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Pella City Council approves series of infrastructure contracts, fee changes and ordinance readings
Summary
The Pella City Council voted to accept multiple public‑improvement projects, approve utility rate changes and advance several ordinances, including rules on scooters and a first reading of a camping prohibition. Action items include resolutions on stormwater and sanitary sewer projects and second readings of three utility/finance ordinances.
The Pella City Council on Monday approved a package of resolutions and ordinances covering infrastructure, utility rates and development financing.
Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 6963 accepting storm‑water plaza membrane work intended to curb water infiltration into the downtown parking garage; the engineer for the project, Garden and Associates, recommended acceptance and the contract amount was described as just under $96,000. The council also approved Resolution No. 6964 accepting the sanitary sewer chip‑lining project and final quantity adjustments, bringing the final contract amount to $276,453 (original budget: $300,000).
On second reading the council passed Ordinance No. 1079 to allow tax‑increment financing for the Fountain Hills Phase 4 subdivision, a 47‑lot residential development. Staff said the public‑infrastructure cost for the development was roughly $2.5 million; the ordinance would allow the city to capture incremental property taxes and rebate a portion back to the developer for reimbursement if and when new homes are built. Staff noted state law limits reimbursement to 10 years for non‑low‑income developments, with the possibility of extension to 15 years if Marian County and the local school district approve their portions.
Council also approved two utility rate ordinances on second reading: Ordinance No. 1080 eliminates the solid‑waste “vacation” reduced rate (currently $2.50/month) — staff said 91 customers, mostly landlords, use the program and cited administrative difficulties — and Ordinance No. 1081 amends municipal telecommunication (fiber) rates, including ending a $10/month vacation rate for a small number of customers.
Other routine business included approval of the abstract of bills and payment warrants. A council member questioned a $124,000 pay application to Bomers Construction for Lincoln Street; engineering staff explained most of the expense covered underground work (subbase, sewer and water line work) and utility relocations delaying surface restoration.
What happens next: most of the items approved were final acceptances or second readings; the Fountain Hills TIF requires county and school‑district action for any timeline extension, and the council will follow standard ordinances and publishing steps to finalize rate changes.
