Port Of Ephrata (Grant County)

The key discussions during the meeting involved the selection of commission officers for 2026, which resulted in the unanimous election of Shelly Rivard Detrick as President, Nicholas Moore as Vice-President, and Tyler Chase as Secretary. The commissioners approved vouchers/warrants for the Airport Fund totaling $32,249.76 and $16,992.53. An item regarding the selection of Western Pacific Engineering as the Master Engineer for non-aeronautical projects was deferred to the next meeting. New business focused on the necessity of developing a Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements Plan as required by RCW 53.20, with a special meeting scheduled for the following Monday to plan this. Operational updates included addressing a leak in Hangar 405 and scheduling necessary roof repairs for a leak in Hangar 734. The financial update indicated that the Port concluded 2025 with a profit of $168,938.64. A representative from the City Council reiterated municipal support.

The special meeting focused on reviewing the Port's current and forthcoming project list, which encompassed over twenty-two topics scheduled for 2026 and beyond. Discussions included status reports on two Interlocal Agreement grant applications with the City of Ephrata: the completed CERB Planning Grant application, expected to provide $120,000 for planning and grant writing, and the newly initiated FMSIB Grant application for transportation infrastructure development. A visionary five-to-ten-year blueprint for growth was presented, outlining potential projects such as natural gas pipeline installation, rail utilization, fiber optics, and UAV/AI aerospace R&D. Additionally, the requirement for developing a Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements (CSHI) was discussed, including the significant cost variance between using a professional A&E firm ($85,000 to $100,000) versus internal development.

The Commissioners addressed several agenda items, including authorizing the signing of an Engagement Agreement with JLL Valuation & Advisory Services LLC for a parcel appraisal related to the Salcido Enterprises Proposed Land Lease. Approval was granted to sign Work Order 25-01 with Ardurra for Phase I of the North Apron, Taxiway & Taxilane Rehabilitation Project. The Commission also authorized the payment of a $2,500 Phase II application fee to Grant PUD for the Large Power Solution queue. New business included reporting on the CERB Planning Grant Application process and the advertisement of a Request for Qualification for Master Engineering Services. Discussions also covered potential federal funding opportunities requiring a Visionary Development Plan submission in January, and the approval of a temporary month-to-month commercial lease for building 304 to VECA, contingent on Barrett Aircraft terminating their lease early. Operationally, approval was given to pay Frontier Roofing in advance and out of cycle for materials needed to address a major roof leak in building 734. The financial update projected an end-of-year profit between $150,000 and $170,000. Commissioner input noted tightened restrictions on the courtesy vehicle availability due to misuse.

The meeting addressed several key old business items, including the CAP Hangar Lease pending a legal description resolution and the New T-Hangar Update, which is on hold pending FAA approval for a change of location to preserve valuable revenue-producing property. The Commission also reviewed the expected cost of engineering inspections for Buildings 405 & 734 and addressed an unexpected invoice from Ardurra for funding assistance work, resulting in a directive to cease work until the Commissioners decide on the interpretation of the Work Order. Discussions covered tenant lease adjustments for 2024/2025, scheduling the Annual Audit for July 10th, and an update on Grant PUD power expansion to the south airfield. New business included reviewing proposals for a Commercial Insurance Broker and website development, with requests for two additional proposals for both before making a decision. Further items tabled to the July 17th meeting included the Airport Layout Plan Revision, Revised Lease/Rental Templates, and the Jet-A Fuel Farm Project. Legal action was initiated regarding the PBY derelict aircraft if fees are not paid and the aircraft removed by July 1, 2023. Operational updates included continuing weed control and troubleshooting non-functioning airfield signage. An administrative note informed attendees that WA Cares premiums collection starts July 1st.

Key discussions included deferring the Maintenance Tech 2 Salary for FY2025/FY2026 until the next meeting when a specific commissioner is present, followed by a scheduled executive session regarding a performance review. An update was provided on the Rehabilitation & Development Project for the North Apron, Taxiway (A3) & Taxilane (nr Bldg 734), with confidence expressed that the FAA would approve the original taxiway positioning request. New business featured a report on the Salcido Enterprises Request for a 40-acre Land Lease, noting ongoing discussions with the FAA regarding aeronautical use designations. An interlocal agreement with the City of Ephrata for collaborative grant applications was approved. Property & Liability Insurance was renewed through CIAW as no less expensive options were found. The operations plan involves purchasing a Chevy ½ ton Pick-Up for Maintenance Operations in the current year and a snowplow truck in the spring of 2026. A financial update noted a large tax payment resulting in a current year profit of approximately $252,000 before year-end expenses. Public input included statements from glider community members regarding their appreciation for the Port's support and operational statistics. The regular meeting was adjourned for an executive session concerning minimum real estate lease pricing, with no decisions made upon reconvening.