BUHL - After five years of negotiations between the Boys and Girls Club of Magic Valley and the Buhl School District, it looks as if plans to build a club house in Buhl are back to square one.

District trustees on Tuesday overwhelming voted against proceeding with a land lease agreement that would have paved the way for a club house to be built just north of Popplewell Elementary School.

"Most of what we're talking about is moot," trustee Jay Anderson said before a vote was taken on the lease agreement. He said the district's attorney and insurance company advised the district against moving forward with the lease due to possible liability issues.

"As a school district we could get into serious trouble if we let the lease go," Anderson said.

District officials said they weren't against the club and discussed how they could get around the agreement.

"We can convey land to the city, which can work with the Boys and Girls Club," said trustee Ken McDonald.

Don Hall, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Magic Valley, said he was disappointed with the district's decision but will move forward with other options to get the club house built.

He said he doesn't know how the decision will effect grant funding, such as $175,000 to be awarded for the club building by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, as part of a year-end congressional spending package to be finalized in Washington D.C.

"We're frustrated again and we don't know how this will effect the grants that we are supposed to receive," Hall said. "However, with the frustration is a glimmer of hope in building a Boys and Girls Club for the students of Buhl. We look forward to working with the city and district, and hope we can come to an arrangement to see this through."

Only trustee Jackie Frey voted to move forward in allowing the club to lease district ground for the building.

Blair Koch may be reached at 316-2607 or blairkoch@gmail.com.