Cedar Rapids proposes gift to Hiawatha City Council

HIAWATHA – Cedar Rapids will give Hiawatha a modern, outdoor sculpture as a “thank you” gift for using Hiawatha's city council chambers for slightly more than a year.

Appearing before the Hiawatha council Wednesday (April 20), Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett read a proclamation for “Hiawatha Appreciation Day” recognizing the bigger city's use of the facilities.

Cedar Rapids council member Monica Vernon said they wanted to give “something lasting” and a “visible symbol” of the cooperation.

She said the Hiawathans could choose a sculpture from one of three Iowa artists, and she showed pictures of their work. The council also needs to select a color and a location, Vernon said, adding Cedar Rapids will “ready the site and put it in the ground for you.” She suggested three sites near the city hall.

Council member Chuck Swore and city manager Jeff Pomerantz accompanied Corbett and Vernon.

Hiawatha council member Marty Bruns called it a “generous gift.” And Mayor Tom Theis said the Hiawathans would be attending Tuesday's (April 26) first meeting of the Cedar Rapids city council in their new chambers in the refurbished old federal building.