Need a copy of a resolution adopted by the Suffolk City Council in 1995?

Want to check the vote on an April 1999 agenda item?

Just ask Mary Lynn Dixon, executive secretary for Assistant City Manager James G. Vacalis. For many of her 13 years with the city, Dixon has also filled in as deputy city clerk for the council.

&uot;She has been extremely conscientious in maintaining all of the city council’s records,&uot; Vacalis said. &uot;She has kept the city’s records available and fully documented and indexed so that if anyone comes down to this office and asks her a question,…the answer is at her fingertips.&uot;

Last Wednesday, the Suffolk City Council issued a certificate of appreciation thanking Dixon for her years of service.

Dixon first began helping keep the city records under the late Henry C. Murden, former clerk of Suffolk Circuit Court and part-time city clerk. When Murden stepped down, she began assisting City Attorney Edward Roettger Jr. with the work.

Even after the council hired City Clerk Erika Jenkins three years ago, Dixon continued assisting with some of the work. Now she has relinquished that responsibility to newly hired Deputy City Clerk Tracey Sanford, who joined the city in March.

&uot;The transition to the new deputy clerk has been extremely smooth,&uot; Vacalis said. He credited Dixon’s efficiency and organizational skills with making the change appear seamless.

Dixon is still keeping her certification as a municipal clerk, which she earned by taking Municipal Clerk Institute courses offered through Old Dominion University.

Dixon said she has enjoyed her years keeping the city’s official records.

&uot;I enjoy the interaction with staff and public in providing information on the council’s actions at meetings,&uot; Dixon said. &uot;I’ve always enjoyed doing what I do.&uot;

Dixon and her husband, Alan, have two daughters, Renee and Nicole.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com