[R.O. 1992 § 115.250; Ord. No. 5534 § 1, 6-29-1981]
There is hereby created the office of the City Clerk.
[R.O. 1992 § 115.260; Ord. No. 5534 § 1, 6-29-1981]
The City Clerk shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the members of the City Council.
[R.O. 1992 § 115.270; Ord. No. 5534 § 1, 6-29-1981; Ord. No. 99-8603 § 1, 6-7-1999]
The City Clerk shall be a qualified voter under the laws and Constitution of this State and this Code or other ordinances of the City. The candidate for the position of City Clerk shall be chosen on the basis of his/her executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to his/her actual experience in, or his/her knowledge of, accepted practice in respect to the duties of his/her office as set forth in this Article.
[R.O. 1992 § 115.290; Ord. No. 5534 § 1, 6-29-1981; Ord. No. 5609 §§ 1-2, 3-1-1982; Ord. No. 6421 § 1(A), 10-19-1987; Ord. No. 7230, 6-15-1992; Ord. No. 97-8274 § 1, 11-3-1997; Ord. No. 99-8699 §§ 1—4, 12-6-1999]
A. 
The City Clerk shall be the chief custodian of all official documents and records of the City, and he/she shall:
1. 
Aid in the preparation of the agenda of all regular and special sessions of the City Council. He/she shall attend substantially all meetings of the City Council; assemble detailed reports pertinent to the agenda with recommendations of various committees concerning the matter to be discussed; and prepare the official minutes of each Council meeting. He/she shall recommend to the City Administrator, from time to time, adoption of such measures as he/she may deem necessary or expedient for the health, safety or welfare of the community or for the improvement of administrative services.
2. 
Have the power, when authorized by the Mayor and City Council, either by himself/herself or by any officer or person designated for the purpose by him/her, to investigate and to examine or inquire into the affairs or operation of any department, division, bureau or office, and when so authorized by the City Council he/she shall have the power to employ consultants and professional counsel to aid in such investigations, examinations, or inquiries.
3. 
Have the power to advise all boards, agencies, departments or officials of the City concerning matters within their appropriate area of responsibility. It shall be the duty of the City Clerk to recommend such changes, alterations or activities in the conduct of City affairs as he/she shall deem conducive to greater efficiency and economy, with the approval of the Mayor and the City Council.
4. 
Aid the City Administrator and City Finance Director in complying with the provisions of the purchasing policy of the City of Washington, which is on file in the City offices. No purchase shall be made which exceeds the current budget appropriation without a supplemental appropriation by the Council. The City Clerk shall cooperate with the Finance Director to ensure that contracts calling for the expenditure of City funds which have been approved by the City Council are properly executed and the terms thereof enforced.
5. 
Maintain the records and ensure the efficient use of all property owned by the City. He/she shall ensure that all such property is properly maintained and protected.
6. 
Shall be the custodian of all official records and documents of the City whose custody is not specifically entrusted to others. The City Clerk shall also be the custodian of the City Seal, and shall affix such Seal to such documents of the City as shall require the said Seal.
7. 
Act as election authority in coordination with the County Clerk when required by the election laws of the State of Missouri.
8. 
Administer and record the oaths of office of those officials of the City who are required to take an oath.
9. 
Maintain custody of original documents supporting or reflecting official actions of the various officials of the City.
10. 
Handle all official correspondence as directed by the Mayor and City Council.
11. 
See to the publication of all legal notices or the matters which are required to be published, either by law, ordinance, or direction of the City Council.
12. 
See that all official actions are properly recorded.
13. 
Maintain rosters of all boards and commissions and advise the city council of the expiration of terms of board and commission members.
14. 
At all times account to the Mayor and the City Council for any actions taken when requested to do so.
15. 
Devote his/her entire time to the discharge of his/her official duties as City Clerk.
16. 
Function as City License Officer.
17. 
Perform other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance or resolution of the Council, or as specified by the City Administrator. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to exercise and perform any of his/her powers or duties through his/her subordinates.
[1]
State Law Reference: For similar provisions, see § 77.410, RSMo.
[R.O. 1992 § 115.300; Ord. No. 6376 § 1, 7-6-1987; Ord. No. 6745 § 1, 10-2-1989; Ord. No. 01-8971 § 1, 2-5-2001]
The Deputy City Clerk shall be appointed by the City Administrator and shall carry out the duties of the City Clerk whenever, for any reason, the City Clerk is unavailable to perform the duties of his/her office.
[1]
State Law Reference: For similar provisions, see § 77.420, RSMo.