Commission Minutes – July 6-10, 2026
MONDAY, JULY 6, 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.
9:02 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting. Cindy thanked the Commission for granting a stipend for the road research that she completes; requested clarification on the motion for the stipend versus the letter she received. The Commission motioned for $1.25 an hour but the letter showed a monthly amount. The Commission are following their motion of $1.25 an hour which equates to a monthly stipend.
9:06 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:12 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE & PARKVIEW UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
Reported on waterfall being clogged from the inlet; discussed back flushing the line and adding an access for the future. Reported on cleaning up after the 4th of July; moved bleachers back to the baseball field and fairgrounds. Discussed painting projects to do when not mowing; will help with the golf course fence. Replaced batteries for the emergency signs and generators. Updated on emptying out a Parkview room. Reported on HVAC and boiler repairs for Parkview
9:25 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:30 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Presented attendance numbers for the month of June. Reported on events held; working with Bozeman on surveys to assist with tracking attendance. Updated on summer camps and upcoming events for the month of July. Reported on street dance on Wednesday, July 22nd. Discussed advertising on Facebook to try to reach out to tourists that are in the area for Medora. Discussed asking Todd Griffith to add the museum sidewalk to the quote that was submitted for the Iron Horse cement project.
9:40 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:43 AM WEED & EXTENSION UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Reported on spraying roads for the second time around and focusing more on minimum roads and driveways; updated on contract spraying. Will spray the man camp in the fall and possibly once more in the spring. Discussed a landowner wanting to graze goats in an area that might be on the spray schedule. Discussed not spraying open range areas when there are cattle present and grazing. Reported on spraying around the lagoons and for the city for hemlock. Updated on Southeast Training and fall training. Updated on new electric pumps having wiring issues. Updated on possible new noxious weed within Fallon County.
Updated on Extension meetings and fair events.
9:55 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:58 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland, Mechanic
Graveled driveways and Shelter Belt. Mowed the Upper Dam; discussed landowner agreement for mowing the channel. Reported on chip and seal project for both Baker and Plevna; will finish touching up the golf course cart path. Discussed purchasing the mini excavator this fiscal year. Discussed not spraying open range roads unless road work will be done. Carl reported on finding a hose for the pump and tires for the end-dump; permission granted to purchase as it will be over the set procurement policy amount.
10:15 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent
Updated on maintenance around the course; repaired bridge and painting the fence. Planning to do weld repairs himself. Discussed replacing the bridge on hole one; recommended reaching out to the school. Discussed golf course irrigation pond testing.
1. Discussion/Decision on Warne quote for a 300-gallon general purpose pickup style sprayer
Discussed purchasing a tank to water the greens with fresh water; recommended communicating with the country club on closing the course for a few hours during the hotter days to water the greens. Currently have two 200-gallon tanks that could be used if needed. Will water a little more before tournaments. Discussed moving the cart path signs in front of the greens.
10:33 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:33 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Discussed lake waterfall currently being clogged; recommended asking the city if they can use a jetter on the line. Discussed plans for an EMS garage. Presented draft Baker Lake dewatering analysis. Discussed Upper Dam inspection and EAP review. Triangle Park survey groundwork is completed, will need to finalize ownership on the plat.
10:51 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
EMR classes are almost completed; possible graduation party around July 27th. Discussed donating the unused mounts to Carter County Ambulance Service; permission granted. Presented monthly on-call hours and stats. Discussed schedule evening out better with EMRs on hand. Updated architects interested in the ambulance garage project.
11:05 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director; Jaime Shanks, Community Development Specialist
Updated tourism on the EPEDC website for communities. Updated on CDBG grant opportunities that could be used for an EMS garage. Next board meeting is in Ekalaka, July 15th. Updated on open vista position for Fallon County.
1. Discussion/Decision on Letter of Support for EPEDC’s CDBG Planning Grant Application
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the letter of support for the CDBG Planning Grant Application. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Discussion/Decision on Memorandum of Understanding with EPEDC
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the MOU with EPEDC. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:39 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.
1:37 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review Sub-recipient Agreement with Southeast Electric
Darcy stated that she does represent Southeast Electric in her private practice. Reviewed drafted Sub-recipient agreement. Discussed application process of the reimbursement grant.
2. Review EMS Mutual Aid Agreement with Wibaux County
Reviewed drafted mutual aid agreements with Wibaux County.
3. Review draft Interlocal/Maintenance Access Agreement for landowners near the spillway/channel
Reviewed drafted access agreement for landowners.
4. Review Resolution granting statutory authority to the County Sanitarian
Currently working with the Janalee Ferrel on the Resolution.
5. Review Professional Services Agreement with TAB Electronics
Reviewed amendments requested by TAB Electronics not requiring task orders for routine work or maintenance.
6. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
Currently working with Calvin and Susan on the answers for the litigation.
7. Old Business as needed
Discussed open positions on the EMEDA Port Authority Board; discussed the EMEDA currently needing approval on claims.
1:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Reported on new board members and upcoming matches. Shotgunners have started a lady’s league. Updated on new key and fob system. Discussed having volunteers to help with leagues. Updated on Trap inventory being reconciled; currently unable to obtain complete records from the past inventory of the Trap shooters. Extended a berm for the archers so arrows don’t go on private property. Asked about utilizing Carl Overland for torch cutting targets; will visit with Bryan on when Carl is available. Updated on warranty work being removed from the recent gate bill.
2:24 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Updated on recent accident with a senior bus. Reported on not having enough drivers for some out-of-town trips requested. Updated on new meals agreement with Fallon Medical Complex. Updated on Lane Straub volunteering to mow the Senior Center recently.
2:28 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:34 PM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Reported on upcoming Fair Board meeting and Lead Crew Hand interview. Crow’s nest has been moved. Requested to cut down dead trees in front of the fairgrounds; wanting to leave at least 6 feet for local people to carve if the trees are completely rotted. Will be purchasing a new printer after fair.
2:38 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
Reported on the RAVE mobile emergency alert system now operational; currently scheduling training for the program. Will set up ClickSend for Council on Aging to utilize for residents and drivers; discussed submitting a set amount to credit the account. Will be setting up new computers received from the Mid-Rivers grant for the library. Computers will be ordered after the budget is finalized in September. Discussed purchasing new printers for the fairgrounds and museum after fair is over. Reported on Parkview Retirement Complex informative page. Discussed ADA compliance quotes for the website. Updated on cameras for the parks and gazebos. Updated on SonicWall projects for departments; will have to request overtime to work on some departments after hours.
3:14 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:16 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Updated on equipment maintenance. Presented a landfill charge account application; granted the application. Updated on recent visit from Great West Engineering landfill engineer; presented a task order for specs on a pit. Reported on a youth going out to the landfill to pick up trash for community service.
3:24 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
3:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 29 – July 3, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the June 29 – July 3, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Review/Approve June 2026 Payroll and Withholdings
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the June 2026 Payroll and Withholdings for the amount of $777,034.67. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion on FY26-27 Budget/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Discussed budgeting Fallon Medical Complex’s 40% contribution per the Auditor’s suggestion; will budget $375,000 in the Oil/Gas Production fund. Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager, requested a separate line for training newcomers; permission granted. Discussed updated PBX system quote. County Extension budget will be left as is. Discussed moving Dispatch items to the 911 budget; will remove amounts from the Dispatch budget. Discussed Trap inventory budget; will proceed with budgeted amount submitted by Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor.
b. Discussion/Decision on written notice to terminate Cooperative Fire Support Agreement for previous DES Coordinator
Commissioner Rost motioned to write a letter terminating the agreement between the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Fallon County’s former DES employee, Amanda Frickel. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on Griffith Steel quote for a concrete pad at Iron Horse Park
Currently waiting for an updated quote to include the Museum and Triangle Park.
d. Discussion/Decision on DPHHS Task Order for Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the DPHHS Task Order for Public Health Emergency. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on Montana Natural Resource Coalition membership dues
Discussed renewing MtNRC membership; currently no interest in renewing. No motion was made.
4. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Sub-recipient Agreement with Southeast Electric
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Sub-recipient Agreement with Southeast Electric for the BRIC grant. 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 Cowbell Cyber Risk Insurance Renewal Application
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Cowbell Cyber Risk Insurance Renewal Application. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
6. Review/Approve June 2026 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the June 2026 End of Month Claims for the amount of $525,342.55. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4:20 PM Being as there is no further business to come before the Commission, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
