(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to table for two weeks consideration of the approval of a letter of intent to lease land at Noble Park for a proposed indoor sports facility.

Mayor Bill Collins asked that the matter be tabled until after the proposal is presented to the Hiawatha School Board at their April 12 meeting.

The estimated around $300,000 indoor facility is the first of a three-phase project proposed at Noble Park by the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club. It would also include a new softball field and upgrades to Paul Rockey Field.

The group says the letter of intent will allow them to begin fund-raising efforts.

In other business, the 2020 audit report for the city of Hiawatha was presented by Karen Linn, managing director of the Topeka CPA firm BT & Co.

Linn gave the city “ an unmodified opinion”, which is the best opinion the city can receive.

City Administrator Mike Nichols credited the work of City Clerk Tish Sims for the positive audit report.

Mayor Collins signed a proclamation that proclaims this as “John McLendon, Jr., Week” in Hiawatha.  

The basketball legend and civil rights pioneer was born in Hiawatha on April 5, 1915.

The proclamation was read by McLendon's cousin, Vicki Combs.

It encourages all citizens to follow the many examples set by Coach McLendon both on and off the basketball court.