Attorney Scott Gessler’s motion for a stay on the trial court’s order was summarized to the board; public commenters urged both dropping and supporting the appeal. The board agreed to a 4:00 p.m. work session to begin drafting board norms and to consider in‑person counsel participation.

Sheriff's office reported a daily average jail population above rated capacity (daily average 523 with rated capacity 464); the court then met in executive session for counsel on pending litigation involving an EMS dispute.

An Elections Coordination Unit email read into the record confirmed the Carson Oil Refinery Tax measure submitted Aug. 7 has been rescinded and will not be on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot; the city attorney said Tesoro’s counsel will file a dismissal in the related litigation.

Several residents urged the council not to settle litigation challenging the Tatlock Field lighting ordinance, saying a settlement would undermine public donations and democratic process; council reported a trial date in late September and that lights and camera installation continue as planned.

Chief legal counsel Amanda Webster summarized several pending lawsuits involving the Montana Public Service Commission — including a remanded Nolan case, ongoing challenges to class D garbage-hauling authority, and three matters brought by Brad Molnar — and asked the commission to consider designating an approval authority to expedite filings.

Kate Adams told the executive committee that a newly filed class-action (the 'Dawson' case) seeks to invalidate Gross Second Substitute House Bill 2034; she also updated members on the Dolan and Fowler cases and said the committee should expect discovery and monthly reporting as the Dawson litigation develops.

City attorneys briefed the committee on multiple federal cases involving affirmative-action and grant conditions, noting some funds remain protected while others face appeals; council agreed to continue detailed deliberations in closed session.

A memo to the council updated that defendants’ deadline in Town of Bristol v. Transportation Security Administration was extended to July 10; given that update, the council chose not to hold the scheduled executive session and proceeded with open meeting business.