By Sam Parsons

The Pella city council held a regular meeting last night and approved a special event permit request from the Lighthouse Foundation for the Fight for Freedom 5k, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, from 5-10pm. Additionally, the council approved a resolution closing several street segments for a portion of the event.

The council also passed the first reading of an ordinance amending a section of their city code regarding fireworks usage. Previously, Pella city code completely prohibited the use of consumer fireworks within city limits, but due to the passage of Senate File 303, cities can no longer regulate the use of fireworks during specified hours on July 3rd, July 4th, or December 31st. The new ordinance allows the use of fireworks from 9am-10pm on July 3rd if it’s a weekday; 9am-11pm on July 3rd if it falls on a weekend; 9am-11pm on July 4th; and from 9am on December 31st through 12:30am on January 1st.

The next regular meeting for the Pella City Council will be held on July 15.