At a special work session this week, the Pella City Council began the process of planning downtown infrastructure improvements.

The council set 2018 as a planning year to get engineering services in place and receive public input over the next year about overall designs and funding sources for a potential streetscape project between 2019 and 2021 for the reconstruction of Franklin Street and other alleyways. Public Works Director Denny Buyert also shared details about the cost of bricks, and concerns about alleyway delivery and potential issues with narrowing Franklin Street to possibly expand sidewalks.

The council also discussed how to improve alleyways that are on top of sewers and water lines needing replacement, and how they would like to see the upgraded segments conform to other downtown designs. No formal action was taken, but city staff will begin the process of seeking an engineering firm for the alleyway improvements.