WHAT IS A CITY SECRETARY?
WHAT DOES THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE DO?
WHAT IS A CITY SECRETARY?
The City Secretary (with the tax collector) is the oldest public servant role in local government. The role (which has many different titles) existed before Biblical times as "Keeper of the Archives," and before writing came into use, as "Remembrancer," because their memory served as the public record. During the Middle Ages, only municipal clerks and the clergy could read or write.
In ancient Greece, each meeting of the governing body began with the City Secretary reading aloud the documents to be considered, and pronouncing a curse on any who would seek to deceive the people.
Acts 19:22-41 gives an accounting of a Town Clerk who dispersed a riotous crowd to insure the safety of St. Paul and his followers.
Although we no longer read documents aloud and pronounce curses at Council meetings, and we are not charged with breaking up riots, we remain the "Keepers of the Archives" as we record, maintain and safeguard the history of our City government.
The Garland City Charter established the position of City Secretary to be appointed by the City Council, and to be charged with carrying out duties established by the City Charter and local ordinances, as well as State and Federal laws that relate to the office. The position, by ordinance, also includes holding the office of Records Management Officer for the City.
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WHAT DOES THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE DO?
The following are among our opportunities to serve you.
City Council information, including copies of minutes and audio tapes.
Copies of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and all other documents authorized by City Council.
City of Garland Elections.
City of Garland Code of Ordinances supplements.
Applications for Council appointment to advisory boards, commissions, and ad hoc committees.
Claims against the City.
Process petitions filed by citizens.
Track proposed state legislation and state agency agendas.
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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
Except for executive sessions, all meetings of the City Council are open to the public.
City Council regular meetings begin at 7:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month and its work sessions begin at 6:00 PM on Monday preceding each regular meeting.
The regular meetings are held in the Council Chambers and the work sessions are in the Work Session Conference Room on the first floor of City Hall, 200 North 5th Street.
Agendas for Council-proceedings are posted on the lighted bulletin board outside the north entrance to City Hall 72 consecutive hours before the meeting or work session, except as provided by State Law. A copy of the agenda and back-up information is also available in the City Secretary's Office.
Agendas for meetings of Council Subcommittees, Boards, Committees and Commissions are also posted on the bulletin board.
The City Secretary’s Office is located on the first floor of City Hall, 200 N. 5th Street in historic downtown Garland. We are open Mondays through Friday’s from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are also open every City Election Day, and are present for City Council regular and special meetings and work sessions.
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