City Manager

Communications and Office Services

Communications and Office Services manages the City's internal and external communications activities and helps position the City and the City organization in local and provincial markets. Communications and Office Services develops relationships with media and supports City messages and outreach in the marketplace using a variety of traditional, social and emerging media. This division manages the City's mail and print room functions as well.

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit Division is an independent operating entity responsible for reviewing City operations to ensure that assets are protected, and operations are performed on a timely and efficient basis. The Internal Audit Division functionally reports to the City's Audit Committee and administratively to the City Manager.

Legal Department

The Legal Department provides independent legal advice to Council and City Departments and has responsibility for managing the legal affairs of the City and representing the City in legal matters. It provides claims administration services which includes processing liability claims made against the City including claims investigation, determination of liability, settlement negotiations, etc.; the acquisition and disposal of interests in real property; and the provision of advice to Council and staff on a variety of real estate and valuation issues.

Legal forms and information

As a part of the Legal Department the Manager, Risk Enterprise and Insurance is responsible for acquiring insurance coverage for City-owned land, buildings and equipment; which coverage is obtained to protect the City from potential liability claims; and ensuring a robust program of enterprise risk management for the organization as a whole.

Office of the City Clerk

The Office of the City Clerk reports to the City Manager and is responsible for legislative and administrative support to Council through the preparation of agendas, attendance, recording and minute taking of Council and Committee meetings, Assessment Review Court, Local Board of Appeal and other hearings. The office is also responsible for records management and the retention, maintenance and preservation of municipal archival material.

The Office of the City Clerk coordinates and processes all Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPPA) requests received by the City ensuring that the requirements of ATIPPA legislation is met through the accessibility of public information and its provision in a timely manner with full transparency.

The coordination and implementation of all corporate policies and processes is the responsibility of the City Clerk's office. Responsibilities include the research, creation, review, development, maintenance and expiration of corporate policies and accompanying procedures.

The City Clerk is the Chief Returning Officer for municipal elections, which are held every four years as required by the Municipal Elections Act. The Office of the City Clerk is also responsible for the coordination and execution of all civic functions approved by Council.

St. John's Regional Fire Department

Through the office of the Director of Regional Fire Services (Fire Chief), the St. John's Regional Fire Department provides the region with an acceptable level of fire and emergency protection in the most economical manner, with backup emergency services being provided to a number of surrounding towns in the Northeast Avalon Region.