During a special Pella City Council meeting Monday, a Policy and Planning session was scheduled to talk about a proposed microbrewery ordinance.

The discussion was held after the Planning and Zoning Commission had questions pertaining to the size of the proposed businesses, food sales, and changing the city’s proposed patron age limit.

During a presentation, City Administrator Mike Nardini addressed many of the concerns posed by Planning and Zoning members. He said most of their questions related to size and location will be addressed by the Board of Adjustment through the Special Use Permit application process, which includes opportunity for neighborhood input and a thorough review of a potential site plan and its fit into a zoning area.

Prior to the presentation and council discussion, audience members spoke about microbreweries during a public forum, with the vast majority backing the use in the city and highlighting the benefits.

Overall, the entire Pella City Council expressed support to allow microbreweries in Pella, including allowing:

-Production of up to 10,000 barrels annually
-Allowing them to be located in all commercial areas except for the Central Business District (only Councilmember Mark DeJong fully supported their allowance in the entire CBD, Mayor Jim Mueller discussed the possibility of opening some of it, except for Franklin and Main Street)
-Not requiring a minimum food requirement
-Youth on the premises of those establishments with someone over the age of 21 as part of a family-friendly atmosphere

Gezellig Brewing Company is trying to start a microbrewery in Pella, and has been in contact with the city council and other staff and boards since last summer. No formal vote was taken. The matter returns to the Planning and Zoning Commission for formal action in June.

Hear the meeting on the audio player below: