[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Phoenix 7-20-2004
by L.L. No. 3-2004.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Officers and employees — See Ch. 36.
[1]
Editor's Note: This chapter was originally adopted as Ch. 37,
but was redesignated to fit into the organization of the Code.
Access to certain technical resources; including, but not limited to,
computers, software, network applications, internet, e-mail and other technology-based
service, has been provided to certain public officials and staff for the benefit
of the Village of Phoenix and its residents. It allows Village officials and
staff to connect to information resources with the Village administration,
the state, the country and the world. Every public official and staff member
has the responsibility to use such technology in a professional manner and
consistent with his or her elected and appointed responsibilities. The purpose
of such advanced communications technology is to assist public officials and
staff members in presenting a more efficient and advanced level of government
services to the Village.
Individual users of the Village computer network, internet and other
technical resources are responsible for their behavior and communications
in the use of such technology. Users shall comply with the Village policy
and procedure contained in this chapter. "Users" are defined as individuals
who are public officials or Village staff members authorized by the Mayor
and Board of Trustees to use and conduct business over Village technical resources.
The following is not permitted:
A.
Sending, retrieving, displaying or printing offensive
messages.
B.
Using obscene language or engaging in use of the network
for obscene purposes or activities. "Obscene activities" shall be defined
as violation of generally accepted social standards for the use of a publicly
owned and operated communications vehicle.
C.
Harassing, insulting or attacking others,
D.
Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks.
E.
Violating copyright laws.
F.
Using or changing other's password.
G.
Trespassing in other's folders, work or files.
H.
Accessing resources not related to the user's department
or work without permission.
I.
Intentionally wasting limited resources.
J.
Employing the network for commercial or personal purposes.
K.
Using or damaging the network for any purpose which violates
federal, state or local laws.
The internet should not be used for personal gain or advancement of
individual views. Solicitation of non-Village business or any use of the internet
for personal gain is strictly prohibited. Use of the internet must not disrupt
the operation of the Village network or the networks of other users. It must
not interfere with Village staff productivity.
A.
All employees are responsible for the content of all
text, audio or images that they place or send over the internet. Fraudulent,
harassing or obscene messages are prohibited. All messages communicated on
the internet should have the sender's name attached. No message will
be transmitted under an assumed name. Users may not attempt to obscure the
origin of any message. Information published on the internet should not violate
or infringe upon the rights of others. No abusive, profane or offensive language
may be transmitted through the system. Employees who wish to express personal
opinions on the internet are required to do so only on their own personal
computers, off-premises and with e-mail addresses and passwords unconnected
to or affiliated with the Village of Phoenix.
B.
All messages created, sent or retrieved over the internet
are the property of the Village of Phoenix. The Village reserves the right
to access and monitor all messages and files on the computer system as deemed
necessary and appropriate. The confidentiality of any message should not be
assumed. Even when a message is erased, it is possible to retrieve and read
that message. Further, the use of passwords for security does not guarantee
confidentiality. All communications, including text and images, can be disclosed
to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender
or the receiver.
C.
Notwithstanding the Village's right to read and
retrieve any electronic mail messages, such messages should be treated as
confidential by other employees and accessed only by the intended recipient.
Employees are not authorized to retrieve or read any e-mail messages that
are not sent to them. Any exceptions to this policy must receive prior approval
from the system administrator or the Village. Employees should not attempt
to gain access the another employee's messages without the latter's
permission. All computer passwords and login names must be submitted to the
systems administrator. No codes may be used that are unknown to the systems
administrator.
To prevent a computer virus from being transmitted through the system,
there will be no unauthorized downloading of any software. All software downloads
will be done through the systems administrator or someone authorized to do
so by the systems administrator.
If any provisions of this chapter are held to be unconstitutional or
otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions
of the chapter shall remain in effect.
This chapter shall become effective immediately upon filing with the
Secretary of State.
