By Sam Parsons

The Pella City Council met last night and had lengthy discussions on several topics. One item that received discussion was an agreement for use of the downtown sound system. In June, the council entered into an agreement with Pella Historical Society for the downtown sound system, which was upgraded just prior to the Tulip Festival in 2023 to include the main operating equipment, speakers, microphones, and new cabling. The agreement, if it gets approved, says that the system will be available for use when not reserved for Tulip Time and will carry a $100 daily fee for its use. It would be available for use only with an approved special permit.

The council also discussed possible renovations of the building at 215 Main Street, formerly known as the Pella Early Learning Center. The remodeling of the building would focus on transitioning it from a childcare facility to a modern office space with proper public access, security measures, and ADA compliant bathrooms. The engineer’s cost estimate right now is at around $890,000, and the city has $1.1 million in funding from its Capital Improvement Plan for the project. 

And the council also discussed a proposal from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission to nominate the historic fire station for the National Register of Historic Places, as well as possible upgrades to 218th place and regulations for signs in the public right-of-way. No official action was taken on any of these items last night.

The Pella City Council will host its next regular meeting on October 3.