TheReview_Sept_Oct_2021_FINAL

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks

By Mary Clark

T he role of the municipal clerk is the oldest of have evolved from serving as the recorder of meetings by memory, to that of a multi-faceted manager, which includes, yet reaches beyond, elections and historian. These quotes sum up this evolution: “Over the years, municipal clerks have become the hub of government, the direct link between the inhabitants of their community and their government. The clerk is the historian of the community, for the entire recorded history of the town (city) and its people is in his or her care.” - International Institute of Municipal Clerks "No other office in municipal service has so many contracts. It serves the mayor, the city council, the city manager (when there is one), and all administrative departments without exception. All of them call upon it, almost daily, for some service or information. Its work...demands versatility, alertness, accuracy, and no end of patience. The public does not realize how many loose ends of city administration this office pulls together." -Professor William Bennett Munro, political scientist, 1934 The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) was formed in 2000 for the purpose of serving citizens and municipalities of the State of Michigan through educational opportunities for municipal clerks, deputy clerks, and election staff. Our focus is promoting and improving methods and procedures of the duties performed by clerks and to monitor and address legislative matters relating to the municipal clerk’s responsibilities and municipal bodies. There are four levels of MAMC membership: active members, associate members, honorary members, and life members. Membership focus is centered on those persons who have a relationship in some capacity with the duties of a municipal clerk, elected or appointed. public servants in local government, dating back to ancient times. The people’s expectations of the clerk

In Michigan, the clerk’s occupation is as diverse as each individual municipality. Whether appointed or elected in a township, city, or village, clerks serve as directed by statute, charter, code, and promulgated rules. Integrity, ethics, and technical expertise are prerequisites to serving in the clerk’s capacity. Major responsibilities include the following: • legal publications/notices • agenda preparation for legislative body meetings

• compliance with the Open Meetings Act • record/transcribe legislative body meetings • parliamentarian • records management/historian • Freedom of Information Act coordinator • elections administration • voter registration • budget/treasury • human resource/personnel management • planning/zoning • licensing (business, liquor, etc.) • passports

• notary administration • cemetery management

Education New clerks can enroll in a three-year educational program which, when completed, confers the certification of MiPMC (Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk). After completion of the MiPMC, Michigan clerks also are offered master’s seminars twice annually which offer a deeper dive into issues pertaining to their role.

46 THE REVIEW

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021