Town staff updated the council on the Wheelhouse (formerly the Kors Event Center) on Aug. 28, saying the current licensee told the town it does not have a “long term financially feasible model” to keep operating the facility. The town purchased the building in 2021 and previously allowed the licensee to offset license payments with capital improvements.

Why it matters: The Wheelhouse is used for youth and adult sports, a BMX and RC track, police canine training and lease tenants such as a dance studio; loss of the operator could affect programming, tenants’ investments, and maintenance obligations for the town.

Staff presentation and options: Ryan Judy (presenter) said the town has completed a forensic audit and met with Wheelhouse board members; staff identified possible future uses and “nodes” on the property: space that could be issued in a competitive request-for-proposals (RFP) for an indoor/outdoor recreation operator; an area for BMX and RC racing courses; a potential yard for parks maintenance; police canine training use; and modular buildings in good condition available for storage or town use. Staff said they had been approached by at least one potential tenant and would pursue an RFP to solicit competitive proposals.

Tenant protections and costs: Council members asked about existing tenants, including a dance studio that reportedly invested in the facility; staff said the town would enter direct lease terms with existing tenants if the town proceeded with an RFP. Staff also said LED lighting and other improvements reduced prior operating costs; the licensee received roughly $200,000 in credit reimbursements that offset license payments. Council and staff discussed possible motorsports or dirt-track uses, emphasizing noise mitigation and neighborhood protections if such uses proceed.

Discussion vs. action: The item was for discussion only; the council gave staff direction to proceed with public engagement and to return with RFP and programming options. No final decision to change operators or assume direct operations was made at the meeting.

Next steps: Staff will develop public engagement materials, scope an RFP if directed, and return with cost and operating-model recommendations. Council expressed interest in preserving existing tenant investments and evaluating niche uses such as BMX and RC racing.