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Council approves six resolutions covering tourism grants, infrastructure bids, debt write‑offs and emergency repairs
Summary
At its meeting the Ephrata City Council approved six resolutions: tourism fund awards, crack-seal bid, write-off of uncollectible judgments, a contract with BlueBridge Alliance, Well 5 debris removal and emergency clarifier repairs.
The Ephrata City Council voted to adopt six resolutions that will allocate tourism lodging-tax awards, award infrastructure contracts, clear uncollectible judgments and authorize emergency repairs to wastewater treatment equipment.
Votes at a glance (each resolution was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote unless otherwise noted):
- Resolution 25-15 (tourism fund contracts): The council approved tourism grant awards covering events and activities funded from short-term lodging taxes. The tourism commission recommended full funding for applicants; staff reported $95,000 was available after identifying an additional $15,000. The commission's recommended awards totaled $90,620; the remainder will roll into the next period. Motion moved by Mike; second by Phil. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 25-16 (2025 crack seal project): Staff presented bids for the crack-seal contract; seven bidders responded and the low bid of $89,000 from BTV Inc. of Wenatchee was below the engineer's estimate of $105,000. The council approved awarding the contract to BTV Inc. Staff noted the contract contains options to scale work to stay within budget. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 25-17 (write-off uncollectible judgments): Staff reported 17 judgments are legally uncollectible due to the statute of limitations (10 years) and requested write-off of $6,737.24. Council discussed whether judgments remain visible on credit reports; staff said collection agents handle reporting. Motion moved by Mike; second by Kyle. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 25-18 (contract with BlueBridge Alliance): Council approved entering a contract to establish a BlueBridge Alliance account to accept donations that officers could use to provide immediate, minor assistance to residents (for example, small purchases or referral-related support). Staff said a $2,500 seed donation, matched by BlueBridge Alliance, would start the program; usage of funds will require officer reporting. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 25-19 (Well 5 debris removal): The council approved a quotes-based contract to remove unknown material observed at the bottom of Well 5 (drilled in 1953 to a depth reported at about 450 feet). Staff presented an engineer estimate of $41,300 and a low quote of $31,500; work will precede a redrill or deepening project. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 25-20 (emergency repairs to clarifier): Staff asked the council to ratify an emergency declaration and authorize purchase of parts and repairs for a clarifier sweep at the wastewater treatment plant. The sweep assembly was installed in the early 1950s and staff said lead times for parts required action between meetings to maintain redundancy and permit compliance. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
The council recorded no roll-call tallies in the minutes; motions and seconds were given verbally during the meeting and all resolutions were approved by voice vote. Details on each contract and award will appear in subsequent procurement and project files.
