Rob Harris

The meeting addressed necessary amendments to the city's municipal code, specifically chapters 19.02, 19.04, and the addition of chapter 19.08.400 concerning co-living housing, in compliance with state legislation (RCW 36.7A.535). Key modifications involved updating definitions, adjusting zoning tables (MDR, LDR, Central Business District) to permit co-living uses as outright permitted, accessory, or conditional use, and incorporating fire safety requirements based on the number of sleeping units (e.g., residential sprinkler system for 3 to 5 units). The commission reviewed environmental review determinations, noting issuance of a Determination of Non-Significance in October 2025 with no appeals. The commission unanimously voted to recommend a resolution to the city council approving these code amendments with specified revisions.

The agenda for the City Council meeting scheduled for February 4, 2026, includes several key items. The Regular Session features presentations regarding the Leadership Institute of North Central Washington, including a Proclamation of Support. The Consent Agenda covers the approval of Claim Fund Bills and Checks Issued, and approval of Council Minutes from January 21, 2026. Discussions are scheduled for the Finance 2025 Report. Ordinance business includes the first reading of Ordinance 26-002 concerning Co-living Housing, which aims to adopt standards mandated by state legislation. Resolutions planned for action include R26-007, approving the Interagency Agreement between the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Ephrata Police Department for high visibility enforcement patrols; R26-008, approving a contract between PowerDMS and the Police Department; and R26-009, awarding the Crack Seal Project to Base Crew, LLC for $77,000.00.

The meeting commenced with administrative actions, including a motion to excuse absent members and the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda modifications were announced, specifically moving a resolution to ratify a purchase and sale agreement forward and adding the request from the workshop to address the council. Discussions during the meeting focused heavily on upcoming planning efforts, including the periodic comprehensive plan update due in 2027, the newly required climate resiliency element, and a transportation and parks impact fee study, which the council prioritized completing this year. An additional scope item proposed for integration was a downtown plan and flood plan study, focusing on flood plane mitigation. A significant portion of the recorded content involved resolving technical difficulties related to remote council members attempting to join the meeting as presenters rather than attendees to allow for participation.

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes several items for consideration and action. Key topics include a presentation by the Ephrata School District Superintendent regarding the Bond Information, and discussions concerning consent agenda items such as the acceptance of the Library and Amtrak HVAC Upgrades. Reports from various departments are scheduled, including an update from the Police Department. Council will address resolutions, specifically R26-006 in support of the Ephrata School District 2026 Construction Bond, and R26-005 accepting the HVAC upgrades. Further items for consideration involve the draft Legislative Agenda concerning lobbying activities in Olympia. Discussions also covered committee appointments and the next council meeting schedule.

The meeting included discussions regarding the future of park impact fees and a long-term capital funding model, noting a future meeting scheduled to update the comprehensive plan. A special event permit for the Columbia Ridge Bike Rodeo remains pending documentation. Updates were provided on commission questions, confirming the dog park will be relocated to Lee Park and that progress on Lions Park Playground Equipment replacement is ongoing. Department reports highlighted the success of the Breakfast with Santa event, progress on Lions Park equipment installation, an overview of current winter programs, and plans to post job openings for the Splash Zone.