A Wealth of Information,
and Service

City Clerk Maryanne Cornelius
 

As the City Clerk for Novi, Michigan, if you ask Maryanne Cornelius to describe her world she is quick to say, “ We are like a mini library for the City.” “People that need information, historical information, or even notary assistance, we are ready to provide a high level of customer service to the citizens.”

A Michigan native, Maryanne Cornelius has been involved as a City employee for the better part of 17 years. The last 5 years have been in Novi as she began her current role in 2000.

As the City Clerk, she is “the keeper of all the records.” She also oversees the administration of all elections including federal, local, or school. She is in fact, a Certified Municipal Clerk.

Her career in this field began in 1988 in Walled Lake, as she worked for the City Manager. She started by handling a multitude of administrative duties, but after just one year, she was appointed by the City Council to become the City Clerk.

One of her great achievements took place as she presided over the annual fair/celebration known as “Market Day.” She built the participation from 12 to 200 people during her tenure. By her own admission, she greatly enjoys activities that “help draw people to the city.”

In addition to reporting to the City Council directly, she is also the Clerk of Council. She handles and keeps records of all Council proceedings including ordinances, resolutions and actions.

Maryanne Cornelius also assists in issuing permits and licenses from everything to local ice cream sales, to outdoor gatherings. Her office maintains a database of 2,000 Novi businesses that are registered. On demand, she is able to provide security information to police, and other types of information ranging from hazardous chemicals to water main breaks.

The City Clerk's office also provides a great service to the citizens via the City's website. People can visit and they can find churches, restaurants, etc. And as a new service, they now issue passports, which will help given the new policies and the Canadian border.

All in all, the City Clerk's office is a wealth of information and reference for Novi’s citizens and employees. And, especially for registered voters as well. “From now on , every voter can go to the same place for every election,” Cornelius reminded - a reference to the combined local / school elections at one voting location.

The City Clerk's office is yet another part of the City of Novi that is designed to contribute to a high quality of life for it’s customers - the People of Novi.

“Providing a high level of customer service is our goal,” Maryanne stated.

And from the looks of it, it certainly looks like their goal has been achieved.