Several agenda items at Tuesday’s meeting continued to deal with financing and other aspects of the Pella Indoor Rec Center facility approved by the Pella City Council earlier this year.

This week, the council held a public hearing regarding $17 million in sales tax bonds that will pay the city’s portion of the $35 million space that includes four gymnasiums, a competition pool, and indoor aquatic facility. The agenda also included resolutions approving the official statement for the project, a 28E Agreement with Pella Christian Schools for dedicated use of one of the gyms, and an amendment to the design contract with Shive-Hattery. All of those were approved.

During the policy and planning session following regular business, the council discussed a proposed development agreement with Pella Corporation in relation to the construction of a new hangar at the Pella Municipal airport. The $4 million project is being constructed by Pella Corporation by the end of 2027, with the City of Pella responsible for up to $1.47 million in expenses related to infrastructure. The council talked about potential funding sources and other aspects of the proposal, with future action expected later this year.

Also on the policy and planning agenda was a proposed partnership with Pella Historical Museums for access to public restrooms with its new trolley station project. The non-profit responsible for Tulip Time is transforming the former Wells Fargo facility at 712 Washington Street into a space that includes an exhibit about Pella’s history in transportation, a gift shop, and public restrooms. Pella Historical Museums Director Jessi Galligan says they are considering adding an additional entrance for the restrooms to make them available for a longer basis. The group is requesting a five-year contract at $4,000 annually for the City of Pella to subsidize the cost of maintaining the space. No action was taken Tuesday.