Pella — The Pella City Council approved a special event request for the Klompen Classic 5K Run/Walk during last week's regular meeting.

Crossroads of Pella had requested a Special Event Permit for the "20th Birthday Klompen Classic 5K Run/Walk" Wednesday May 1, 2013 from 4-9 p.m. In 2012, the event had 2,304 participants and the Kids' Classic had approximately 500 children. Race proceeds support Crossroads of Pella programs.

To celebrate the 20th birthday of Klompen Classic, a brand new route has been planned (pictured). The event coordinators worked with the Pella Police Department and Public Works to plan the new route.

As a part of this request, the Klompen Classic promoters requested the closing of Broadway North of Bruxvoort's Decorating Alley to Lincoln during the race. From 5- 8 p.m., Franklin Street will be closed between Broadway and East 1st and Main closed from Washington to Liberty. Franklin will be closed from 5:30-6:45 p.m. between West 2nd and Broadway for the Kids Classic.

In other action, Council approved a resolution amending policy for banners in the public right-of-way.

At the February 5, 2013 Policy and Planning meeting. Council discussed a request from Central College to amend the City's Banner Policy, specifically for private parking lot banners and additional streets.

The City's Banner Policy is intended to provide for planning, consistency and to avoid purely business advertising in the City's right-of-ways. The policy defines the specific streets where banners are permitted, including Clark, Main, Oskaloosa, Broadway, Washington Street, the downtown area, and East Third, Liberty and Franklin Streets near Pella Christian Grade School. The policy also defines four specific types of banners, including business or institution, community sponsored event, community special events, and community promotion. Each of these banner types has time limits for display, including three months limit for business/institution banners. The policy also sets forth specific dimensional design criteria for mounting on the City street lights as well as permit and insurance requirements-After reviewing Central's request. Council directed staff to proceed with an amendment to the Banner Policy. Listed is a summary of the proposed amendment:

-Independence and West 3rd Streets would be added (total of 6 banners) as permitted banner zones

-Institutional parking lot banners would be permitted (total of 4 banners) in the new parking lot across

from Graham/Central Hall

-A section called Banner Corridors has been added to more clearly define the beginning and ending

streets for the banner corridors.

Finally, it is important to note, new banner installations shall be on steel poles with approval by the City's Electric Director.



During the Policy & Planning portion of the meeting, council verbally gave their support (to apply for to be one) of the 'pass through' communities during RAGBRAI later this summer. An exact route, which will go from Knoxville to Oskaloosa, during the event, will be announced later in March. Jill Vandevoort, of the Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau agreed to serve as one of the co-chairs to help organize the anticipated event.