(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening discussed the pros and cons of having an engineering firm assist the city with a nearly $6 million  street improvements project to be funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in November.  

The Commission last month approved an agreement with Lawrence-based BG Consultants to provide engineering services for the project.  However, Commissioner Toni Hull asked that the subject be put back on the agenda again for reconsideration.

Plans are to replace more than 4 miles of city streets.  City Administrator Mike Nichols estimated engineering costs would run around $450,000.    

Hull outlined for the two new commissioners, Becky Shamburg and Dustin Williams, want she sees as the pro’s and con’s of using an engineer on the project.  She said by eliminating engineering fees, the city could add extra streets to the project.  But not having an engineer would drag out the project.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg said by utilizing an engineer, the city would be able to complete the project in about 1 to 4 years.  He said if an engineer is not used, the project could take 15 to 20 years to complete as city workers would have to oversee the contracting work.

Shamburg added that if the city is going to do a project this big, it would be foolish not to involve an engineer.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg said she agreed.  

Commissioner Bill Collins, who voted against approval of the engineering agreement last month, again voiced his opposition to using an engineer on the project and said he believes the city should pay for the project as it goes.

Following the discussion, no motion was made to make any changes.