Commission approves first Lexipol policy packet, including social-media guidance

The West Fargo City Commission approved, by voice vote on Oct. 6, the first group of five Lexipol policies presented by Sarah Grocevic, the city’s director of human resources. The packet includes a social-media policy clarifying that employees and appointed officials may express personal opinions but cannot post as a city representative without permission.

Grocevic told commissioners that the policy does not limit employees’ personal speech but restricts using city accounts or claiming city representation without authorization. Commissioner Zundell asked staff to clarify language for appointed but unpaid committee members (for example, library-board and Economic Development Committee appointees); legal counsel and staff referenced Century Code language distinguishing employees and elected/appointed officials and suggested amendments to the policy language could be added later.

On performance-evaluation procedures, commissioners discussed appeal timelines and how the chain of review would operate; staff noted that appeals must be submitted within three days of the evaluation discussion and that supervisors complete evaluations in advance of the discussion. The commission approved the policy packet and may return to amend specific language in future meetings.