A special session for the purpose of formulating a plan to replace outgoing city administrator Chris Ziegler was held by the Winnebago City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Jesse Sturtz, the Deputy City Clerk, is currently in charge of the city office. Judy Staloch, who was a part-time administrative assistant, has moved to full-time status to help out during the interim.

The council members discussed different options going forward. Council member Paul Eisenmenger raised the possibility of hiring a separate public works director with the thought the city administrator’s duties may be overwhelming.

All the members present expressed their belief that Winnebago has a lot on its plate right now and it is an exciting time for the city which requires everybody to work as a team to promote the city.

“At the end of the day, I think we need to have a figurehead,” council member Jean Anderson said. “People have to be able to come to somebody who is in charge.”

Mayor Jeremiah Schutt echoed Anderson’s statement.

“I feel we need to hire a city administrator to keep Winnebago moving forward,” Schutt added.

It was decided to invite Wendell Sandee of the South Central Service Coop in North Mankato to the next council meeting on March 12 with a possible work session beginning at 6 p.m. The SCSC provides assistance to cities in the hiring process of city administrators.

Paul Eisenmenger extended his thanks to Chris Ziegler, the outgoing city administrator, saying, “I appreciate all the work Chris has done, he will be hard to replace.”

The next regular Winnebago City Council meeting will be held March 12, at 7 p.m., with a potential 6 p.m. work session to further discuss the process of filling the position of the Winnebago city administrator position.