Ephrata council approves subdivision acceptances, sewer contract and ADA curb repair; sets grant application and TIP hearing

The Ephrata City Council unanimously approved a package of resolutions at its May 20 meeting, accepting subdivision improvements, awarding infrastructure contracts and authorizing a federal grant application.

Council accepted improvements for Prairie Bluff Phase 4, Lot 1, including roughly 885 linear feet of sidewalk on 3rd Avenue and Ivy Street, under Resolution R26-022 after staff said the work met municipal requirements and would become city responsibility once accepted. Staff presented the plat acceptance and the council approved the resolution by motion and voice vote.

The council also approved Resolution R26-023 to accept improvements for the Sunwest Park plat, described by staff as a nine-lot subdivision (eight residential lots plus one unplatted remainder). Staff said the work includes about 380 feet of Country Street extension, 16 new water and sewer services, curb and sidewalk installations, and a water main and hydrant to serve the lots; council approved the resolution as presented.

For a sewer repair project, staff reported five bids and recommended awarding the work to Tech Contracting, the low bidder, for $107,500.33. The council approved the award under Resolution R26-024.

Council also approved Resolution R26-026 to enter a contract with Scorpion Concrete and Construction for ADA ramp and curb work adjacent to 108 C Street Southwest. Staff said the property owner solicited the contractor and the city is participating because city work touching an existing ramp triggers ADA compliance work on the opposite side of the street; staff supplied a quote of $12,680.80 for the ramp and related curb work. A council member asked whether the contractor selection raised competitive-bidding or conflict-of-interest concerns; staff said the contract amount was below the council’s competitive-bid threshold and that staff was not aware of any affiliation between the contractor and city staff.

The council also authorized staff to apply for the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All grant under Resolution R26-027. Staff described the application as a step to prepare a comprehensive road safety plan that would make the city more competitive for future construction grants; they noted a 20% local match is required if awarded.

Finally, the council set a public hearing on the six-year Transportation Improvement Plan, the project list used to prioritize and advertise potential transportation projects that can be eligible for state and federal funding. The hearing will follow required public-notice procedures.

Public comment during the meeting included a short statement from Jane Montaney supporting Poppy Days, emphasizing that poppies are distributed as a memorial symbol for veterans and are not sold. "We do not, under any circumstances, sell these," Montaney said while asking for volunteers to distribute poppies in the community.

Next steps: the council’s authorizations allow staff to finalize contracts and submit the federal grant application; the TIP public hearing will be scheduled and publicly noticed as required by law.