Council probes ‘Alien’ exhibit contracts and discusses turning underused rec center into revenue‑generating RV park

Council members reviewed a staff memo about the so‑called "Alien" exhibit and raised questions about ownership, documentation, and surplus property rules. Staff reported the technology vendor had gone bankrupt, the subscription‑based "story file" portion was no longer supported, and there were no clear invoices, contracts or asset entries in the city files for the installation. The city attorney (Ashley) was asked to review whether the city can declare the exhibit surplus, to locate any underlying contracts and to identify potential legal or financial obligations.

Separately, planning staff outlined land‑use constraints and opportunities for the seven‑acre recreation‑center parcel, which is zoned light industrial but has historically hosted recreation uses. Councilors discussed proposals to redeploy the site as an RV park (suggested sizes ranged from ~30 to ~70 spots depending on layout), a high‑end, managed campground with club‑house amenities, or an event space that could generate recurring revenue. Staff noted flood‑plain and "substantial improvement" rules could limit rehabilitation costs and that rezoning questions should be vetted with the planning commission at a joint meeting in March.

Council direction: The city attorney will review the Alien‑exhibit files and advise whether the city can legally declare the item surplus and any outstanding obligations. Staff will bring a joint planning‑commission discussion and feasibility information on the rec center/RV park concept, including potential revenue scenarios and grant options, to a future meeting.

What happens next: Legal review of the Alien exhibit will determine surplus status and any contractual obligations; planning and finance will prepare feasibility work for the rec center site for a March joint meeting and future council action.

Representative quotes from the session: "I don't have that information," a councilor said when asked about contract records for the exhibit; the city attorney offered to "take a look" and report back.