The Pella City Council will hold a public hearing and the first reading of a tree planting ordinance for residential zones at their meeting today.
The proposal was initially made in response to a diminishing number of trees and shrubs in Pella. It would require all new one or two family dwellings with over 10,000 square feet to plant at least two shrubs and four trees. Pre-existing plants would count towards the total. The measure failed to pass the planning and zoning commission 6 to 3, with concerns about the city infringing on local property rights. The council will also hold a public hearing for a resolution regarding the solid waste contract, which would add single-string recycling to a proposed five year renewal with Midwest Sanitation. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Public Safety Complex on Liberty Street.