Winnebago Council gets good news
City administrator Hynes gives report on a very productive year

At the Winnebago City Council’s last meeting of 2023, city administrator Judi Hynes gave a report detailing what the city has accomplished throughout the course of the year, including completing a swimming pool facility study.
In her report to the Winnebago City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 12, city administrator Judi Hynes congratulated Winnebago on a productive year.
“As the year comes to a close, I would like to remember some of the positive highlights of 2023 that the city has been able to accomplish,” she began.
Some of the accomplishments Hynes listed included completing the preliminary work and procuring bids for the Cleveland Avenue project, adding push-button door openers to the Municipal Center and the Muir Library, establishing a tax abatement policy for newly constructed homes and completing a swimming pool facility study, housing study and compensation study.
The city requires funding to pursue such initiatives, and funds are also required to finance the city’s day-to-day operations. Some funding is received via grants and donations, as was the case for the housing study, and other funds are levied via property taxes.
Looking ahead to next year’s expenses, Winnebago held its Truth in Taxation hearing for the proposed 2024 Property Tax Levy on Dec. 12.
After answering questions from the public, the council approved a levy of $922,026, representing a 6.79 percent increase over last year’s levy.
During the public hearing, residents were reminded that the council is not involved with proposed increases in property valuations.
“The meeting to question the valuation of your house is the Board of Appeals in April,” Hynes explained.
The council also answered questions about the city’s utility rates, which were significantly increased last year to make up for deficits in the water fund.
“There are not going to be any increases in the utility rates this year, at all,” Hynes reported.
In other business, the Winnebago City Council:
• Provided an update on the city’s search for police officers and a chief of police.
“We have two applications for the police chief position, and two people who are still going through the background check for police officers,” Hynes reported.
The council observed that the background check process can be lengthy, although Eric Olson, the city’s interim Chief Law Enforcement Officer, said an applicant may be ready for training by January.
• Held discussion about possible improvements to the city’s campground, which reportedly had an interested buyer. Hynes said the Utility Committee discussed implementing upgrades to the campground, instead, such as a bathhouse.
“I think that would be a good investment for the city, rather than selling,” council member Paul Eisenmenger observed.
The council directed Hynes to research what improvements to the campground would entail.
• Approved an updated Bicycle Ordinance which removed the requirement for a state license to operate a bicycle in Winnebago.
• Conducted a first reading of an updated ordinance establishing the regulation of trees and shrubs in boulevards, and diseased trees in the city, as well as an updated ordinance regarding residential agricultural districts in the city.
The council scheduled a public hearing and second reading of the ordinances for its meeting on Jan. 9.
• Denied a resident’s request to partially vacate an alley behind their property on Sixth Street SW.
• Renewed the city’s $28,083 contract with CEDA for six months, allowing Jennifer Howard to provide CEDA services to the city two days a week.
• Reviewed and approved several changes to the city’s personnel policy, effective Jan. 1, including changes to its Drug-Free Workplace Policy to address the legalization of marijuana and changes to its Sick Leave Policy in accordance with the state’s new Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy.
• Approved updated quotes for improvements at the Muir Library, including a doorway to the back meeting room and ADA-accessible updates to the bathroom.
Owen Construction now estimates the project will cost $48,275, and Howe Electrical estimates the electrical work will cost $3,560.
“There will be no cost for the city,” Muir librarian Nicole Krienke clarified. The project is expected to be funded by a USDA grant and a private benefactor.
• Approved the transfer of $18,144.83 from the city’s General Fund to its 601 Water Fund to finance PLC upgrades at the water plant.
• Approved a $4,750 quote from Quality Flow Systems to replace the Grinder Lift Station.
• Approved Resolution 823-2023 setting all fees for 2024. There will now be a $10 fee for a three-year permit to operate a golf cart, ATV, UTV or mini truck.
• Approved a contract with Josh More for mowing, trimming and related lawn care services in 2024. The contract represented no changes or price increases from last year’s contract.
• Approved a contract with Step, Inc. for cleaning services in 2024. The monthly rate for services increased to $518.70, from a rate of $494 in 2023.
• Approved the engagement of Abdo to perform the city’s 2024 audit.
• Approved the Winnebago Ambulance officers to remain the same in 2024, with Cari Jenkins as captain and Rick Mauris as assistant captain.
• Approved the Winnebago Fire Department’s new hires: Danielle Theis, Donavon Weerts, Logan Enger and Nate Phippen.
The council also approved the fire department’s officers for 2024, with Bret Osborn as chief and Shane Shelstad as assistant chief.
The council thanked former fire chief Jesse Haugh for his service, noting that he had been fire chief since 2011.
• Approved four percent pay increases for two part-time, non-union city employees and the building official, effective Jan. 1.
• Approved a recommended four percent pay increase for city employee Corinna McGinnis, effective Dec. 14.
• Approved cigarette, beer, wine and liquor licenses for various Winnebago businesses in 2024, contingent on the applicants submitting the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees.
• Approved the city to serve as the fiscal agent for the Veteran’s Memorial Group, the Freedom Rock Committee (Project), the Winnebago Area Musical Players and the Winnebago Kids Fund in 2024.
• Approved the 2024 Professional Service Agreement with Frundt, Lundquist & Gustafson for legal services to the city.
• Approved the 2024 meeting schedule for the Winnebago City Council.
• Approved the 2024 meeting schedule for the city of Winnebago’s committees.
• Approved the 2024 appointments and committee assignments for the Winnebago City Council members.