Ephrata — At the start of its meeting, the City of Ephrata council administered an oath of office and handled brief procedural business before moving into private deliberations.

Unidentified Speaker 1 called the meeting to order and requested a motion to excuse Council member Sarah, who was absent. "I need a motion to excuse," Unidentified Speaker 1 said; Unidentified Speaker 1 moved to excuse Sarah and Unidentified Speaker 2 seconded. The motion carried by voice vote after the presiding speaker asked, "All in favor?" and the chamber responded "Aye." The meeting record does not include a roll-call tally or individual recorded votes.

The council presented a framed recognition to a member and administered the oath of office later in the agenda. During the swearing-in, Unidentified Speaker 1 led the oath and Unidentified Speaker 2 recited the traditional pledge: "I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of The United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington" and to "faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of the city of Ephrata." The transcript shows council comments of congratulations and thanks following the oath; during remarks Unidentified Speaker 1 named "Matt Morris," and other participants offered congratulatory responses.

Before adjourning the public portion of the meeting, Unidentified Speaker 1 announced the council would enter an executive session "where we're gonna discuss litigation or potential litigation" and set an initial duration of 15 minutes, "subject to extension." Attendees were asked to vacate the council chambers while the session proceeded. The announcement did not include further public details about the subject of the litigation, nor was a substantive public discussion or decision recorded in the publicly available transcript.

The meeting record indicates no members of the public were signed up for public comment at that time. The council left the chambers for the executive session as announced; the public transcript ends with informal comments as participants departed.

The council's actions in the public meeting included: a motion to excuse an absent member (approved by voice), a recognition/presentation, administration of the oath of office, and an announced executive session to discuss litigation or potential litigation. No formal votes on ordinances or resolutions are recorded in the provided transcript.