(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to reopen city hall to the public, effective March 16, with certain restrictions.

City Hall has been open by appointment only since last November to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

The building will be open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm for access into the lobby area only. Customers will enter through the 7th Street doors and exit through the Oregon Street doors. Masks will be required while inside City Hall.

In other action, Mayor Bill Collins asked City Attorney Andy Delaney to draft an ordinance for consideration at their March 29 meeting that would repeal the city's current mask mandate. If approved, the mask mandate would be lifted April 12.

Collins said he thinks its time to open things back up.

City Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper said she's very confident they can proceed with normal plans for spring and summer recreation activities—including operation of the Aquatic Park. She reviewed proposals with commissioners for a return of activities.