A former mayor is among three candidates seeking the vacant seat on the Winnebago city council.

A search for a replacement began shortly after Dennis Lynch resigned on Jan. 8.

Paul Loomis, who served as mayor in the mid-80s, Thomas Owen and Michele Weringa submitted their applications by the Jan. 28 deadline set by city officials.

The three were interviewed by councilmembers during a special meeting held Saturday morning.

A 20-minute time slot was allotted for each candidate, beginning at 9 a.m. with Loomis, then Owen and Weringa.

“The council would have the opportunity to make a decision at the special meeting,” says City Administrator Jennifer Feely.

Councilmembers could wait to make their choice at tonight’s regular meeting. Whoever is selected would be sworn into office at that time.

The new councilmember will serve until Dec. 31, 2008. A special election will be held during the November general elections for the remainder of the term that expires Dec. 31, 2010.

Meanwhile, applications to fill the deputy clerk vacancy are being taken up until today’s deadline.

Feely says she’s not sure how many have applied for the position, but there have been several.

“We definitely have had an interest. Let’s just say feedback has been good,” adds Feely.

Former deputy city clerk Jeanne Kortuem has been handling the duties since Sue Lynch submitted her resignation on Jan. 8.

The city’s executive hiring committee — Feely, Nowak and McClain — will conduct the interviews and make a recommendation to the council on Sue Lynch’s replacement.