South Weber Council bars train runs until safety fixes; 60-day negotiation set

The South Weber City Council voted April 26 to bar operation of the South Weber Model Railroad Club's miniature trains until safety deficiencies identified in the city's insurance inspections are repaired, and it gave the club and the parks committee a 60-day window to negotiate a new agreement.

Shay from the parks department told the council the city had repeated safety audit findings and weed-maintenance violations over several years, citing an inspection on March 5, 2026, and four prior weed-related violations. Shay recommended terminating the club's agreement because those hazards had persisted and the club lacked the capacity to address them promptly.

Pete Robbins, the club's treasurer, told the council the club carries its own liability insurance, has made many repairs and safety improvements, and had been cooperative with the inspector. "We've never had an incident in 12 years," Robbins said, and described volunteer labor, repairs and a newly built handicap car that club members created to improve safety.

Parker Christiansen, the club president, said the group was working to recruit younger members, cooperate with Weber State engineering on safety improvements and follow insurance guidance. "We want to be a great neighbor and a part of the community," Christiansen said.

Council members acknowledged the park's strong public support but said repeated missed deadlines and unresolved items left the city exposed to potential lawsuits and improper use of limited tax dollars. One council member noted the insurance report flagged impalement hazards at ground-level switches that must be corrected before any operation.

The motion the council adopted states that no trains may operate until the safety items documented in the insurance trust report are resolved, authorizes a 60-day negotiation period with the parks committee and club leadership to reach a revised agreement, and directs the council to terminate the existing agreement if no new agreement is reached within that period. The council recorded the motion, which passed by roll call.

The parks department and the club agreed to meet; the council also discussed limited options for the city to help with narrow maintenance tasks (lawn/weed control or limited equipment support) while noting that full takeover of operations would require additional budget and administrative capacity. The council said runs will remain suspended until the red-flagged safety items are corrected and verified.

Next steps: the parks committee will lead negotiations with the club; the council directed that the club not operate until the specified safety issues are remedied and inspected.