CITY COUNCIL MINUTES  October 16, 2024  City Council of the City of Ephrata, Grant County Washington met in regular session on October 16, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Members Present: Mayor Bruce Reim, Mayor Pro-Tem Matt Moore, Council  Bruce Reim.  members Phil Borck, Kathleen Harris, Beau Lamens, Sarah McDonnell, Valli Millard and Michael Warren.  Staff Present:  City Attorney Anna Franz, Community Development Director Ron Sell, ChiefF Finance Officer Leslie Trachsler, Finance Director Kristen McDonnell, Recreation Director Josh Johnson, Public Works Director Rob Harris, Police Chief Erik Koch, City Engineer  Shawn O'Brien.  Pledge of Allegiance was said.  No public signed up to speak. This meeting is being recorded. Agenda: There were no additions or corrections.  Presentations: Officer Troy Froewiss was sworn in by Mayor Reim as the new Ephrata Consent Agenda: Motion was made to approve consent agenda. (m/s Moore/Harris)  Police Captain. Motion carried.  Items on the consent agenda are as follows:  Claims #101019 through #101084 in the amount of $489,580.95 Claims #101008 through #101018 in the amount of $3,968.41 ACH Debit in the amount of$11,967.81 Electronic Fund Transfer in the amount of $30,430.29 Minutes oft the October 2, 2024 Council meeting Special Event Applications: None Set Public Hearings:  2025 Ad Valorem Taxes November 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. 2025 Annual Budget Hearing November 6 and 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.    Public Hearing - Fence Code Update: Mayor Reim opened the public hearing at 6:05 p.m. This is a continuation oft the September 18, 2024 Public Hearing. Director Sell reviewed the proposed changes which provides clearer direction to the public and staff. Planning Commission has reviewed and is recommending the changes as presented in There being no public comment, Mayor Reim closed the public hearing at 6:07 p.m. Resolution 24-11 Amending Policy 1020 Council Rule 6.2 Ordinances: This Resolution amends Administrative Policy 1020 Council Rules adding section 6.2 Motion to approve and accept Resolution 24-11 Amending Policy 1020, Council Rules 6.0 outlining process for approval of ordinance. (m/s Millard/Borck) Motion carried. Resolution 24-12 Adopting City Wide Goals for 2025: This Resolution adopts  Ordinance 24-09.  outlining the process for the approval of ordinances.  Council's Goals for 2025. Goals as follows: 1. Focus on Public Safety 2. Increase Community Engagement  3. Provide Infrastructure and Facilities for Future Growth 4. Improve and Develop Quality Personnel and Relationships. 5. Enhance Community Appeal and Economic Vitality 7. Practice Sound, Transparent Fiscal Management  6. Commitment to Thoughtful, Efficient Governance while Working to Maintain and  Build upon the Public's' Trust  Motion to approve and accept Resolution 24-12 Adopting City Wide Goals for 2025. Ordinance 24-09 Fence Code Update: This Ordinance adopts updates to the City's Fence Code section of the Ephrata Municipal Code Chapter 19 "Zoning" as reviewed and Motion to approve and accept Ordinance 24-09 amending Chapter 19.13 of the Ephrata Municipal Code entitled "Fences and Walls", accepting the Planning Commission's recommendation. (m/s Moore/McDonnell) Council discussion, motion carried. Water Rights: Director Harris discussed the need for acquiring additional water rights and presented aj proposal to change the Municipal Code creating a new chapter 13.30 entitled' "Water Right Transfers". This code change provides a clear purpose and definition ofa water right, explains the types of water rights, and offers guidance for annexations, short plats, subdivisions, site plans, utility extensions, and other permits. It also establishes a method for payment in lieu of water rights, defines payments made to the City and payments received by the City, and provides a form of transfer and  (m/s Warren/McDonnell) Motion carried.  recommended by the Ephrata Planning Commission.  conveyance for water rights.    Accept Grant from Wal-Mart: The Police Department received a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart to support Shop with a Cop event. Per policy, all donations must be accepted Motion to accept $1,000 donation/grant from Wal-Mart for Shop with a Cop. (m/s Interagency Agreement with Washington Traffic Safety Commission Regulations: Historically, the Police Department has participated with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) in the regional high visibility enforcement patrols to enhance public safety. These extra patrols are conducted outside the officer's normal working hours and is reimbursed by WTSC at the overtime rate plus city paid taxes and retirement on those earnings. Staff is requesting Council approve an Interagency Agreement with Motion to approve and authorize administration to execute Interagency Agreement with Washington Traffic Safety Commission. (m/s Warren/Harris) Council discussion,  by Council.  Lamens/Warren) Motion carried.  WTSC.  motion carried. Administration Reports:  Third Quarter Financial Report - Director McDonnell reviewed the 3rd quarter financial Overall revenues are 34% below budget and expenses are 41% below. Cash balance for the General Fund has increased 19% from January 1,2024. Update on the obligation of the remaining SLFRF funds. The funds earmarked for the Parks Sport Courts are not able to be obligated by the end ofthe year and staff is recommending these funds be re-allocated to the Street Project. Discussion on the rate increase needed for the loan repayment oft the Water Tower/Pressure Zone Project. Loan obligation for the construction phase totals $5,947,542 between two loans. The city received $10.4 million as forgivable loan. Estimate an increase to water rates in 2025 of3.96%. Discussion on the rate increase needed for the loan repayment of the Sewer Collection/Water Reclamation Facility Improvements. Total loan obligation is $14,710,340 between two loans. The city received $2 million as forgivable loan.  report.  Estimate a rate increase of $7.72 over the next five years.  There being no further business meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.  Iu Bruce Reim, Mayor    ATTEST:  Pbdskle 'Leslie Trachsler, City Clerk