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Roselle Park tables proposed Social Media Policy after public concern about moderation and enforcement
Summary
After public comments and council concern, Roselle Park’s council voted to table Resolution 118-26, the proposed Social Media Policy, to allow further review and redrafting. Council members and residents raised questions about moderation, ownership of accounts, and whether an internal review would handle bannings or removals.
The Roselle Park Mayor and Council on May 21 voted to table Resolution 118-26, which would have adopted a boroughwide Social Media Policy establishing standards for official accounts, moderation rules and staff responsibilities.
The proposed policy, read into the record as Exhibit A, would have required Business Administrator approval for official accounts, made clear that social-media content can be public records, and allowed the borough to remove comments deemed in violation (examples: off-topic posts, harassment, threats, solicitation, copyrighted material). It also included discipline for employees who breach the policy and stated that accounts created by employees for Borough business remain Borough property.
Multiple public commenters raised concerns. George Ramirez questioned whether the policy would permit "banning" and whether the policy would treat officials’ personal social accounts that post official announcements as borough property; Borough Attorney Steven Kleinman responded that the policy applies to accounts established as governmental and that personal accounts remain personal. Another speaker criticized the lack of a visible speaker timer; Clerk Andrew Casais said the Borough uses an internal timer but has not displayed it publicly.
Several council members expressed reservations about the policy as drafted. Councilman Casalins said he agreed with some public concerns and moved to table the resolution for further review; Councilmen Johnson and Patel also signaled they preferred additional work or outside review on moderation decisions. The motion to table passed by roll call (Petrosky, Johnson, Lyons, Patel and Casalins voting Yes; Robaina absent).
Why it matters: Social media is a primary communication channel for many residents. The proposed policy seeks to balance transparent municipal communication and legal compliance with free-speech concerns and the practical question of how moderation decisions are made and reviewed.
What’s next: The policy was tabled for further refinement; councilmembers indicated they expect further discussion and possible redrafting before the matter returns to a future meeting.
(Reporting based on the May 21, 2026 Borough of Roselle Park meeting.)
