(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission on a 3-2 vote Monday evening approved an ordinance that would prohibit residents from blowing their grass clippings and leaves into city streets.

Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Tom Martin cast the dissenting votes.  Shefferd was in favor of delaying the ordinance until summer so the city could explore a better solution for cleaning leaves from streets.

City Administrator Brad Scott recommended approval of the ordinance.  He said the biggest issue is with leaves, which clog storm drains. Scott said it's difficult to pick up leaves with the city's current street sweeper.

Following discussion, no motion was made to approve a second ordinance on the agenda that would have restricted continuous on-street parking to 14 days.

Scott said he wasn't recommending the ordinance be approved, primarily because how diffcult it would be to enforce the ordinance.  

Discussion was held on a proposal for the city to operate its own animal impoundment facility to save money on the costs associated with a proposal from the Brown County Humane Society.

City Attorney Andy Delaney said the facility would not be long term, only holding animals for 10  days, and would have to be licensed by the state.

Proposed was utilizing a building at the south sewer plant. The cost to fix up the building to serve as an impoundment facility was placed at around $4,000.

A decision was tabled for two weeks so further negotiations could be held with the Humane Society to see if an agreement could be reached for them to continue to serve as a boarding facility for the city.  The Commission felt utilizing the Humane Society would be the best option.