Kris Miller
Hiawatha World

Mayor Becky Shamburg proclaimed that the week of Feb. 2 through Feb. 8 will be Scout Week.

Cub Scout Pack 117, Scouting American Troop 313B and Troop 313G were present to receive this proclamation.

One major topic involved Garrett Nordstrom of Governmental Assistance Services regarding a Community Development Block Grant for a housing rehabilitation program for Hiawatha. Nordstrom explained that the grant would allow for the rehabilitation of 10 homes and require a 25% local match. He also said that he planned on submitting the grant application to the Kansas Department of Commerce in March.

Another major topic of the evening was about the Housing Development Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) west of Bruning Park, with Developer Michael Webb speaking to the commission via Zoom call. After some discussion, Commissioner David Middendorf made a motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Laura Tollefson, to approve Resolution 2025-05 to create the RHID. The motion was passed by 3-2, with Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Thomas Martin voting “Nay” against the motion. Shefferd stated that he was not wanting to let go of the 34 acres in the proposed area.

Other items of discussion

• Blue Moon, Blue Room and Beaux Cheveaux owner Lucy Bradney spoke about difficulties with customers finding parking for her businesses located at 119 South 6th Street; the city commission instructed Police Chief Mickey Gruber and City Administrator Brad Scott to review the ordinances and follow up with Bradney.

• All commission members approved Commissioner David Middendorf being the acting major whenever the current mayor is absent.

• All commissioners approved accepting a proposal bid of the Neptune water meter system provided by Municipal Supply for $670,680.69 contingent on bond financing.

• All commissioners approved facility use for the Fireball Softball organization and waive fees for the use of the facility for the weekend of April 12 and April 13.