Ephrata public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Ephrata City Council work session will focus on internal governance topics. Council members will receive a presentation on RCW 42.30 Open Public Meetings Act training. The council will discuss creating culture, high‑functioning team behavior, leadership quality, vision, mission, goals, council rules, rules of engagement, committees, and the distinction between campaigning and governing. No formal actions or votes are indicated on the agenda.

• RCW 42.30 Open Public Meetings Act training presentation
• Discussion on creating council culture and high‑functioning team behavior
• Review of council vision, mission, goals, and rules of engagement
• Consideration of committees/subcommittees structure
• Talk on campaigning vs. governing practices

The City Council of Ephrata met for a work session on December 30, 2025. Council members and staff watched the required Open Public Meetings Act training video. The council discussed topics including council culture, high‑functioning team behavior, leadership quality, the city’s vision, mission, goals, council rules, committees, subcommittees, and campaigning versus governing. No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

City Council

The Ephrata City Council held a work session on December 29, 2025. The meeting included a public records act training, a roles‑and‑responsibilities presentation, and a council discussion on leadership and governance topics. No formal decisions or votes were listed on the agenda.

• RCW 42.56 Public Records Act Training
• Roles and Responsibilities Presentation
• Council Discussion: Why was I elected?
• Council Discussion: Governing
• Council Discussion: Strategic Leadership, Transitions, Correlation vs. Causation

The council administered oaths of office to Mayor Steve Oliver and Councilmember James Mathis. Council members watched the required Public Records Act training video. City Attorney Anna Franz presented on council and mayor roles and responsibilities, and City Administrator Ray Towry led a discussion on governance topics. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. with no formal actions taken.

City Council

The City Council will hold a first reading for ordinances regarding a supplemental appropriation and an elected official compensation waiver. The body will also consider a legal services contract and a second reading for an easement vacation.

• Ordinance 25-15: Supplemental Appropriation (First Reading)
• Ordinance 25-14: Elected Official Compensation Waiver (First Reading)
• Ordinance 25-12: Easement Vacation (Second Reading)
• Resolution 25-85: Legal Services Contract
• Oath of Office for Council Members Borck, Harris, and Moore

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and a supplemental appropriation ordinance to address potential budget shortfalls. It also approved an easement vacation for a private lot and accepted a new legal services contract with Anna C. Franz, PS. All motions passed with a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved consent agenda (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Ordinance 25-15 supplemental appropriation (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Ordinance 25-12 easement vacation (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-85 legal services contract with Anna C. Franz, PS (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved motion to excuse Council member McDonnell (6 ayes, 0 nays)

Planning Commission

The Ephrata Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Municipal Code that add a co‑living housing definition, update the Residential Land Uses table, and create new standards for co‑living units. No members of the public attended the hearing. The commission adopted Resolution 25-03 recommending that the City Council approve the amendments.

• Public hearing on Municipal Code amendments to add co‑living housing definitions (Chapter 19.02) and related terms
• Resolution 25-03 recommending adoption of the co‑living housing amendments
• Amendment to Chapter 19.02 Definitions: adds co‑living housing, major transit stop, sleeping unit, kitchen, kitchenette, shared kitchen; deletes boarding or lodging home
• Amendment to Chapter 19.04.020 Residential Land Uses Table to list co‑living housing as a permitted use in the Mixed Density Residential zone
• Creation of new Chapter 19.08.400 establishing standards for co‑living housing (parking, fire safety, density calculations, etc.)

City Council

The City Council will hold a second reading for the 2026 budget and a public hearing regarding a public utility easement vacation. The body will also consider several professional service agreements and grant acceptances.

• Second reading of Ord 25-08 2026 Budget
• Public hearing and first reading of Ord 25-12 regarding a 10-foot public utility easement vacation
• R25-081 Professional Services Agreement for a Hearings Examiner
• R25-082 T.I.B. Grant Acceptance
• R25-083 Utility Field Trial and Evaluation Agreement

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and adopted the 2026 budget ordinance totaling $35,567,460. It moved the easement‑vacation ordinance to a second reading and accepted several resolutions, including a professional services agreement for a hearing examiner, a TIB street‑preservation grant, a police body‑worn camera field trial, and a donation for the Shop with a Cop program. All motions carried with 6 ayes and 0 nays.

• Approved Consent Agenda (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Ordinance 25-08 for the 2026 budget of $35,567,460 (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Moved Ordinance 25-12 Easement Vacation to second reading (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Accepted Resolution 25-81 Professional Services Agreement for Hearing Examiner (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Accepted Resolution 25-82 TIB Grant for street preservation ($682,791 total) (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-83 Utility body‑worn camera field trial (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Accepted Resolution 25-84 Donation for Shop with a Cop ($60) (6 ayes, 0 nays)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on Dec 1, 2025 will consider a park impact fees and long‑term capital funding model. It will also review a special event permit request for the Bells on Basin. Additional agenda items include updates on Lions Park, program/events, and volunteer matters.

• Park Impact Fees and Long-Term Capital Funding Model
• Special Event Permit – Bells on Basin
• Lions Park Update
• Program/Event Update
• Volunteer discussion

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission met on December 1, 2025. The commission approved the minutes from the October 6 and November 3, 2025 meetings. The board also discussed a new park impact‑fee model to be finalized by early 2026 and noted upcoming events, but no further actions were taken.

• Approved October 6, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved November 3, 2025 minutes (motion carried)

City Council

The City Council approved the 2026 budget and held a public hearing on a 1% Ad Valorem tax increase, amounting to $14,897. The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 25-07 establishing the 2026 tax levy and moved it to a second reading. Resolutions were adopted for a HVAC contract with Polhamus Heating and AC Inc. ($41,342), an easement vacation hearing, and a fuel purchase MOU with WSDOT. An interlocal agreement with the Port of Ephrata was also approved.

• 2026 Ad Valorem tax increase of $14,897 (1% levy)
• Ordinance 25-07 Ad Valorem Taxes – first reading
• Resolution 25-077 HVAC contract with Polhamus Heating and AC Inc. for $41,342
• Resolution 25-076 authorizing hearing to vacate a public utility easement
• Resolution 25-79 MOU with WSDOT for fuel purchase

The council moved the 2026 budget ordinance to a second reading, approved a budget amendment transferring funds to a new capital projects fund, and adopted fee schedule changes and a 1% ad valorem tax increase adding $14,897. It also approved a memorandum of understanding with WSDOT for fuel purchasing and an interlocal agreement with the Port of Ephrata for a joint economic‑development planning grant. Additionally, the council denied an ERC fee‑waiver appeal.

• Adopted 2026 budget ordinance to second reading (5 ayes, 1 nay)
• Adopted Ordinance 25-09 budget amendment transferring funds to Fund 301 (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Ordinance 25-10 amending fee schedule (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Ordinance 25-07 ad valorem tax increase of $14,897 (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-79 MOU with WSDOT for fuel purchase (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-80 interlocal agreement with Port of Ephrata (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Denied ERC fee waiver appeal (6 ayes, 0 nays)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council meeting includes a consent agenda approving claim fund bills, council minutes, and a grant from Gesa Credit Union (R25-078). Public hearings will be held on ad valorem taxes and the 2026 city budget. The council will take a first reading of Ordinance 25-07 concerning ad valorem taxes. Resolutions will be considered to authorize vacating an easement (R25-076) and to approve a contract with Polhamus Heating and Air for HVAC work in the library and intermodal transportation building (R25-077).

• R25-076 – Authorization to Vacate Easement
• R25-077 – Contract with Polhamus Heating and Air for Library and Intermodal Transportation building HVAC
• Ord 25-07 – First reading on Ad Valorem Taxes
• Public hearing on Ad Valorem Taxes
• Public hearing on the 2026 Budget

The council approved the 2026 Ad Valorem tax levy ordinance and sent it to a second reading. It also authorized a contract with Polhamus Heating and AC Inc. for HVAC replacement at the Library and Intermodal Transportation Building, and set a public hearing to consider vacating a utility easement. The consent agenda and a motion to excuse council member Warren were both approved unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Excused council member Warren (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Ordinance No. 7 for 2026 Ad Valorem tax levy, second reading (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-076 to set public hearing for easement vacation (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-077 authorizing contract with Polhamus Heating and AC Inc. for HVAC replacement ($41,342) (6 ayes, 0 nays)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will approve the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting, consider a grant for the Parkway Ball Fields, and discuss plans for splash‑zone locker rooms. A citizen proposal for a Rock Park mural and slide will also be heard. The meeting includes routine updates such as a Breakfast with Santa and a Lions Park status report.

• Approval of October 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Consideration of Parkway Ball Fields grant
• Discussion of splash‑zone locker rooms
• Citizen proposal: Rock Park mural and splash‑zone slide
• Department updates: Breakfast with Santa, program/event update, Lions Park update

The commission could not approve the October 6, 2025 meeting minutes because a quorum was not present. No other actions were voted on or formally decided. The commission discussed a Rock Park mural, Splash Zone maintenance, a grant for Parkway Ball Fields, and locker‑room upgrades, but these items remain informational.

• October 6th, 2025 minutes not approved (no quorum)

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to approve minutes from the August 18, 2025, meeting. The body will also receive a staffing update from Chief Koch.

• Staffing update provided by Chief Koch

The Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting with a 2‑0 vote. Billy Roberts was appointed as the new sergeant, effective November 1, 2025. The commission also received staffing updates on new law enforcement hires. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 a.m.

• Approved August 18, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0 vote)
• Appointed Billy Roberts as sergeant (effective Nov 1, 2025)

City Council

The council will hold a public hearing on the renaming of Speedway Flats Street (R25-071). It will also adopt several resolutions, including an interagency agreement with the ICAC Task Force and an amended employment agreement for the City Administrator. The consent agenda will approve claim fund bills and multiple checks totaling over $1.3 million, and special event applications for a Homecoming Pep Rally, Veteran’s Day Parade, and a memorial reception at Lion’s Park will be approved.

• Public hearing: R25-071 Speedway Flats Street Renaming
• Resolution 25-070: Adoption of ICAC interagency agreement
• Resolution 25-068: Amended employment agreement for City Administrator
• Approval of claim fund bills and checks (e.g., payroll $35,588.82, direct deposit $286,792.32, claims $180,188.97, $349,782.95, EFT B&O $41,773.97, check $406,518.26)
• Approval of special event applications: Homecoming Pep Rally, Veteran’s Day Parade, Memorial Reception at Lion’s Park

The Ephrata City Council unanimously adopted several resolutions, including the renaming of three streets, the MissionSquare Retirement program, a $26,430 agreement with the Grant County Health District, and the AFL‑CIO 846‑E collective bargaining agreement. Council also waived a conflict‑of‑interest clause for the health district agreement and approved a separation agreement. All motions carried with a 5‑aye, 0‑nay vote.

• Approved Resolution 25-071 to rename three streets (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-073 MissionSquare Retirement program (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Waived conflict‑of‑interest clause for Grant County Health District agreement (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-074 Grant County Health District agreement (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-075 AFL‑CIO 846‑E collective bargaining agreement (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Separation Agreement (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Consent Agenda (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Excused council members Millard and McDonnell (5 ayes, 0 nays)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss a citizen‑proposed Rock Park mural and splash‑zone slide. It will also review a grant for the Parkway Ball Fields, plans for splash‑zone locker rooms, and special‑event permits. Additional items include department updates such as a Breakfast with Santa and a Lions Park update.

• Citizen proposition: Rock Park mural and splash‑zone slide (Dan Martell)
• Parkway Ball Fields grant
• Splash Zone locker rooms
• Special event permits
• Department reports: Breakfast with Santa, Lions Park update

The commission approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to move the dog park to Lee Park and carried the motion. No other substantive actions were decided during the meeting.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved moving the dog park to Lee Park (motion carried)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will consider an Interlocal Agreement that commits the city to pay $3 per resident to the Grant County Health District for 2026. Council members will also vote on a street‑renaming resolution, an amended employment agreement with the City Administrator, the adoption of 2026 council goals, and an ICAC agreement. The meeting includes an open house with state legislators and presentations on the health district partnership and a future SR‑28 roundabout.

• R25-071 – Renaming streets
• R25-068 – Approval of amended employment agreement with City Administrator
• R25-069 – Adoption of 2026 City Council goals
• R25-070 – Adoption of ICAC agreement
• Interlocal Agreement: $3 per capita contribution to Grant County Health District for 2026

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted an amended employment agreement for City Administrator Ray Towry, adopted the 2026 City Council Goals, and approved a new interagency agreement with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, each with a 7‑0 vote.

• Consent agenda approved (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Resolution 25-068 amended employment agreement for City Administrator approved (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Resolution 25-069 adoption of 2026 City Council Goals approved (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Resolution 25-070 adoption of ICAC interagency agreement approved (7 ayes, 0 nays)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. It declared specified city equipment surplus and authorized its disposal. It adopted a WaTech service agreement for secure criminal‑justice data connectivity, estimating $9,000 in annual savings. It approved a $100,000 Community Economic Revitalization Board grant, with $80,000 from the grant and $10,000 each from the city and the port, to fund a joint economic development plan.

• Approved consent agenda (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Declared listed equipment surplus and authorized disposal (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted WaTech service agreement for secure data connectivity (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved $100,000 CERB grant for joint economic development plan (7 ayes, 0 nays)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission is meeting to consider action or informational items regarding several city parks. Discussions include parking and development planning for specific recreational sites.

• Patrick Park Parking
• Parkway Ball Fields Parking
• NE Park Development Planning
• Lions Park Playground Update
• Fall/Winter Programming

City Council

The City Council will hold a second reading for a Comprehensive Plan amendment regarding a mixed-use transition overlay. The body is also deciding on contracts for Quality Controls Corporation and grant authorizations for CHIP and Sandy Williams Connecting Communities.

• Second reading of Ordinance 25-06 Comp Plan Amendment
• Resolution 25-062: Contract with Quality Controls Corporation
• Resolution 25-064: CHIP Grant Selection
• Resolution 25-065: Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Grant
• Resolution 25-064: Acceptance of 2024 Chip Seal Project

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (7-0). It adopted Ordinance 25-06, redesignating a property to a Mixed Use Transition zone (7-0). The council authorized Resolution 25-062, a contract with Quality Controls Corporation for Water Reclamation Facility improvements (7-0). It also approved two grant authorizations: Resolution 25-064 for the CHIP Grant and Resolution 25-065 for a $275,100 Sandy Williams Connecting Communities grant for the Basin Street pedestrian project, each passing 7-0.

• Approved consent agenda (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Ordinance 25-06 Comprehensive Plan amendment (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-062 contract with Quality Controls Corporation (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-064 CHIP Grant selection (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-065 Sandy Williams Connecting Communities grant $275,100 (7 ayes, 0 nays)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold its regular session on August 20, 2025, focusing on routine approvals, proclamations, and updates from staff reports. The meeting includes a proclamation for the National Day of Remembrance and Service, approval of past meeting minutes, and resolutions related to infrastructure, grants, and leases.

• Proclamation declaring September 11, 2025, as a Day of Remembrance
• Resolution 25-058 approving amendment to sublease to Ephrata Sportsman’s Association
• Resolution 25-059 authorizing DOE Stormwater Grant Application
• Resolution 25-060 Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Capital Facilities Update
• First reading of Ordinance 25-06 for Comprehensive Plan Amendment

The council approved the DOE stormwater grant application (Resolution 25-059) to fund a comprehensive stormwater management plan. It also approved a sublease amendment with the Ephrata Sportsmen’s Association (Resolution 25-58) and updated the Capital Facilities element of the Comprehensive Plan (Resolution 25-60). Additionally, the council authorized two reservoir logos, approved the consent agenda, and excused Council member McDonnell for the meeting.

• Approved DOE stormwater grant application (Resolution 25-059) – 6 ayes, 0 nays
• Approved sublease amendment with Ephrata Sportsmen’s Association (Resolution 25-58) – 6 ayes, 0 nays
• Approved Capital Facilities update to the Comprehensive Plan (Resolution 25-60) – 6 ayes, 0 nays
• Authorized two reservoir logos on the water tower – 6 ayes, 0 nays
• Approved consent agenda – 6 ayes, 0 nays
• Excused Council member McDonnell – 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention

Civil Service Commission

The Ephrata Civil Service Commission will meet to approve minutes from a previous meeting and discuss a staffing update and sergeant testing scoring assistance. The agenda includes a procedural addition to review sergeant testing scoring help.

• Addition to agenda: Sgt. Testing Scoring Help
• Staffing Update
• Sgt. Testing Scoring Help

The Civil Service Commission added agenda item 4.b titled “Sgt. Testing Scoring Help.” The commission also approved the minutes of the May 19, 2025 meeting by a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Added agenda item 4.b ‘Sgt. Testing Scoring Help’ (no vote recorded)
• Approved May 19, 2025 minutes (3‑0 vote)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will hold its regular public meeting on September 8, 2025. The agenda is procedural with no formal decisions, focusing on routine updates and preliminary discussions about park improvements and events.

The commission approved the minutes from the July 24, 2025 meeting, with the motion carried. No other actions were voted on. The commission received updates on Lions Park improvements, a possible dog park relocation to Lee Park, new sports complex additions, and a park charrette, but no decisions were recorded on those items.

• Approved July 24, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Peachtree Development Agreement and the 2026-2031 TIP Amendment. The body will also consider several resolutions related to grants and contract renewals.

• Public hearing for Peachtree Development Agreement
• Public hearing for 2026-2031 TIP Amendment
• Resolution 25-49 TIB Basin Street Grant Application
• Resolution 25-52 Authorizing DOC Chip Grant
• Resolution 25-55 Contract with Geosyntec for ESA

The council approved six resolutions covering a new development agreement, transportation improvements, a water‑infrastructure grant, and contract renewals. All items were adopted with unanimous votes. The meeting also approved the consent agenda and excused a council member.

• Excused Council member Warren (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved consent agenda (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-49 TIB Basin Street Grant Application (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution 25-50 2026‑2031 TIP Amendment (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-52 Authorizing DOC Chip Grant (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-53 Peachtree Development Agreement (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-54 Smarsh Contract Renewal (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-55 Contract with Geosyntec for 250 Basin Street NW (6 ayes, 0 nays)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider two resolutions regarding the city's land use planning. These include a recommended amendment to the Capital Facilities Element and a site-specific amendment to the Future Land Use and Zoning Maps.

• Resolution 25-01: Amendment to the Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
• Resolution 25-02: Site specific amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to consider action or information regarding two specific projects. The body will discuss improvements to Lions Park and the location for a new dog park.

• Lions Park Improvements
• New Dog Park Location

The commission approved the minutes from the June 2, 2025 meeting, with the motion carried. The commission discussed Lions Park improvement plans and potential new dog park locations, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved June 2, 2025 minutes (motion carried)

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive a staffing update. The meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2025, at City Hall.

• Approval of May 19, 2025, meeting minutes
• Staffing update

City Council

The council approved Ordinance 25-05 to reclassify the capital projects fund and adopted Resolution 25-49 to apply for a $759,249 TIB grant with an $84,361 city match for street preservation. It also approved a change to Well #11 drilling work hours to evening shifts. A public hearing was scheduled for August 6, 2025 to discuss a proposed amendment to the 2026‑2031 Transportation Improvement Plan.

• Excused Council member Millard (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved consent agenda (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Ordinance 25-05 establishing Fund 301 for capital projects (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution 25-49 to apply for $759,249 TIB grant (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Scheduled public hearing on August 6, 2025 for TIP amendment (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved change to Well #11 drilling work hours to evening (6 ayes, 0 nays)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review ideas for Rock Park and improvements for Lions Park. The meeting includes a department report on summer recreation programs and Splash Zone operations.

• Rock Park ideas
• Lions Park improvements
• Splash Zone weekly numbers, passes, and sound system
• Sage-N-Sun 3v3 turnout update
• ERC Lounge update

City Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. It adopted resolutions to ratify a purchase agreement for a new City Hall facility, declare surplus vehicles for auction, hire Design West Architects for a site analysis, and declare an emergency for Well #3 to expedite repairs. All motions carried with no opposing votes.

• Approved consent agenda (4 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-042 to ratify City Hall purchase agreement (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-046 to declare surplus vehicles for auction (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-047 to hire Design West Architects for site analysis (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-048 to declare emergency for Well #3 (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Motion to excuse council members McDonnell, Lamens, and Warren carried (4 ayes, 0 nays)

City Council

The City Council and Port of Ephrata are meeting for a joint workshop to identify matching goals and areas of friction. The session focuses on short-term and long-term cooperation, as well as land use and economic development planning.

• Discussion of Port and City vision, mission, and goals
• Identification of areas of concurrence and divergence
• Review of external conflicts regarding Growth Management Act, RCW, and FAA regulations
• Planning for land use and economic development scope, timeline, and cost

The Ephrata City Council met on June 28, 2025 for a workshop with the Port of Ephrata. Council members and staff discussed the port’s vision, upcoming projects, and topics such as industry inquiries, Jet A fuel, fencing, tenants, and buildings. They also reviewed the city’s vision, potential new city hall, business incubator and coworking space, downtown flood‑plain challenges, and the Comprehensive Plan amendment. No motions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Planning Commission

The agenda provided contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

The commission approved the November 14, 2024 meeting minutes. After a public hearing with no comments, the commission voted to recommend the site‑specific comprehensive‑plan redesignation and mixed‑use overlay to the City Council and directed staff to draft a resolution. The commission also accepted a new chairperson term and kept the regular meeting time at 7:00 p.m.

• Approved November 14, 2024 minutes (no changes)
• Recommended site‑specific rezoning and overlay to City Council (motion carried)
• Directed staff to prepare a resolution for the recommendation (motion carried)
• Accepted new chairperson term for the Planning Commission (motion carried)
• Kept regular meeting time at 7:00 p.m. (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:20 p.m. (motion carried)

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda and adopted four resolutions: a cost‑reduction agreement with SpyGlass, reinstatement of Provident insurance for volunteer firefighters, a $50,000 QUADCO planning grant with a 15% city match, and a professional services agreement with GeoEngineers. All motions passed unanimously (7‑0). The executive session held later resulted in no decisions.

• Approved consent agenda (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-039 Spyglass cost‑reduction agreement (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-041 Provident Insurance policy for volunteer firefighters (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-043 QUADCO UPWP Planning Grant with 15% city match (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-045 Professional Services Agreement with GeoEngineers (7 ayes, 0 nays)

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda, which included several checks totaling over $2.7 million. Council members unanimously excused McDonnell. The council also unanimously approved Resolution 25-040, authorizing Gold and Silver sponsorship tiers for the Sage‑N‑Sun 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament.

• Approved consent agenda (6‑0)
• Excused Council member McDonnell (6‑0)
• Approved Resolution 25-040 Sage‑N‑Sun sponsorships (6‑0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review ideas for Rock Park and the Lions Club Fun Run. The meeting includes a department report covering summer recreation programs and the Splash Zone.

• Lions Club Fun Run
• Rock Park ideas
• Special Event Permit review
• Sage-n-sun 3v3
• Summer Movie/Concert Series

City Council

The Ephrata City Council approved its consent agenda and several resolutions. It accepted a $4,000 Walmart grant, adopted a new city logo, approved design elements for the new water tower, updated an administrative policy, and approved a use agreement for the Port of Ephrata. All motions passed with recorded vote totals.

• Excused council members Lamens (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved consent agenda (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-35, accepting $4,000 Walmart grant (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-36, new city logo (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved two Ephrata High School ‘E’s for water tower design (4 ayes, 3 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-37, updating administrative policy to use job titles (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25-38, Port of Ephrata use agreement for police training (7 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved checks #102055‑102099 totaling $617,157.40, EFT B&O taxes $37,743.80, and EFT CC fees $10,146.97 (7 ayes, 0 nays)

Civil Service Commission

The Ephrata Civil Service Commission will hold its May 19, 2025 meeting at City Hall to review and approve the minutes from its February 17, 2025 meeting. The agenda includes procedural items and a staffing update.

The Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the February 17, 2025 meeting. It also approved a six‑month extension for the current interim sergeant. Both motions passed unanimously with a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of Feb 17, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Approved 6-month extension for interim sergeant (3-0)

City Council

The council adopted Resolution 25‑34 updating the Six‑Year Transportation Improvement Program and Resolution 25‑32 revising the Employee Wellness Policy. They selected the new city logo, choosing concept B3. The consent agenda and a motion to excuse two members were also approved.

• Adopted Resolution 25‑34 updating the Six‑Year Transportation Improvement Program (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Adopted Resolution 25‑32 updating the Employee Wellness Policy (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Selected new city logo concept B3 (3 votes for B3)
• Approved consent agenda (6 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved motion to excuse Council members Harris and Millard (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved payment checks #101965‑#102054 totaling $2,893,789.99 (consent agenda)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review ideas for Rock Park presented by Public Works Director Rob Harris and discuss improvements for Lions Park. The body will also receive a department report on summer recreation programs and Splash Zone operations.

• Rock Park ideas presented by Rob Harris
• Lions Park improvements
• Special Event Permit review
• Splash Zone weekly numbers, passes, and sound system update
• ERC Lounge update

The commission discussed the need for new commissioners, the upcoming attendance of Community Development Director Ron Sell, and updates on Rock Park, recreation programs, the Sage n Sun tournament, Splash Zone staffing, and the summer movie/concert series. No formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

City Council

This worksession agenda includes only one substantive item: a discussion about the city's logo. The remainder of the meeting consists of procedural items such as roll call, pledge, and approval of the agenda. No votes or decisions are scheduled; it is a discussion-only session.

• Discussion of city logo designs

The council reviewed staff‑presented logo concepts and the latest public feedback. After discussion, the members decided on a color palette for the city logo. No formal vote tally was recorded.

• Approved new color palette for city logo (decision made, no vote recorded)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council holds a regular session with a public hearing and first reading of an annexation ordinance for land from Grant County. They also consider resolutions for a $2,500 community survey and an agreement with the Grant County Economic Development Council, plus set a public hearing for the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. Presentations include a police department report and a new logo concept discussion.

• First reading of ordinance for annexation request from Grant County
• Resolution R25-24: Approval of $2,500 for Ephrata Forward Survey
• Resolution R25-31: Agreement with Grant County Economic Development Council
• Public hearing on annexation request from Grant County
• Setting public hearing date for Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan for June 4, 2025

The council excused Council members Millard and Lamens by a 5‑aye vote. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The council adopted Ordinance 25‑04, approving Grant County’s annexation request with an expediency clause, by a 5‑aye vote. The council also approved Resolution 25‑024 authorizing $2,550 for data analysis of the Ephrata Forward survey and adopted Resolution 25‑31 continuing the partnership with the Grant County Economic Development Council, each by unanimous vote.

• Excused Council members Millard and Lamens (5-0) – approved
• Approved consent agenda (5-0) – approved
• Adopted Ordinance 25-04 approving Grant County annexation (5-0) – approved
• Approved Resolution 25-024 authorizing $2,550 for Ephrata Forward survey data analysis (5-0) – approved
• Adopted Resolution 25-31 continuing partnership with Grant County Economic Development Council (5-0) – approved

City Council

The Ephrata City Council holds a worksession and regular session with mostly procedural items. The only substantive item is a presentation and discussion about the city logo.

• Logo discussion as a presentation item

The council and staff collaborated on logo concepts and reviewed project deadlines and timelines. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss ideas for Rock Park, seek new commissioners, and hear a department report covering upcoming programs and events. No votes or financial actions are scheduled.

• Rock Park Ideas discussion
• Recruiting new Commissioner(s)
• Community Development Director Ron Cell report
• Special Event Permit (no details provided)
• Department report: Flashlight Egg Hunt, Sage-n-sun 3v3, Spring/Summer Catalog, Splash Zone

The commission voted to approve the April 7, 2025 meeting minutes. They also approved the citizen correspondence and propositions for the same date. No other actions were decided.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved citizen correspondence/propositions (motion carried)

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda and adopted Resolution 25-026 to update the Community Street and Utility Standards, and Resolution 25-027 to donate to the Police Department. It approved $2,500 for the Ephrata Forward community survey and agreed to feature the high school's "E" on the water tower, deferring material decisions to staff. No motions were denied or tabled.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 25-026 updating street and utility standards (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 25-027 donating $87.51 to Police Department (7-0)
• Approved $2,500 funding for Ephrata Forward survey (vote not recorded)
• Agreed to feature Ephrata High School "E" on water tower, materials deferred
• Discussed logo rebranding; no formal decision made

City Council

The Council voted 7-0 to accept the proposed annexation of Grant County's 21-acre correctional facility site, contingent on a Public Facilities zoning designation and assumption of existing city debt, and set a public hearing for April 16, 2025. It also approved consent agenda items, including claims totaling over $1.1 million, and approved several other actions: directing the water tower 'E' placement, forming an annual financial report review committee, allowing the Chamber to update downtown lights and banners, and permitting the Ephrata Enforcers to renovate two softball fields at no city cost. The Council continued logo discussions with a final vote scheduled for April 2, and held an executive session on litigation with no decisions made.

• Approved consent agenda including claims totaling $1,110,805.94 and other items (7-0)
• Directed Public Works to place Ephrata School District 'E' on water tower (consensus)
• Volunteered Council members Borck and Harris for Annual Financial Report Review Committee
• Set public hearing for April 16, 2025 on 21-acre county annexation with Public Facilities zoning and debt assumption (7-0)
• Approved Chamber of Commerce downtown lights and banner replacement (7-0)
• Approved Ephrata Enforcers softball field renovations at no city cost (7-0)
• Continued logo review with final vote scheduled for April 2, 2025

City Council

The Ephrata City Council approved a 2025 budget amendment to transfer leftover funds for the City-wide Street Resurfacing Project, adopted resolutions on employee benefits and financial reporting policies, and supported a legislative letter for infrastructure funding. The council also discussed a new city logo, with a vote scheduled for April 2, 2025. No decisions were made during the executive session.

• Approved consent agenda including claims and payroll totaling over $2 million (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 25-03 2025 Budget Amendment for street resurfacing fund transfer (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 25-021 approving Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 25-022 adding policy on lease and SBITA thresholds (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 25-023 supporting PWAA legislative letter (7-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will consider a preliminary plat for a park at Peach Tree Drive South, review a special event permit for Gran Fondo Ephrata, and hear citizen correspondence about Sports Complex fields and downtown lights. The meeting also includes approval of February minutes, welcoming new commissioner Britney MacLeod, and department reports on upcoming programs.

• Preliminary plat discussion for park at Peach Tree Drive South
• Special event permit for Gran Fondo Ephrata
• Citizen correspondence from Ephrata Enforcers Softball regarding Sports Complex fields
• Citizen correspondence from Chamber of Commerce regarding downtown lights
• Welcome of new commissioner Britney MacLeod

The commission approved moving forward with building two softball fields at the sports complex, with the Ephrata Enforcers Softball organization willing to front the estimated $10,000 cost. They also approved moving forward with downtown lights and banners. The commission discussed a potential park at Peach Tree Drive South, with funding from grants and impact fees, but took no formal action.

• Approved moving forward with two softball fields at the sports complex (motion carried)
• Approved moving forward with downtown lights and banners (motion carried)
• Approved February 3rd, 2025 minutes (motion carried)

City Council

The council approved six resolutions, including emergency repairs for the wastewater clarifier, a crack seal project, tourism fund contracts, a police donation program, and writing off uncollectible debts. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

• Approved Resolution 25-020 for emergency WRF clarifier repairs ($56,550) (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-016 for 2025 Crack Seal Project to BCV, Inc. ($89,000) (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-015 for tourism fund contracts ($80,000 allocated) (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-017 to write off 17 uncollectible judgments ($6,737.24) (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-018 contract with BlueBridge Alliance (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-019 for Well #5 debris removal to Carpenter Drilling LLC ($31,500) (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including claims totaling $1,436,333.50 (4-0)

Civil Service Commission

The Ephrata Civil Service Commission will consider appointing a new commissioner and receive an update from Chief Koch on police department staffing. The agenda is largely procedural, including approval of prior minutes.

• Discussion of new commissioner appointment
• Chief Koch staffing update for the police department

The commission approved the January 20, 2025, meeting minutes and welcomed new Commissioner Kimberly Thomas, selected by the Mayor and City Administrator. Police Chief Erik Koch reported on staffing efforts, including interviews for two open positions and plans to exhaust the current hiring list before a new list begins March 1, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of January 20, 2025, meeting (3-0)
• Welcomed new Commissioner Kimberly Thomas to fill vacant position

City Council

The Ephrata City Council convened a work session on February 5, 2025, with no items requiring formal decisions. The meeting included roll call, a pledge of allegiance, and recording of the meeting, along with updates on sub-committee liaisons without votes or discussions.

The Ephrata City Council held a work session on February 5, 2025, focused solely on discussing appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Grant Transit Authority, Port of Ephrata, and Grant County PUD. No formal decisions or votes were made during the session; it was a discussion-only meeting. Council members expressed interest in several positions, including the Board of County Commissioners and legislative liaison roles.

• Excused Council members Michael Warren and Sarah McDonnell (m/s Harris/Borck)
• Discussed board/commission appointments and attendance expectations, no action taken

Parks & Recreation Commission

This meeting of the Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission is largely procedural, covering approval of minutes and department reports. The commission will consider seeking new commissioners and a special event permit. No specific proposals or financial decisions are listed.

• Discussion on recruiting new commissioner(s)
• Special event permit consideration
• Department report covering rec programs, LTAC, Daddy Daughter Dance, Sage-n-sun 3v3

The Ephrata Parks and Recreation Commission met on February 3, 2025, but lacked a quorum for a vote on the Chamber of Commerce's request to install white twinkle lights on poles year-round; discussion was deferred to the next meeting. The commission approved the January 6, 2025 minutes and received updates on programs, funding, and events.

• Approved January 6, 2025 minutes (Mitchell/Wanke motion, carried)
• Deferred vote on year-round white twinkle lights on poles due to lack of quorum
• Noted Britney McCloud will join the Parks Commission
• Discussed potential softball fields at sports complex (no action)
• Received report on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding approvals

Civil Service Commission

The Ephrata Civil Service Commission will meet for routine business including approval of prior meeting minutes, discussion of a new commissioner appointment, a staffing update from Chief Koch, and potential changes to commission rules or language.

• Approve minutes of November 18, 2024 meeting
• Discussion of new commissioner appointment
• Staffing update from Chief Koch
• Potential rule/language changes

The Civil Service Commission met and approved the minutes from the November 18, 2024 meeting. They also announced the selection of Kimberly Thomas to fill the vacant commissioner position. The police chief provided a staffing update, noting recent promotions and upcoming interviews for officer candidates. No formal decisions were made on rule changes, which were only discussed as potential future proposals.

• Approved minutes of November 18, 2024 meeting (2-0)
• Announced Kimberly Thomas as new commissioner (selected by Mayor and City Administrator)

City Council

The Ephrata City Council approved all 10 resolutions on the agenda, covering contracts for biosolids disposal, investment management, interlocal agreements, budget software, a new website, youth sports programming, and more. All votes were unanimous (7-0). The council also scheduled a study session for February 5, 2025, and tabled a request from the EHS Senior Class Parent Board for further discussion.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Scheduled study session for Feb 5, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-001: King County biosolids contract (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-002: LGIP investment contract (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-003: Grant County Public Works interlocal agreement (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-004: ClearGov budget software contract (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-006: CivicPlus website and mobile app contract (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 25-008: Skyhawks youth sports contract (7-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ephrata Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting including approval of December 2024 minutes, a department report, and discussion of recruiting new commissioners. A special event permit is also up for consideration.

• Looking for new commissioner(s)
• Special event permit consideration
• Department report covering rec programs, LTAC, Breakfast with Santa, Daddy Daughter Dance & Mother Son Event

The Ephrata Parks and Recreation Commission elected Melissa Leonard as Chair and discussed recruiting new commissioners after two resignations. The commission also received updates on upcoming recreation programs and events, but took no other substantive action.

• Elected Melissa Leonard as Park Commission Chair (motion carried)
• Approved December 9, 2025 minutes (motion carried)