LEWISTON — The Lewiston City Council on Dec. 8 approved a package of routine and project-specific actions, including a $211,366 purchase of four 2026 Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs for the police fleet, a $108,000 design task order for next year’s wastewater pipeline replacement and an easement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contingent on resolving an administrative-fee provision.

The council voted by voice to approve the consent agenda and then moved through several action items. Councilor Klein moved to approve the four Durango pursuit SUVs from Rogers Motors as quoted for $211,366, and the motion passed unanimously. Robin Braun, the city fleet manager, told the council the vehicles come with powertrain warranties that extend to about 100,000 miles and that dealer upfit packages reduce build time and ensure uniform equipment. "The dealers have offered upfitment packages so that it cuts down on build time for the cars," Braun said, describing transferred components such as light bars, radios and computers that will be moved to the new vehicles.

The council also approved Task Order No. 1 under the city’s master agreement with JUB Engineers Inc. for design services on the Wastewater 2026 pipeline replacement (WW071). Public works director Dustin Johnson said the work targets basin 3A and 3B in older areas of town and aligns with planned road work on Snake River Avenue next summer. When asked whether construction-phase site visits were included in the contract, Johnson said inspections and administration will be carried out by city staff. Councilor Wright moved to approve the $108,000 task order; the motion passed by voice vote.

On a separate matter the council approved Resolution 2025-54 to accept an easement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that is necessary to replace sewer line infrastructure near the Lower Granite Lock and Dam and along Snake River Avenue. Jennifer Tindall, the city attorney, told the council the Corps’ draft easement includes a site-specific Condition 24 requiring a recurring administrative fee every five years. She said Idaho law prevents cities from committing to multi‑year payments beyond the current fiscal year and recommended approving the easement only "contingent upon successful resolution of condition number 24." Tindall said staff is negotiating options and that, if successfully resolved, the city would not pay more than $16,850 under the preferred approach.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda: approved (voice vote, unanimous)
- Planning & Zoning appointment (four-year term beginning 2026‑01‑10): approved (voice vote)
- Purchase of four 2026 Dodge Durango pursuit SUVs, Rogers Motors — $211,366: approved (voice vote)
- Task Order No. 1 with JUB Engineers Inc. for WW071 — $108,000: approved (voice vote)
- Resolution 2025‑54 (easement from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers): approved contingent on resolving Condition 24 (voice vote)

The council then moved into executive session under Idaho Code 74‑2‑206(1)(f) to consult with legal counsel about imminent litigation and later voted to allow the mayor to sign documents consistent with the executive-session discussion. The meeting adjourned afterward.

The council packet listed related materials, including the easement exhibit describing an in‑kind consideration valued at $33,600; Tindall said the Corps determined that figure through appraisal and that, if in‑kind contributions fall short, the city would need to remit the remainder.

Next procedural steps: staff will continue negotiating Condition 24 with the Corps; if negotiations fail or the fee exceeds the threshold described by the city attorney, the matter will return to council for further direction.