Town Clerk

Duties & Responsibilities

Census

  • Conducts the annual town census.
  • Prepares the street list of residents and the school list.
  • Furnishes the jury list to the Office of the Jury Commissioner.

Elections

  • Oversees polling places, election officers, and the general conduct of all elections.
  • Directs preparation of ballots, polling places, voting equipment and voting lists.
  • Administers campaign finance laws.
  • Certifies nomination papers and initiative petitions.
  • Serves on the local Board of Registrars.
  • Supervises voter registration and absentee ballots.
  • Prepares, records and reports official election results to the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth.

Licenses

  • Issues state licenses and permits, including:
  • Marriage licenses
  • Permits for raffles and bazaars

Issues local licenses, permits, and certificates as mandated by statute or bylaw, which include:

  • Business certificates
  • Clam Licenses
  • Dog Licenses
  • Fuel storage permits

Local Boards and Committees

  • Administers the oath of office to all elected and appointed members of local boards and committees.
  • Ensures that all elected and appointed officials are informed in writing of the State's Open Meeting and Conflict of Interest Laws.
  • Posts meetings notices of all government bodies.

Official Decisions and Duties

Records and certifies all official actions of the Town, including:

  • Town Meeting legislation and appropriations
  • Planning Board and Zoning Board decisions
  • Certifies all notes for borrowing.
  • As the official Keeper of the Records for the Town of Scituate the Town Clerk is the keeper of the Town Seal.

Public Records

  • Provides access to public records in compliance with State Public Records Law, corresponding regulations and Town Bylaws.
  • Certifies copies of all town records.
  • Records and preserves original birth, marriage, and death records, providing the basis for the Commonwealth's central vital registration system.
  • Provides certified copies of vital records and conducts or assists with genealogical research for members of the public.
  • Is responsible for maintenance, disposition, and preservation of municipal archival records and materials.
  • Maintains records of adopted municipal codes, general bylaws and zoning bylaws, resignations, appointments, petitions, publications, budgets, election results and town meeting minutes and financial statements.
  • Submits general bylaws and zoning bylaws to Attorney General for approval.
  • Maintains the Annual List of Residents. 

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Kathleen A. Gardner Town Clerk 781-545-8743