(KNZA)--Following citizen concerns, the city of Hiawatha will hire an outside firm to examine the depth of the new concrete streets in the sales tax streets project.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening gave City Administrator Mike Nichols approval to move ahead with hiring a firm to take core samples at a cost not to exceed his spending authority of $5,000.

Nichols said the plan is to start with Miami Street, with three core samples to be taken per block between 1st and 10th Streets.

He said he contacted four companies and obtained quotes from two firms. The lowest quote was for $3,961 for 27 core samples, with an additional $100 charge per core sample.

Core samples could also be taken from some of the other new concrete streets.

During the Commission's July 12 meeting, Hiawatha resident Richard Tesoriero told commissioners he had observed areas where only 6 1/4-inches of concrete was poured instead of the 8-inches required by the contract documents.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg said she likes the idea of bringing in an impartial company.

Mayor Bill Collins said the city needs to have some answers before appropriating any more funds.