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Tag: Stacey Johnston

City celebrates city clerk’s retirement

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – City officials and visiting city clerks paid tribute to Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston during her final regular city commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Johnston is retiring and her last day on the job is Friday, March 6.

Recently hired Marina Hovious will take over the clerk’s duties long held by Johnston.

Making the drive from their respective cities, Sanibel City Clerk Scotty Lynn Kelly, Dade City City Clerk Angie Guy and St. Leo Town Administrator and City Clerk Andrea Calvert attended Johnston’s last city commission meeting.

Johnston began her career with the city in 2007, when she was hired as the deputy city clerk. She was named city clerk in 2011.

Kelly, who serves as the Southwest Director for the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) read aloud a resolution from the FACC that was signed by Association President Elizabeth Garcia-Beckford. 

City Clerk Stacey Johnston received a framed resolution from FACC Southwest Director Scotty Lynn Kelly. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The resolution expresses the association’s appreciation and gratitude for the many years of distinguished service and dedication Johnston exhibited during her 18 years with the city of Holmes Beach; and her 41 years of public service that date back to her earlier municipal work in her home state of Kansas.

The resolution notes Johnston joined the FACC in 2007, received her Certified Municipal Clerk designation in 1988, received her Advanced Academy Education designation in 1991 and received her Master Municipal Clerk designation in 2014. 

The resolution notes Johnston served on the FACC Board of Directors and various committees from 2019-2023 and served as FACC president in 2021 and 2022. 

“Stacey Johnston is a respected leader and mentor, providing invaluable guidance to her colleagues within FACC and the city of Holmes Beach,” the resolution says.

City Clerk Stacey Johnston reflected on her time in Holmes Beach. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After Kelly finished reading the resolution, Johnston said, “Thank you Scotty Lynn for being here; and thanks for all of you for coming. It’s been a long ride. It’s been a great ride. I never would have guessed that I’d be in beautiful Holmes Beach, in Florida. It doesn’t get any better than that. I love the staff here.”

Johnston said she loved working for Mayor Judy Titsworth and former mayor Bob Johnson, who was also in attendance. 

“The committees that we had and the residents here are absolutely amazing. We’ve got some talent in this city and I’m proud to say that I’ve been part of it,” Johnston said. 

Titsworth praised Johnston for her ability to get along with everyone.

“You make everyone feel right at home,” Titsworth said. “She worked so hard to keep all of us in line and keep us from doing anything wrong.”

Titsworth said she’ll miss Johnston but she’s glad she can enjoy retirement after working her entire adult life.

Johnston, an east Manatee County resident, said she doesn’t have any big plans as to how she’ll spend her retirement, but she looks forward to spending more time riding the tandem bicycle she and her husband, Jeff, enjoy riding. 

A farewell party for Johnston will take place on Thursday, March 5, at the Fifty Three Fifty The Pourhouse in Holmes Beach at 5 p.m. The Pourhouse is located at 5350 Gulf Drive. 

New Holmes Beach city clerk named

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – Oregon resident Marina Hovious has been named to succeed Stacey Johnston as Holmes Beach’s next city clerk when Johnston retires on March 6. 

Since April 2018, Hovious has served as the board clerk for the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners in Portland. Before that, she served for eight years as the assistant board clerk. 

With Mayor Judy Titsworth absent during the city commission’s Jan. 27 meeting, the Holmes Beach city commissioners unanimously approved the mayor’s recommended hiring. 

Hovious will become the new city clerk effective March 7 and her first full work week with the city begins on Monday, March 9.

During the Jan. 27 meeting, it was noted that four of the five commissioners conducted Zoom interviews with Hovious after the mayor deemed Hovious as her first choice. 

It was noted that Titsworth also interviewed additional candidates, including current Deputy City Clerk and Records Manager Michelle Lowe. 

Regarding his Zoom interview with Hovious, Commissioner Terry Schaefer said he was very impressed with her and her credentials. He also said he hopes Lowe continues in her current position with the city. 

Commissioners Dan Diggins and Carol Whitmore expressed similar views and Whitmore noted Hovious already has family members living in Lakewood Ranch.

When contacted later in the week by email, Hovious said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the city of Holmes Beach and be closer to family.” 

Professional Municipal Clerks Week honors city clerks

AMI city clerks honored during Professional Municipal Clerks Week

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The annual proclamation of Professional Municipal Clerks Week is a reminder of the important roles city clerks and their staffs play in the operation of a city government.

The 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week is being celebrated this year from May 4-10 and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks provided proclamations to be read aloud by city mayors in honor of their city clerks.

The one-page proclamation notes the office of the municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants and municipal clerks play vital roles in the operation of local governments worldwide. The office of the municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies and county, state and federal agencies while serving as the information center for the community and the local government.

“Municipal clerks have pledged to be ever-mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering service to all,” the proclamation declares. “It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the office of the professional municipal clerk.”

AMI Clerks

Stacey Johnston has been the Holmes Beach city clerk for 14 years. Before that she served as a Holmes Beach deputy clerk for five years under former City Clerk Brook Bennett, who retired in 2011.

Terri Sanclemente has been the Bradenton Beach city clerk for 10 years. Before that, she spent nine years working as an assistant or deputy clerk.

Amber LaRowe became the Anna Maria city clerk on March 25. She now handles the clerk’s duties long-performed by LeAnne Addy, who until recently served as city clerk and city treasurer and now serves as treasurer only. LaRowe became the St. Pete Beach city clerk in 2020 after serving as assistant city clerk for the city of Palmetto, which is her hometown.

When asked why she became a city clerk, Johnston said, “I’d say I fell into it. My mother had a hand in encouraging me to apply for a temporary position in the city clerk’s office for the city of Coffeyville, Kansas right out of high school, filling in for a girl on maternity leave. The new mother decided not to return and I was offered the position and that led to being appointed as their city clerk seven years later.”

Sanclemente became the Bradenton Beach clerk during a tumultuous period in Bradenton Beach that included Mayor Bill Shearon being recalled from office and the termination of two short-lived city clerks who served before her.

Professional Municipal Clerks Week honors city clerks
Bradenton Beach City Clerk Terri Sanclemente has served in that role for 10 years. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“I wanted to serve the people the best possible way I knew how and I thought it would be by becoming the city clerk since our city couldn’t seem to find the right fit,” Sanclemente said of those uncertain times.

As for why she became a clerk, LaRowe said, “I’ve always had a heart for public service. I started my career with the state attorney’s office in 2003, but when I had the opportunity to serve in local government I jumped at the chance. I never set out to be a city clerk and, at first, I wasn’t sure exactly what the job involved; but once I got started, I realized how much I love helping people every day, connecting with the community and playing a part in shaping local government. I’m passionate about open government, transparency and making sure everyone has a voice.”

Regarding the roles and functions of a city clerk, Johnston said, “Many people do not know what a city clerk does. While the city clerk’s roles are not always noticed and do not get a lot of public attention, the city clerk position is vital for a city. While each city clerk position is a little different, we touch everything that happens in the city in some way or another. As a charter employee (appointed by the city commission), the city clerk serves as the official records custodian responsible for the city’s records, historical information and legal documents, meeting coordination, business taxes and other city-owned rentals and permits, records requests, elections, insurance claims and serving as the liaison between the public and the elected officials.

“I love working and serving as city clerk for the city of Holmes Beach. We have excellent elected officials, committee members and employees and I really enjoy working with the residents and the public. Being a city clerk is not just a job, it’s a profession that I am truly blessed to say I have,” Johnston said.

Regarding her role, Sanclemente said, “Making sure that all of the city’s and citizens’ needs are met and that they know they can always rely on the city clerk’s office for all their needs.”

LaRowe said, “Being a city clerk is about more than just paperwork and policies: it’s about building relationships. City clerks are a bridge between the public and their elected officials. Every day, I get to meet new people, hear their ideas and help them navigate city processes. I love helping residents find creative solutions or turn a challenge into a new opportunity. My favorite part of this job is the personal connections I get to make and the chance to serve such a wonderful community.”

Professional Municipal Clerks Week honors city clerks
Anna Maria City Clerk Amber LaRowe began her tenure with the city in March. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Sun thanks all of Anna Maria Island’s city clerks, deputy clerks and administrative assistants, past and present, for the services they provide the community and the local media.

Sanclemente honored as Certified Municipal Clerk

Sanclemente honored as Certified Municipal Clerk

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach City Clerk Terri Sanclemente has been officially recognized as a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC).

That recognition occurred at the Thursday, June 20 Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting.

Leading the ceremony was Holmes Beach City Clerk Stacey Johnston. Johnston is Master Municipal Clerk, the Southwest District Director of the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) and the incoming FACC vice-president.

Johnston said she was there to honor Sanclemente for achieving the milestone of becoming Certified Municipal Clerk with the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).

“It’s not only an honor for Bradenton Beach that you have a Certified Municipal Clerk, but also for Manatee County and especially for Anna Maria Island,” Johnston said.

Johnston said the FACC currently has 631 members. Of those, 232 are Certified Municipal Clerks, including 21 in Florida’s Southwest District.

To be a full member of the IIMC and the FACC one must fulfill at least four of the eight core duties associated with being a municipal clerk. These include custody of the official city seal and the execution of official documents, elections, financial management, general management, human resource management, management of the municipality’s bylaws and other legal documents, meeting administration and records management.

“Every city clerk is a little different, we all may have different responsibilities,” Johnston said.

Sanclemente honored as Certified Municipal Clerk
Holmes Beach Clerk Stacey Johnston, left, discusses Terri Sanclemente’s accomplishments. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The certification process includes a minimum of 120 student/instructor contact hours, in-depth course study and 50 points accumulated during real-life experience working for a municipality.

“You can’t just walk in and get certified,” Johnston said.

Johnston said the student/instructor contact hours are turned into education points and 60 education points are needed to become certified. Johnston said an eight-hour webinar might only earn one half of a point.

“It’s a lot of training,” she said.

Johnston encouraged Sanclemente to now pursue the Master Municipal Clerk certification, which she can begin doing at this week’s annual summer academy in St. Augustine.

Sanclemente began working in Bradenton Beach in 2006 and worked there until June 2011. After a break, she returned to the city in mid-2014 and became City Clerk Pro Tem later that year. In June 2015, then-Mayor Jack Clarke removed the pro tem designation and appointed Sanclemente to serve as the City Clerk. Sanclemente then began the certification process she recently completed on May 10.

Johnston presented Sanclemente with a plaque conferring upon her the title of Certified Municipal Clerk.

She then placed on Sanclemente a pin symbolizing her new status as a Certified Municipal Clerk.

Sanclemente honored as Certified Municipal Clerk
Master Municipal Clerk Stacey Johnston presents Terri Sanclemente with a pin that symbolizes her designation as a Certified Municipal Clerk. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Wear that pin with pride. You have earned it, you have worked hard for it and I’m just so glad you have it now,” Johnston said.

“Me too,” Sanclemente replied.

Sanclemente received a warm round of applause and a bouquet of roses from Mayor John Chappie and the city.

“Great job,” Vice Mayor Jake Spooner said.

Sanclemente honored as Certified Municipal Clerk
City Clerk Terri Sanclemente received a bouquet of roses from Mayor John Chappie and the city. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

“Congratulations. You’ve done a lot of great work. You are amazing as our city clerk and we care so much about you. We couldn’t get along without you. Thank you so much,” Chappie said.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it,” Sanclemente said. “Without all of your encouragement and support I couldn’t do this. My family helped a lot and my husband supported me when I was away.”