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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.
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.
The next day, we take any action necessary as a result of the decisions made during the meeting. We also begin transcribing minutes of the meeting and reviewing and finalizing the agendas for the next meetings for review by the council president and committee chairs.
Q How did you become Dover’s city clerk?
A I started working for the city in 1987 as the administrative assistant to the finance director. After 11 years, the city clerk was retiring and there was an opportunity for advancement. In 1998 I became the assistant to the city clerk and when she retired in 2006, I was appointed to the job.
I had always wanted to work in the clerk’s office because they were very busy and had a reputation of professionalism, yet they were always laughing and seemed to be enjoying their work. I now know the laughter was probably an attempt at maintaining their sanity. The city clerk’s position is important because each member of council was elected to represent their constituents and the clerk’s office tries to do everything humanly possible to help them help their constituents.
Q What is it about you that would surprise people if they knew it and what do you do for relaxation?
A Years ago, I became certified in scuba diving to overcome a fear. For relaxation I like to spend time with family and friends, and hunt for bargains at yard sales and second-hand shops. Someone suggested I try the FarmVille game on Facebook. It started out as relaxation and has now become a full-time second job.
ABOUT TRACI McDOWELL
Hometown: Born and raised in Dover
Residence: Dover
Family: Married to Craig Gahm; two sons, Tyler Emory, age 18, and Spencer Emory, age 16
Pets: Kelso, a very sweet but very active border collie mix adopted from the SPCA
Education: AAS from Delaware Technical & Community College; some credits toward a bachelor’s degree
