(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha City employee, who recently retired, was recognized during Monday's Hiawatha City Commission meeting.

Mayor Becky Shamburg presented a plaque to Dave Grimm in recognition of his 34 years of service to the city. A retirement reception was held for Grimm prior to the meeting. Shamburg said spending 34 years in any job is a thing seldom seen in this day and age, and thanked Grimm for his time serving the city.

Grimm worked in various positions throughout his years with the city including as Public Works Director and as Waste Water Superintendent.

Also recognized at the meeting were members of the Hiawatha Middle School Science Olympiad team, which recently took 2nd place during the state tournament in Wichita.

In other business, the Commission appointed Megan Green as Acting City Clerk. Green had been serving as Assistant City Clerk.

The action follows the resignation of former City Clerk Lynette Grier.

City Administrator Becky Berger said the open position was posted last week and a couple of applications have been received so far.

Kelly Watterson, who lives in the one-thousand block of Utah Street, appeared before the Commission to acquire about the possibility of keeping chickens in town. She said she would like to purchase a few hens, but no roosters. Commissioners were not in favor of changing the current ordinance which prohibits fowl in the city limits.

On the recommendation of Police Chief Mickey Gruber, the commission approved the purchase of an equipped 2023 Dodge Durango from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles for $52,722. The vehicle will replace a 2015 Ford Taurus with around 120,000 miles.

The Commission also approved bid from IAO Electric for the electrical installation of the lagoon evaporation equipment at the water plant in the amount of $36,942.