Council removes Rail Trail from SR-248 transit options; mayor says city manager is leaving
August 14, 2025, 2:30 p.m.
The council gave direction that a Rail Trail alignment will not move forward in the Re-create 248 transit study and that staff should study a blended park-and-ride model. It approved a city treasurer appointment and extended the Park Silly Sunday Market agreement through 2030. The mayor announced the city manager had taken a private-sector job and an interim manager would be appointed.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Enterprise funds and cost recovery (work session) | Discussed |
| Appointment of Parker Dougherty as city treasurer | Approved · 5-0 |
| Message Point Media of Alabama professional services agreement | Approved · 5-0 |
| Re-create 248 transit study level 1 screening | Discussed |
| Park and ride locations | Discussed |
| Annexation amendment for the 0.94-acre Thaynes parcel (Ordinance 2025-18) | Approved · 5-0 |
| Right of first refusal on a deed-restricted duplex on Cooke Drive | Approved · 5-0 |
| Park Silly Sunday Market agreement extension | Approved · 5-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item WS · Budget
Enterprise funds and cost recovery (work session)
Discussed
Staff reviewed water, stormwater, transportation, parking and golf funds. Water debt service coverage rose from 1.26 to 1.45 times, with debt service 35% of expenses against an ideal of 25%. Golf now pays for water, phased to $328,000 a year by 2028; its ending balance of nearly $3 million would fall to about $800,000 with planned renovations, and irrigation replacement is estimated at $6 million to $10 million. A majority agreed to a cost recovery discussion for golf and recreation, whose policy target is 70%. No vote.
Item II.1 · Appointment
Appointment of Parker Dougherty as city treasurer
Approved · 5-0
The council appointed Parker Dougherty as city treasurer.
Item VI.1 · Contract
Message Point Media of Alabama professional services agreement
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda approved a three-year agreement for transit digital sign hardware and software.
- Contract$218,149 to Message Point Media of Alabama, Inc.
Item VII.1 · Roads and utilities
Re-create 248 transit study level 1 screening
Discussed
After public outreach showing strong support for on-corridor bus rapid transit and opposition to a Rail Trail alignment, the council gave direction: the Rail Trail alternative is not moving forward, bus rapid transit and light rail remain under study with a mid-term light rail update, and flex lanes will be considered for transit-only and private vehicle use. Council Members Rubell, Toly and Dickey wanted the Rail Trail and lower-performing options eliminated; Council Member Ciraco did not want the Rail Trail removed. Eleven people spoke and 18 sent written comments, most opposing Rail Trail transit. No vote.
Item VII.2 · Roads and utilities
Park and ride locations
Discussed
Staff said costs are similar, with Gordo slightly cheaper, and recommended Gordo for cost, travel time and access; a US-40 off-ramp does not meet UDOT requirements. The mayor summarized consensus to study a blended model. Council Members Toly and Dickey favored Gordo; Parigian and Ciraco favored more service at Richardson Flat with an SR-248 access road. No vote.
Item VII.3 · Annexation
Annexation amendment for the 0.94-acre Thaynes parcel (Ordinance 2025-18)
Approved · 5-0
The council amended Ordinance 2024-22 to correct the legal description to match the plat and adjust the effective date for state noticing rules. No one spoke.
Item VIII.1 · Other
Right of first refusal on a deed-restricted duplex on Cooke Drive
Approved · 5-0
The council approved buying a three-bedroom deed-restricted duplex for the city employee housing program at $285,272.96. Council Member Parigian said he did not support subsidized housing for a city manager and wanted units for lower-level employees; the city manager said housing is a key recruiting tool.
- Purchase$285,273
Item VIII.2 · Contract
Park Silly Sunday Market agreement extension
Approved · 5-0
The council extended the special event services agreement through 2030 with no other changes.
What residents said
Rail Trail transitClark Ranch locationRecycling facility
Nine speakers on recycling, Clark Ranch siting and Rail Trail beautification; eighteen written comments on the Rail Trail, most opposed to transit use.