Lewiston City Council Workshop & Meeting 9/1/26

The Lewiston City Council held a workshop and meeting on September 1, 2026, focusing primarily on reviewing and potentially revising the city's ethics policy. Council members discussed expanding the policy to cover appointed and elected officials beyond the council, the creation of an ethics committee, and concerns about subjective language and enforcement mechanisms. The council also considered several procurement and budget-related items, including approval of an easement agreement with TPAIX LLC for a cell tower site with a $450,000 payment to the city, support for the Auburn Lewiston Municipal Airport Master Plan with a 5-year sponsor commitment, and authorization of a collective bargaining agreement with the Maine Service Employees Association involving a $300,000 annual increase. Additionally, the council accepted a $190,000 Homeland Security Grant for regional hazmat and police surveillance equipment. Updates were provided on capital improvement projects such as the Central Avenue infrastructure work and housing developments by the Lewiston Housing Authority. The meeting included public comments on various community issues and concluded without entering executive session due to a failed vote.