(KNZA)--Possible facility improvements for the Hiawatha Fire and Police Departments will be explored.

The issue was discussed at this week’s City Commission meeting.

City Administrator Mike Nichols outlined several options following conservations with the fire department. They ranged from the replacement of the old gas station at the corner of 4th and Oregon currently used by the fire department, to combining the entirety of the department’s facilities to one new building, to construction of a public safety building that would house both the police and fire departments.

Nichols said the most pressing need is the replacement of the old filling station, which he says is close to falling down and cost a lot to heat.

Nichols says it was also decided to look into the possible replacement of the fire department’s main facility, and police department building as well, since both department’s have outgrown their current facilities.

He said anything beyond the replacement of the old gas station would require the issuance of bonds and the hiring of an architect.

Commissioners voiced support for exploring the possible facility improvements further.

Nichols will solicit quote’s from the city’s two on-call engineering firms for architectural services and bring them back to the Commission for consideration.