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Ephrata council approves parks reserve fund, nonprofit policy update and several resolutions in one meeting
Summary
Council approved a set of ordinances and resolutions including a parks and recreation reserve fund, an ERC nonprofit policy clarification and multiple administrative resolutions covering investments, EFT policy, personnel policy changes and a sewer‑lining contract.
The Ephrata City Council handled a package of ordinances and resolutions spanning parks and recreation, administrative policies, finance and capital projects during the meeting. Several items were discussed briefly and then approved by motion and vote.
Ordinances and policy items - Ordinance 25‑01: Creating a Parks and Recreation reserve fund (Fund 056). The fund will collect an extra $50 when renters request full access to tables and chairs; staff explained funds will be used to replace equipment in future years. Council moved the ordinance forward and voted to adopt as requested or expedited as staff presented. - Ordinance 25‑02: Update to the ERC nonprofit fee waiver policy language to require an event to be both open to the public and a benefit to the community (clarifying the existing waiver standard). Council approved the change and expedited the ordinance so it is effective for imminent reservations.
Resolutions and administrative actions - Resolution 25‑13: Council adopted a resolution expressing support for the Ephrata School District’s replacement EP&O levy after the district presentation (covered in a separate article). - Resolution 25‑14: Council approved waiving certain fees to support the senior class alcohol‑ and drug‑free celebration, and discussed further avenues for city participation in youth events. - Nomination to the Grant County Disability Board: Council nominated and approved a city representative. - Resolution 25‑05: Updated investment authorizations to clarify signatures and allow the finance director to act with the Grant County Investment Pool (GCIP) and the state LGIP, updating authorizations as staff changes occur. - Resolution 25‑07: Council adopted an electronic funds transfer (EFT) policy to formalize procedures and reduce fraud risk when paying large vendors, enabling safer use of EFT in lieu of mailed checks. - Resolution 25‑11: Council amended personnel policy 9.6 to align contracted union and nonunion employee policies where tentatively agreed with unions. - Resolution 25‑12: The council awarded a contract for a sewer lining project for 2025. Staff reported a low bid above the engineer estimate; the contract is written to allow quantity adjustments to remain within the city’s budgeted amount and includes TVing an estimated 50,000 feet of pipe to prioritize worst segments.
Consent agenda and next steps The meeting opened by approving the consent agenda by motion. Staff and council moved several items forward with limited debate; council asked a few clarifying questions on fee impacts and dispute resolution for the nonprofit waiver policy.
Several items were expedited at council request to accommodate upcoming reservations and projects; staff will follow up with implementing documents, cost breakdowns and contract paperwork as needed. The meeting closed with a notice the council would move into an executive session to discuss real estate and a public‑employee performance matter; no decisions on those topics were taken in open session during this meeting.
