Commission Minutes – June 1-5, 2026
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:28 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Reported on attendance stats for the museum. Updated on Heritage Fest. Discussed repairing the driveway and also including the rest of the sidewalk.
9:33 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:33 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE & PARKS BUDGET MEETING/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor
Reviewed Outside Maintenance and Parks budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Will wait a year to see how much the temporary pickle ball court is used before deciding on adding on additional courts. Discussed gazebo renovations and landscaping; would be a five-year plan to complete.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MIDLAND IMPLEMENT INVOICES
Reported on mower repairs; invoices amounted over the procurement policy.
9:45 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:48 AM ROAD BUDGET MEETING/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanics
Reviewed Road Department budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed equipment to replace or trade in. Discussed purchasing gravel and scoria.
10:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:10 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanics
Hauling chips for the chip and seal project. Reported on clearing auto-gates with the new track hoe; switched to the mower attachment but will need to check the valve that was replaced in the excavator in order for the mower to run properly. Reported on assisting with the Anticline fire. Discussed Johny Creek Road washing out due to increased traffic; recommended to scoria the road if packing and blading does not work. Culverts will be delivered for Cabin Creek Loop. Discussed chips and seal for roads and the golf course cart paths. Discussed purchasing a jack hammer for the 130P excavator and splitting a mini excavator between the golf course, road department and parks department. Carl reported on equipment maintenance; presented a quote to replace the tires on the landfill loader; permission granted to purchase tires and installation from Rolling Rubber. Mitch reported on equipment maintenance; updated on making a slip tank just in case there is another fire situation.
10:23 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:32 AM Kyle Brosz, Brosz Engineering Intern joined the meeting.
10:32 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Discussed turbidity of lagoon cell 3 effecting the golf course irrigation pond tests; chlorination is not able to penetrate. Will visit Cabin Creek Loop with Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent for culvert replacements. Survey for county property by the lake will be completed in the next couple weeks.
10:46 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM WEED & EXTENSION UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Reported on spraying roads. Contacted Tab Electronics to repair radios. Updated on title issue for trading the John Deere in for the Can-Am; will request a title from the State. Noxious Weed Awareness Week is next week and South Area Training is next Thursday. Reported on 4-H activities and the Extension Office being closed June 3rd – 11th. Discussed spraying on Plevna South and Lame Jones
11:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 DISCUSSION/DECISION ON SEW WHAT INVOICES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Presented invoices from Sew What for bike helmets that are paid with the MCH grant and a table cloth for the Health Fair.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Sew What invoice for the amount of $4,360.72. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Presented an invoice from Sew What for Tobacco Grant merchandise.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Sew What invoice for the amount of $2,088.35. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Kim Bryan stated that it was not intentional to be invoiced over the procurement policy limit. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Presented Bridgercare Plan A Agreement; will be added to old business being as it was discussed during Public Health’s last updates.
11:20 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:36 AM SANITARIAN UPDATES/ Janalee Ferrel, Sanitarian
Reported on a facebook post stating there was algae in the lake; presented a newspaper ad to advise the public to contact the Sanitarian Office when algae is present in the lake in order for it to be tested to determine if it is a harmful bloom or not. Will do visual inspections for a few weeks before advertising in the newspaper. Discussed non-toxic sprays that could be used to control the algae.
11:44 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; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:34 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discussion on Resolution to adopt new planning fee schedule per the Planning Boards recommendation
Discussed drafting a resolution to adopt new planning fee schedule; discussed having public notice on the agenda for adjusting the fees.
2. Review Survey Access Agreement for Bridger Pipeline LLC
Have not reviewed the access agreement as of yet; will advise the Commission before their work session so they can make a decision on the survey access agreement
3. Old Business as needed
Reviewed the Tab Electronics scope of services changes; will send a revised draft to Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator.
4. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
1:45 PM Chairman Braun closed the session.
1:54 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY BUDGET MEETING/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
Reviewed County Attorney budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made.
2:11 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM TRAP BUDGET MEETING/ Matt Weber, Trap Board Member; Jim Leischner, Shooting Ranger Supervisor
Discussed revenues from the trap targets; only board members are allowed to handle the account.
2:19 PM Carl Overland, Shooting Board President joined the meeting.
Reviewed Trap budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
2:30 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM SHOOTING RANGE BUDGET MEETING/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Ranger Supervisor
Reviewed Shooting Range budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
2:40 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM RURAL FIRE BUDGET MEETING/ Randy Hoenke, County Fire Warden
Reviewed Rural Fire Budget budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made.
2:47 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:42 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve May 25-29, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the May 25-29, 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 Survey Access Agreement for Bridger Pipeline LLC
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Survey Access Agreement for Bridger Pipeline LLC. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on submitted propane quote(s)
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Prairie Fuels quote for $1.19 per gallon for the year. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on designation for the FY27 Alcohol Tax funding
Commissioner Varner motioned to designate half of the FY27 Alcohol Tax funds to Another Chance Recovery. Commissioner Varner amended her motion to designate the full amount of FY27 Alcohol Tax funds to Another Chance Recovery; funds are allocated quarterly. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Bridgercare Family Plan A Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Bridgercare Family Plan A Agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
5. Approve May 2026 Payroll Withholdings
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve May 2026 Payroll Withholdings for the amount of $694,833.20. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Approve May 2026 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve May 2026 End of Month Claims in the amount of $394,763.45. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:52 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:00 PM CLOSED SESSION PREDISCIPLINARY MEETING/ Taylor Honabach, Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Taylor requested the meeting to be closed. No decision was made at this time; investigation will continue.
4:25 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. There being no further business to come before the Commission, meeting is recessed until 1:15 PM on Wednesday, June 3rd.
RECESS
5:30 PM ATTEND FALLON COUNTY’S INTENT TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY FROM THE CITY OF BAKER PUBLIC HEARING – FALLON COUNTY COURTROOM
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
NO MEETINGS – ELECTION DAY
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM TREASURER BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed Treasurer budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made.
1:39 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:45 PM INSIDE BUILDING MAINTENANCE BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed Inside Building Maintenance budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed budgeting for new ac units but waiting to replace until the units no longer work.
1:57 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM EMS BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed EMS budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made. Discussed not utilizing a third party vendor for Starlink going forward unless there are maintenance issues, then the third party vendor will be revisited. Discussed wages for fire drivers, EMRs and EMTs. Discussed utilizing donations for trainings or public relations.
2:24 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM SHERIFF BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed Sheriff budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed installing a satellite from the TV Board to eliminate the DishTV charges.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON BWC PURCHASE
Discussed replacing body worn cameras that are outdated or no longer functional.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the WolfCom Enterprises Invoice for the amount of $2,256.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:56 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM IT BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed IT budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 with no changes made. Discussed changes need to make the county websites ADA compliant and cameras for the courthouse.
3:21 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion
3:30 PM ADVISORY TV BOARD BUDGET MEETING
Desiree was unable to attend the meeting. Wayne presented a B.W. St. Clair invoice in the amount of $300.00 for contract services for the tv signal; permission granted. Reviewed the TV Advisory Board budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
3:45 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:00 PM COUNCIL AGING BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed the Council on Aging budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed budgeting for meal and vehicle grants.
4:11 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:17 PM AIRPORT BUDGET MEETING
Reviewed the Airport budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Discussed utilizing David Turch Associates for one more year to determine if the advisement should continue. Discussed raising the Intermittent Airport Facilities Assistant Manager wages due to the abnormal hours and the variety of responsibilities; will discuss further during next market adjustment discussion.
4:41 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:48 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED (IF NEEDED)
1. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on fair contracts
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Madison Sound LLC fair contract for the amount of $7,500.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; fair contracts will need to corrected going forward for recording purposes. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Donnie Landis fair contract for the amount of $4,000.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Stotz Equipment top spreader quote for Outside Maintenance/Parks
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Stotz Equipment quote for the amount of $19,500.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed results from adding top soil every year to gain on the gumbo at the baseball field. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on MTI condensing unit replacement quote for the Sheriff Office
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the MTI quotes for the amounts of $6,850.00 and $7,950.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Old Business Continued
a. Discussion/Decision Midland Implement invoices
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Midland Implement invoices in the amounts of $2,117.44 and $2,063.91. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4:54 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. There being no further business to come before the Commission, meeting is adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
