Public Meetings - Laurel, Montana

The Laurel City Council met Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Kris R. Vogele presiding and all eight council members present (Sara Naylor, Jessica Banks, Irv Wilke, Jodi Mackay, Richard Klose, Casey Wheeler, Brent Edgmond, Tom Canape). The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM. The Council adopted the FY 2026-2027 budget and related tax levies, adopted an annexation moratorium, approved multiple assessment resolutions and interlocal agreements, and voted to table a managed network services agreement for two weeks. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 11, 2026 meeting minutes 8-0. - Approved the consent agenda 8-0, including claims entered through August 21, 2026, and the payroll register for PPE 8/16/2026 totaling $284,692.19. - Received reports/board minutes: Budget/Finance Committee (Aug 11), Laurel Airport Authority (Jul 28), and Tree/Park Board (Aug 6). - No items were removed from the consent agenda. Public Hearings - FY 2025-2026 Budget Amendments (Item 2): The Clerk/Treasurer reviewed amendments to close out FY 2025-2026. No proponents or opponents spoke. The amendments included increasing Federal Equitable Sharing Fund revenues by $10,974, increasing Fire Department appropriations by $22,321.05 and revenues by $10,000 (DNRC wildland clothing grant and donations), and increasing the Airport Authority appropriation by $114. These amendments were later approved as Resolution No. R26-51. - FY 2026-2027 Budget and Tax Resolutions (Item 3): The Clerk/Treasurer explained the tax resolutions and the Mayor summarized the budget message. Public comment included: Michael Mooney spoke in support of the City assuming responsibility for the Laurel transportation program and requested service expansion; Laura Kirschman spoke in support of public safety complex improvements (ambulance exhaust system, epoxy floor coating) and the South Pond floating island project; Shelly White generally supported the proposed increase in Fire Department compensation but requested compensation for firefighters' time maintaining apparatus and equipment. Staff confirmed the cited items were included in the capital-project budget. Public Comments & Testimony - Kate Manley, Library Board Chair, reported the Library's Farmers Market booth gave away approximately 760 donated books and promoted library services. - Michael Mooney, speaking as president of the Laurel chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind, raised ADA concerns about newly constructed sidewalk ramps and detectable warning surfaces, saying some alignments pointed him into traffic. The Mayor said he would review the designs with Public Works and the City's engineers. - Laura Kirschman described conditions at the fire, ambulance, and police complex after a tour and urged the Council to begin long-range planning for a new public safety complex, including a potential public safety mill levy. - Elizabeth Gilg updated the Council on Laurel CARED and pending court proceedings relating to a proposed State facility, alleged omissions from the State's administrative record, and requested future Council consideration of the STEAM Park matter for grant purposes. - In community announcements, Laura Kirschman encouraged additional scrutiny of administrative productivity and compensation; Elizabeth Gilg announced that Saturday's Farmers Market would be held; Council Member Wilke announced fall Hunter Education dates (orientation Sept 8, classes Sept 14-18, field course Sept 19). Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 26-4 (Annexation Moratorium): Adopted 8-0 after no public comment. The ordinance imposes a moratorium on annexation applications while the City evaluates infrastructure capacity, water system demands, impacts of recent state law changes, and future growth plans. - Resolution No. R26-52 (FY 2026-2027 Final Budget): Approved 8-0. Council members disclosed ex parte communications about non-bargaining employee compensation. Discussion addressed the proposed $3,000 one-time lump-sum payment (paid in two $1,500 installments) instead of a permanent percentage increase; the Mayor acknowledged department heads and staff were not consulted on the final compensation proposal, explained that the lump sum avoids compounding the City's recurring wage base, and stated that a wage and compensation review is anticipated during the fiscal year. Council also discussed technology/software improvements, Council Chamber cameras and audio, and City Court security improvements (panic button and double doors). - Resolution No. R26-70 (Systems Technology Consultants Managed Network Services): Public comment opposed the agreement, citing concerns about the company's handling of a prior public records request and public statements by an employee. Council discussion included staff reports that the company manages servers, email, network services, and routine support, and that more than 100 service tickets were handled in the prior year. Council Member Banks made a substitute motion to table the resolution for two weeks, which passed 6-2 (Naylor, Banks, Wilke, Mackay, Wheeler, Edgmond in favor; Klose and Canape opposed). Key Outcomes - Approved the Mayor's appointment of Easton McKenzie to Laurel Emergency Medical Services, 8-0. - Adopted Ordinance No. 26-4, 8-0. - Approved Resolution No. R26-51 (FY 2025-2026 budget amendments), 8-0. - Approved Resolution No. R26-52 (FY 2026-2027 final budget), 8-0. - Approved tax levy Resolution No. R26-53, 8-0. - Approved assessment resolutions R26-54 through R26-63 (Special Improvement Lighting Districts No. 2 and 3; Street Sweeping District No. 1; Street Maintenance District No. 1; SIDs No. 113, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119), 8-0. Michael Mooney requested ADA accessibility be considered for sidewalk/street improvements and asked about the street sweeping district boundary; staff indicated mapping information would be provided. - Approved delinquent utility/garbage assessment resolutions R26-64, R26-65, and R26-66, 8-0. For R26-64, staff clarified "certain property" means properties with delinquent water charges. - Approved Resolution No. R26-67 (School Resource Officer agreement with Laurel Public Schools District 7 & 7-70), 8-0. - Approved Resolution No. R26-68 (Allies in Aging public transportation agreement), 8-0. Michael Mooney supported the service and requested expansion; the budget message noted Allies in Aging agreed to provide $50,000 for FY 2026-2027. - Approved Resolution No. R26-69 (two temporary driver positions not to exceed 12 months), 8-0. The positions replace drivers previously employed through another entity; Mooney and Gilg supported expanded service and offered to participate in a committee. - Tabled Resolution No. R26-70 (Systems Technology Consultants agreement) for two weeks, 6-2. - Adjourned at 8:06 PM. Note: The official minutes list the motion maker for R26-66 as "None," whereas the transcript identifies Council Vice President Klose; the resolution passed 8-0.

The City of Laurel held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Council members heard legal advice on whether to intervene in Laurel Care's lawsuit, received public comment on the MLUPA process, hosted Yellowstone County officials advocating for a jail expansion bond, and reviewed the FY 2026-27 budget and a series of ordinances and resolutions. No formal votes were taken during the workshop. Intervention Request Update - Land use attorneys Susan Swimley and Tara DePoyter appeared by Zoom to update the Council on the intervention request by Liz Forster, attorney for Laurel Care, concerning the city's possible intervention in the lawsuit against the State of Montana. - They said only one of the three counts, the claim that the state's environmental assessment (EA) did not meet the MEPA standard, was potentially relevant to the city; the other counts were about public participation and the city would not have standing on them. - The city did not comment directly on the draft EA, and the administrative record before the court is now closed; the attorneys said it would be very difficult or extremely unlikely that the city could add new information if it intervened. - The court did not issue a temporary restraining order, but held a preliminary injunction hearing on August 10, 2026, and is weighing whether to stop or delay construction while the case proceeds. - If the city sought permissive intervention, the state would likely oppose it, adding expense; there would also be possible exposure to damages or attorney fees if the court required a bond. - The state's statement that it could pursue condemnation if annexation does not proceed was described by the attorneys as premature and not part of the current case. - Council members asked about the annexation moratorium, emergency services, and the city's ability to bring its own future claim; the attorneys said the city's engineering study on water supply and pressure is the most important step it can take now. - Public comment: Elizabeth Gill of Laurel said the city has more at stake than Laurel Care, expressed frustration that the city and school board have leaned on a volunteer special interest group, and suggested cutting the CAO salary. Laura Kirschman said the mayor and council members did speak at hearings, though not specifically about the EA, and argued the city is the expert that should be at the table. MLUPA Update - No formal staff update was presented; public comment focused on the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA) process. - Laura Kirschman said the Interstate Engineering survey had received only about 200 responses, requested paper copies and a deadline extension, and asked about live-streaming city-county planning board meetings. She also questioned the cost of the Interstate Engineering contract and criticized the CAO's performance. - Shauna Hopper said the meeting audio feed was terrible and that members of the public could not hear what was happening. - Jen Lorenz said Megan at the farmers market is willing to help gather renter input and paper survey responses. Yellowstone County Jail Expansion Project - A delegation from Yellowstone County and Safe and Secure Yellowstone County presented the proposed jail expansion, including Commissioner Mike Waters, County Attorney Scott Twido, former Billings Mayor Bill Cole, and former Billings Council Member Jennifer Owen. - Commissioner Waters said the Yellowstone County detention facility has a rated capacity of 434 beds and currently holds 669 inmates. The proposal is a $175 million, 20-year bond supported by a $20 million operating levy, adding 332 beds (320 cell beds and 12 medical/mental health beds) plus shelled space for up to 512 beds. - County Attorney Twido said a jail is the central hub of local public safety and that law enforcement needs the power of arrest; he invited council members to tour the facility. - Bill Cole said there are more than 14,000 outstanding warrants issued in the last five years, theft incarceration is down 80% since 2010, and the cost to a median $400,000 home would be roughly $250 per year. He said both the bond and levy must pass together, alternatives were studied and rejected, and failure could lead to an ACLU lawsuit and loss of local control. - Jennifer Owen described two years of study, including a unified arraignment court, a warrant court, a short-term holding facility, and investments in prevention and diversion. She said the short-term holding facility has allowed officers to make about 10 to 30 more arrests per night, but those gains were not enough to solve overcrowding. - In response to questions, presenters said the jail population includes roughly 50 to 100 state prisoners waiting transfer, about 35 federal prisoners, and six to twelve prisoners from other counties. Violent offenders make up about 40% of the population, and roughly 70 to 79% are held on felony charges. They also noted that as few as 10 to 12 uniformed officers may be on duty at night, producing a ratio of about one officer to 60 inmates at high population levels. - Public comment: Shelley White opposed the proposal, saying Laurel taxpayers are already taxed heavily and she would not vote for more county money. Elizabeth Gill asked for breakdowns of violent and nonviolent offenders. Laura Kirschman said the expansion is needed but questioned contracts with outside counties. Jen Lorenz asked whether it was just a band-aid and whether outside users could pay facility fees; presenters responded that emptying all state, federal, and other county prisoners would still leave the jail overcrowded. Executive Review and Budget Items - Annexation moratorium ordinance: The Council discussed a longer-term moratorium on annexation applications through about September 2027, not an emergency moratorium. The mayor said the city will not process annexation applications while the water capacity and infrastructure study is underway. Public comment from Jen Lorenz supported the moratorium. - Budget amendments for FY 2025-26: The city needs to close out the prior year budget, including federal equitable sharing funds, a Fire Department DNRC grant and donations, and an airport authority pass-through. - Final FY 2026-27 budget: Staff said total mills decrease but the city has about $54,000 more than last year. The compensation proposal would give 23 non-bargaining unit employees a $3,000 lump sum instead of a percentage raise; 17 would receive more than a 4% raise, six would receive less, the first-year cost is about $5,370 more, and the city would save about $111,000 over three years. Firefighters would receive an increased hourly response rate and pay for training time. - Public comment on the budget: Elizabeth Gill suggested increasing council member pay so members can take time for constituent work, and asked whether the city had reviewed all expenditures such as take-home city vehicles. Police Chief Jared Anglin said the only take-home vehicle in the police department is the canine officer's vehicle; his command car stays at the station. - The tax levy and special district resolutions, including lighting districts, street sweeping, street maintenance, sidewalk districts, garbage districts, and delinquent water and sewer charges, were reviewed without significant discussion. Councilmember Edgeman asked whether the lighting district lights are solar and was told they are not. Note: agenda item 7 lists the tax levy as for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, while the surrounding items are for FY 2026-2027; this discrepancy was not discussed. - School Resource Officer agreement: Police Chief Anglin said the contract with Laurel Public Schools funds two SRO positions and is renewed annually with updated wages. Public comment praised Officer Ryan at the elementary school. - Other resolutions: The Council reviewed agreements for public transportation with Allies in Aging, creation of two temporary driver positions not to exceed 12 months for FY 2026-27, and managed network services with Systems Technology Consultants. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the workshop was for discussion and review. - The Council did not decide whether to join the Laurel Care lawsuit. Legal advice directed the city toward completing the water and infrastructure engineering study and waiting for the state's next action. - The FY 2026-27 final budget and related levies/resolutions are expected to come back for council action; staff invited council members to submit questions before the next meeting. - Jail expansion supporters asked council members to sign individual letters of support and offered jail tours; they did not request an official city endorsement or use of public resources. - Upcoming meetings and announcements: an emergency services meeting is scheduled for August 24 at 6 p.m., a city-county planning board meeting is scheduled for August 19 at 6 p.m., and announcements were made about Rock the Block, an Americans for Prosperity community meeting at the Carlton, jail tours, and a request to place the Laurel STEAM Park memorandum of understanding on the next agenda.

The Laurel City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Kris R. Vogele presided. Council members present were Jessica Banks, Irv Wilke, Jodi Mackay, Richard Klose, Casey Wheeler, Brent Edgmond, and Tom Canape. Council Member Sara Naylor was absent. No public hearing was held. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the minutes from April 28, 2026, by a 7-0 vote. - The consent calendar, including claims entered through August 7, 2026, and the Payroll Register for PPE 8/2/2026 totaling $285,037.14, was approved by a 7-0 vote. - The Budget/Finance Committee Minutes of July 28, 2026, were received under Reports of Boards and Commissions. Public Comments & Testimony - Barb Emineth of 501 Alder Avenue criticized the State’s MEPA analysis for the proposed state facility, saying it appeared to pull numbers out of a hat and made unsupported assumptions about Laurel’s ability to provide water. She expressed opposition to State behavior she characterized as bullying, urged the Council not to be intimidated, and said she hoped the Council would vote to join the fight. She also praised what she called growing transparency by the Council. - Elizabeth Gilg of Laurel reported on the Laurel CARED court hearing held the previous day, stating that the State’s attorney said the State did not intend to seek annexation and intended to pursue eminent domain related to municipal services. She said the State also stated it planned to begin construction in September 2026, despite an April 2027 construction date in the State’s environmental assessment. She questioned whether the Love’s latecomers agreement demonstrates sufficient water supply, pressure, or capacity. - Jeremy Lovold of 1035 9th Avenue requested an additional camera in the Council Chambers so online viewers could see the full Council and Mayor, asked whether the State could use eminent domain to access the City’s water system, and suggested the forensic facility matter be placed on the Council agenda regularly. Mayor Vogele responded that the Council could not comment during audience participation but that he might find out in a future meeting. - Shelly White of 512 Wyoming Avenue questioned whether eminent domain could compel the City to provide water capacity if sufficient water is not available. She also said she planned to research how contracts for the State project were awarded, whether competitive bidding occurred, and whether decision-makers had relationships with contractors. - Janine Coolel of 302 Forest Avenue expressed concern about the contractor-selection process, stating that the same contractor appeared to have been identified earlier in the process. - Under Community Announcements, Elizabeth Gilg announced the upcoming farmers market and said Laurel CARED was selling raffle tickets—$20 each or 6 for $100—to support legal representation and other projects. Discussion Items - The Council approved allowing Council Member Banks to be absent from the City of Laurel for more than 10 days. The motion passed 6-0, with Council Member Banks abstaining. - The Council approved Resolution No. R26-49, authorizing the Mayor to reschedule the City Council meeting set on Election Day. The vote was 7-0. - The Council approved Resolution No. R26-50, authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with Susan B. Swimley and Tara Depuy/DuPuy for legal services. The vote was 7-0. Council Member Mackay asked how the attorneys would be used and how their duties would differ from City Attorney Ryan Addis’s. Mayor Vogele explained that they would work with Attorney Addis and provide specialized land-use expertise related to the proposed State facility, municipal utilities, potential eminent domain, and the City’s legal options, including possible litigation. He said legal expenses could be paid from the General Fund and, where appropriate, allocated to water or sewer enterprise funds. He also said MMIA would likely not participate while the City was proactively evaluating its options, but coverage could be sought if the State initiated eminent-domain or other legal action involving the City. Key Outcomes - Approved the April 28, 2026 minutes and the consent calendar items, including the payroll register totaling $285,037.14. - Approved Council Member Banks’ extended absence (6-0; Banks abstained). - Approved Resolution R26-49 on Election Day meeting rescheduling (7-0). - Approved Resolution R26-50 authorizing the legal services agreement with Swimley and Depuy/DuPuy (7-0). - No items were removed from the consent agenda. - There were no ex parte communications, no disclosures of conflict, and no unscheduled matters. - The next Public Works Committee meeting was announced for Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. - Mayor Vogele reported that budget work is continuing; the budget will be presented at a regular Council meeting rather than a special meeting, and final mill figures will be allocated among City cost centers. - The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.

The Laurel City Council held a workshop on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a progress update on the MLUPA growth policy, reconstruction options for West 7th Street, stormwater strategies for West Railroad Street, a bulk water agreement with CHS (refinery), a budget training session, a discussion on adding timestamps to council minutes, and a legal briefing on a pending lawsuit against the state regarding a proposed facility. Public comments were heard on the MLUPA survey and the lawsuit. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were acted upon; the meeting was a workshop format without formal votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Jen Lorenz (916 Fifth Avenue) expressed concern that the MLUPA survey is not reaching digitally-disconnected residents and offered Laurel Care’s help to facilitate community meetings. She also expressed concern about the timeline and asked the city to educate the community on MLUPA. - Shelley White (512 Wyoming Avenue) criticized the MLUPA survey as being too generic and inaccessible to older residents who do not use QR codes. She noted the survey lacked depth on current infrastructure needs (streets, sewer, water). - Shelby Grag (932 First Avenue) echoed concerns that the MLUPA survey is vague, uses too much free text, and suggested adding multi-select options. She also noted that one farmers market appearance is insufficient for public engagement and requested paper copies for the elderly. - Laura Kirshman (939 West Fourth Street) supported adding timestamps to city council minutes, stating it would help the public quickly find specific discussions in recorded meetings. - Shelley White (again) and Laura Kirshman also commented on the lawsuit discussion, stressing that emergency services should not be picked and chosen, and that the city must be part of the process to ensure proper procedure. - Jen Lorenz (again) urged the council to intervene in the lawsuit to give Laurel a voice and prevent being bullied by the state. Discussion Items 1. Council Member Banks Absence - Council Member Banks informed the council he will be out of town visiting family in Japan for two weeks, exceeding 10 days. No further action was taken. 2. Resolution to Reschedule Council Meeting on Election Day - A resolution authorizing the mayor to reschedule a city council meeting that falls on Election Day was discussed. No decision was made, but it was acknowledged. 3. MLUPA Project Progress Update - Mayor and staff met with Interstate Engineering (Brett Moore and Megan Bixler) on July 29. The project is gathering public comment via a short survey (about 10 minutes) available through QR codes. As of the meeting, approximately 130 responses had been received (up from 30). - Staff is distributing postcards with QR codes to businesses; the survey is also available at the water office. - The next planning board meeting (in two weeks) will be dedicated to MLUPA. Growth areas being studied include Cherry Hills, the old middle school/high school property, and recent annexations. - The mayor stressed that growth boundaries must be realistic and that the plan should focus on achievable, fundable items rather than glossy documents. - A public commenter (Jen Lorenz) offered to help facilitate meetings but had not been contacted by the engineers. Council members agreed to provide paper copies of the survey for residents without internet access. - Councilmember Laura noted that PowerPoint presentations from stakeholder meetings are now available on the website, though a link for public comment was requested and not yet added. 4. West 7th Street Reconstruction Options - Public Works Director Matt presented two options for West 7th Street between First and Second: (A) full reconstruction with water/sewer, curb, gutter, sidewalk – estimated $800,000; (B) mill and overlay with fabric – estimated $150,000. The latter would not address underground utilities. - Council discussion favored option B to show immediate progress on a heavily traveled street while preserving funds for other priorities (West Railroad, stormwater). Councilmember McKay noted the $800k would consume nearly three-quarters of the annual street maintenance budget ($1.1M). - The mayor emphasized that the workshop is for discussion; a formal proposal would come later. 5. West Railroad Street Stormwater Discussion - The West Railroad project (First Avenue to South Pond) is a $10 million project with the state paying $5M. The city’s $5M share does not include stormwater improvements, which would be extra to run a line down Yellowstone Street. - One option presented: repave the road without curb and gutter, avoiding stormwater costs entirely, but this would leave no sidewalk improvements. Councilmember Banks stressed the need for a sidewalk on the north side (from First to railroad crossing). - It was noted that a portion might still be eligible for TIFF funds, but the state would only participate in a full project. No decision was made. 6. Pedestrian Crossing SE 4th Street - The crossing has been repaired and the project is complete. The city paid for the repair as insurance did not cover damage. 7. CHS Bulk Water Agreement - The city is negotiating a 10-year contract with CHS (refinery) for raw/settled and finished water. Key terms include a 3% annual increase for raw and settled water, and finished water will follow the city’s rate structure. A minimum annual purchase requirement is included for the first time. - The existing contract expires in September 2026. The agreement has been reviewed by the city attorney; final edits from CHS are pending. It will come before the council in three to four weeks. 8. CHS Stormwater Partnership Discussion - CHS proposes a new stormwater outflow under I-90 to the west, which would divert city stormwater away from the refinery. CHS would pay for most of the project, and the city would gain a new outlet and additional inlets along Woodwin and Yellowstone streets. - The project is mutually beneficial: CHS avoids treating city water, and the city increases stormwater capacity. 9. Budget Training - Finance Director Kelly presented a detailed training on the city budget, covering mills, fund structure (general fund, enterprise funds, special revenue, debt service, capital projects), how to read the budget book, and common misconceptions. - Key points: property tax growth is limited; enterprise funds (water, sewer, garbage) must be self-supporting; one-time money should not fund ongoing costs; the council controls spending through the adopted budget. - The budget for FY 2025-2026 is being prepared; mill values were received the same day. The goal is to present a balanced budget to council by August 25 for adoption at a regular meeting, avoiding a special meeting. 10. City Council Minutes – Timestamp Discussion - The city clerk proposed adding timestamps to the official minutes that link to the corresponding video recording. The format would change slightly, but the required content would remain. Council and the public expressed support for the convenience. No formal action needed. 11. Liz Forester Presentation / Lawsuit Discussion - City Attorney Ryan Addis briefed the council on a lawsuit filed by Laurel Care against the state of Montana challenging the environmental assessment (EA) for a proposed 32- to 64-bed facility. The lawsuit alleges inadequate EA and lack of public participation (violations of MEPA and the Montana Constitution). - Key factual assertions in the EA that the city may wish to challenge: (1) that sufficient water capacity exists because of the Loves latecomer agreement – the city has not confirmed capacity and is currently modeling; (2) water demand figures appear inconsistent with DEQ circulars (2,000 gpd claimed vs. 4,680 gpd typical for 32 beds). - Addis suggested two experienced land use attorneys (Susan and Terra from Bozeman/Livingston) who could potentially represent the city if it chooses to intervene. Intervention would focus on clarifying the record regarding water capacity and emergency services, not on opposing the facility itself. - Council discussion centered on whether the city has standing, potential liabilities, and the desire to assert its interests after feeling “bullied” by the state. No decision was made; the council will consider hiring the recommended attorneys for further review. - An injunction hearing is scheduled for August 10 at 1:15 PM in Yellowstone County Courthouse (Room 606). Council members were advised they may attend but should not speak. Key Outcomes - MLUPA Survey: The city will produce paper copies of the survey for distribution to residents without internet access. Staff will continue distributing postcards with QR codes. - West 7th Street: General consensus favored the $150,000 mill-and-overlay option, with possible spot repairs to water lines if needed. A formal proposal will be brought to a future meeting. - West Railroad Street: No decision; further public works committee discussion needed. - CHS Bulk Water: Final agreement expected at council in 3-4 weeks. - CHS Stormwater: Conceptual support; more details to follow. - Budget: Council will receive the budget book and proposed budget by approximately August 25 for review, with adoption expected at the regular council meeting before September 3. - Minutes Timestamp: Change approved for implementation; clerk will begin adding timestamps. - Lawsuit Intervention: Council will continue to evaluate. The attorney was directed to gather more information from the recommended land use attorneys. No formal vote was taken. - Meeting Changes: Starting next meeting, the council will adopt a new sequence for decision items, including explicit statements on ex parte communications and conflicts of interest under each item.