section 4 — Administration This Policy and any social media presence will be overseen and administered by the Clerk or designate.