Commission Minutes – May 18-22, 2026
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:46 AM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Jim discussed the invoices for NewVision Security Systems. The contractor felt the issue was with the gate, not their system. Jim will contact the vendor and let them know Fallon County will only be paying for the first trouble shoot invoice in the amount of $908.25.
Jim and Shane may each be gone a portion of next week; Carl Overland has agreed to cover, in the evenings, in their absence.
9:52 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:57 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanics; Mark Sieler, Road Foreman
Bryan and Mitch were unable to attend. Mark discussed road work the crew is finishing and will then start hauling chips for the rest of the week. Carl stated the new excavator will be here today. Demo dates for the excavator and the mower were discussed. The Commission will be notified of dates so they can plan to attend. Discussed damage to the landfill excavator. Once the glass is replaced, RDO does not feel further repairs will be necessary. Carl brought the emergency management pump back; it will need a replacement hose and will be ready to be placed this week.
10:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:14 AM PERMISSION FOR LEAVE WITHOUT PAY/ Melodie Bertsch, Accounts Payable Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM
Melodie requested the meeting to be closed.
10:14 AM Chairman Braun closed the meeting.
10:18 AM Chairman Braun opened the meeting.
Commissioner Varner motioned to grant Melodie Bertsch leave without pay. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:19 AM HR & SAFETY BUDGET MEETING/ Julie Straub, HRM
Reviewed the Human Resources and Safety Budgets with Julie. The preliminary budget amounts were left as submitted. Commissioner Braun noted Brenda Wood, Julie’s Supervisor, had requested a $2.00 per hour increase for Julie. No decision will be made on that at this time.
10:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:37AM Road Updates/ Carl Overland, Shop Mechanic
Carl wanted to update the Commission on the issue they are having with the pressure washer. They have been trying to get Hotsy from Billings to come and make the repairs but have had no luck. They have resorted to contacting Hotsy from Bismarck, ND. Bismarck Hotsy agreed to bring the parts and come to make the needed repairs. Hotsy feels the cost for parts and labor will be approximately $3,500. If they discover there are further issues, they will send the parts, and the road mechanics will make those repairs. Commissioner Varner asked about the cost for a new pressure washer. Carl stated that cost would be approximately $22,000. Carl stated this is a safety issue; when used it vibrates the gas line. The Commission agreed with the needed repairs.
10:39 AM Commissioner Braun ended the discussion.
10:44 IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
Josh attended the Montana Digital Summit in Helena. The main focus was: Embracing AI and the governance and implementation of policies. Josh will work on a draft policy to present to the Commission. There are county departments that may use AI and we want them to use it correctly. Discussed updating websites to be ADA compliant for the visually impaired. That deadline has been pushed up to April, 2028. Not only current notices, etc. will need to be compliant but also old notices, minutes, etc. need to be compliant. Josh will look at software to assist with this and submit with budgets. Josh is working with all departments regarding updating computer and technology needs as necessary. Discussed timeframe to update camera system equipment for the Sheriff. Previously discussed updated camera monitor computers for Dispatch; approved to come from the Inside Maintenance budget. Discussed completion of firewall router project should be completed by the end of June. Working with Park Supervisor on updated cameras as well. Dispatch/DES have been working on the Rave Mobility System, to replace “Click Send”; Josh is also working on this project as well. Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager, has not heard from 406 regarding the grandstands fire suppression restart date. As soon as that is complete, Josh will hook up the fire alarm connected to Dispatch.
11:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM CEMETERY UPDATES/ Chanse Hoenke, Cemetery Caretaker
Chanse is mowing and weed eating at Bonnievale; hopes to finish by Wednesday so they can finish the other cemetery’s Thursday and Friday. Bonnievale directory was discussed; the Cemetery Board asked if Chanse could assist with directory repairs during his county work hours. Commission recommended Chanse visit with the Cemetery Board and get a plan together first. Permission granted to work extra hours to complete mowing, etc. before Memorial weekend (weather permitting). Commission reported the mowers have been ordered but will not arrive until July. Chanse discussed sharing/swapping equipment with Plevna cemetery.
11:06AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:13 AM PARKVIEW RETIREMENT COMPLEX BUDGT MEETING/ Derrick deHaan, Outside Facilities Manager
This is an Enterprise Budget (self-supporting). Derrick discussed upgrades; paint Parkview 1 (outside). Discussed and approved replacement/repair of one of the boilers, as soon as possible.
11:25 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:35 AM SUPERINTENDENT BUDGET MEETING/ Don Schillinger, County Superintendent of Schools
Don feels his budget is adequate and no changes need to be made.
11:36 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Jeff Hadley met to discuss boundaries and fencing pertaining to Section 29 and 32-6-58 so a cattle guard can be installed on Calumet Road. Discussed a marker found 36 feet inside the county fenceline. Commissioner Rost will contact Brosz Engineering about finding the markers. Further discussed the county paying for their portion of the fencing as well.
1:18 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discussion on Resolution to rename roads – Windy View Road to Windy View Trail
Discussed leaving the road a private drive but also naming the road. The Commission felt this road was meant to be a county road. Darcy will contact Brosz Engineering and work on the proper verbiage for an easement. Will contact the Planner to get the address for Windy View Trail.
2. Review Great West Engineering Agreement for Professional Services
Brenda will email Great West and have them resend the agreement, with amendments.
3. Review Bureau of Land Management MOU regarding Bridger Pipeline associated environmental impact statement
Darcy has no concerns with the MOU; she will complete the MOU and send it to the Commission.
4. Old Business as needed
No discussion at this time.
5. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
Darcy stated Thielen’s Attorney wants to do a scheduling conference on June 16th at 10:30 AM. This will be to set dates and deadlines. Darcy has contacted Cal Stacey about his availability and has not heard back.
1:43 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:59 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve May 11-15, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the May 11-15, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Dawson County Family Planning Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Dawson County Family Planning Agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Strengthening Public Health Workforce DPHHS Task Order
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Strengthening Public Health Workforce DPHHS Task Order. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on Immunization Services DPHHS Task Order
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Immunization Services DPHHS Task Order. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/ Decision on Change Order #2 for the 6th Street West Box Culvert
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Change Order #2 for the 6th Street West Box Culvert. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun stated at first this was to be Pre-Cast, then it was changed to be a Cast-in-Place; now they have changed it back to Pre-Cast. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision to approve Planning Board By-Laws
No decision at this time.
b. Discussion/Decision on designation for the FY27 Alcohol Tax funding
Not sure if an answer was received from the State regarding the County’s request for allocation for a new designee.
c. Added-Fair Contract/Addendum
Discussed the likelihood of CAA returning a clean Addendum.
Commissioner Varner made the motion to move forward and sign the redlined Addendum for the CAA contract for the 2026 Fallon County Fair. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 1 Nays. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
- Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as need)
- Approve May 2026 Mid-Month Claims
Commissioner Varner made the motion to approve the May, 2026 Mid-Month claims in the amount of $301,453.44. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:25 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION (CONTINUED)
3 d. Discussion/Decision to approve Fallon County/City of Baker/Town of Plevna Planning Board By-
Laws
Commissioner Varner made motion to approve the Fallon County/City of Baker/Town of Plevna Planning Board By-Laws. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:25 PM LANDFILL BUDGET MEETING/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
The Landfill is an Enterprise Fund. Reviewed the budget with no changes made at this time. Discussed new engineers and what to expect with closure costs, etc.
3:33 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:33 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION (CONTINUED)
3.e. Discussion/Decision to approve the Great West Engineering Agreement for Professional Services
The agreement was reviewed by the County Attorney; recommended changes/corrections were sent back to Great West Engineering. Great West sent a red line to be viewed, the County Attorney and Commissioner’s all approved. Will contact Great West and ask for a clean copy with the updated information. The agreement will likely not be returned before the Commission leaves today. Commissioner Braun asked if the Commission would approve him to sign as the Chairman if received this week.
Commissioner Varner made the motion to grant Commissioner Braun permission to sign the Great West Engineering Agreement for Professional Services, with approved amendments, if received after this meeting and before the next scheduled meeting. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:39 PM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Discussed bus maintenance issues; discussed asking Carter County for permission to keep their bus until both buses are up and running/more dependable. Carla is excited to start using the new text alert system. Discussed needed repairs for the sealing machine used for home delivered meals. Permission to check pricing locally for needed part or purchase from the company directly.
3:44 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. There being no further business to come before the Commission, meeting is adjourned.
ADJOURN
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
1:00 PM ATTEND TRANSPORTATION MEETING – COURTHOUSE BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
