Lewiston City Councilors debated whether to convert a mayoral ad hoc public safety committee into a standing council committee and agreed to ask staff to draft ordinance language and hold a workshop.

Councillors across the political spectrum described public safety as a top priority and said ad hoc committees have sometimes failed to sustain momentum. Councillor Harriman and others argued for a permanent committee with defined duties, membership and reporting to ensure accountability; Councillor Nejean urged staff‑driven support and inclusion of police and economic development staff in committee work. Several councillors said prior ad hoc groups formed in September 2023 and later fizzled, and that the new structure should avoid overly large memberships that inhibit action.

The mayor and administrator said a mayoral ad hoc committee currently exists with staff support and asked councilors to allow ongoing work to continue during any transition to a standing committee. Administrator Kane Rath and the mayor agreed staff would draft an ordinance, and councilors sought a transitional clause so work proceeds while the ordinance completes its readings; clerk and staff confirmed an ordinance requires two readings and an effective date after 30 days post‑passage.

Public commenters urged inclusion of diverse voices—fire, EMS, public health, renters and low‑income residents—and cautioned against processes that exclude working‑class participants. At the end of the discussion staff agreed to prepare draft ordinance language for council review and a workshop to shape committee composition and duties.