AG: NIC, Gizmo-CDA deal legal
Idaho’s attorney general has found an agreement between North Idaho College and Gizmo-CDA, a private business, does not violate the Idaho Constitution.
North Idaho College is providing 8,500 square feet of industrial floor space on its main campus to a private business at no charge. In return, Gizmo-CDA will provide laboratory space to NIC students at no extra cost, as well as collaborating on curriculum and future programs with various departments across campus.
Sen. Steve Vick requested the Idaho Attorney General’s Office investigate possible legal improprieties involving the agreement between North Idaho College and Gizmo-CDA, a nonprofit that offers computer, robotic technology education. “After reading the attorney general’s opinion it appears that the agreement between North Idaho College and Gizmo-CDA is legal,” said Vick on Tuesday.
Vick previously said he sought the attorney general’s opinion after constituents voiced concerns about the legality of the arrangement. In a Feb. 1 letter to Vick, Deputy Attorney General Stephanie Guyon concluded the community college didn’t exceed its statutory authority.
“...the public benefit-education-that Gizmo-CDA provides to North Idaho College’s community far outweighs any private benefit (space, utilities fee computers ) that Gizmo-CDA may receive from this relationship.”
North Idaho College reacted positively to the opinion.
Laura Rumpler, the college’s community relations officer, said NIC officials appreciate the Attorney General’s Office’s opinion.
“These are exciting times for our college and Gizmo-CDA provides great value to help us offer innovative and cutting-edge learning for our students,” Rumpler said.
Under the terms of the three-year contract, Gizmo receives free internet and phone service, up to 25 used NIC computers, and free water and electricity from the college.
Guyon specifically addressed the computers in the six-page letter to Vick.
“Frankly, any repurposing of these outdated computer units is better than North Idaho College having to ‘dispose’ of them,” Guyon wrote.
The Hedlund Building formerly housed career and technical programs, however, that space was freed up when the programs moved into the new Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum. Gizmo currently is remodeling its space within the Hedland Building, including updating the electrical system.
The letter references a phone conversation between the Attorney General’s Office and NIC’s attorney, Marc Lyons, who said the agreement is not a lease and that Gizmo-CDA is not a tenant. “Rather Gizmo-CDA is an independent contractor of North Idaho College that is expected to deliver educational programs to the college and the surrounding community.”
Lyons also expressed concerns about how the agreement was presented to the public and said NIC needs to better inform the community and its legislators about its terms and why North Idaho College believes the agreement benefits the public.
North Idaho College has not paid Gizmo-CDA any money or signed any other agreements to provide educational services, Rumpler said.
“We have not entered into any other agreements with Gizmo-CDA and do not have plans to enter into any other agreement with Gizmo-CDA,” Rumpler said.