Such a referendum would give residents more of a voice in the route-selection process, says Summer Pugh, a community activist who helped organize Citizens for Responsible Transportation (CRT).

On Nov. 14, the City Council agreed to support UTA's decision to use the transit authority's eight-mile route, which it purchased in 1993. Nearly half the route is next to the widely used Porter Rockwell Trail, and some portions wend through newer subdivisions in this fast-growing city of 35,000 people.

"We support light rail, but in the most appropriate and effective place" - not through low-density Draper neighborhoods, Pugh says. Her group prefers a route along Draper's portion of State Street, which boasts more retail than residents.

Referendum proponents, to meet requirements set forth in state law, have until Dec. 29 to gather about 1,600 signatures.

Pugh says they aim to double that number - in case some of the names do not qualify as valid registered voters.

However, their effort still could be for naught.

"The council's position was solely advisory and not binding in any shape or form. UTA can do whatever they want," says Todd Godfrey, acting city attorney.

"But only after they collect and turn in the signatures can the city weigh in on whether the question is even subject to referendum."

CRT members also sought a legal opinion before commencing the process.

"If a city passes a series of resolutions that end up in a legislative act" - referring to three resolutions passed by Draper's council since 2003 pertaining to the light-rail route - "you have the right at some point to disagree by referendum," Pugh says.

"That's our attorney's opinion."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com