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Lewiston approves $143,430 columbarium purchase for Normal Hill Cemetery
Summary
The council awarded RFP-26-005 to Wilbert Precast Inc. for a columbarium at Normal Hill Cemetery ($143,430.20); the project is budgeted, will add ~156 niches, and is expected to increase cemetery capacity and yield modest net revenue if niches sell.
Lewiston, Idaho — Jan. 26, 2026
Lewiston City Council voted Monday to award a $143,430.20 contract to Spokane Wilbert Vault Company (Wilbert Precast Inc.) to supply and install a columbarium at Normal Hill Cemetery.
Justin Glenn, the city's parks and recreation director, told the council the project is part of a long-standing cemetery master plan and aims to increase burial options and capacity. The proposed installation would add about 156 niches and create a scattering-garden and memorial-wall concept to expand the cemetery's options for cremation and traditional burials.
Glenn said the project was included in this year's cemetery budget and that doing some of the groundwork in-house will reduce costs by roughly $30,000. He estimated that, if current niche fees remain unchanged, full sale of the new niches could generate a modest profit (he gave a rough five-year return projection) and contribute to perpetual-care reserves.
Community Development Director Shannon Grove confirmed that prior planning had estimated approximately $230,000 for a larger package of work; the current award fits within the budget for the first-phased elements. The council noted that Idaho law requires calculation of perpetual-care contributions; Glenn said a portion of the sale price will be added to the perpetual care fund as required.
Councilor Klein moved to award RFP-26-005 to Spokane Wilbert Vault Company (Wilbert Precast Inc.) for $143,430.20 and authorize the mayor to sign the agreement; Councilor Forsman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote with councilors recorded as voting aye.
What comes next: Staff will execute the agreement and begin installation this year, with additional phase planning to follow to increase long-term burial capacity at Normal Hill Cemetery.
