[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.
[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.