COEUR d’ALENE — The city will explore selling Harbor Center and some surrounding land to the University of Idaho, which has leased the building since 2002.

The City Council voted 5-1 in favor of opening negotiations during Tuesday night’s meeting. Dan Sheckler cast the dissenting vote. 

“Our presence here in Coeur d’Alene aligns with our land grant mission, which is to serve the entire state,” Andrew Fields, CEO of the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene, told the City Council. “We’ve been privileged to be part of the Coeur d’Alene Education Corridor.” 

Fields said making that presence permanent would improve the university’s ability to carry out its mission and benefit the public by increasing opportunities for intergovernmental and community partnerships. 

Several councilors expressed support for opening negotiations, pointing to the long relationship between the city and the university and the benefits of stability for U of I Coeur d’Alene. 

“I would love to see you have a permanent home,” Councilor Christie Wood said. “I’m very open to the conversation.” 

The city purchased Harbor Center in 1991 for about $3 million. Before negotiations on a purchase can begin in earnest, the property must be remapped and its value assessed. 

Mayor Dan Gookin emphasized that the city isn’t committing to a sale at this point, but is exploring whether to sell the property or continue leasing the space to U of I. 

“I know Dr. Fields would like the building and the land,” he said. “The amount of land is open for negotiation.” 

Troy Tymesen, city administrator for Coeur d’Alene, acknowledged the almost 25-year relationship between the two entities. 

“It’s not my favorite return on investment transaction, because you saw what the lease rates are that they are paying,” he said. 

The initial five-year lease for Harbor Center set the rent at $10 per year. The current lease, which took effect in 2013 and runs through 2028, stipulates rent of $20 per month or $3,800 for 15 years. 

“We really did not buy Harbor Center for the Harbor Center building,” Tymesen added. “We acquired it for the land that sits next to the water treatment plant. It was a good purchase.” 

That land is part of the Wastewater Department’s facility plan, which is being updated. The updated plan will determine “reasonable expectations for growth and may include use of that property,” according to a city staff report. 

“We would like to protect the wastewater treatment plant and their master plan,” Tymesen said. 

Councilor Kenny Gabriel said his concern is about the land, including the trail that runs through the property. 

“Are we going to be able to maintain enough property for Wastewater to expand in the future?” he said. “Are we going to lose any access to BLM trails? I’m sure we can discuss that.” 

Fields said the university is interested in finding a “mutually agreeable solution.” 

“We do not want to do something that’s not in the best interest of the city,” he said.