The City of Fenton is taking significant steps to enhance its compliance with public records laws by considering the adoption of ArchiveSocial, a social media archiving software. During a special Board of Aldermen committee meeting on December 12, 2024, city staff presented a proposal for the software, which is essential for retaining social media records in accordance with Missouri's Sunshine Law.

City Clerk Jane Hundler highlighted the necessity of archiving social media interactions, noting that public records laws require the city to maintain access to both its own content and user-generated content. The proposed ArchiveSocial service, which costs $2,988 annually with a one-time implementation fee of $500, was presented as a solution to ensure compliance and facilitate responses to records requests.

Sean from Sabiglass, the company providing the software, explained that ArchiveSocial captures all social media communications in real-time, including posts, comments, and edits made by users. This comprehensive archiving capability is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability, especially in light of increasing scrutiny on public records management.

Legal counsel emphasized the importance of the software, stating that it not only helps in retaining records but also ensures that the city can provide these records to the public when requested. The board members recognized the growing need for effective record retention strategies and unanimously approved a motion to forward the proposal for consideration at the upcoming board meeting.

This decision marks a proactive approach by the City of Fenton to enhance its governance and transparency, ensuring that it meets legal requirements while fostering public trust. The implementation of ArchiveSocial is expected to streamline the city's record-keeping processes and safeguard against potential compliance issues in the future.