Brighton City Council Study Session - March 10, 2026

The Brighton City Council held a study session on March 10, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered administrative appointments, a risk management training by the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA), an investment policy and economic update, a discussion on the Union Pacific Railroad lease for Mayeda Park, and a presentation on the 2026 Transportation Master Plan update. Council also addressed a Housing Authority appointment.

Consent Calendar

• Appointments to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Historic Preservation Commission: Mayor Pro Tem Padilla recommended Lisa Snyder and Jonathan Travis for appointment. Council agreed to place the appointments on the next consent agenda.
• Monthly Contract Update: Finance Director Katrina Asher presented the list of contracts executed in January 2026. No questions were raised by council.

Study Session Items

• Elected Officials’ Roles and Responsibilities (CIRSA Training – 6:15 PM): Sam Light, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel of CIRSA, delivered a presentation on risk management for elected officials. Topics included fiduciary duty, Colorado Open Meetings Law (including serial meeting risks), liability protections (Colorado Governmental Immunity Act and qualified immunity), the council-manager form of government, ethics rules (conflicts of interest, gifts), and due process for quasi-judicial decisions. Councilmember Green asked about the size and financial management of the CIRSA pool. Council expressed interest in extending similar training to quasi-judicial boards.
• Investment Policy and Economic Update (7:00 PM): Finance Director Asher and Brett Parsons of PTMA Financial Solutions presented on the city’s investment policy (last approved in 2022), current portfolios (operating and 2025 water revenue bond proceeds), and a macroeconomic outlook. Key economic points: Federal Reserve rate expectations, inflation (core PCE stuck near 3%), labor market softening (February 2026 jobs miss of -92,000), and geopolitical risks (tariffs, Iran conflict). The investment policy has not materially changed; no council action was required.
• Union Pacific Railroad Lease and Mayeda Park (7:30 PM): Parks and Recreation Director Travis Hines presented that Mayeda Park (4.68 acres) is mostly on railroad right-of-way; the city leases 3.6 acres from Union Pacific. The lease increased from $1,000 for 20 years to $45,215/year in 2020, and will rise to $73,180/year starting May 1, 2026. The city also pays $19,000 annually for park maintenance and $5,600 for mowing an additional 3.58-acre parcel. The park has had 135 police calls in three years, and the playground is due for replacement ($300,000+). Council discussed closing the park. Councilmember Snyder moved to not renew the lease, remove the playground and restroom, and return the property to the railroad. Council consensus was to proceed with termination and dismantling.
• Transportation Master Plan Update 2026 (8:00 PM): Derek Webb of BHI presented the update, highlighting major and minor changes to the 2016 TMP. Key changes: conversion from easements to full right-of-way ownership, integration of Vision Zero and other plans, removal of the 164-item project list (replaced by a prioritized 22 projects aligned with the 5-year CIP), and roadway classification adjustments (e.g., Baseline Road reclassified from major to minor arterial). Council debated the clarity of priorities and the plan’s role as a standard versus a project list. Staff acknowledged the update is incremental and that a major overhaul will follow the upcoming Comprehensive Plan. No vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Lisa Snyder and Jonathan Travis will be placed on the consent agenda for council approval.
• Union Pacific Lease: Council directed staff not to renew the lease; the city will remove the playground and restroom from Mayeda Park and cease maintenance. The property will revert to Union Pacific Railroad.
• Housing Authority Appointment: Council agreed to fast-track the appointment of Barb Banca to the Housing Authority Board by placing her appointment on the consent agenda for the next regular meeting, provided no council member objects by the time of publication.