LEWISTON – The Lewiston City Council meeting on Monday began with a public comment period that ran for well over an hour. It was standing room only as citizens came to voice their support for the Lewiston Library, their opinions on the proposed United Airlines subsidy, and business owners expressed the hardships faced by the stop of the development of Lindsey Creek Estates.
The council vote was 3-3 on the approval of a subsidy contract with United Airlines for Denver flights to and from the Lewiston Regional Airport. Mayor Dan Johnson voted in favor, breaking the tie and passing the motion. Johnson noted the city would likely only have to pay a fraction of the maximum $4 million dollar contracted maximum, as airport data is showing the Denver flights are averaging 83% capacity. The subsidy contract is for a period from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.
In other business, Council President Jim Kleeberg presented a resolution summary, asking that the council approve the resolution stating that the council was in support of, and recognized the importance of the Lewiston Library. The resolution was passed 5-1, with only Councilor Jessica Klein voting against it.
The council also passed a resolution to open the pathway for the city to contract with the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter. The council voted to recognize Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter to be the only reasonably available vendor for animal sheltering services.
The City intends to contract with the shelter for the next five years, 2025- 2030, for animal sheltering services for an amount ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 a year.