On Monday, May 6, 2019 at the City Council Meeting, Mayor Steve Morley issued a Proclamation designating May 6-10, 2019 as "Municipal Clerks Week." The Proclamation cites that the Clerk "serves as the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels." This is the 50 Year Anniversary celebrating Municipal Clerks, and it is appropriate to recognize the accomplishments of the Office of Municipal Clerk. The Mayor extended appreciation to Elmhurst’s City Clerk, Patty Spencer and Deputy City Clerk, Ellen Cyprian highlighting how in their roles they are continually striving to improve the administration of their duties.
Clerk Spencer paid special recognition to Deputy Clerk Cyprian’s support while Clerk Spencer has been on a medical leave on absence.
Patty Spencer has served as Elmhurst's City Clerk since 2005, when she was first elected into office; she is currently serving her 4th Term. As City Clerk, Patty has many responsibilities, including Keeper of the City Seal, official Keeper of the City's Records, and Secretariat to the City Council. Though she does not get a vote on items before the Council, Clerk Spencer believes in the mantra, "Clerks Make It Work," and takes her role as a direct link between residents and government very seriously. Clerk Spencer also serves as the Local Election Official and the Open Meetings Act Officer for the City, ensuring that all required staff, Elected Officials, and volunteer Commissioners complete the State mandated training. Along with her husband Byron, Patty has been an Elmhurst resident for 33 years. Patty has been involved as a volunteer and Board Member for various organizations including but not limited to Kiwanis Club, Elmhurst Art Museum Board, Elmhurst College & Community, the Elmhurst Hospital Guild, and the Elmhurst Garden Club and is a staunch supporter of community events. A proud cancer survivor, Patty advocates for Cancer Awareness in the community through the Relay for Life and Edward-Elmhurst's Cancer outreach programs.
Day to day operations of the Clerk's Office are run out of the Administration Office at City Hall by Deputy Clerk Ellen Cyprian along with administrative staff. The Office of the City Clerk oversees Senior Transportation Programs, Voter Registration, Freedom of Information Act Requests, and a large variety of permits. Ellen, a full-time employee of the City since 2006, was appointed Deputy Clerk in 2014 by City Clerk Spencer. As Deputy Clerk, Cyprian helps fulfill the necessary duties of the City Clerk’s Office. In addition, Cyprian serves as the City's Freedom of Information Act Officer, providing public information to requesters in-line with the Clerk's commitment to transparency in local government.
The City of Elmhurst extends its gratitude and appreciation for City Clerk Spencer and Deputy Clerk Cyprian.