Clerk of Council

City of North Canton•North Canton, OH

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Council Clerk is appointed by City Council and maintains the official legislative records and proceedings of the City of North Canton. The position provides administrative and legislative support to Council, coordinates Council business under the direction of the Council President, and serves as the public’s first point of contact with Council. The position is based at or near the North Canton Council Chambers and requires accuracy, professionalism, discretion, strong organizational and communication skills, and consistent, impartial service to every member of Council. Regular evening attendance at Council and committee meetings is required, along with occasional special sessions on short notice. The Council Clerk prepares and distributes meeting materials and notices, attends meetings and records official proceedings, administers legislative processes, maintains Council records, supports public-records requests, and publishes Council information. The role also provides research and administrative support to Council members, coordinates with City departments and external parties regarding Council business, and assists with Council-appointed boards and commissions. Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting during weekday hours, with regular evening meetings and occasional special sessions. The workload is driven by meeting and publication deadlines.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or a related field.
Three years of administrative experience, preferably in local government, a legislative body, or a legal office.
Demonstrated experience taking and preparing formal minutes or records.
Ability to attend evening meetings.
Valid Ohio driver’s license, or ability to obtain one.
Notary public commission, or willingness to obtain one.
Working knowledge of Ohio municipal government, the North Canton Charter, Council’s rules of procedure, the Ohio Open Meetings Act, the Public Records Act, and records-retention requirements.
Familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order and legislative procedure.
Excellent writing, grammar, and proofreading skills, and ability to produce concise, accurate minutes.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, agenda management software, and website content management tools.
Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot meeting audio/visual systems and resolve technical issues under pressure.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines around a fixed meeting calendar.
Ability to exercise diplomacy, discretion, sound judgment, and impartiality with confidential and politically sensitive matters and provide even-handed service to all Council members.
Strict nonpartisanship.
Courteous, patient service to residents, Council members, and staff.
Willingness to learn and appropriately use AI-assisted tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

Nice To Haves

Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, or willingness to earn it within three years of hire.
Membership in the Ohio Municipal Clerks Association.
Experience with legislative management, agenda, or codification software.
Familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order and legislative procedure.

Responsibilities

Prepare, organize, and distribute agendas, meeting packets, legislation, reports, correspondence, and supporting materials for Council meetings, committee meetings, work sessions, special meetings, and public hearings.
Coordinate with the Council President to prepare and prioritize the President’s agenda and organize meeting business.
Coordinate and maintain the meeting calendar with the Council President and other Council members.
Prepare, post, and publish required notices for meetings, public hearings, legislation, and other Council business.
Attend Council and designated committee meetings; call the roll; record attendance, motions, votes, and official actions; read legislation by title as directed; and assist with orderly meeting administration.
Arrange meeting rooms, audio/video recording, livestreaming, and public-comment sign-in; operate, maintain, and troubleshoot meeting audio/visual systems.
Administer and coordinate the legislative process in accordance with applicable laws, the City Charter, Codified Ordinances, Council Rules, and other requirements.
Prepare minutes and the Council Bulletin, and maintain official minute books and permanent records of Council actions.
Coordinate the preparation and processing of ordinances, resolutions, and other legislation; track legislation through readings, amendments, passage, and mayoral signature or veto; review, certify, attest, file, distribute, and arrange legal publication of adopted legislation.
Coordinate codification with the codification vendor, maintain the City’s Codified Ordinances, and ensure the current code is posted online.
Serve as custodian and point of contact for Council records requests; locate, retrieve, reproduce, and provide records in accordance with law and City policy.
Maintain accessible electronic and physical Council records, apply the records-retention schedule, and maintain legislative and meeting archives.
Maintain and publish Council information on the City’s website and other approved platforms.
Provide consistent and impartial administrative support to Council members while recognizing the Council President’s procedural and leadership responsibilities.
Serve as a point of contact and liaison regarding Council business between Council and City Hall, the Mayor, Law Director, Finance Director, City administration and departments, other governmental agencies, the media, and the public.
Research possible and past legislation, minutes, Council actions, municipal records, and applicable governmental requirements for Council members.
Assist Council members with resident issues by coordinating with departments, researching relevant records, routing inquiries and complaints, and tracking responses.
Draft routine correspondence, proclamations, and resolutions of recognition at Council’s direction.
Monitor the Council budget, process invoices, and track Council members’ training and travel.
Administer oaths of office where authorized and maintain Council members’ required filings and training records.
Coordinate administrative matters involving Council-appointed boards and commissions, including appointment records, vacancies, terms, applications, and interviews.
Assist newly elected Council members with orientation and training on procedures, legislative processes, meeting requirements, records, and administrative practices.
Maintain familiarity with laws and requirements applicable to Council operations, including open meetings, public records, municipal legislative procedures, public notices, and records retention.
Perform other duties reasonably related to the operation of the Council Office as assigned by City Council or the Council President.
Potentially serve as Council’s parliamentarian or procedural resource, become the primary writer or coordinator of legislation, or serve as clerk for other City boards or meetings if assigned.