A special meeting held by the Pella City Council Tuesday featured several comments from residents during an open forum held prior to a scheduled work session related to the future of the Pella Community Center. The meeting was at capacity in the building, with multiple individuals following along outside and more than 200 watching the online stream.

On Tuesday afternoon, the City of Pella issued the following statement about a matter involving a teenager attending the pool and the clothing that student was wearing:

“The City of Pella has received concerns related to the swimming attire of a patron who recently visited the Pella Aquatic Center. The City has reviewed the matter with legal counsel and no further action will be taken. The City considers this matter concluded.

The City of Pella operates its facilities consistent with state and federal law, which prohibits discrimination against any patron or participant on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability.”

Several residents and regular visitors of the Pella Aquatic Center raised concerns about the policies in place at the pool; however, Mayor Don DeWaard said in response to one citizen that the facility adheres to a 2007 state law outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and there is no specific City Code or policy in place as it relates to the swimming facility.

Many in attendance demanded immediate action from the city council, but Councilmembers Lynn Branderhorst and Bruce Schiebout asked for patience as they sort out what–if any, options exist to change guidelines at the Pella Aquatic Center.