Pella meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Pella Council Approves Alcohol License, Habitat Funding, and Setoff Ordinance

The Pella City Council approved a new alcohol license, several funding resolutions, and the first reading of a setoff ordinance at its Aug. 18 meeting. All votes were 4-0.

Alcohol license

The council approved a new Class C retail alcohol license with catering and outdoor service for Strawtown Hospitality Co. The vote was 4-0.

Resolutions

Council members passed four resolutions, each by a 4-0 vote:

• **Resolution 7106** amending the public purpose expenditure policy.
• **Resolution 7107** approving Change Order No. 3 and increasing the not-to-exceed amount for Terracon Consultants for testing at the Indoor Recreation Center project.
• **Resolution 7108** authorizing a funding agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
• **Resolution 7109** amending the project administration policy for the Community Center Renovation.

Ordinance

The council also placed Ordinance No. 1091 on first reading to authorize participation in the State of Iowa Setoff Program. The vote was 4-0.

Other business

The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, committee reports, and a special event permit for 22 Reasons to Stay, and approved Abstract of Bills No. 2205. Both votes were 4-0.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards met over the past two weeks. Their minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

• **Historic Preservation Commission (Aug. 10):** Held a work session on the Certified Local Government program and discussed possible future historic districts near West Market Park and along Main Street. The application has been sent to the State Historic Preservation Office, which requested a clarification letter from the mayor. No formal decisions were on the agenda.
• **Library Board (Aug. 11):** Discussed policy updates, including the Request for Materials Policy, General Policy Statement, Board Ethics Policy, ADA checklist priorities 3 and 4, and a fee waiver for September Library Sign-Up Card month.
• **Community Development Committee (Aug. 12):** Considered a design permit for exterior alterations to 1400 Fifield St., including staining brick, replacing wood, and removing shutters. The committee also planned to elect a member to fill a Sign Subcommittee vacancy.
• **Board of Adjustment (Aug. 17):** Held a work session on new state variance appeal rules (SF 2378), which allow appeals to the city council within 60 days. No public hearings or new business were scheduled.
• **Community Services Board (Aug. 21):** Discussed hockey and ice rink hourly rate options, a 2026 Fall Soccer User Agreement, and updates on the Rec Center, Community Center, and Parks Master Plan.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next two weeks. Check the city's website for future notices.

Pella Council approves Washington Street corridor study, delays urban renewal ordinance

The Pella City Council on Aug. 4 approved a consulting agreement with Greenwood Consulting for a corridor improvement study along W Washington Street from W 8th Street to T15, a project that could shape future road and infrastructure work. The council also delayed a third reading of an ordinance related to the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Area until Nov. 3.

City Council

The council voted 6-0 to approve the consulting agreement with Greenwood Consulting for the W Washington Street corridor study. In other action, the council:

• Approved and accepted public improvements for the Library HVAC Modifications-Phase 1 project (6-0).
• Authorized a funding agreement with the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (5-0; Council member Hopkins did not vote due to a technical issue).
• Delayed the third reading of Ordinance No. 1090, which concerns the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Area, to Nov. 3, 2026 (6-0).
• Approved the consent agenda, which included special event permits for Central College transition dates, the Pathways of Pella Walk for Life, and the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast (6-0).
• Approved claims abstract No. 2204 (6-0).
• Appointed Harry Ehrlich to the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee (6-0).

Other recent meetings

The Historic Preservation Commission met Aug. 10 for a work session on the Certified Local Government (CLG) program and potential future local historic districts. The commission discussed areas near West Market Park and along Main Street, including a stretch from Jefferson to Elm and between Huber/University and Main/East Second or Third. The CLG application has been sent to the State Historic Preservation Office, which requested a clarification letter from the mayor. No formal decisions were on the agenda.

The Library Board of Trustees met Aug. 11 with an agenda that included votes on the Request for Materials (formerly Interlibrary Loan) Policy, General Policy Statement, Board Ethics Policy, ADA checklist priorities 3 and 4, a fee waiver for September Library Sign-Up Card month, and adoption of the holiday schedule and staff in-service. The board also was to approve July bills. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Community Development Committee met Aug. 12 to consider a design permit for exterior alterations to 1400 Fifield St. (Case DSN26-13), including staining brick, replacing wood, and removing faux shutters. The committee also was to elect a member to fill a vacancy on the Sign Subcommittee. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Board of Adjustment will hold a work session Aug. 17 to discuss new Iowa variance appeal procedures that took effect July 1, 2026, under state law SF 2378. The law allows appeals of variances to the city council within 60 days. No public hearings or new business are scheduled. The board will also approve minutes from its June 15 meeting.

The City Council will meet Aug. 18 and consider several routine items, including:

• Resolution No. 7107: Change Order No. 3 for Terracon Consultants, increasing the not-to-exceed amount for testing and inspection services on the Indoor Recreation Center project.
• Resolution No. 7108: A funding agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
• A new Class C Retail Alcohol License with Catering and Outdoor Service for Strawtown Hospitality Co.
• Ordinance No. 1091, first reading, to add Article 9.05 authorizing participation in the State of Iowa Setoff Program.
• A special event permit for '22 Reasons to Stay' (Resolution No. 7105).

The meeting includes public forums for community input.

Pella Council, boards weigh corridor study, Vermeer expansion, park plans

Pella's City Council and several advisory committees met over the past two weeks to consider a range of items, including a major expansion at Vermeer Corporation, a corridor improvement study, and a new park sign. All items were on agendas; no decisions have been reported because minutes have not yet been published.

City Council

The City Council met Aug. 4 and had several items on its agenda. It was set to discuss a consulting services agreement with Greenwood Consulting for a corridor study of W Washington Street from W 8th Street to T15. The council also reviewed a funding agreement with the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency.

In addition, the council took up the third reading of Ordinance No. 1090, which concerns property taxes for the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Area. The agenda also included the appointment of Harry Ehrlich to the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee and acceptance of public improvements for the Library HVAC Modifications-Phase 1 project.

Planning & Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Commission met July 27 to consider a site plan from Vermeer Corporation for a 19,520-square-foot addition to Shop 48 and a 9,170-square-foot parking lot at 1210 Vermeer Rd. The property is zoned Heavy Industrial (M2), and the use is permitted by right. The case is listed as PC26-07. No public hearings were scheduled.

The commission also held a work session to discuss updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Code, and approved the minutes from its June 22 meeting.

Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee

The Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee met July 27 to discuss a potential partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County for the Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) grant program. The committee also reviewed a blight assessment for Huber Street and discussed the potential establishment of an Urban Revitalization Area there. A proposed rental inspection program was discussed for recommendation to the City Council.

Charles Farver Park Committee

The Charles Farver Park Committee met July 27 to review a concept plan and cost estimates for the park. It received an update on underground electrical conversion for the site and discussed installing a sign reading "Coming Soon Charles Farver Park" at the front of the property. The committee also discussed the project timeline and a next meeting date.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents are encouraged to check the city's official meeting calendar for future agendas and minutes.

Pella roundup: Urban renewal tax ordinance advances, Vermeer expansion plan on P&Z agenda

Pella's City Council and advisory bodies focused on urban renewal financing, a major industrial site plan, and neighborhood revitalization in recent meetings. Most items remain agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published — so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council — July 21

The Council's July 21 agenda included the second reading of Ordinance No. 1090, which would direct general property taxes from the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Area to a special fund for loan repayment and bond costs. The same ordinance is scheduled for a third reading at the August 4 meeting.

Also on the July 21 agenda:

• Resolution No. 7098 — an assignment and assumption agreement between RACOM Corporation and the City of Pella for a tower lease and related lease amendments with Xcell Towers.
• Resolution No. 7099 — Change Order No. 2 (final quantity adjustment) and acceptance of public improvements for the W. Washington St & IA 163 north-bound ramp intersection improvements project.
• Renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License for El Charro Mexican Grill.
• Reappointment of Mark Richards to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term.

Minutes for this meeting have not been published, so vote tallies and final actions are not yet available.

Planning & Zoning — July 27

The Planning & Zoning Commission was scheduled to review a site plan by Vermeer Corporation for a 19,520-square-foot addition to Shop 48 and a 9,170-square-foot parking lot at 1210 Vermeer Rd (Case PC26-07). The property is zoned Heavy Industrial (M2), and the use is permitted by right.

The commission was also set to hold a work session on updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Code. No public hearings were scheduled. Approval of the June 22, 2026 meeting minutes was also on the agenda.

Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee — July 27

The NRG Committee agenda included discussion of a potential partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County for the Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) grant program. The committee also planned to review a blight assessment for Huber Street and discuss a potential Urban Revitalization Area designation there.

A proposed rental inspection program was also listed for discussion, with the committee expected to make recommendations to the City Council.

Charles Farver Park Committee — July 27

The Charles Farver Park Committee agenda called for review of a concept plan and cost estimates for the park, an update on underground electrical conversion at the site, and discussion of installing a sign reading "Coming Soon Charles Farver Park" at the front of the property. The committee also planned to discuss the project timeline and set a next meeting date.

Coming up

• **City Council — August 4:** Third reading of Ordinance No. 1090 on Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Area property taxes; a consulting services agreement with Greenwood Consulting for the W. Washington Street (W 8th Street to T15) corridor study; a funding agreement with the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency; appointment of Harry Ehrlich to the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee; and acceptance of public improvements for the Library HVAC Modifications–Phase 1 project.

All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only at the time of this report. Final actions, votes, and any amendments will be confirmed when minutes are published.

Pella Council Approves Imagine More Urban Renewal Plan; Property Tax Ordinance Returns for Second Reading

Council adopts urban renewal plan and community center renovation policy

The Pella City Council approved the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan and several related measures on July 7, the only meeting in the past two weeks with official minutes published.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan, Resolution 7092 designating a blighted area for urban renewal, and Resolution 7093 for the Community Center Renovation Project. Ordinance 1090, which would place a property tax levy to support the urban renewal area, passed first reading 6-0.

The Council also voted 6-0 to accept public improvements for the Prairie Ridge West Subdivision (Resolution 7094) and to adopt an economic development incentive policy (Resolution 7095). A project management administration policy for the Community Center Renovation Project was approved.

Hy-Vee's Class E Retail Alcohol License was renewed 5-0, and the consent agenda — including minutes and special event permits — passed 5-0.

Community Center renovation groundbreaking events

On July 10, the Mayor and City Council were scheduled to attend two public events tied to the Community Center Renovation project: a groundbreaking ceremony at the Community Center, 712 Union Street, and a groundbreaking coffee time at the Memorial Building, 829 Broadway Street. No formal Council actions were planned. Minutes have not yet been published.

Comprehensive Plan chapters under review

The Comprehensive Plan Technical Advisory Committee met July 6 to review draft sections of the city's Comprehensive Plan. The agenda listed four draft chapters: Chapter 6 (Transportation, Mobility, and Safety), Chapter 7 (City Utilities and Facilities), Chapter 9 (Parks and Recreation), and Chapter 10 (Implementation). Minutes are not yet published.

Design permits considered for Washington Street and Main Street properties

The Community Development Committee met July 8 to vote on three design permit applications:

• A fence and gates at 1680 Washington St. for Hooyer Construction/Horizon Distribution at De Autowasplaats (DSN26-10).
• An exterior alteration at 701 Main St. for Ciara Ward (DSN26-09).
• Exterior changes at 2523 and 2521 Washington St., Units B and C, for Shive-Hattery/Pella Regional Health Center (DSN26-08).

Minutes are not yet published.

Historic Preservation Commission explores new local districts

The Pella Historic Preservation Commission held a work session July 13 to discuss the city's Certified Local Government application status and potential boundaries for new local historic districts near West Market Park, Main Street between Jefferson and Elm Streets, and the Huber to University Street corridor. No votes were scheduled on district creation, which would require property owners to gather signatures from at least 50% of affected parcels.

The commission reviewed Ordinance No. 927, which requires design review and certificates of appropriateness for exterior property changes in future districts. The commission approved minutes from its June 8, 2026 meeting 4-0. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2026 at City Hall. Minutes for this session are not yet published.

Library Board and Wayfinding Sign Committee meet

The Pella Library Board met July 14 to review June and July financial reports and bills, discuss an Integrated Library System update including an insignia proposal and data extraction, sign Board Ethics statements, review annual statistics, and consider action on an Interlibrary Loan Policy. Minutes are not yet published.

On July 15, the Wayfinding Sign Committee heard a presentation from consulting firm Confluence on recommendations for new or updated wayfinding signage in Pella. No decisions were noted on the agenda, and a next meeting date had not been set. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

City Council — July 21: The Council will consider Ordinance 1090 on second reading, which would direct general property taxes from the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal area to a special fund for loan repayment and bond costs. Also on the agenda: Resolution 7098 for a tower-lease assignment and assumption agreement between RACOM Corporation and the City of Pella with related lease amendments with Xcell Towers; Resolution 7099 for change order No. 2 and acceptance of public improvements for the W. Washington St & IA 163 NB ramp intersection improvements project; renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License for El Charro Mexican Grill; and reappointment of Mark Richards to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term.

Pella City Council Approves Imagine More Urban Renewal Plan

The Pella City Council approved the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan and several related measures on July 7, advancing the city's economic development and community center renovation efforts. The votes set the stage for property tax levies, subdivision improvements, and project management policies.

City Council

On July 7, the Council voted 6-0 to approve the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan, Ordinance 1090 placing a property tax levy on first reading, and Resolution 7092 designating a blighted area for urban renewal. The Council also voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 7093 for the Community Center Renovation Project, Resolution 7094 accepting Prairie Ridge West Subdivision improvements, and Resolution 7095 adopting an economic development incentive policy. A renewal of the Hy-Vee Class E Retail Alcohol License passed 5-0, and consent agenda items including minutes and special event permits passed 5-0.

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan Technical Advisory Committee met July 6 to review draft sections of the city's Comprehensive Plan. The discussion focused on Draft Chapter 6 (Transportation, Mobility, and Safety), Draft Chapter 7 (City Utilities and Facilities), Draft Chapter 9 (Parks and Recreation), and Draft Chapter 10 (Implementation). Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Community Development

The Community Development Committee met July 8 to vote on three design permit applications. The permits include a fence and gates at 1680 Washington St. for Hooyer Construction/Horizon Distribution (DSN26-10), an exterior alteration at 701 Main St. for Ciara Ward (DSN26-09), and exterior changes at 2523 and 2521 Washington St., Units B and C, for Shive-Hattery/Pella Regional Health Center (DSN26-08). Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Community Center Groundbreaking

The Mayor and City Council may attend two public events for the Community Center Renovation project on July 10. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at the Community Center at 712 Union Street, followed by a groundbreaking coffee time at the Memorial Building at 829 Broadway Street. No formal Council actions were taken during these events.

Coming up

• **July 13: Historic Preservation Commission** — The commission will hold work sessions to discuss the city's Certified Local Government application status and explore boundary options for new local historic districts near West Market Park, Main Street between Jefferson and Elm Streets, and the Huber to University Street corridor. The commission will also review Ordinance No. 927, which establishes exterior design review requirements for future historic districts. No votes are scheduled.
• **July 14: Library Board** — The Board will review financial reports and approve bills from June and July. Discussions include an update on the Integrated Library System and a strategic plan update. The meeting also includes signing of Board Ethics statements, review of Annual Statistics, and potential action on an Interlibrary Loan Policy.

Pella City Council to weigh $345M Imagine More urban renewal plan, TIF district

The Pella City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the proposed Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan, a $345 million proposal from Central College that could add up to 1,350 rental housing units and $22.3 million in public infrastructure. The hearing also covers a blight designation and use of tax increment financing. Recent meetings laid groundwork: the Planning and Zoning Commission considered recommending the plan, and the Airport Committee voted on runway expansion options, though meeting minutes for both are not yet published.

Planning and Zoning Commission considers Imagine More plan

The Planning and Zoning Commission met June 22 to consider a recommendation to the City Council on the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the April meeting and a proclamation recognizing Commissioner Julio Chiarella for 33 years of service. No public hearings were scheduled. Minutes have not been published; the commission's recommendation is not yet known.

Airport Committee votes on runway options

On June 26, the Airport Committee voted on a preliminary Airport Layout Plan requiring land acquisition, as well as three options: extending the runway, widening it to 100 feet, and adding a crosswind runway. The committee also discussed a 2026 CIP grant status and a new fundraising foundation for land acquisition. A presentation on landing and take-off performance was given by Kyle Reynolds and Zach Riggs. Meeting minutes have not been published, so the outcomes of the votes are not available.

Comprehensive Plan technical review

On Monday, July 6, the Comprehensive Plan Technical Advisory Committee will review draft chapters of the city's Comprehensive Plan, including transportation, mobility, and safety; city utilities and facilities; parks and recreation; and implementation.

City Council to hear public testimony on Imagine More, vote on other items

On Tuesday, July 7, the City Council will hold a public hearing on the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan. The agenda includes resolutions to approve a blight designation and adopt tax increment financing for the plan. The council will also vote on a project management administration policy for the community center renovation, acceptance of public improvements for the Prairie Ridge West subdivision, and adoption of an economic development and redevelopment incentive policy. On the consent agenda are a Class E alcohol license renewal for Hy-Vee and special event permits for Library Summer Games, BBQ Bash, and the Dan Sorenson 5K.

Coming up

• Monday, July 6: Comprehensive Plan Technical Advisory Committee, draft chapters review.
• Tuesday, July 7: City Council public hearing on Imagine More plan and TIF, plus other resolutions.