(KNZA)--Masks will no longer be required during private events at Hiawatha's Fisher Center, beginning Monday, April 19.

The Hiawatha City Commission gave their approval in a special meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Discussion centered on when to lift the mask requirement, with the high school prom set this weekend at the Fisher Center. 

City Recreation Director Stacy Jasper said she, as well as her staff, were comfortable moving forward without masks at private functions, but Commissioner Becky Shamburg said she didn't feel comfortable lifting the mask requirement prior to Saturday's prom. " We've been told by the Health Department that if there is a positive (COVID-19 ) case, that could possibly result in a huge quarantine because there will be no masks and there is no way to contact trace. It's rolling the dice and making a gamble i'm not comfortable doing."

Commissioner Brian Shefferd said he thought the Commission was overstepping its authority by not allowing prom organizers to make the decision. He said he believes students should be able to enjoy prom without having to wear a mask. "These kids have had to wear masks all year. I think they've done an excellent job of keeping the masks on. I think these kids deserve one dance as a senior where they can look at their friends with a smile and enjoy themselves one night.”

Following discussion, Shamburg made a motion to lift the mask requirement for private events, beginning Monday.  It was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Shefferd casting the lone dissenting vote.  He favored removing the mask requirement before prom.