911 / DES Board Meeting of Fallon, Carter, and Wibaux Counties – September 10th 2025

911

Fallon, Carter and Wibaux Counties

September 10, 2025

Members Present:  Desiree Thielen; Kevin Braun; Mandi Varner; Roy Rost; Pam Castleberry; Georgia Bruski; Trenton Harbaugh; Nick Eisele; Justin LaCroix; Brian Nelson; Darin Miske; Brenda Hoeger; Eric Steele; Christine Silverthorn

WELCOME:  Commissioner Braun called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. in the Fallon County EOC at the Fallon County Courthouse in Baker, Montana

Members in attendance are listed above and there is an attached sign-in sheet.

PUBLIC COMMENT:   Commissioner Braun announced at this time that Brenda Hoeger, Dispatch Supervisor, will be the individual in charge of 911.  Desiree Thielen will take the role on as County Planner and DES.  Desiree will be assigning and reviewing 911 addresses.

APPROVAL OF June 11, 2025 MINUTES:  Pam made a motion to approve the minutes as written.  Trent seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Desiree passed out the July-August Detailed Budget Report to the members present.  Trent made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  Mandi seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Old Business: 

• IAR AND TAB ALERT UPDATES:  Desiree gave an update on the text to page alerts through IAR (I Am Responding) and Tab Alerts.  The IAR does not support the 2-tone page to text.  IAR works through the phone app and we will continue to utilize IAR through the length of the contract.  Desiree has explored other options such as Tango-Tango for future reference. Tab Texting is currently working.  Eric explained they have had challenges with the filtering from phone companies, but have solved the majority of the issues. 
• UPDATE ON BID FOR REPEATERS & BASE STATIONS:  The bids were put out and Tab Electronics was the entity who won the bid for the repeaters and base stations.  The invoice total is correct.  (The invoice is attached) 
• Bylaws update and signatures:  The changes for the Bylaw update were:
  •  a) Quarterly meeting would be at the discretion of the Chairperson.
  •   b)Fallon County Commissioner Board Chair would be the Chairperson of the 911 Tri-County Board.
• DISPATCH UPDATES AND TRAINING:  Brenda reported that her Dispatch Staff will start a new training series.  This training will begin in a few weeks.  Brenda along with her staff are excited about the training and updates.  Brenda will also be hiring a new dispatcher.  There are five qualified applicants.   

New Business:

• ZETRON UPDATE AND UPGRADE:  There is an update planned for the Zetron System (911 Calling System).  The last update was done in 2019.  This would be a complete upgrade and would be a 5-year contract which would include Tech support and Software support.  Pam made a motion to approve the upgrade and update for the Zetron System.  Darin seconded the motion.  There was discussion on the financial demands.  Roy made a motion to lay Pam’s motion on the table.  Desiree seconded the motion.  Motion Carried.  (Support Materials Attached)
• Desiree recommended to amend the contract with KLJ to read $40,000 as needed. (No set time period) Darin made the motion to amend the contract to read $40,000.  Pam seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  (Amendment Agreement Attached)
• TOWER UPDATE:  It has been reported in other jurisdictions in Montana there has been reports of copper being stolen from radio towers.  This has not happened in our area, but it was recommended by Law Enforcement to post “No Trespassing” sign at each tower site.
• STUDENT EDUCATION: Brenda and Desiree requested funding to do 911 educational training to students in the three counties.  Georgia made a motion to provide $1800.00 for promotional materials.  Brian seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

The next Tri-County 911 Meeting will be December 10, 2025 starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Fallon County EOC.

There being no further business to be brought to the board, Trent moved to adjourn, Mandi seconded the motion.  Motion Carried.

Respectfully submitted

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Georgia Bruski, Carter County DES Coordinator

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Kevin Braun, Fallon County Commissioner, Chairman