Kendra Reineking, pictured above, was approved as Winnebago’s new deputy city clerk on March 30.

The Winnebago City Council met for a special meeting on Wednesday, March 30, at 5 p.m.

While the council discussed a few additional matters at the meeting, its primary purpose was to hire a new deputy city clerk.

The position has been vacant since Judi Hynes, Winnebago’s previous deputy city clerk, was hired as city administrator on March 1.

“We had interviews with three applicants for the deputy city clerk position,” Hynes shared in a memo to the council. “Of the five applicants, the interview committee is recommending offering the job to Kendra Reineking.” 

Reineking, a Winnebago resident, has previous experience with banking and finance.

Hynes also noted Reineking’s strong customer service skills, predicting she will work well within the Winnebago community.

Hynes recommended a motion approving the hire of Reineking with a starting wage of $19.50 an hour.

“The starting wage is well within our budget,” Winnebago mayor Scott Robertson noted. “This is the final piece of the puzzle.” 

Reineking’s hire was unanimously approved by Calvin Howard and Paul Eisenmenger, the two council members present.

“I’m ready,” Reineking said to the council. “I’ve lived here for nine years, and I don’t ever see myself leaving Winnebago.” 

“I’ve worked a couple different jobs in the community, and I’ve worked with a lot of people,” she added. “I love working with people.”

Robertson suggested Reineking will be able to assume the deputy city clerk position within the next 10 days.

“I think we’re pretty lucky,” Robertson noted. “She comes recommended by a number of people.” 

In other business, the council also discussed the vacant City Council position previously occupied by Tim Hynes. Hynes resigned from the council following Judi Hynes’s hire as city administrator, due to a potential conflict of interest.

Judi Hynes shared there are three people currently interested in the City Council position: Tony O’Donnell, Chris Anderson and Bethany Walker.

Howard made a motion to schedule a special City Council meeting on Thursday, April 7, at 6 p.m. for the purpose of interviewing and selecting a new council member, which was passed unanimously by the council.

Howard added, “I’m glad to hear there’s that many interested people. I’m glad to hear new voices.” 

Finally, the council agreed to donate two annual Winnebago Swimming Pool passes to Genesis Classical Academy’s Spring Fling fundraising event. The Spring Fling will be held on Saturday, April 9 at the Veteran Resource Center in Winnebago.