Council considers converting council clerk into consolidated city clerk as records, retention duties shift

Council members discussed a proposed rewrite of the clerk position that would convert the existing council clerk duties into a broader city clerk role.

Ms. Keener introduced the amendment and asked Safety Service Director (presenting staff) to explain the financial and operational rationale. Staff said the role would consolidate multiple clerking duties currently spread across departments and take over records management, retention scheduling and oversight of boards and commissions. "This will consolidate that into the role of the city clerk," staff said, noting the council‑clerk functions would comprise only about one quarter of the new position’s workload while the remainder would cover retention, records and administrative duties.

Council members raised concerns about dual reporting and customer‑facing coverage at the new municipal center front desk (who covers lunch breaks or absences). Staff responded the new municipal center will have two front‑desk positions and the city would ensure coverage. Members also discussed whether the existing part‑time employee (named in the packet as Zach) would be offered the expanded role and the process if he declined (internal posting first, then external recruitment). The council president asked for a second reading tonight and the third reading at the next meeting.