The Pella City Council held a special session Tuesday to approve the purchase of a new fire truck. The Pella Fire Department used Sourcewell to acquire a bid; the organization combines the buying power of 50,000 government entities, including several in central Iowa. The purchase agreement with Reliant Fire Apparatus, Inc., is for $666,693 for a new Pierce Enforcer Pumper truck, with delivery occurring after July 1st, 2022.

The council also discussed several development projects ongoing in the community:
1. Proposed Economic Development Incentives for the Prairie Ridge Commercial Development
– includes infrastructure needed for the Smash Park project proposal, which is expected to be complete in Spring of 2022, with an additional restaurant component in 2024
2. Oskaloosa Street Corridor Development
– Council reviewed guidelines for development near Pella Corporation initially approved in December 2019
3. Review District Design Manual Update
– the Community Development Committee asked council to consider updating the manual to reflect growth in the community
4. Second Christian Reformed Church Purchase Agreement Amendment
– Council reviewed a request to push back the closing date on purchasing the property to September 1st
5. Proposed Land Development Process and Applications
– A discussion was held to consider changes to the land development application process within the City’s Planning and Zoning Department

Further action on those agenda items is expected at future council meetings.