Ephrata public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will meet in regular session on December 18, 2024, to conduct second readings of ordinances including a subdivision code update and a supplemental budget appropriation, and a first reading of a fee waiver ordinance for the ERC. They will also consider several resolutions, such as contract amendments for CDSI and DOH Architects, and a policy change adding a vacation leave cash-out option. Additionally, the council will hear a funding request from the EHS Senior Parent Board for the 2025 graduation celebration and enter closed session for collective bargaining with AFL-CIO Local 846-E.

• Second reading of Ordinance 24-15 – Subdivision Code Update
• Second reading of Ordinance 24-17 – 2024 Supplemental Appropriation (budget amendment)
• First reading of Ordinance 24-16 – ERC Fee Waiver with expediency clause
• Resolution 24-17 – Adding employee vacation leave cash-out option to Personnel Policy 9.2
• Closed session for collective bargaining with AFL-CIO Local 846-E

The Ephrata City Council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including a fee waiver for non-profits using the ERC facility, a supplemental budget appropriation, and a subdivision code update. The council also approved contract amendments for garbage services and HVAC design, added a vacation cash-out option for employees, and joined the BuyBoard purchasing cooperative. Liaison appointments were made for regional organizations, and the January 1, 2025 meeting was cancelled.

• Adopted Ordinance 24-16 creating EMC 2.90.080 for non-profit/government ERC fee waiver (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-17 2024 Supplemental Appropriation (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-15 Subdivision Code Update (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 24-13 CDSI Contract Amendment #6 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 24-16 DOH Architects Contract Amendment #5 for $11,500 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 24-19 adding vacation cash-out option to Personnel Policy 9.2 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 24-18 BuyBoard contract (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 24-17 iWorq Software (6-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will meet to discuss filling vacant commissioner positions and review special event permits. The body will also receive department reports on recreation programs and upcoming holiday events.

• Search for new commissioner(s)
• Special Event Permit review
• Hotel/Motel Tax report
• Breakfast with Santa event
• Daddy Daughter Dance & Mother Son Event

The Ephrata Parks and Recreation Commission met on December 9, 2024, and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. No formal decisions were made; the commission discussed recruiting new commissioners and received updates on upcoming programs and events.

• Approved December 9, 2024 minutes (Wanke/Ferguson motion, carried)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 24-15 to update the city's subdivision code. The body is also considering a 2025 budget, a new fee schedule, and a development agreement with Grant County.

• Public hearing on Ord 24-15 Subdivision Code Update
• Second reading of Ordinance 24-11 (2025 Budget)
• Second reading of Ordinance 24-13 (2025 Fee Schedule)
• Second reading of Ordinance 24-14 (Trespass Warnings)
• Resolution R24-15 Grant County Development Agreement

The Ephrata City Council approved the 2025 budget, the 2025 fee schedule, and a new trespass warning ordinance, all on second reading. It also moved two ordinances (subdivision code update and supplemental appropriation) to second reading, and approved a development agreement with Grant County for the new jail site. The meeting included public hearings for the subdivision code update and the county agreement, with no public comments.

• Adopted Ordinance 24-11 2025 Budget (motion carried)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-13 2025 Fee Schedule (motion carried)
• Adopted Ordinance 24-14 Trespass Warning (motion carried)
• Moved Ordinance 24-15 Subdivision Code Update to second reading (motion carried)
• Moved Ordinance 24-17 Supplemental Appropriation to second reading (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 24-15 Grant County Development Agreement (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 24-14 increasing vacation cash-out limit to 120 hours (motion carried)
• Accepted donations for Shop with a Cop program (motion carried)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss updates to ERC rates and the fee waiver policy. The body will also review a special event permit.

• ERC Rates and Fee Waiver Policy Change
• Special Event Permit

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2025 budget and consider first readings of ordinances for the 2025 fee schedule, the budget itself, and a new trespass warning code. Second readings include the ad valorem tax levy and a camping ban on public property. A proclamation supporting the Civil Air Patrol Wreaths Across America program will also be considered.

• Public hearing on the 2025 City Budget
• First reading: Ordinance 24-13 establishing the 2025 Fee Schedule
• First reading: Ordinance 24-14 creating EMC 9.42 (Trespass Warnings)
• Second reading: Ordinance 24-12 creating EMC Chapter 9.38 (Camping)
• Proclamation supporting the Civil Air Patrol Wreaths Across America Program

Civil Service Commission

The Ephrata Civil Service Commission will meet to approve minutes from October and discuss current business, including a vacant commissioner position and a staffing update from Chief Koch. The agenda is largely procedural with no action items requiring public input or financial decisions.

• Discussion of a vacant commissioner position on the Civil Service Commission
• Chief Koch update on current staffing levels

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider action on ERC (Ephrata Recreation Center) rates and a special event permit, along with approval of minutes from November 4, 2024, and a department report. No other specific action items are listed.

• Consideration of ERC rates
• Consideration of a special event permit
• Approval of minutes from November 4, 2024
• Department report for November

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding the 2025 preliminary budget and a proposed 1% increase in Ad Valorem taxes. The body will also consider new ordinances regarding camping and water right transfers.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 24-10 to increase Ad Valorem Tax revenue by $14,438.23
• Public hearing on Ordinance 24-11 Preliminary Budget Review for 2025
• First reading of Ordinance 24-12 to create EMC Chapter 9.38 regarding Camping
• Second reading of Ordinance 24-08 regarding Water Right Transfers
• Approval of police vehicle purchases for 2025 and via 2024 surplus funds

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will consider updates on the Sports Complex new addition and restroom projects, as well as Lions Park restroom. The agenda also includes discussion of ERC and SZ rates, a special event permit, and a department report featuring Skyhawks Sports and Breakfast with Santa. The meeting will begin with approval of the August 22nd minutes.

• Sports Complex New Addition Update
• Sports Complex New Restroom and Lions Park Restroom
• ERC Rates and SZ Rates discussion
• Special Event Permit consideration
• Department report includes Skyhawks Sports and Breakfast with Santa

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will consider updates on the Sports Complex new addition and restroom projects at both the Sports Complex and Lions Park. They will also discuss forming a new committee focused on parks district, enhancement, or revenue sources. Special event permits for Trunk or Treat and Veterans Day Parade are up for action. The department report includes the Fall/Winter catalog, Skyhawks Sports, basketball hoop replacements, and a review of ERC and SZ rates.

• Sports Complex new addition update
• Sports Complex restroom and Lions Park restroom projects
• Discussion of new committee (Parks District, P&R Enhancement, Revenue Sources)
• Special event permits: Trunk or Treat and Veterans Day Parade
• Department report includes ERC Rates and SZ Rates fee review

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold a public hearing on the Fence Code Update and consider Ordinance 24-09 for adoption. The council will also set public hearing dates for the 2025 Ad Valorem Taxes and the 2025 Annual Budget. Other items include resolutions to amend council rules and adopt citywide goals for 2025, discussion on water rights, and accepting a grant from Walmart and an interagency agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

• Public hearing and potential adoption of Ordinance 24-09 updating the fence code (reducing distance for 7-foot fences on corner lots and including hedges as fences in setbacks)
• Setting public hearing dates: 2025 Ad Valorem Taxes (November 6) and 2025 Annual Budget (November 6 and 20)
• Resolution 24-11 amending Policy 1020 to add Council Rule 6.2 on ordinance procedures
• Resolution 24-12 adopting citywide goals for 2025
• Accepting a grant from Walmart and entering an interagency agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission

Civil Service Commission

The Ephrata Civil Service Commission will meet to approve minutes from November 2023 and discuss current business, including staff changes, a vacant commission position, and an update on the Police Captain role with impending openings and potential promotional testing.

• Approval of minutes from the November 20, 2023 meeting
• Discussion on staff changes
• Discussion on vacant Commission position
• Update on Police Captain and impending openings and potential promotional testing

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will consider a proposed policy requiring two readings of all ordinances, with options for expedited single-reading passage. They will also discuss updates to the fence code and hear a presentation from the Ephrata School District. Consent agenda items include claims approval, minutes, and a special event application for the Chamber of Commerce Wine Walk.

• Discussion of Admin Policy 1020 Section 6 requiring two readings for ordinances, with three options for expedited single-reading passage (majority present, majority of all council, or unanimous present)
• Fence code update – discussion only
• Presentation by Ephrata School District on new leadership and 2024-2025 priorities
• Approval of special event application for Chamber of Commerce Wine Walk
• Council goals discussion

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will receive updates on the Sports Complex new addition and a new restroom/concessions unit, and discuss forming a new committee focused on a parks district, enhancement, or revenue sources. The commission will also consider special event permits for a Wine Walk, EHS Homecoming/Fireworks, and Veterans Day Parade. A department report covering catalog, Skyhawks Sports, basketball hoops, and budget is scheduled.

• Sports Complex New Addition update
• Sports Complex new restroom/concessions unit
• Discussion of new committee (Parks District, P&R Enhancement, Revenue Sources)
• Special event permits: Wine Walk, EHS Homecoming/Fireworks, Veterans Day Parade
• Department report including budget item

Planning Commission

The Ephrata Planning Commission will hold a study session to discuss updates to Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code, which covers subdivisions. No formal action is scheduled; this is a discussion item only.

• Study session on proposed amendments to Ephrata Municipal Code Chapter 18 (Subdivisions)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed updates to the fence code, particularly allowing higher fences on corner lots. The council will also receive a presentation about upright headstones in the cemetery and be notified of a $6,050,000 conditional award for water treatment facility improvements. Consent agenda items include approval of claims and meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on fence code update (EMC Chapter 19 Zoning) for corner lot fence heights
• Presentation by Rebecca Schierman regarding upright headstone request in cemetery
• Notification of $6,050,000 conditional award from the Public Works Board for Water Reclamation Facility Improvements
• Consent agenda: approval of claim fund bills and checks issued, and minutes from August 21, 2024

The Ephrata City Council approved a contract with attorney Akin Blitz for legal services related to negotiating the IBT Teamsters contract with the police department. The council also continued a public hearing on a fence code update to October 2, 2024, and received notification of a conditional $6,050,000 award for a water treatment facility upgrade. No final action was taken on the fence code due to a required comment period.

• Approved contract with Akin Blitz for legal services (m/s Moore/Warren)
• Continued public hearing on fence code update to October 2, 2024 (m/s Lamens/Millard)
• Approved consent agenda including claims totaling $1,978,000.00 and payroll
• Excused Council Member McDonnell (m/s Millard/Lamens)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council held a two-day retreat on September 13-14, 2024, to discuss local government roles, review past goals, and hear department director presentations. No formal decisions, resolutions, or votes were recorded during the retreat. The council discussed 2025 goals and budget priorities, including potential staffing additions, but these were not formally approved.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded during the retreat
• Discussed 2025 goals and objectives (no action taken)
• Discussed budget priorities including Engineer Tech/Grant Writer, Code Enforcement/Building, Patrol Officers (4), Fire Marshall, PT Public Works Staff (no action taken)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission is meeting to discuss updates regarding a new addition and restroom/concessions unit at the sports complex. The body will also consider the creation of new committees and review special event permits.

• Sports Complex new addition update
• Sports Complex new restroom/concessions unit
• Proposed new committees for Parks District, P&R Enhancement, and Revenue Sources
• Special event permits for Wine Walk, EHS Homecoming/Fireworks, and Veterans Day Parade
• September Department Report covering catalog, Skyhawks Sports, basketball hoops, and budget

The Ephrata Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed conceptual designs for the Sports Complex addition, which includes 9 pickleball courts, 2 basketball courts, and 2 futsal courts. No formal action was taken on the project. The commission also approved the June 27, 2024 minutes and discussed various operational updates, including the closure of the BOLD program due to low attendance.

• Approved June 27, 2024 minutes (motion carried)
• Reviewed Sports Complex addition conceptual designs (no action taken)
• Discussed lighting plans for Sports Complex (no decision)
• Discussed new signs at Rock Park (director to investigate)

Planning Commission

The Ephrata Planning Commission approved amendments to the fence code, including clarifications on electrical and barbed wire fences and materials. They modified the proposal to prohibit walls in the city right-of-way and added a definition for 'wall'. The public hearing had no attendees.

• Approved minutes of February 22, 2024, meeting (unanimous)
• Approved fence code amendments with modifications (no vote tally recorded)
• Modified code to state 'No wall shall be constructed within the City Right of Way'
• Added definition of 'wall' to chapter 19

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold a regular session on August 21, 2024, to consider several resolutions and action items. Key decisions include declaring an emergency for sewer repairs, naming Washington Trust Bank as the city's depository, and committing to fund a water reclamation facility upgrade. The council will also award bids for the Nat Washington Way reconstruction project and a new vacuum truck storage building, along with a proclamation for the National Day of Remembrance and the swearing-in of a police officer.

• Resolution 24-10 declaring an emergency and waiving competitive bidding for sewer repair
• Resolutions 24-08 and 24-09 naming Washington Trust Bank as depository and for Visa Business Card services
• Resolution 24-11 committing to fund the Water Reclamation Facility Upgrade
• Award of the Nat Washington Way Reconstruction Project bid
• Award of bids for a new Vacuum Truck Storage Building

The council declared an emergency for a failed sewer line and approved a $18,539.45 repair contract with POW Contracting. It also rejected all bids for the Nat Washington Way project, opting for a cheaper chip-seal alternative, and rejected bids for a vacuum truck storage building due to budget shortfalls.

• Adopted Resolution 24-10 declaring emergency for sewer repair (m/s Borck/Lamens)
• Approved Contract 24-004 with POW Contracting for $18,539.45 sewer repair (m/s Millard/Borck)
• Rejected all bids for Nat Washington Way project, directed change order for chip/seal (m/s Moore/Millard)
• Rejected all bids for vacuum truck storage building (m/s Moore/Borck)
• Adopted Resolution 24-08 naming Washington Trust Bank as depository (m/s McDonnell/Borck)
• Adopted Resolution 24-09 authorizing credit card borrowing (m/s Moore/Harris)
• Approved consent agenda including claims totaling $301,284.79 (m/s Moore/McDonnell)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will consider Resolution 24-06, which endorses a grant application to the Recreation and Conservation Office for a $1.23 million expansion of the Ephrata Sports Complex, including pickleball, basketball, and futsal courts. The council will also vote on several infrastructure contracts, including a contract amendment with Gray & Osborne for water system improvements, and a bid for the street seal coat project. The meeting includes a closed session for collective bargaining strategy.

• Resolution 24-06 supporting grant application for Sports Complex improvements (total budget $1.23M, with $400K from Paul Lauzier Foundation and $300K in ARPA funds)
• Contract Amendment #16 with Gray & Osborne for additional design and construction administration for Reservoir #6, Well #10 Booster Pump Station, and PRV improvements
• Approval of contract and contract amendments with Western Pacific Engineering
• Approve or reject bid for Street Seal Coat Project
• Accept $400,000 grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will meet for a special session to approve consent agenda items including claims and minutes, discuss a property update, and consider a budget adjustment for competitive salary recruitment. The meeting also includes a closed executive session regarding real estate acquisition. The agenda is largely procedural with few substantive items.

• Budget adjustment for competitive salary recruitment
• Property update discussion
• Approval of special event application
• Executive session for real estate acquisition (RCW 42.30.110(1)(b))

The council approved the purchase of a triangular portion of property owned by Fay Longworth for $75,000 to resolve a title issue and keep the Booster Pump Station project on schedule. The salary discussion was tabled to the next meeting, and the rest of the consent agenda was approved. The council also held a 15-minute executive session on potential litigation, but no decisions were made.

• Approved $75,000 purchase of Longworth property for Booster Pump Station (m/s Millard/Borck)
• Tabled salary discussion until next meeting (m/s Moore/Lamens)
• Approved remaining consent agenda (m/s Moore/Lamens)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will consider an update on the Sports Complex new addition and a special event permit. Department reports will cover the Splash Zone, concerts/movies in the park, recreation programs, and the BOLD program. The meeting is primarily informational with no final votes expected.

• Update on Sports Complex new addition
• Review of a special event permit
• Department report: Splash Zone operations
• Department report: Concerts and movies in the park
• Department report: BOLD program update

City Council

The council will review a project update regarding Gray and Osborne WRF. Members will also consider accepting bids for crack sealing and pavement repairs. Additionally, the agenda includes special event applications for two car shows.

• Acceptance of Crack Seal & Pavement Repair Bid
• Gray and Osborne project update (WRF)
• Basin Summer Showdown Car Show application
• Chamber of Commerce Car Show application
• Grant County Economic Development Council presentation

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will receive an update regarding a new addition to the Sports Complex and review a special event permit. The meeting also includes department reports for July covering Splash Zone, recreation programs, and BOLD Program activities.

• Sports Complex New Addition Update
• Special Event Permit
• July Department Report (Splash Zone, Concerts/Movies in the park, Rec Programs, BOLD Program)

City Council

The City Council will review bids for Reservoir 6 and Well 10 improvements and Pressure Zone 5 projects. The agenda also includes the confirmation of Kristen McDonnell as Finance Director.

• Contract award for Reservoir 6 and Well 10 Improvements to T Bailey, Inc. at $9,686,586.06
• Contract award for Pressure Zone 5 Improvements to POW Contracting at $2,617,632.36
• Confirmation of Kristen McDonnell as Finance Director

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a development agreement for Prairie Bluff Phase 4, involving private water and sewer infrastructure and a future school site easement. The council will also consider a contract to remove the Sports Complex restrooms and concession stand.

• Public hearing for Prairie Bluff Phase 4 development agreement
• Ordinance 24-05 regarding Prairie Bluff Phase 4
• Contract approval for removal of Sports Complex restrooms/concession stand
• Special event application for Uggie Boos 35th Class Reunion

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings and consider resolutions for the State Transportation Improvement Programs covering 2024 through 2030. The agenda also includes action on obligating ARPA funds and revising fireworks regulations. Presentations from the Police Department and Grant County Economic Development Council are scheduled.

• Public hearings for State Transportation Improvement Programs (2024–2029 and 2025–2030)
• Action on obligating ARPA funds
• Interlocal Agreement with Grant County for a reclaimed water pipe
• Revision of Ephrata Municipal Code 9.18 regarding fireworks regulations
• Police Department presentation

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will consider action on ARPA funds and a special event permit, and will receive department reports on the Splash Zone, pickleball, grants, and other programs. The meeting is open to the public.

• Consideration of ARPA funds allocation
• Special event permit review
• Department report on Splash Zone
• Update on pickleball facilities
• Grants and recreation programs report

City Council

The Ephrata City Council is meeting to take action on several items, including a contract with Enterprise Fleet Management to update the city's aging vehicle fleet, a financial contribution to the senior class drug- and alcohol-free graduation party, a work hour variance request for the Water Reclamation Facility, and rejection of a bid for Reservoir 6-Zone 5. The council will also set public hearing dates for the 2024-2029 and 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Programs and consider a contribution to the Senior Party.

• Enterprise Fleet Management Contract
• Senior Party Contribution (up to $6,000)
• WRF Work Hour Variance Request
• Reservoir 6-Zone 5 Bid Rejection
• Set Public Hearings for 2024-2029 and 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Programs

City Council

The City Council will meet to take action on a settlement offer for water rights. The council will also consider an amendment to the Agreed Order regarding the Grant County Landfill.

• Settlement Offer for Water Rights
• Agreed Order Amendment #3 regarding the Grant County Landfill

City Council

The Ephrata City Council is meeting to consider Ordinance 24-04, which would prohibit unmuffled compression brakes (Jake brakes) within city limits, responding to a community member's noise complaint. The council will also review contracts for the North Central Regional Library, a water rights consultant, and an easement request from Grant County PUD, along with other administrative items. The agenda includes consent items, reports, and closed record decisions, but no public hearings are scheduled.

• Ordinance 24-04: Prohibiting unmuffled compression brakes within city limits
• North Central Regional Library (NCRL) contract for council action
• Water Rights Consultant Contract for council action
• Easement request from Grant County PUD for council action
• City contribution to Alcohol/Drug Free Graduation Party

City Council

The Ephrata City Council is meeting for its regular session. The agenda is largely procedural, with no consent agenda items, public hearings, ordinances, or resolutions listed. The only substantive item is an open forum for the vision of the downtown corridor, where public input will be heard.

• Open Forum for Vision of Downtown Corridor

City Council

The Ephrata City Council is holding a workshop on April 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, joined by the Chamber of Commerce and Parks and Recreation Commission members. After the workshop, the Council will enter a closed session under RCW 42.30.140(4)(a). The agenda contains no listed action items, only the workshop and closed session notices.

• Workshop with Ephrata Chamber of Commerce and Parks and Recreation Commission
• Closed session per RCW 42.30.140(4)(a) after workshop
• Meeting at Ephrata City Hall, 121 Alder Street SW, 6:00 p.m.

City Council

This is a joint workshop between the Ephrata City Council and the Port of Ephrata Commission, scheduled for April 22, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Port of Ephrata, 1990 Division Ave East. The agenda contains no specific items for discussion or decision, only the meeting notice.

• Joint workshop with Port of Ephrata Commission
• Location: Port of Ephrata, 1990 Division Ave East, Ephrata, WA
• Time: 5:30 p.m. on April 22, 2024

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold a public hearing and consider ordinances to annex a 0.70-acre parcel in the northwest area of town and rezone it from undesignated/Urban Residential 4 to Mixed Density Residential. The council will also discuss a draft ordinance on unmuffled compression brakes, a reclaimed water pipeline project, and a contract amendment for wastewater treatment plant improvements. Several routine items are on the consent agenda, including special event applications and a data-sharing agreement with the State Auditor's Office.

• Sandoval Zone Change, Ordinance 24-02: rezone from undesignated (City)/Urban Residential 4 (County) to Mixed Density Residential
• Sandoval Annexation, Ordinance 24-03: annex 0.70-acre parcel in northwest Ephrata
• Unmuffled Compression Brakes Ordinance draft discussion
• Reclaimed Water Pipeline Project discussion
• Approve G&O Contract Amendment for WRF Improvements

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission is holding its regular meeting to approve minutes, review special event permits for community events, and receive department updates. The agenda includes discussion of upcoming spring activities and recent department changes.

• Special event permits for Basin Sounders, Columbia Ridge Elementary Bike Rodeo, Grant Elementary School Bike Rodeo, and Lions Club Fishing Derby
• Department report covering Splash Zone, new Recreation Supervisor, new Recreation Offices, Spring Catalog, and Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
• Parks Commission/Council Workshop scheduled for April 17th at 5:00 PM
• Approval of minutes from February 22nd, 2024 meeting

City Council

The City Council will review several action items including a request for a new fire department command vehicle and funding for a library building appraisal. Other items include a contract amendment, staffing requests, and a discussion regarding a 'Jake' brake ordinance.

• Fire Department purchase of a Ram 1500 command vehicle for $52,036.01
• Request to pay $6,800 for a commercial appraisal of the Ephrata Library building
• Consideration of a 'Jake' brake ordinance
• Tyler Technologies Contract Amendment #2
• Limited duration FTE request

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold the first of two public hearings on a zoning map change for a 0.7-acre parcel (Grant County Parcel #13-1595-000) from undesignated (City)/Urban Residential 4 (County) to Mixed Density Residential, a step toward annexation. The council will also consider adopting the 2024 Mission and Goals, a real estate broker contract, and a request for proposals for architectural services. Consent agenda items include approval of claims, minutes, special event applications (Gran Fondo, Easter Egg Hunts, Business After Hours), and an annual Section 125 agreement with American Fidelity Assurance Co.

• First reading of zoning map change for 0.7-acre parcel to Mixed Density Residential (up to 18 dwelling units/acre) before annexation
• Adoption of 2024 Mission and Goals
• Real Estate Broker Contract
• Request for Proposals for Architectural Services
• Consent agenda: claims, minutes, special events, Section 125 agreement

City Council

The Ephrata City Council is holding a special meeting to consider Ordinance 24-01, which would amend the city's fee schedule. The ordinance includes changes to building permit fees to make them more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions, and adjustments to Splash Zone aquatic center rates. The council will also consider agreements for a Port of Ephrata training facility and use of the Splash Zone parking lot by the school district.

• Ordinance 24-01 amending fee schedule, including building permit fee changes (e.g., a 35,500 sq ft motel permit currently ~$92,000 vs. neighboring jurisdictions $35,720–$57,996)
• Splash Zone season pass rate reduction proposal (child pass was $101.25 in 2023 vs. $75 at Surf 'n Slide and $73 at Quincy's)
• Port of Ephrata EVOC Training Facility Agreement
• Interlocal Agreement with Ephrata School District for use of Splash Zone Parking Lot

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will consider special event permits for Gran Fondo, Business After Hours Expo 2024, and UNA Easter Egg Hunt, and discuss a joint workshop with the City Council on March 13. The agenda also includes a department report covering the Daddy Daughter Dance, Splash Zone, ERC, Spring Catalog, Local Parks Maintenance Grant, and the Recreation Supervisor Position.

• Special event permits: Gran Fondo, Business After Hours Expo 2024, UNA Easter Egg Hunt
• Parks Commission/Council Workshop scheduled for March 13
• Department report: Daddy Daughter Dance, Splash Zone, ERC, Spring Catalog, Local Parks Maintenance Grant, Recreation Supervisor Position

Planning Commission

The Ephrata Planning Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on resolutions 24-03 and 24-02, with a public hearing scheduled. The agenda includes financial reports and presentations, but specific details are not provided in the agenda text.

• Public hearing on Planning Commission Resolution 24-03
• Consideration of Planning Commission Resolution 24-02
• Review of financial documents
• Presentations scheduled

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will consider declaring an emergency for the Division Street sewer line failure, which would waive competitive bidding for repairs. They will also discuss lowering Splash Zone season pass rates, approve a use agreement with the Port of Ephrata for police training, and consider awarding a contract for the Water Reclamation Facility. The agenda includes several routine items like consent agenda and reports.

• Resolution 24-01 declaring emergency for Division Street sewer failure, waiving bidding, and ratifying award to Byers Excavation
• Discussion on lowering Splash Zone season pass rates by 25% to increase patronage
• Approval of 2024 Port of Ephrata Use Agreement for EVOC training at $400
• Award Water Reclamation Facility Contract
• Building Permit Fees

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will consider approving a contract with the Washington State Public Works Board for the Reservoir 6 Pressure Zone 5 water project, funded by a $3.95 million loan and grant. They will also vote on a contract for removing pumps from wells #4 and #5, and discuss a workshop date with the Parks and Recreation Commission. The agenda includes routine consent items and reports.

• Contract with Public Works Board for Reservoir 6 Pressure Zone 5 project, $3,950,000 total, including $3,357,500 loan at 1.38% interest and $592,500 grant
• Approval of contract for wells #4 and #5 pump removal
• Mayor's appointment of Jeff Harvill to Water Superintendent position
• Workshop date with Parks and Recreation Commission (March 13?)
• Consent agenda: approval of claims and minutes

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss a non-resident fee proposal and a quorum rule for the commission, both brought by Mayor Reim. They will also review January department activities, including programs, the Daddy Daughter Dance, a recreation supervisor position, and grant research. The meeting is open to the public.

• Non-resident fee discussion
• Parks Commission quorum discussion
• Daddy Daughter Dance update
• Recreation Supervisor Position update
• Grant research update

Planning Commission

The Ephrata Planning Commission is meeting to review its agenda and meeting materials. The agenda lists only procedural items, with no specific decisions or discussions detailed. A signed resolution is included in the packet.

• Review of meeting agenda
• Review of meeting packet
• Signed resolution 24-01

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will consider several action items, including appointing a new council member for vacant Position #6, approving $94,000 in lodging tax recommendations, and discussing a reclaimed water infrastructure project. The council will also review a contract with Farallon Consulting, a policy exemption for January utility shut-offs, and confirm the mayor's reappointment of Alan Key to the Civil Service Commission. The agenda includes routine consent items and a closed session for collective bargaining strategy.

• Appointment to fill vacant Council Position #6
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendation: $94,000 total for tourism grants (Chamber $53,000, City $11,000, youth baseball $12,000, school district $8,000, youth softball $12,000)
• Farallon Consulting Contract
• Policy exemption re: January utility shut-offs
• Reclaimed Water Project discussion

City Council

The Ephrata City Council is holding a special study session to discuss the definitions and purposes of subcommittees versus liaisons, and to review its current committee and liaison positions. The council will also consider potential new subcommittees or liaison roles used by other municipalities. Following the study session, the council will enter an executive session to evaluate a candidate for appointment to elective office.

• Discussion of subcommittee vs liaison definitions and finality of committee goals
• Review of current council committees and liaisons, including Board of Volunteer Firefighters, GTA, Parks and Recreation Commission, and others
• Consideration of potential new subcommittees: Legislative, Budget/Finance, Economic Development, Public Works, Public Safety
• Executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(h) to evaluate a candidate for appointment to elective office

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will consider setting rates for the Ephrata Recreation Center and splash zone prices, and will review a special event permit. The agenda also includes a tourism grant application staff report, program updates, and discussion of backfilling the recreation supervisor position.

• ERC rates consideration
• Splash zone prices
• Special event permit review
• Tourism grant application staff report
• Backfilling recreation supervisor position

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss filling a vacant Council position and appointing a Mayor Pro Tem. The agenda also includes reviewing bids for Water Reclamation Facility improvements.

• Discussion on vacant Council position
• Discussion on appointment of Mayor Pro Tem
• Water Reclamation Facility – Bids for Improvements