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Leominster City Clerk
General Information
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General
Vital Records   Birth - Death - Marriage
Business Certificates
Dog Licenses
Voter Registration
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
 
Contact Us
 
ADDRESS:
CITY HALL, ROOM 5, 25 WEST ST., LEOMINSTER, MA 01453

PHONE:
(978)-534-7536

Email: Lynn Bouchard, CITY CLERK

HOURS:
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, 8:30 AM TO 4:00 PM THURSDAY 8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM
General

THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK IS CONSIDERED THE CENTER OF CITY GOVERNMENT AND IS THE MAJOR SOURCE OF INFORMATION TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER.

THE CITY CLERK RECORDS BIRTH AND DEATH RECORDS FOR ALL RESIDENTS AND MARRIAGE RECORDS FOR THOSE LIVING ANYWHERE IN MASSACHUSETTS WHO FILE THEIR INTENTION TO BE MARRIED IN LEOMINSTER.

THE CITY CLERK IS APPOINTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND IS THE KEEPER OF CITY RECORDS ENTRUSTED TO HER/HIS CARE. THE CLERK WHEN REQUESTED ATTESTS TO THE VALIDITY OF CITY RECORDS.

THE CITY CLERK PREPARES CALENDARS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL AND STANDING COMMITTEES. THE CITY CLERK RECORDS AND MAINTAINS ELECTION RESULTS, ZONING BYLAWS, GENERAL BYLAWS, TRAFFIC RULES AND ORDERS. APPOINTMENTS TO CITY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ARE RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK AND QUALIFYING OATHS ARE ADMINISTERED TO ALL APPOINTEES. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING LAW, CITY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES FILE NOTICE OF MEETINGS WITH THE CITY CLERK FOR POSTING.

CONTACT THE CITY CLERK REGARDING

CITY RECORDS MEETING NOTICES FOR GOVERNMENTAL BODIES
BIRTH CERTIFICATES VOTER REGISTRATION
DEATH CERTIFICATES ELECTION INFORMATION
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES ZONING BOARD FILINGS & DECISIONS
MARRIAGE LICENSES PLANNING BOARD FILINGS & DECISIONS
FISH AND GAME LICENSES STREET LISTS
BUSINESS CERTIFICATES NOTARY PUBLIC
DOG LICENSES HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL RECORDS
 
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VITAL RECORDS

BIRTH – DEATH – MARRIAGE

TO OBTAIN A CERTIFIED COPY OF A BIRTH RECORD THE FEE IS $5.00 FOR A SHORT FORM AND $10.00 FOR A LONG FORM. A SHORT FORM IS USED FOR SCHOOL REGISTRATION, SOCIAL SECURITY PURPOSES, ETC.
A LONG FORM IS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT OR TRAVELING OUT OF THE COUNTRY. A LONG FORM IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL TRAVEL.
A CERTIFIED COPY OF A DEATH OR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE IS $10.00

YOU MAY EITHER COME INTO THE OFFICE DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS AND RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE THEN OR WRITE A LETTER STATING THE NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH, DEATH OR MARRIAGE, ENCLOSE THE FEE AND A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE.
 
Access Policy for Vital Records

Access to restricted birth and marriage records are limited by §2A, Chapter 46, M.G.L. For those persons with access to restricted records, proof of identity (a photo ID) is necessary, and in some cases additional documentation is also necessary. Access to persons other than listed below require a court order.

Out-of-Wedlock Births: Access to non-marital (out-of-wedlock) births is limited by §2A, Chapter 46, M.G.L. to the following:
 
• A person seeking their own birth record or their attorney
• Parent listed on the record
• Legal Guardian (original court document must be presented)
 
Marriages of Person Born Out-of-Wedlock: Access to marriage certificates when the bride or groom was born out-of-wedlock is limited by §2A, Chapter 46, M.G.L. to the following:
  • Bride or groom
  • Legal representative of the bride or groom
  • Parent or guardian of the bride or groom

BEING MARRIED IN MASSACHUSETTS?

A MARRIAGE LICENSE IS ISSUED TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE TO BE MARRIED IN MASSACHUSETTS. AN OUT OF STATE LICENSE CANNOT BE USED.

THE FEE OF $15.00 IS DUE AT THE TIME OF FILING INTENTIONS.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE:

YOU MUST BOTH APPLY IN PERSON FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE. ACCORDING TO MASSACHUSETTS LAW, YOU MUST JOINTLY FILE INTENTIONS TO MARRY, AND YOU MAY DO SO WITH THE CITY OR TOWN CLERK IN ANY COMMUNITY IN THE STATE.
IF A PERSON IS IN THE MILITARY, INTENTIONS MAY BE FILED BY EITHER PARTY, PROVIDING ONE IS A MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENT. IF A PERSON IS INCARCERATED IN A COUNTY HOUSE OF CORRECTION OR A STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, EITHER PARTY MAY FILE INTENTIONS.
A MARRIAGE LICENSE, ONCE OBTAINED, IS VALID FOR 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE INTENTIONS ARE FILED AND MAY BE USED IN ANY MASSACHUSETTS CITY OR TOWN. IT IS NOT VALID OUTSIDE OF THE STATE.
AFTER FILING THERE IS A MANDATORY THREE (3) DAY WAITING PERIOD.

A MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENT MAY MARRY IF HE OR SHE IS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. A BIRTH CERTIFICATE MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF AGE.
 
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BUSINESS CERTIFICATES

PERSONS CONDUCTING A BUSINESS UNDER ANY TITLE OTHER THAN THE TRUE NAME OF THE PERSON, PARTNERSHIP OR CORPORATION, MUST FILE A BUSINESS CERTIFICATE (DOING BUSINESS AS) IN EVERY COMMUNITY WHERE AN OFFICE OF THE BUSINESS IS SITUATED. PRIOR TO ISSUE, A CLEARANCE FROM THE BUILDING INSPECTOR FOR THE CONDUCT OF THAT BUSINESS AT THAT LOCATION MUST BE FURNISHED.THE FILING FEE IS $25.00. A FEE OF $15.00 IS CHARGED TO AMEND OR DISCONTINUE A DBA. BUSINESS CERTIFICATES ARE VALID FOR FOUR YEARS.

FILING A D/B/A DOES NOT PROTECT YOUR NAME. IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER A TRADEMARK WITH THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS CONTACT THE CORPORATION DIVISION, ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, 17TH FLOOR, BOSTON, MA 02108. – TELEPHONE 1-617-727-9640.
 
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DOG LICENSES

Dog licenses and tags are available beginning March 1st of each year in the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 25 West Street, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM , Monday through Friday, and until 5:30 PM on Thursday.

“Licensing fees are $15.00 for male and female dogs and $10.00 for neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs.

A late fee of $10.00 for each year in addition to the yearly license fee per year will be charged for all dogs not licensed by May 1st of any year.”

A Certificate of neutering or spaying of dogs not previously licensed must be shown in order to receive the reduced rate. Owners renewing dog licenses must show updated rabies certificates if the previous certificate has expired.

Dog licensing may be done by mail by forwarding the appropriate fee, a self-addressed stamped envelope and the rabies certificate. The certificate will be returned by mail along with the new license and tag.

Owners of dogs are reminded that according to state law all dogs including housedogs, must be licensed.

The City of Leominster has a dog ordinance which includes a leash law:

LEOMINSTER REVISED ORDINANCES – CHAPTER 6, DOGS Click Here!
 
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VOTER REGISTRATION

RESIDENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS MAY REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. REGISTRATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES. TO REGISTER TO VOTE AN INDIVIDUAL MUST BE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN WHO WILL BE 18 YEARS OLD BY THE DATE OF THE NEXT ELECTION. REGISTRATION CLOSES TWENTY DAYS PRIOR TO EACH ELECTION. MAIL IN REGISTRATION FORMS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN THE DEADLINE DATE.


IN A PRIMARY ELECTION VOTERS WHO ARE REGISTERED AS “UNENROLLED” (ALSO REFERRED TO AS INDEPENDENT VOTERS) MAY REQUEST THE BALLOT OF ANY PARTY PARTICIPATING IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION AND THE STATUS OF AN “UNENROLLED VOTER” WILL NOT CHANGE BY TAKING A PARTY BALLOT.

IF YOU ARE DISABLED AND NEED ASSISTANCE VOTING, YOU MAY HAVE SOMEONE ACCOMPANY YOU TO THE VOTING BOOTH. ASSISTANCE MAY ALSO BE REQUESTED FROM AN ELECTION WORKER AT THE POLLING LOCATION. .

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

STATE LAW PROHIBITS THE DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SOLICITATION AND PARAPHERNALIA WITHIN 150’ OF THE ENTRANCE TO THE POLLING LOCATION. SIGNS, STICKERS AND LAPEL BUTTONS ARE NOT PERMITTED WITHIN THIS RESTRICTED ZONE.
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY, 26,898 REGISTERED VOTERS IN LEOMINSTER. THE CITY IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE WARDS EACH WITH THREE PRECINCTS FOR A TOTAL OF 15 POLLING PLACES.
EACH POLL HAS A WARDEN, A CLERK AND SIX INSPECTORS.

LEOMINSTER POLLS ARE OPENED FROM 7:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

`LIST OF POLLING PLACES
Leominster, Massachusetts
Ward 1A, 1B, 1C Sky View Middle School
500 Kennedy Way (off Prospect Street)
Ward 2A, 2B, 2C Southeast Elementary School

95 Viscoloid Avenue
Ward 3A, 3B, 3C Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall
456 Litchfield Street
Ward 4A Senior Citizens Drop-In Center
5 Pond Street
Ward 4B, 4C Leominster Veterans' Center
100 West Street
Ward 5A, 5B Auditorium, City Hall
25 West Street
Ward 5C First Baptist Church of Leominster
23 West Street

ELECTION – BOARD OF REGISTRARS

THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF LEOMINSTER APPOINTS THE BOARD OF REGISTRARS. THERE ARE THREE (3) REGISTRARS. THE CITY CLERK IS THE CLERK OF THE BOARD OF REGISTRARS
ALL ELECTIONS ARE THROUGH THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE.
SOME OF THE DUTIES ARE:
a) PREPARE FOR AND HANDLE ALL MATERIALS FOR STATE AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH MASSACHUSETTS ELECTION LAWS AND REGULATIONS. CONFIRM VOTING ACTIVITY.
b) REGISTER VOTERS AND INFORM THEM OF THE POLLING LOCATION.
c) CERTIFICATION OF NOMINATION PAPERS AND PETITIONS.
d) PROVIDE A TRUE LIST, AS NEARLY AS ASCERTAINABLE, CONTAINING THE NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, OCCUPATION, NATIONALITY AND RESIDENCE OF EVERY PERSON, THREE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ANNUAL CENSUS

CENSUS FORMS ARE MAILED EACH YEAR TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD ON RECORD IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE. COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STATE REQUIREMENT PROVIDES PROOF OF RESIDENCE TO PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS, VETERANS’ BENEFITS, HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY AND RELATED BENEFITS, AS WELL AS PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR SELECTION OF JURORS. IT ALSO ENSURES ACCURATE RESIDENT RECORDS SUCH AS CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR PARTY AFFILIATIONS; PROVIDES PROOF OR RESIDENCY. THE CENSUS FORM DOES NOT REGISTER YOU TO VOTE.

THE CITY CLERK IS OFTEN IN NEED OF POLL WORKERS ON ELECTION DAY AND IS CONTINUOUSLY RECRUITING FOR PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL ELECTIONS. IN ADDITION TO OFFERING NOMINAL PAY RATES, IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS TO PARTICIPATE IN GOVERNMENT. THE HOURS FOR A POLL WORKER ARE FROM 6:30 AM TO THE CLOSE OF POLLS. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO BECOME A POLL WORKER, PLEASE CALL THE CITY CLERK AT (978) 534-7536.
 
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EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF CITY GOVERNMENT - MAYOR

ACCORDING TO THE LEOMINSTER CITY CHARTER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SHALL BE A MAYOR, ELECTED BY AND FROM THE VOTER. THE TERM OF OFFICE IS FOR TWO YEARS BEGINNING THE FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY, FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OR THE NEXT DAY IF THE FIRST MONDAY IS ALSO NEW YEAR’S DAY. THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE FULL TIME.

Effective January 2009 the annual salary is $78,075.00.
 
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LEGISLATIVE BRANCH OF CITY GOVERNMENT – CITY COUNCIL

ACCORDING TO THE LEOMINSTER CITY CHARTER THERE SHALL BE A CITY COUNCIL CONSISTING OF NINE MEMBERS. FOUR OF THESE MEMBERS, TO BE KNOWN AS COUNCILORS AT LARGE, SHALL BE NOMINATED AND ELECTED BY AND FROM THE VOTERS AT LARGE. FIVE OF THESE MEMBERS, TO BE KNOWN AS WARD COUNCILORS, SHALL BE NOMINATED AND ELECTED BY AND FROM THE VOTERS OF THE FIVE WARDS OF THE CITY, ONE WARD COUNCILOR TO BE ELECTED FROM EACH SUCH WARD.

THE TERM OF OFFICE OF COUNCILORS SHALL BE FOR TWO YEARS BEGINNING OF THE FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY FOLLOWING THEIR ELECTION. effective July 1, 2009 annual salary $10,410.00

THE CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET ANNUALLY, ON THE FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY, FOR THE PURPOSES OF ORGANIZATION. THEY WILL ELECT FORM AMONG ITS MEMBERS, A PRESIDENT AND A VICE-PRESIDENT.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL PRESIDES AT ALL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, REGULATES ITS PROCEEDINGS AND DECIDES ALL QUESTIONS OF ORDER. IN THE EVENT OF THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESIDENT THE VICE PRESIDENT ACTS AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SHALL BE HELD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAY EVENINGS OF EACH MONTH AT 7:30 P.M.. THERE IS A PUBLIC FORUM HELD AT 7:15 P.M. A PERSON IS ALLOWED TO SPEAK ON ANY MATTER ON THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC FORUM.

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