Boards & Commissions

Citizen participation on City of Lewiston Boards and Commissions serves two important purposes:

• Citizens are directly involved in their local government and can positively impact the future of their community.
• The City Council receives timely input and information regarding issues and potential impacts on citizens.

Advisory Capacity

The various boards and commissions serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council within their respective areas of municipal policy. Members are unpaid volunteers who devote countless hours of their time to these community activities.

Application

If you would like to apply to serve on one of our Boards and Commissions, please fill out the Application for Advisory Board/Commission (PDF). 

**NOTE** If you would like to apply to serve on the Downtown Lewiston Business Improvement District (BID) Advisory Board, please fill out the BID Application, as you must own property subject to the BID special assessment.**

Guidelines

Meetings

All meetings of advisory boards and commissions are open to the general public and written notice is provided to the members and the press. Each commission elects a Chairperson to preside at all meetings. All boards and commissions must comply with the provisions of the Idaho Open Meeting Law, Chapter 23, Title 67 of the Idaho Code.

Terms & Appointments

The terms of the members of advisory boards and commissions shall be for three years, except for:

• the Planning and Zoning Commission and Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board whose members serve for four-year terms;
• the Library Board of Trustees whose members serve for five-year terms.
• the Compensation Review Committee whose members serve through December of the year in which they are appointed.

All members of the advisory boards and commissions shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the City Council. 

Residency

Unless otherwise provided, residency within the City of Lewiston is not a requirement for eligibility for membership on an advisory board or commission of the City.

Chairperson & Rules of Conduct

Each Board/Commission elects a chairperson to preside at all meetings. Each advisory commission may, subject to the review of the City Council, adopt rules of conduct. Meeting times and locations are at the discretion of each advisory board or commission. Special meetings may be called as necessary

Absenteeism

The City Code provides that any member who is absent from three consecutive meetings or seven of the last twelve meetings may lose their membership.

Compensation

Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed actual expenses upon prior approval by the Mayor.

Council Liaisons

The City Council designates one of its own to serve as a Council Liaison. They attend the meetings and participate, but do not vote. They frequently provide verbal reports to the Council on the work of the commission.

Staff Liaison

The Mayor may appoint a member of his or her management staff to serve as the staff liaison. They attend the meetings and participate, but do not vote. They are responsible for preparing the agendas for the meeting, having meeting minutes prepared, and transmitting written recommendations to the City Council.

Focus of Mission

• Board and Commission members will conduct their business with civility and respect for participants in order to promote an open and honest exchange of information.
• Advisory Board and Commission members will center their discussions and recommendations around the responsibilities of the Board or Commission and as outlined in the Advisory Board and Commission Handbook most generally related to policy, programming and planning for submittal as recommendations to the Lewiston City Council.
• Advisory Board and Commission members will not become involved in administrative issues.