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Architect's rendering of the proposed East City Park stage, a covered concrete stage with murals shown on three wall faces
Rendering from the bid set, sheet 1, July 31, 2026. The murals shown are not in the construction contract.
Civic Transparency Report

East City Park Stage:
What the Records Show

$796,000 funded in the adopted FY2027 budget. No project-specific public hearing.
18 non-public or invite-only meetings.

Update, August 25, 2026: The City opened sealed bids for the stage at a public bid opening. Three bids came in. Mangum Construction LLC, Clarkston, Washington, bid $668,000, the apparent low bid. Leone & Keeble, Inc., Spokane, Washington, bid $710,500. Kenaston Corporation, Lewiston, Idaho, bid $748,000. All three base bids are under the City's engineer's estimate of $783,184. City staff stated at the opening that the Council considers the bid results on September 21. Amounts and names as read aloud at the public bid opening, August 25, 2026, verified against a recording of the opening, and matched to registered contractors. The City's official bid tabulation is pending and governs. The complete bid package stays public on Dropbox.

What you can do before the award vote →

↓
The Bid Documents

The City advertised the project for bid on July 31, 2026. A public records request, PRR 26-645, obtained the complete bid package. The request was filed on August 3, 2026. The City produced the package on August 4, 2026, at no charge. The City's plan center sells the same package for $22.00 through QuestCDN. This copy is free.

Read the Full Bid Package (Dropbox)
Project Manual

249 pages. 2.6 MB. Dated July 31, 2026.

Contains the Advertisement for Bids, the Instructions to Bidders, the Bid Proposal Form, and the full technical specifications.

Bid Set (Drawings)

25 sheets. 21.7 MB. Dated July 31, 2026.

Architectural, structural, civil, and site drawings.

A full-text search of all 249 pages of the Project Manual found zero occurrences of "donation," "in-kind," "volunteer," or "gift." The City has not stated whether it can accept donated labor or materials on this project. A contractor's documented offer sits unanswered in the records released under 26-645.
Source: Project Manual, City of Moscow East City Park Stage Replacement, dated July 31, 2026, obtained by public records request 26-645. Full-text search verified August 23, 2026.
Who Decides, and When

Article 5.1.1, "Opening of Bids," covers the August 25 event.

Bids "will be opened publicly and will be read aloud."

Project Manual, Article 5.1.1, Opening of Bids.

Article 5.3, "Acceptance of Bid (Award)," is a separate, later step.

The Owner "intends (but is not bound) to award a Contract to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder," if the bid "does not exceed the funds available."

Project Manual, Article 5.3, Acceptance of Bid (Award).

The word "council" appears three times in the 249-page manual. All three name a room or a plan center. Award authority comes from City code, not from the manual.

Source: Project Manual, City of Moscow East City Park Stage Replacement, dated July 31, 2026, obtained by public records request 26-645, Articles 5.1.1 and 5.3.
The Bids

The City opened sealed bids for the project at the public bid opening on August 25, 2026. Three bids came in.

BidderBase bid as readNotes
Mangum Construction LLC, Clarkston, Washington$668,000Apparent low bid
Leone & Keeble, Inc., Spokane, Washington$710,500-
Kenaston Corporation, Lewiston, Idaho$748,000-

All three base bids are under the City's engineer's estimate of $783,184. Each bid priced three alternates. Alternate amounts will follow the City's official tabulation.

Gropp Heating, Air & Electric (Moscow), founded by the Gropp family and sold to The SEER Group in 2022, is the electrical subcontractor on all three bids. Hilliard's Heating & Plumbing (Pullman, Washington) is the plumbing subcontractor on the Kenaston and Leone & Keeble bids. AA Construction (Moscow) is the plumbing subcontractor on the Mangum bid.

Amounts and names as read aloud at the public bid opening, August 25, 2026, verified against a recording of the opening, and matched to registered contractors. The City's official bid tabulation is pending and governs.
The Number Kept Moving

Four documents state four different figures for the same project.

FigureAmountSource
Original FY2026 appropriationAbout $885,000FY2026 budget
FY2027 budget line$796,000FY2027 budget page 311, adopted August 17, 2026 as Ordinance 2026-05
Engineer's estimate on the advertisement$783,184Advertisement for Bids, July 31, 2026
Cost estimate stated from the dais$781,000City staff stage update, August 3, 2026 Council meeting

No document explains the difference between the four.

Source: FY2026 budget; FY2027 budget page 311, Ordinance 2026-05, adopted August 17, 2026; Advertisement for Bids, July 31, 2026; City staff stage update, August 3, 2026 Council meeting.
What the Package Shows
1
Two different contract times The Advertisement for Bids and Section 01 10 00 both set 151 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. The Bid Proposal Form, item 6 on printed page 15, sets 120 consecutive calendar days. The two figures differ by 31 days. Liquidated damages run at 0.5 percent of the contract sum for each day of delay. At the engineer's estimate that is about $3,900 per day.
Source: Project Manual, Advertisement for Bids, Section 01 10 00 paragraph 1.8, Bid Proposal Form item 6, and the Owner-Contractor Agreement.
2
Article 17, Non-Appropriations

"This Agreement is contingent upon CITY receiving the necessary funding to cover the obligations of CITY. In the event that such funding is not received or appropriated, then, and in that event, CITY's obligations under this Agreement shall cease and each Party shall be released from further performance under this Agreement without any liability to the other Party."

The advertised contract includes a standard non-appropriation clause, so the City could advertise before the August 17 appropriation vote without creating an obligation.
Source: Project Manual, Owner-Contractor Agreement, Article 17.
3
No art in the contract A full-text search of all 249 pages of the Project Manual found zero occurrences of "public art," "percent for art," "artwork," or "mural." The FY2027 budget carries $105,000 in 1 percent for Art funds, shared between the stage and the police station. The split is not printed. The drawings still prepare the walls for art. Sheets 7 and 8 call for a parge coat and primer on a "FUTURE MURAL AREA." The same sheets call for new 2x wood nailer strips with carriage bolts "TO ALLOW REMOVAL." This contract does not buy the art.
Source: Project Manual full-text search, August 23, 2026; Bid Set sheets 7 and 8, dated July 31, 2026; FY2027 budget page 311.
4
The protest window A bidder can protest the bidding documents, a bidding procedure, or the award. The bidder must file a written protest with the City Attorney. A protest of the bidding documents or a procedure is due three business days after the event. A protest of the award is due three business days after the bid opening.
Source: Project Manual, Article 5.4.1.
$796,000

That is how much the adopted FY2027 budget commits to replace a park stage that volunteers built and maintained for 40 years. The original FY2026 appropriation was $885,000. The money comes from the City's Capital Projects Fund.

Source: FY2027 Budget, Ordinance 2026-05, Capital Projects Fund, adopted August 17, 2026.

That is roughly $31 for every man, woman, and child in Moscow (2020 Census population 25,435).

The Peter Basoa Stage at East City Park was originally built by community volunteers. It served the community for over 40 years before an arson fire in September 2009 destroyed the attached restroom structure and damaged the stage. After the fire, volunteers repaired the stage for $818 in materials. What followed was a 16-year process conducted almost entirely out of public view.
Source: Council minutes, April 5, 2010.
What the City Administrator Said

March 23, 2026 Budget Workshop. City Administrator Bill Belknap presented the FY2027 financial outlook to City Council. He did not mention the stage.

"Before we even look at those, we're 50 to 80,000 in the hole."

On the FY2027 structural deficit before any non-personnel inflation is counted.

"We've had seven positions that we've held vacant since 2023... We won't have funding for bringing those."

Three years of frozen positions. No restoration in sight.

"We're going to have to give up a patrol position in order to retain that."

On losing the forensic detective after Attorney General funding was cut.

"Don't want this to be a downer, but... We have to be really mindful of what our limitations are."

The stage draws from the Capital Fund, not the General Fund. But capital accumulations are discretionary. Every dollar allocated to the stage is a dollar not allocated to roads, restrooms, or other underfunded capital needs.
Source: City of Moscow FY2027 Budget Workshop transcript, March 23, 2026
The Design
Art space quantities on the proposed stage showing 201 SF, 111 SF, and 79 SF mural wall areas
Art space quantities on the proposed stage. ~782 SF total mural area, counting both faces of each wall. Source: Moscow ECP Stage 3rd St. Views & Mural Wall Areas
30% Design Progress Submittal cover sheet
30% Design Progress Submittal, July 10, 2025. Job #24035.
Design West Architects prepared the original 2010 concept plan, the 30% design submittal, and won the final design-through-construction contract. Design West prepared the 2010 concept plan and the 30 percent design set before the RFQ was issued, then won the final contract.
Source: Design Agreement, December 18, 2025, Attachment A, Section 1.C.
Key Facts at a Glance
$796K
Funded in the adopted FY2027 budget
Source: Ordinance 2026-05
0
Project-specific public hearings
Source: Council records 2010-2026
18
Non-public meetings
Source: East City Park Stage Records
3-3
Council tie, broken by the mayor
Source: Council vote record
The only hearing that ever covered the stage was the citywide FY2027 budget hearing on August 17, 2026. The stage was one line inside a $149.9 million budget. No hearing has ever addressed the stage project on its own.
$50,000-$80,000 structural deficit before discretionary inflation

New annual revenue: $315,000-$355,000. Payroll increases alone: ~$408,000. The city is underwater before it pays for anything beyond salaries. The stage draws from the same finite pool.

Source: FY2027 Budget Workshop, March 23, 2026
The Budget Reality
What Else Could $796,000 Fund?
Capital-to-Capital, Apples-to-Apples

On March 23, 2026, the City shelved the $26M Downtown Streetscape project. Downtown got $250K for design only. The park stage got $796K for full construction. Here is what the city cannot afford while building a stage:

The same adopted FY2027 budget cut the roadway improvement program by 36%, from $3,057,400 budgeted in FY2026 to $1,948,345 in FY2027. The stage's $796,000 equals 41% of the adopted road line. Paths and crossings account for $1,209,800, or 62%, of the adopted road line. Street surface work totals $738,545. The stage costs more than all street surface work in the adopted budget.
Source: City of Moscow FY2027 budget book as amended and posted by the City, account 350-150-770-83; FY2026 comparison per the FY2027 book.
$701,925
D Street Repair
FY2027. Grant-dependent.
Grind and inlay, Main to Hayes. Serves daily commuters and downtown access.
$796,000
East City Park Stage
Full construction funded.
Serves a handful of annual events. 18 non-public or invite-only meetings. 0 project-specific public hearings.
$26,000,000
Downtown Streetscape
Shelved. $250K design only. Serves the entire city.
$886,000
Mountain View TAP Pathway (White Ave to Hwy 8)
Grant-funded. Costs about 11 percent more than the stage.
$773,400
South Main Pedestrian Underpass
Killed. Deemed infeasible. Stage costs $22,600 more.
$124,581
Oylear Field Restroom
Deferred to 2034.
$830,165
Moser Park Playground
CIP 2030. Project 112-025. Costs $34,165 more than the stage.
$298,513
Lola Clyde Park Restroom
CIP 2029. Project 110-023. Two of these fit in the price of one stage.
$880,738
Lola Clyde Park Roadway & Parking
CIP 2026. Project 110-023. Costs about 11 percent more than the stage.
$614,383
Ghormley Park Lights Replacement
CIP 2031. Project 101-033. $181,617 less than the stage.
$316,069
Hamilton Aquatics Center Pool Replaster
CIP 2030. Project 110-028. Less than half the stage cost.
$311,841
Berman Creekside Park Restroom
CIP 2032. Project 113-027. Less than half the stage cost.
$205,595
Dog Park Grounds Rehabilitation
CIP 2033. Project 109-025. About a quarter of the stage cost.
The Stage Was Never a Strategic Initiative

In Fall 2022, the City conducted a formal scoring process to identify its highest-priority strategic initiatives. The City Administrator told Council the process ensures "our finite resources" are focused on "our most important issues." Thirteen initiatives made the list:

1. Alternative Water Supply
2. Fire/EMS Staffing
3. Emergency Radios
4. City Shop
5. Street Maintenance
6. Downtown Improvements
7. Affordable Housing
8. Staff Recruitment
9. Urban Forestry
10. Multimodal Transportation
11. Playfield Development
12. Gateway Aesthetics
13. Economic Development

The East City Park Stage is not on this list.

It was never submitted, scored, or ranked through the process the City Administrator described. Yet Council directed the project at the original FY2026 appropriation of about $885,000, and adopted an FY2027 line of $796,000. Both bypassed the prioritization framework the Council had endorsed.

Source: Strategic Planning Update 2026; FY2027 Budget Workshop transcript, March 23, 2026
What Moscow loses while the stage gets built:
D Street repair stays grant-dependent at $701,925. Downtown stays shelved. Seven staff positions stay empty. The Oylear Field restroom stays deferred to 2034. The stage still gets built.
Process Concerns
These are facts documented in public records obtained through official records requests. They are observations about the process, not legal conclusions.
Common Questions

"The stage is old and needs replacing."

It was repaired by volunteers for $818 after the September 2009 fire and is still in use today. The question is whether $796,000 from the Capital Fund is the right approach when D Street repair remains grant-dependent, Downtown stays shelved, and seven staff positions stay frozen.

"The money is already budgeted."

Budgets can be amended, but the FY2027 budget is now adopted (August 17, 5-1). The stage was one line inside a $149.9 million budget. No hearing has ever been held on the project itself. The next public decision on this project is the council's bid-award vote, after bids opened August 25. That vote is the place to raise these concerns.

"This is just political."

The facts on this page name their sources: City records, meeting recordings, news reports, and named accounts. The source documents are linked at the bottom of this page. Read them yourself and draw your own conclusions.

What to Say

Copy this text and send it, or write your own message.

Dear Mayor Lewis and Moscow City Council,

I am writing about the East City Park Stage bid award, which the Council takes up on September 21. Before the Council accepts any bid for this $796,000 project, I ask two things on the public record.

First, at least one licensed, bonded, and insured contractor offered to donate and install all stage concrete work. That offer was never answered, and the 249-page bid package contains no mechanism to accept donated construction work. Please state on the record why this offer went unanswered.

Second, please state whether the City can legally accept donated labor or materials on a public construction project, and if so, why the bid package was not written to allow it.

The stage was never part of the City's 13 strategic initiatives. The design passed on a 3-3 council tie broken by the mayor. No public hearing has ever addressed the project on its own. Eighteen non-public or invite-only meetings shaped this project. The bid-award vote is the last public decision point on this project. Please answer these questions before voting to accept a bid.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Open Email to Council
Your Voice Matters

Attend the next City Council meeting. First and third Mondays, 7:00 PM, moved to Tuesday in holiday weeks, Moscow City Hall (206 E 3rd Street).

Email the Council: council@ci.moscow.id.us

Request the records: Moscow Public Records Request Form

View the source documents: All Records Received (Dropbox)

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What the Council Promised in June 2024
Promised vs. Delivered

On June 17, 2024, City Council reached consensus on three commitments before proceeding with the stage project. Here is what the records show happened:

Source: Council minutes, June 17, 2024.
June 17, 2024 Council Consensus What the Records Show
"More community outreach" 6 private meetings, 1 comment-card-only open house (14 responses), 3 unadvertised display boards
"Community input" No survey, no formal Q&A, no referendum, no public hearing
"Financial comparison of locations" No alternative site analysis found in any reviewed public record
The Timeline
Full Timeline (2009-2026) - Click to expand

From arson fire to construction contract. Each key decision point in the record.

September 2009
Arson fire destroys restrooms at East City Park. The attached Peter Basoa Stage, built by community volunteers, is partially damaged. A 16-year process begins.
February 2010 Closed Meeting
Invite-only stakeholder meeting with City Parks, City Arts, and event representatives. Decision made to explore a new design rather than rebuild the original. No public notice issued.
April 2010
Community volunteers stabilize the stage structure. $409.16 in donated supplies, $409.16 in City matching funds, plus donated materials from Moscow Building Supply. Volunteer crew of 16 people does the work.
Source: Council minutes, April 5, 2010.
August 16, 2010 Consent Agenda (No Discussion)
Council approves Design West conceptual design contract on consent agenda. No discussion.
August-September 2010 Invite-Only Closed Meeting
Three invite-only stakeholder meetings (Aug 18, Aug 25, Sep 15). One Council Open House followed by Executive Session (Idaho Code 67-2345(1)(c)). Design boards at Farmers Market, Sep 4-11.
September 20, 2010
Council presentation. Public voting results: 95 total votes (Option A: 24%, Option B: 54%, Option C: 22%). Council sends project back for cost review. Initial estimates range from $495,150 to $698,925.
Source: Design West presentation.
February 2011 Consent Agenda (No Discussion)
Council approves two grant applications on consent agenda. No discussion. NEA "Our Town" (up to $250,000) and Steele-Reese Foundation (up to $150,000). Both fail. The failure is disclosed in one sentence in a later document with no public council discussion.
Source: Council minutes, February 22, 2011.
2012
Council declares restroom a priority. Stage deferred. Design West awarded $17,000 restroom contract. $17,000
Source: Council minutes, August 20, 2012.
November 5, 2012 Expedited (No Committee Review)
Restroom bid awarded ($167,000, Big Sky Development). Normal committee review bypassed at Council request.
Source: Council minutes, November 5, 2012.
April 5, 2013 - 2024
Restroom completed. Community uses portable toilets for approximately 3.5 years. The stage appears as a CIP line item from FY2017 through FY2020 with no dollar amount, then reappears in CIP 2025-2034 as Project 108-024 at $360,500. No action taken for 11 years.
Source: CIP 2025-2034.
May 6, 2024
Design West paid $18,700 under Professional Services Agreement. Scope and authorization basis not fully documented in the public record. $18,700
Source: City payment records, May 6, 2024.
June 17, 2024 Promise Broken
Council reaches consensus for "more community outreach, community input, and financial comparison of locations" before proceeding.
Source: Council minutes, June 17, 2024.
November 15, 2024 Closed Meeting
Stakeholder meeting described by a former Arts Commission member as "private, closed, unpublicized."
Complete stakeholder list showing 10 organizations
The complete stakeholder list. 10 organizations. 2 are City staff. Source: East City Park Stage Records PDF, p. 80
January 23, 2025 Invite-Only Closed Meeting
Stakeholder Meeting #2. Invite-only. Second formal stakeholder session. (See attendance table below.)
March 6, 2025 Limited Public Input
Open House at City Hall. Comment cards only, no Q&A. 14 responses received. No public deliberation.
April-May 2025 Unadvertised Events
Display boards at April Artwalk, Renaissance Fair, and Farmers Market. Per a former Arts Commission member: "not publicly advertised."
November 25, 2025
Design West fee proposal: $72,700 for design through construction. Project estimated at $800,000-$850,000. $72,700 proposed
Source: Riddle Letter 11-25-25.
December 15, 2025
Council unanimously approves $72,700 design contract. No public hearing held. $72,700 approved
March 25, 2026 Invite-Only Closed Meeting
60% Design Stakeholder Meeting. Designated "invitation only." General public excluded.
Who Got a Say?
Who Got a Say? (Stakeholder Table)
The Stakeholder List

These are the ten organizations invited to participate in stakeholder meetings.

Source: East City Park Stage Records, p. 80.
Two of the ten listed stakeholders (Parks Department, Arts Department) are City staff. The general public, park neighbors, and taxpayers were not included on this list.
# Organization Representative Nov 15, 2024 Jan 23, 2025
1Rendezvous in the ParkDaryle F.AttendedAttended
2Renaissance FairLuAnn S.AttendedAttended
3Earth DayStevie S-J.AttendedDid NOT attend
4Hemp FestArlene F.AttendedAttended
5Palouse PrideKathy S.AttendedAttended
6Moscow Community BandAlbert M.Did NOT attendNo record
7Festival DanceRachel W.AttendedAttended
8Latah Recovery FestivalSam M.AttendedDid NOT attend
9Parks DepartmentDavid S.AttendedAttended
10Arts DepartmentMegan C.AttendedAttended
The Closed Meetings
All 18 Closed Meetings
18 Non-Public or Restricted Decision Points

A minimum of 18 non-public or invite-only meetings have been identified in the public record between 2010 and 2026. This list is drawn from council minutes, City records, and direct statements from meeting participants.

This table includes invite-only stakeholder meetings, consent agenda placements without discussion, expedited approvals, and other decision points where public participation was restricted or absent.
# Date Meeting Type Notes
1Feb 2010Invite-only stakeholderCity Parks, City Arts, event reps. No public notice.
2Jun 16, 2010Internal selection committeeUnnamed committee reviewed RFQ responses. Members not disclosed.
3Aug 9, 2010Administrative Committee reviewDesign West contract reviewed before consent agenda placement.
4Aug 18, 2010Stakeholder Meeting #1Invite-only, 12:00-2:00 pm.
5Aug 25, 2010Stakeholder Meeting #2Invite-only, 1:30-3:30 pm.
6Sep 7, 2010Executive Session11:10-11:46 pm, Idaho Code 67-2345(1)(c). Topic not public.
7Sep 15, 2010Stakeholder Meeting #3Invite-only, 12:30-1:30 pm.
82011Grant application approvalsBoth grant applications placed on consent agenda. No discussion.
92012Scope reduction decisionRestroom-only direction set. Stage deferred without public hearing.
10Nov 5, 2012Expedited bid awardNormal committee review bypassed at Council request.
11May 6, 2024Design West PSA$18,700 paid. Scope and authorization basis not fully documented in public record.
12Nov 14, 2024Individual meetingCity staff met individually with Rachel W. (Festival Dance).
13Nov 15, 2024Stakeholder MeetingDescribed by a former Arts Commission member as "private, closed, unpublicized."
14Jan 23, 2025Stakeholder MeetingInvite-only. Second formal stakeholder meeting (see attendance table).
15Mar 6, 2025Open House (restricted format)Comment cards only, no Q&A. Not a public hearing. 14 responses.
16Nov 25, 2025Fee proposal meetingWarnick (Design West) to Riddle (City). Not a public meeting.
17Dec 15, 2025Council approval (no hearing)$72,700 contract approved unanimously. No dedicated public comment period.
18Mar 25, 202660% Design ReviewDesignated "invitation only." General public excluded.
Follow the Money
Follow the Money (Full Financial Record)
Financial Record
Date Item Amount Source
Apr 2010Emergency repairs (donated)$409.16Council minutes
Apr 2010Emergency repairs (City share)$409.16Council minutes
2010Insurance proceeds received$58,000Council minutes
2010Conceptual design - basic estimate$495,150Design West presentation
2010Conceptual design - enhanced estimate$698,925Design West presentation
FY2012Budget allocation (donations)$242,000FY2012 Budget
2011Grant applications (both failed)Up to $400,000Council minutes
2012Design West - restroom contract$17,000Council minutes
Oct 2012Big Sky Development - restroom low bid$167,000Council minutes
CIP 2025-2034Stage replacement estimate (Project 108-024)$360,500CIP document
May 6, 2024Design West PSA$18,700City records
Dec 15, 2025Design West - design through construction$72,700Council vote
FY2026Stage replacement budget (Capital Fund)$885,000FY2026 Budget
FY20261% Public Art (shared with City Shop)$150,000FY2026 Budget (Art Fund)
Mar 2026T-Mobile grant applicationUp to $50,000Grant Review Form
FY2027, adopted Aug 17, 2026Stage replacement budget (Capital Projects Fund)$796,000FY2027 Budget, Ordinance 2026-05
Aug 2026Bid advertisement, engineer's estimate$783,184PRR 26-645, Project Manual, Advertisement for Bids
CurrentStage rental fee$26.75 / shelterFee Schedule
Design West total paid to date$91,400($18,700 + $72,700)
The Design Contract
The Design Contract (Details)
Agreement for Professional Design and Construction Management Services
Contract Terms
  • Parties: City of Moscow / Design West Architects, P.A. (254 E. Main St., Pullman, WA)
  • Amount: Not to exceed $72,700
  • Signed: December 18, 2025 (electronic signatures December 17, 2025)
  • Signatories: Ned Warnick (Design West), Bill Belknap (City Administrator), Laurie Hopkins (City Clerk)
Notary page is blank. The notary acknowledgment section was not completed at the time of execution.
Fee Breakdown
PhaseAmountPercentage
Schematic / Design Development$18,17525%
Construction Documents$29,08040%
Bidding or Negotiation$7,27010%
Construction Phase$18,17525%
Total$72,700100%
Project Schedule (per contract)
MilestoneTarget Date
Program verificationJanuary 30, 2026
Design developmentFebruary 27, 2026
60% Construction DocumentsMarch 20, 2026
90% Construction DocumentsApril 10, 2026
Final bid documentsMay 10, 2026
ConstructionSeptember 7, 2026 - March 31, 2027
Selection Method

Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS/RFQ). Design West prepared the original 2010 concept plan and the 30% design set, then won the RFQ for the full design-through-construction contract. The contract acknowledges this: "based upon the Concept Plan prepared by CONSULTANT under a prior separate contract." No other firm had the same project history before the RFQ was issued.

The listed hourly rates are "valid through December 2025." Work extends to March 2027.

Source: Design Agreement, December 18, 2025, Attachment A, Section 1.C.
What Residents Said
Public Opposition
Multiple residents raised the same concerns. Five opposition letters published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. A former Arts Commissioner's signed letter with 15 co-signers. A 3-3 council tie. The incoming Mayor called the design "soulless" during a City Council meeting.
Key Concerns Raised
  1. Cost is excessive ($885,000 for a park stage).
  2. No project-specific public hearing has been held.
  3. Design described as aesthetically poor. Mayor Lewis called it "soulless" during a City Council meeting. Multiple residents compared it unfavorably to institutional architecture.
  4. The original stage was built by community volunteers and served for over 40 years.
  5. A portable stage alternative (used by Rendezvous in the Park) was not adequately evaluated.
  6. A community-led volunteer rebuild was proposed but received no documented response.
Source: FY2026 Budget, Capital Fund; East City Park Stage Records, public correspondence; Open House comment cards, March 6, 2025.
Signed Letter from Former Arts Commissioner

A former Moscow Arts Commission member submitted a signed letter with 15 co-signers to City Council. Co-signers include: Walter H., Lynn, Logan M., Alan R., Nicole R., Laura P., Ken F., Jo H., Joanne R., Holly M., Kathy D., Fran R., Elizabeth H., Dale G., and Monique L.

Source: letter from former Arts Commission member, December 13, 2024; East City Park Stage Records, p. 28.

Letters to the Editor

Opposition letters were published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News on:

  • December 20, 2025
  • January 10, 2026
  • January 24, 2026
  • March 7, 2026
  • March 28, 2026
Template Responses to Residents

Council member Bryce Blankenship sent form-letter responses to at least four residents who wrote individually to oppose the project. All four letters were dated December 23, 2025, with nearly identical content across all responses.

Source: East City Park Stage Records, email correspondence to Anne, Bethany Mock, Emily West, John Slagboom.
IT Email Failure

Two newly seated council members (Scott Sumner and Sage McCetich) were not receiving emails sent to council@ci.moscow.id.us due to an IT configuration error. At least 9 constituent emails were missed during a critical period of public input.

Source: Binder 2, Chris Caylor IT confirmation email, January 2026.
The Site
East City Park site and circulation plan showing proposed stage location
Site and Circulation Plan. Source: Design West Architects, East City Stage Design Review Deck

Mayor Lewis voted against this project, a separate vote from the 3-3 design tie described above. Council members Holmes, Sumner, and McCetich are new. This is their first real budget fight. The question for Moscow: will the new council honor the promises the old council broke?

Your Voice Matters

Attend the next City Council meeting. First and third Mondays, 7:00 PM, moved to Tuesday in holiday weeks, Moscow City Hall (206 E 3rd Street).

Email the Council: council@ci.moscow.id.us

Request the records: Moscow Public Records Request Form

View the source documents: All Records Received (Dropbox)

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WINDOW TO ACT
Bids opened August 25. Three bids came in, all under the engineer's estimate. Next: the Council considers the bid results September 21.
Apr 10All department budgets due to City Administrator Jun 12Proposed budget published. The stage is in it at $796,000 (p.311), plus $105,000 in 1% for Art funds shared with the police station Jul 6Mayor Lewis stated the construction contract would not be awarded before the Aug 17 hearing. It was not; the budget hearing preceded any award Jul 8, 8:30 AMPublic budget workshop (moved from Jul 7) Aug 17Budget adopted 5-1 (Ordinance 2026-05), stage funded at $796,000. Multiple residents spoke against the stage priority at the hearing Aug 25Sealed bids were due at 2:00 PM at the City Clerk's office, third floor, 206 E Third St. The bids were read aloud at 2:05 PM in Council Chambers. Three bids were received. This was a bid opening. There was no vote and no public comment. Sep 21Three bids are in. The Council considers the bid results on September 21. City staff stated the date at the August 25 bid opening. The award vote is the last public decision point. The bid documents keep bids valid for 45 calendar days after the closing. No bidder may withdraw before the award unless the award is delayed beyond 30 days. Sign up for alerts for any change. Oct 2026At the August 3 Council meeting, City staff stated construction starts in the first part of October. The advertised contract time is 151 calendar days. The Bid Proposal Form states 120 days; see the contract-time finding above.
About This Report

The facts on this page come from City public records, City meeting recordings, published news reports, and named accounts, each cited to its source. The City records were obtained under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-102). Source documents are available for public review.

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Three bids are in. Email the council before the award vote.