A City Clerk is a highly trained, certified, and unbiased public servant who promotes open government and transparency in information. The Clerk is the governmental official charged with recording for posterity all actions as approved by, for and related to the City. These actions include, but are not limited to legislation, elections, record management, campaign reporting, contracting, notary services, and requests for public information. The City Clerk's Office is the hub of these City actions and as such facilitates the exchange of information. In Monterey, the City Clerk's Office is a division of the Information Resources Department.

The City Clerk's Office is staffed by City Clerk Bonnie Gawf, CMC, Senior Assistant City Clerk Catherine Raynor, CMC, and Administrative Assistant Lesley Milton. Bonnie, in addition to being the City Clerk, is the Director of the Information Resources Department. Catherine is primarily responsible for the City's record management project and Lesley supports the day-to-day Council agenda process. On any given day you can find Bonnie, Catherine, and Lesley providing a variety of services to the public, Council, and staff with a smile. For information on the city clerk profession, see the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC).