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Lewiston council continues public hearing on proposed syringe service program rules to Sept. 16
Summary
After more than two hours of public testimony and council discussion, Lewiston City Council voted unanimously to continue a public hearing on proposed amendments to the city's business license ordinance covering syringe service programs to Sept. 16 so staff can be present and the council can review additional materials.
The Lewiston City Council voted 7-0 to continue the public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 22, Article 18 of the city code addressing syringe service programs to Sept. 16, citing the need for additional staff participation and time for council review.
The public hearing drew a wide range of testimony from harm-reduction providers, people with lived experience of substance use, and local residents. Speakers warned that retroactive zoning changes or restrictions could risk public health outcomes and expose the city to legal challenges while business owners and some councilors pressed for stronger measures to reduce improperly discarded syringes in public spaces.
Why it matters: Councilors said the topic affects public safety, downtown businesses and countywide public health, and that changes could have legal and fiscal consequences. Administrator Kanraf told the council staff availability would be limited on the council's originally scheduled continuation date, and recommended moving the hearing to Sept. 16 so all involved city staff could attend.
Public testimony focused on health…
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