Section 17-102. Secretary; certification by chief clerk

a. The secretary of
  the department, subject to the direction of the commissioner, shall keep
  and authenticate the  acts,  records,  papers  and  proceedings  of  the
  department,  preserve  its books and papers, conduct its correspondence,
  and aid generally in accomplishing the purposes of the department.
    b. Papers certified by the chief clerk of  the  department  or  by  an
  assistant  chief  clerk  shall  be  of  the  same effect as evidence and
  otherwise, as if certified by the secretary.