Lewiston council approves sewer Vactor truck purchase and professional services agreement for sidewalk infill project

Lewiston City Council approved two capital and contract items: the purchase of a Vactor/vac combination sewer truck and a local professional services agreement with HMH LLC for preliminary engineering on a federally aided sidewalk infill project.

Public Works Director Dustin Johnson told the council the wastewater crew needs a replacement Vactor/Vac sewer truck. The unit was budgeted in the FY25 capital plan at $635,000 and the low bid or proposed price from Owen Equipment Company is $622,172. Johnson said the trucks are the same model year and the city is replacing one now and staging replacement of the other to avoid simultaneous outlays. Council approved the purchase and authorized staff to proceed; delivery will occur after the manufacturer builds the vehicle.

On transportation, the council approved the Idaho Transportation Department local professional services agreement (PSA No. 97100) with HMH LLC in the amount of $102,221 for work on Federal Aid Highway Project A024/Peren 379, a sidewalk-infill project on Peren/Burrell Avenue (Thain Road to 14th Street). Staff explained the total project budget is about $614,000; the state grant covers roughly 92.66% while the city's local match for the entire project is about $45,000. For the contract portion with HMH the city's local share is smaller (staff characterized it as roughly $7,000 of the PSA amount). Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign the PSA.

Motions: the Vactor truck purchase was moved and seconded by Councilor Schroeder and carried on roll-call voice; the PSA was moved by Council President Klieberg and seconded by Councilor Wright and also carried. Council members asked about timing, budget impacts, and grant-match math, and staff walked through the distinction between contract amount, total project cost and the city's matching obligations.

Both approvals were recorded in the minutes; staff will move forward on procurement for the truck and on executing and advancing engineering work under the PSA.