ZELIENOPLE — Borough employees will now be subject to a new social media policy approved by borough council Monday.

During a regular meeting, council discussed the policy for nonbargaining unit employees. According to Don Pepe, borough manager, the borough’s IT committee reviewed the original policy, which he said was vague.

After looking at various models and creating several drafts, the borough’s human resources committee recommended implementing the new policy.

In an interview Tuesday, Pepe said the committee meetings are part of a yearly legal review and social media is the focus of two separate committees which shows its importance. He said the Butler County policy, as well as one provided by a labor attorney were extensive and “really good,” but they didn’t fit the borough’s needs.

Pepe said the borough’s policy comes down to “common sense,” outlining not only when social media should be used, but also advising how an employee should conduct himself and that he can’t speak for the borough.

“We’re not saying you can’t get on,” he said. “We’re saying you have to understand you’re talking for yourself.”

The matter required a vote of council to change the personnel manual.

“Quite frankly, I think it’s a good policy,” Pepe told council. “I think it’s pretty fair, and I think it’s pretty comprehensive.”

Pepe said the policy does not outline actions that would be taken if an employee violates the policy. He said the borough’s attorney recommended leaving that portion open-ended.

“I think the rest of the policy kind of speaks for itself in terms of what’s expected,” he said. “If there’s any actionable items for somebody who runs afoul of that, then we’ll deal with it.”

Kaufman House Bond

Aaron Rieger of R & R Construction asked council to consider reimbursing him for a portion of the bond for exterior renovations on the Kaufman House.

Rieger said the contract price was $280,000, and his portion of the work accounted for $215,000. He said $65,000 was for environmental assessment.

However, he said he had to be bonded for the full $280,000, which cost him $8,400. He asked council to consider reimbursing him for the $1,932 difference based on the $215,000 total.

Pepe said the way the project was funded required it to be bonded for the full amount and suggested two methods of reimbursement. Council unanimously voted to approve the matter.

Council also met in executive session for a discussion on contracts.