Residents raise concerns about parking kiosks, stormwater fees and enforcement at Ephrata work session

Residents used the public-comment periods at the March 2 Ephrata Borough Council work session to press for clearer municipal communication and better enforcement of approved rules.

Ralph Mowen asked whether Mayor Thomas Reinhold would “take the reins” to start the annual Firecracker Run; the mayor said he will attend the event. Mowen also urged the borough to provide clearer public notice about the planned reactivation of downtown parking kiosks, saying the original rollout caused confusion and that residents need time to learn new parameters. Council moved earlier in the meeting to close initial public comment until the end of the agenda in order to consider scheduled business.

Brian Hoffman, a resident, said the American Legion will present a request for a June car show to a committee and asked whether all council members may attend the PSAB, AMP and APPA conferences; Vice President Victor Richard and Borough Manager Karen Gerhart advised that attendance by council members and the mayor is permitted under Borough/State code but that not all members necessarily choose to attend. Hoffman also asked for an explanation of the borough’s Free Electric Policy; Gerhart said the benefit primarily applies to borough‑owned properties and facilities and emergency management services, and that four properties (the Railroad Station, Winters Memorial, Eicher Arts Center and Ephrata Public Library) pay only the electric energy charge.

Hoffman raised concerns that Ephrata Recycling may lie outside borough boundaries and that debris from nearby properties was entering borough streets, complicating the recently implemented stormwater fee. Councilor Chad Ochs responded that a map review indicates Ephrata Recycling’s parcel is carved out and located within the township rather than the borough. Ralph Mowen recalled a prior agreement requiring property owners to sweep and manage debris; he said the requirements are not being followed and urged revisiting the agreement to ensure compliance.

Councilors and staff acknowledged enforcement constraints. Ochs and Vice President Richard said some approved measures go unenforced because of staff workload, and Ochs pointed to a sign approval for Ephrata Re‑Uzit that has not complied with color restrictions as an example.

The council did not take further formal action on these community items at the work session; public comments were closed by motion and the meeting proceeded to other agenda items.