Ephrata updating fence code, negotiating labor issues

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is working to update its building codes regarding fencing after fencing permits weren’t obtained for some new construction homes within city limits. Builders had thought the permit allowing them to build houses included the surrounding fences. 

Fences aren’t included in permits for the main structure, said Ephrata Community Development Director Ron Sell.  

“This is a reaction to existing fences going in. In this case, it was predominantly out at the Sun West Development south of town, where fences were being built essentially as part of the (home’s) building permit,” Sell said. “I think, in most cases, people weren’t aware that the fence permit is a separate permit from the (home) permit.”  

This issue led to fences being installed without enough clearance from alleyways and other items that city code sets limits for, Sell said. This was especially apparent on corner lots where more visibility issues can occur.  

In response, the city is looking at its codes and updating them to be clearer. The process requires state review and Sell said the city has also opted to add information about the types of fences that are allowed in specific zones. They’ve also added some information regarding hedges that are used as fences.  

“(Hedges) were being set up as a fence. They were blocking the view, that type of thing,” he said.  

While the Ephrata City Council voted unanimously to continue a public hearing on the matter to their next regular meeting, Sell said that would allow time for state review of the standards to be completed.  

Anyone with questions regarding permits and property improvements should contact the city at 509-754-4601. 

Other items 

Also on the council’s agenda were the approval of a headstone monument in the Ephrata City Cemetery and approval of an agreement with an attorney.  

The headstone was denied due to long-standing policy requiring that grave markers be flat headstones, rather than standing monuments. While council understood the family’s desire for a larger memorial, they felt they could not approve the exception in fairness to others. They also expressed concern that the monument would add to workload for city staff. 

City Administrator Ray Towry said the agreement with a labor attorney was to help the city negotiate with the local Teamsters Union. The city has been trying to work out an update to the contract with the union, but the process has faltered.  

“We continue to negotiate with our local teamsters to get an updated replacement collective bargaining agreement. (This is an area) that’s kind of outside of my expertise,” Towry said. “It’s also slightly beyond a normal city attorney's breadth of experience.  

Council unanimously approved C. Akin Blitz to represent them in the negotiation. Towry said he was hopeful the experienced attorney could help both sides move forward toward an agreement. 

According to Blitz’s LinkedIn profile, he is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has served as an assistant attorney general in Oregon and has been in civilian practice since 1983.  

“(Blitz has) had about 30-plus years of experience in doing this, and actually is one of the more respected labor attorneys in the Pacific Northwest,” Towry said.