When Dover city residents have a problem, or just want to get some information, the first place they usually call is office of City Clerk Traci McDowell. Her office works to maximize the contact between Dover’s citizens and its government and to keep records of that government.
But people don’t know a lot about McDowell or her staff, so the Dover Post asked if she could provide some information on what the city clerk does.
Q You often are the first point of contact for Dover residents. Just what is the job of the city clerk?
A My job is to provide administrative support to the nine members of Dover City Council. I act as a liaison between council and the residents and other city staff, ensuring that their concerns are relayed to council in a reasonable amount of time.
I meet with council members to set meeting agendas and then my staff and I, along with the other city departments, prepare for the meetings by creating informational packets and minutes. I ensure that proceedings are conducted in accordance with the city of Dover Code of Ordinances, Robert’s Rules of Order and the Freedom of Information Act.
I follow up to make sure that all decisions adopted by council are implemented.
My office prepares ordinance amendments and resolutions for council’s consideration. We are responsible for conducting municipal elections every year for the mayor and the four council districts; the Pension Board election; and the elections of the officers for Dover’s fire department. The clerk’s office ensures all municipal records are maintained in accordance with state mandates and provides public access to these records. In a nutshell, if it involves city council, FOIA, elections, records management, etc., the city clerk’s office is either responsible for it, involved in some way, or is a link between the community, city council and city staff.
Q You often are seen on the dais during city council meetings. What do you do while you’re up there? What do you do when the meetings are over?
A I follow along with the agenda, tally all votes, and keep track of all decisions made by council to follow up on the implementation of the actions taken. I may be called upon to consult with the city solicitor on Robert’s Rules. When the meeting is over, I breathe a sigh of relief, go home, put my feet up … and then get ready to go back and do it all over.
