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City Clerk

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1. How do I contact my elected city officials?

Contact information and a brief biography of the elected city officials can be found on the Meet the Members page.

2. How do I know where to vote?

Find your precinct and polling place online at 

the Secretary of State's website.

3. How do I express a concern at a City Council meeting?

To properly address the Council, citizens are asked to stand at the microphone, state their name and address, and then relate their issue.

During a Council meeting, there are regularly two places on the agenda for public input:

• Public Forum - This is for anyone wishing to address the Council regarding agenda items.
• Other Business / Public Forum - Citizens can address the City Council about issues that are not on the formal agenda.

In addition, when a Public Hearing is scheduled on the agenda, citizens can address the Council on that specific item. For more information on the City Council, view the Mayor and City Council page.

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Community Services

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1. Who do I contact about youth baseball/softball?

Call 204-1368 or check the Pella Little League web site

Pella Little League

2. What is After School Art Center?

Classes meet once a week on Monday through Friday from 3:30pm to 5:00 pm for students K-12. The Art Center encourages students to explore their individual creative needs by defining their own projects.

3. What are the hours and prices of the Aquatic Center?

The hours for the Aquatic Center vary depending on the time of year. Please check the Aquatic Center page.

4. What type of trees are planted around the Central Park and business district?

The trees planted in the downtown area are Greenspire Lindens.

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Electric Utility

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1. How do I begin or stop new electric service?

To begin or stop new electric service, please call 641.628.4173 or visit City Hall which is located at 825 Broadway Street.

2. Where can I seek help with understanding my utility bill?

Please call City Hall at 641.628.4173 for help with understanding your utility bill. You can also view the following document for general bill guidance.

Electric Bill Example (PDF)

3. Who do I call to report a power outage?

In the event of an electric outage, call 641.629.0695 to report the outage location.  This phone number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you would like to receive a notification when utility outages occur, sign-up to receive notifications for the Utility Service Disruption group online or text "Join Utilities" to 30890.

4. Are there any electric rebates available?

Yes, the City of Pella offers electric customers (residential and commercial) rebates. More information is on Electric Department website:

Energy Efficiency Programs and Rebates

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Fire

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1. How often should I change the batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?

Ideally you would perform the test once every month and change the batteries every six months. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when you change the time on your clocks in the fall and spring.

2. How many calls does the fire department respond to in a year?

On average over the past several years, the fire department has responded to approximately 150 calls. These calls range from false alarms, actual fires, car accidents, and other miscellaneous calls. This equates to several thousand man-hours each year that the members of the Pella Volunteer Fire Department spends engaged in rescue activities.

3. Why are fire hydrants painted different colors?

Fire hydrants are color coded to indicate the amount of water (gallons per minute) that is available from that fire hydrant. This allows the firefighters to know how much water is available for fighting a fire. The gallons per minute are determined during flow testing of fire hydrants.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I find out what jobs are available within the city?

You can view all open job opportunities within the city by viewing the following webpage. Current Job Opportunities

2. How do I apply for a job with the City of Pella?

All open positions are posted online; applying for a position is coordinated through the Career Portal

3. Can I apply for a position that is not yet posted?

No. Applications are only accepted for open recruitments, so you cannot apply for a position unless it has been posted.

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Library

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1. Why can't I renew everything?

Library materials can be renewed twice, as long as no one is waiting for them. If someone has a hold on an item that you have checked out, you cannot renew it. You are also limited to two renewals, so the system will block a third renewal. Additionally, if you have $10.00 or more in fines on your account, it is frozen by the system until the fines are paid. Library cards expire every three years. If your library card is expired, you will be unable to renew your items until you update your information. You can do this over the phone at (641) 628-4268 or in person at the circulation desk. If you have any problems or questions, please contact us.

2. Some of the books on the new shelves aren’t really new. Why is that?

There are a couple of possible explanations. First, any item that is new to our collection is put on the new shelves for a period of time, regardless of the publication date. Items on the new shelves are more visible and get checked out more often, and we want every item to have this exposure. Second, we remove items from the new shelf about once every six months. When we go through this process, we can only move those items that are actually on the shelf at the time. Anything that is checked out will remain on the new shelf for another six months. Items that remain popular and continue to be checked out can remain on the new shelves indefinitely.

3. I lost my library card. How can I replace it?

If you lose your library card, the library will issue you a replacement card for $2.00. The process of issuing a replacement card also deactivates the lost card. Therefore, if you later locate the card that was lost, you may simply destroy it.

4. Why do I have to have my library card to check out?

It is the library’s policy that you must have your card to check out. Using the bar code on the back of the card rather than a person’s name eliminates the possibility of making a mistake and using the wrong patron record. This is for your own protection, because you are financially responsible for anything checked out on your card. When renewing items checked out to you, we can use your name because we are able to verify that we have the correct record by reviewing the number and titles of items that are checked out to you.

5. Why can't I find my favorite books as eBooks?

Sadly, unlike a regular person, a library cannot pay Amazon or Barnes & Noble for an eBook and then lend it out to people. We can buy a printed book from these companies, put it on the shelf, and lend it out--but digital content is treated differently by the publishers and the companies who manage digital content licensing. Some publishers will not sell eBooks to libraries at all. Others will sell to us, but charge us ten times the cost. That's right--$100 for a single eBook. Other companies charge a reasonable fee but only allow us to loan the eBook 26 times and then we have to purchase it again. We would like to offer more eBooks, but some aren't available to us and others we can't afford.

6. Can I use a fax machine at the library?

Yes! The Pella Public Library now offers a self-service public fax machine. It is located in the lobby near the entrance to the meeting room. Payment is made on the machine via a credit or debit card.

The following Pella businesses also provice faxing service: Pella Printing, HyVee, Total Choice Shipping and the Town Crier.

7. Where can I find a notary?

The Pella Public Library does not offer this service. Notary service is available at City Hall and most local banks.

8. Where can I buy yard waste bags?

The library does not sell yard waste bags. The following link provides a list of locations that sell yard waste bags and the price. Yard Waste Program

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Planning & Zoning

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1. How do I get a building permit?

You can view and print all permit applications by viewing our permits page. Questions about filling out building permit applications can be directed to the Building Official by calling 641.628.0043.

2. How do I get a sign permit?

You can view and print all permit applications by viewing our permits page. Questions about filling out sign permit applications can be directed to the Zoning Administrator by calling 641.628.0043. In addition to the Sign Regulations chapter of the Zoning Ordinance, the City also has design review for signs which is explained in the Design Review District Design Manual available under the development page.

3. How do I check zoning?

You can view the city’s Zoning Map. However, the Zoning Administrator should be contacted if you have detailed questions or need zoning verified. Regulations, such as building setbacks and permitted uses for example, can vary depending on the exact zoning district in which the property is located.

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Police

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1. How do I make a request for public records?

A request for access to records may be made in person, in writing, by telephone, or electronically, and should reasonably describe the records sought. The requester is not required to identify him/herself or give a reason for requesting a record. Requests should be made to the Custodian of Records, Administrative Support Manager Marcia Slycord by phone at 641.628.4921 or via email Marcia Slycord.

2. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports can be obtained by contacting the communications center using the non-emergency line at 641.628.4921. If you know the case number linked to the accident, please refer to it when processing the request.

3. How do I obtain a copy of my driving record?

You can obtain a non-certified copy of your driving record online through the Iowa DOT website. You may purchase a copy of a certified driving record for $5.50 plus a processing fee of $3.00 through the Iowa DOT website as well.

4. How do I renew my driver’s license?

The Marion County Treasurer’s office operates a Pella driver's license office (712 Union Street, Suite 200) every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are REQUIRED; walk-ins are not accepted.  

You may schedule an appointment online at www.marioncountyiowa.gov.  If you do not have internet access, you may call the Marion County Treasurer’s office at 641.828.2202.

Marion County Motor Vehicle Info

5. Does the Police Department conduct criminal background checks for employers?

The Pella Police Department is able to supply employers with local criminal activity, but you must contact the Department of Criminal Investigations for a state wide criminal background check.

6. Does the Police Department provide fingerprinting?

Yes, the cost will be $4.00 per individual fingerprinted. The Police Department will provide cards if not with the party requesting the fingerprints.

7. Where should I dispose of unused prescription medications?

You may safely dispose unused prescription medications at the prescription drug box located in the lobby of the Police Department (614 Main Street).

8. What do I do if I lock my keys in my vehicle?

First, evaluate the severity of the situation. If the weather presents a life-threatening risk from prolonged exposure, find shelter nearby if possible and call 911.

If at-risk children or adults are left in the car, call 911. 

If there is not an immediate risk, evaluate whether obtaining a spare set of keys is reasonable. If it is not, call the Pella Police Department at 641.628.4921. Officers will be able to attempt a vehicle unlock. Callers should expect to accept all risk (damages, etc.) involved with the vehicle unlock.

9. If I lose my pet, what should I do?

Contact the Pella Police Department at 641.628.4921 with a description of your pet. If your pet has been picked up by our department prior to your call, a fee of $35 is assessed. The fee is waived for those owners notifying the Police Department that their pet is lost prior to transportation to the animal facility, and the owner is available to reunite with the pet when it is located.

Dogs and cats are required to be leashed. Those pet owners that choose to allow their pets to roam at large will result in criminal charges being filed.

10. How do I pay a parking ticket?

You can mail your payment (check or money order only, not cash) in the yellow envelope provided for you to:

Pella Police Department

614 Main St.

Pella, IA 50219

You may also pay in person at the Police Department by cash, check, or money order. If you mail the payment, please do not send cash and be sure to include the envelope provided and/or the parking ticket number.

11. How do I become a reserve police officer in the City of Pella?

To view current job openings, visit our Career Portal.  To be eligible to apply, you must be 21 years old and have no felony charges on your record.

12. How do I become a police officer in the State of Iowa?

Please visit the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for more information.

13. Is a left-hand turn into a diagonal parking space legal?

It is unlawful to make a left turn in order to park. Please refer to the City of Pella Ordinance:
64.04; Left Turn For Parking: "No person shall make a left hand turn, crossing the center line of the street, for the purpose of parking on said street.”

14. Are there parking restrictions on my street?

• A 48-hour restriction applies to all non-posted streets
• Unless otherwise posted, there is no parking on the east side of north / south streets
• Unless otherwise posted, there is no parking on south side of east / west streets

A $15 fine applies for parking violations. If the violation remains unpaid for more than 30 days, the fine will increase to $20.  Under Iowa Code, failure to pay restitution owed by you can be grounds for refusing to renew your motor vehicle’s registration.

15. Does the State of Iowa require vehicle insurance?

Iowa law requires a person to have financial liability coverage for their vehicles and be able, upon request of a peace officer, to present such proof. If a peace officer stops a vehicle and proof is not provided a fee of up to $397.50 may be charged. If they are involved in an accident and no proof is provided a fee of up to $735 may be charged.

16. May I burn within the city limits?

City of Pella Open Burning, Code 105.06 states: no person shall allow, cause, or permit open burning of combustible materials where the products of combustion are emitted into the open air without passing through a chimney or stack.

If you live outside the city limits of Pella, it is permissible to open burn. We request that if you are in the Pella Fire District and you plan a controlled burn, please call the Police Department before starting and let us know when you have completed the controlled burn.

17. How do I register my bicycle?

Registering your bicycle through the Police Department will help law enforcement identify your bicycle and the owner in the event your bicycle is lost, stolen, recovered, or involved in an accident. Bicycle registrations can be done at the Pella Police Department at any time. You will need to either bring your bicycle into the police department or have the following information with you at the time of registration:

• Make and Model
• Serial Number
• Brakes (hand / straight)
• Rims (chrome / painted)
• Frame type (male / female)
• Fenders (yes / no)
• Color
• Name, address, and phone number of licensee

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Public Works

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1. What is the snow ordinance?

The purpose of the City’s snow ordinance is for citizens to move their vehicles from public streets and parking lots allowing for effective snow removal. Plows make multiple passes before a street is fully cleared, therefore drivers must not park vehicles on public streets or parking lots until the ordinance is officially lifted. Vehicles parked on public grounds during a snow emergency will be issued a parking citation and towed if necessary.

When the snow ordinance is issued or lifted, the public is alerted through local media outlets. In addition, citizens can sign-up to receive notifications regarding the snow ordinance online or by texting “Join Snow” to 30890.

2. When will my street get plowed?

In order to make the most efficient use of available resources for snow and ice control operations, priorities have been established. Depending upon the severity of the snow / ice event, deviation could occur. Established priorities fall in this order:

1. Arterials and collectors (the minimum street network which must be kept open to provide a transportation system for police, fire, and rescue)
   
2. Central Business District
   
3. All remaining streets
   
4. Alleys
   
5. Parking lots
   
6. Cul de Sac clean-up

3. How do I know that my drinking water is safe?

The Water Treatment Plant is proud to report that all Federal and state requirements are continuously met or exceeded. The annual Water Quality Report contains important information regarding the water quality for the City of Pella customers.

4. How do I report a pothole on my street?

Utilize the Report a Concern function on this website. Or call the Public works Department at 641.628.1601 to report. Please provide detailed information on the location of the pothole, address/cross streets, etc.

5. How do I know if I have a water leak?

A toilet flapper leak, overflow leaking, or a dripping faucet can easily waste thousands of gallons of water each month. To determine if you have a leak in your home, turn off all of your water inside and outside of your home, but leave your shutoff valve open. Your meter has a small red dial or triangle on its face that is used as a leak detector. If this is moving at all, you have a water leak. By knowing your home's water system, you can avoid unnecessary water usage.

6. What do I do if I smell a sewer odor in my basement?

This is usually caused by an empty drain trap somewhere in the house that is allowing sewer odor back in to the house. You should periodically pour water down every drain trap in the house. Be sure to use enough water to completely fill each trap.

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Utility Services

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1. How do I learn about utility services as a new resident?

To learn more about city services including trash, recycling, and yard waste programs, download our new resident information packet (PDF).

2. How do I sign up for utility services as a new resident?

If you are new to the city, you will need to fill out a service application, provide a photo ID, and pay a deposit or provide a qualifying letter of credit from a previous gas or electric utility company. This can be done at City Hall (825 Broadway Street) or printed online (PDF).

View the City of Pella's Deposit Policy (PDF)

3. Does the city offer a budget billing plan?

Yes. After you have lived at an address for a year, you can go on budget billing. Budget accounts are recalculated annually in the month of October. Contact City Hall at 641.628.4173 for more information about this plan.