The Pella City Council approved agenda items related to Pella Fiber at their meeting Tuesday evening. Council moved forward with resolutions to approve a contract and bond for the Fiber to the Premise Transport Network north to Grinnell and a change order to extend that connection back in the city limits — the combined items will cost $1.24 million.

Council also approved two 28E Agreements between several public municipal telecommunications utilities in Cedar falls, Indianola, Vinton, New Hampton, Waverly, and Bellevue for joint ownership agreements relating to Pella Fiber, as well as a membership agreement with the National Cable Television Cooperative.

Resolutions for change orders with Synergy Contracting for Fifield Road Water Main improvements, a final plat for the South Main housing development, and a reimbursement request to the Iowa COVID-19 Government Relief Fund are also all on the agenda. The city requested up to just under $243,300 for expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

A public hearing was held to award a contract for East Interchange Infrastructure Improvements, which will go to Thorpe Water Development Company of Ankeny for $699,148, as well as to grant an encroachment easement for South Main housing.

Following regular business, council held extensive discussion about a potential environmental assessment for Big Rock Park, estimated to cost between $32,000 and $38,000, and other regulatory steps to become part of the Old Growth Forest Network.