Pella committee reviews Huber Street revitalization plan, weighs LMI grant manager and rental inspections

The Pella Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Committee met June 5 in the City Hall Conference Room to review a draft urban revitalization plan for the Huber Street area and discuss management of the city’s Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) grant program.

Chairperson Lynn Branderhorst opened the noon meeting and City Administrator Mike Nardini summarized recent property tax legislation and its potential effects on the city’s ability to collect future LMI funds. Nardini said the city’s LMI balance is projected to be approximately $140,000 as of June 30, 2026.

The committee examined draft Urban Revitalization Plan language aimed at encouraging rehabilitation of existing housing, promoting infill residential development, redeveloping vacant or underused parcels, and improving neighborhood appearance. The draft lists eligible improvements as rehabilitation of existing residential structures; additions and expansions; new single- and two-family homes; and new multi-family housing. The plan text reviewed by the committee says state law requires at least a 10% increase in value for eligibility and the committee discussed recommending a $25,000 minimum investment threshold.

Committee members also reviewed maximum-abatement language consistent with state law that would allow up to 100% tax abatement for eligible improvements over 10 years, excluding the school district levy. Nardini told members that an urban revitalization designation and associated abatement could make smaller rehab and infill projects financially feasible in the Huber Street area.

On program management, the committee discussed options for administering a proposed LMI grant program and expressed support for inviting Amy Meyers, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, to meet with the committee about potentially managing the program. The record does not show a formal motion or vote; minutes state the committee "was in favor of inviting" Meyers to discuss management.

Committee members also took up the idea of a rental inspection program focused on health and safety issues. Members agreed to continue that discussion at the next meeting rather than take action on policy details at this session.

The committee scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. The June 5 meeting adjourned at 1:09 p.m.