The Pella City Council is holding a special policy and planning session Tuesday to establish a priority ranking for significant strategic projects.
The following are projects identified by the Pella City Council that will be considered (taken from Pella City Council memo):
• Dog Park
The Pella Dog Park Association has expressed interest in partnering with the City to build a dog park. In early 2020, at the discretion of Council, a committee was formed for the purpose of researching and identifying potential City property that could be dedicated for this use should Council decide they would like to proceed with this project.
• Disc Golf Course at Big Rock Park
Construction of the disc golf course at Big Rock Park began in August of 2018. To-date, 10 of the planned 18 holes have been constructed. In June 2019, Council directed that course construction should be halted until further research could be conducted regarding the impact of this project.
• Community Center Renovations
A recent assessment of the Community Center identified nearly $10 million in improvements are necessary to extend the life of the facility for the next 20 years. These improvements include replacement of existing HVAC and electrical systems, removal of interior partitions to provide spaces that would better support assigned functions, replacement of all interior finishes, new roofing, elevator modernization, and complete renovation of restrooms to comply with current handicapped accessibility codes.
• Indoor Recreation Facility
During discussions regarding the Community Center facility needs assessment in 2019, Council expressed interest in researching the possibility of a two-facility approach which would provide a second facility, separate from the Community Center, dedicated to indoor recreation.
• Childcare Facility
The Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance and local employers have brought to the City’s attention results of a community survey which identifies a shortage of childcare capacity in the community, which directly impacts the labor force.
• Beautification Project at the former Power Plant Site
In 2019, Council hired an architectural design firm for a beautification project at the former power plant site on Oskaloosa Street. The project involves several improvements to the three acre site including tulips, historic display sculptures, and an area intended to accommodate community activities and vendors including food trucks.
After the council agrees upon a priority ranking of those projects, they will discuss a potential amendment that, if approved, would allow city administration to review minor design applications instead of a sub-committee established by the Community Development Committee.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will also be available electronically:
1. To access screen sharing and audio, visit https://join.me/CityofPella