From a city news release:
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks has proclaimed the week of April 19- May 5, 2012 to be 43rd annual Municipal Clerk’s Week.
This week features a weeklong series of nationwide activities aimed at increasing the public’s awareness of Municipal Clerks and the vital services they provide for local government and the community. In honor of Municipal Clerk’s Week, Monrovia City Clerk Alice Atkins will be recognized at the meeting on May 1, 2012.
Monrovia’s City Clerk is just one of seven elected officials who serve the community every day. Her role is to encourage the public to participate in the democratic process and help ensure that government remains transparent and accessible.
Alice Atkins has worked in the City Clerk’s Office since 2001, and has served as City Clerk since October 2009.
"It started as a job, and very quickly became a career I love. When all else fails and people don’t know where to go for help, they seem to call the City Clerk. It’s a perfect fit for someone who loves helping people – and if I don’t know the answer, I love the challenge of finding it for them," said City Clerk Akins.
One of local government’s oldest positions is the Municipal Clerk. Their duties have expanded over the years and, today, modern technology assists them with their increasing responsibilities.
Last week, Sacramento City Manager addressed a meeting of the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC).
"You are in the information business...and need to maximize the use of technology," he said. Clerk Atkins has done just that by placing an interactive presentation tool on the City’s website to help provide information on just what the Monrovia Office of the City Clerk does.
Municipal and Deputy Clerks’ main function is to serve as the council’s foundation. Other duties include, but are not limited to, preparing agendas, taking minutes, maintaining ordinance and resolutions files, keeping the municipality’s historical records, processing permits and serving as the clearinghouse for information about the local government.
Clerks also record the actions of the various commissions and committees appointed by the council. Another important responsibility is administering part or all of the local election functions.
During this week, Municipal Clerks throughout the world will host open houses and tours of the Municipal Clerk’s office, visit local schools and participate in other various events. We encourage residents to stop by City Hall or visit our website to see all of the services the Office of the City Clerk has to offer, www.cityofmonrovia.org.
