The Pella City Council approved a ban on the use of fireworks at their meeting Monday.

They did so with no objection after they discussed the matter at a recent city council meeting. Mayor Jim Mueller said at the meeting that the resolution was essentially an extension of the ban previously in place. The measure approved only bans the use of fireworks in the city for the exception of special events, such as the 4th of July celebration, which requires a permit. Restrictions to the sale of fireworks in the community will be considered at a later meeting.

The council also set public hearing dates for a water main relocation along Clark Street near Pella Corporation and the rehabilitation of the Pella Municipal Airport runway. The relocation project contract will be considered on July 18th, and involves constructing approximately 4,000 linear feet of 12” water main and will likely cost the city $480,000. The airport rehabilitation contract will be reviewed on July 3rd and includes repair of the runways, with the city expected to pay 10% of the $360,000 project with an FAA grant covering the rest.

The first reading of an ordinance making the intersection of East 8th and University Street a three-way stop was approved as well.

Following regular business, the council possible gravel road improvements at 218th Avenue near the Shady Brook Subdivision and 218th place from Washington Street to St. Mary’s Church. Council members deliberated on the best way to pay for both projects and whether or not to completely repave the roads or use an asphalt overlay.