Commission Minutes – April 13-17, 2026
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 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.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM OUTSIDE PARKS AND PARKVIEW UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
1. PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONALS/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Cord Olsen and Emily Enos as seasonal crew hands. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed start dates for the two crew hands. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Robbie reported on having the State do an ADA assessment for the sidewalks. Updated on park maintenance. Bathrooms are currently open at the softball park, other bathrooms will be opened later in the month depending on weather. Derrick reported on boiler maintenance; company would like to test the combustion chamber before warranting it. Pictures were taken of the empty room for the website. Updated on Parkview’s recent power outage; notification would have prevented a break in power. Discussed a generator for Parkview 1. Discussed replacing the waterfall pump.
10:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Mitch was unable to attend the meeting. Bryan reported on road maintenance for Coral Creek, Anticline and Cabin Creek roads. Culvert maintenance for Dance Hall Road; power company and landowner requested an approach. Commissioner Braun reported on landowners requesting driveway maintenance. Discussed installing a culvert for Lame Jones Cemetery approach; discussed ownership of the cemetery and responsibility of road after the approach. Commissioner Rost will visit with Tom Sparks regarding the Lame Jones Cemetery Association.
10:15 AM Chairman Braun stepped out of the office.
Carl reported on senior bus and other equipment maintenance.
10:17 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:19 AM Chairman Braun returned.
10:19 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent
Reported on blown transformer that have been repaired and started pumping at the lagoon. Irrigation has started; several heads are plugging up and one leak was maintained. Discussed testing for the pond; Rich Menger assisted Nathan at the pump shed. Discussed ordering greens sand from Knife River for the amount of $3,242.00; will have sand delivered in order to avoid contamination. Discussed ordering HCT fertilizer from Turf Solutions for the amount of $6,378.24. Permission granted to purchase both sand and fertilizer. Discussed watering and seeding for the greens. Discussed patching a few greens with sod; would have to have temporary greens for holes five and nine. Updated on high school tournament in May. Discussed reel sharpener and mower maintenance. Updated on fence repairs. Discussed a community workday for the golf course.
10:38 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:43 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Currently working on the survey for Triangle Park. Reported on 6th Street SW box culvert. Discussed testing for the golf course irrigation pond. Reported on stage storage for the lake and will complete the dewatering for the lower dam inspection.
10:47 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM DISCUSSION ON REPLACING THE LIBRARY AC UNIT/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
Presented a quote from Mechanical Technology Incorporated for the budgeted AC Unit for the library side. Will have MTI report to the Commission if compressor can be replaced.
11:05 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL MUSEUM AIDE/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Jasimine Qualley as a Seasonal Museum Aide. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed qualifications.
3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO RECALL SEASONALS/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Commissioner Rost motioned to recall Ryan Gorder as a Seasonal Fairgrounds Crew Hand. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM TV ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES/ Wayne Mangold, Member; Randy Morris, Member; Matt Moberg, Member; Josh Lewis, IT Director; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
1. DISCUSSION ON TAB ELECTRONICS TRANSMITTER QUOTE
Presented quotes from C.J. Cannaliato for the amount of $13,200.00 and Tab Electronics for the amount of $9,874.40 to replace the transmitter at the Plevna Tower. Will reach out to both for full itemization on their quotes. Discussed antenna that will be delivered from Cannaliato; purchased for Bracket Butte. Josh reported on Tab Electronics cleaning up the cabling for Bracket Butte. Wayne reported on BLM requesting the building to be removed from Squall Tower; BLM reviewed the area and will send a letter of closure.
11:49 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.
1:30 PM PERMISSION FOR LEAVE WITHOUT PAY/ Judge Anna K. Straub, Justice of Peace; Theresa Myers, Justice Court Clerk; Julie Straub, HRM
Theresa requested leave without pay for different weeks, all the way through August 31st to run a personal business; will revisit after August 31st.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Theresa Myers leave without pay through August 31st. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; all the scheduling will go through Judge Straub. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
1:35 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Jim reported on shooting matches. Updated on steel target and trash can maintenance. Reported on fob system currently running; gate is also functional after latest service. Discussed waiting to see if the gate service will be charged. Josh will be replacing the computer at the range. Requested dirt for the one-hundred-yard berm.
2:07 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:07 PM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Will work on budgets with the board during tonight’s meeting. Butch Roberts is interested in helping till arenas; will add him to the equipment list. Updated on the night show contract being sent to Darcy for review.
2:10 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM WEED & EXTENSION UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Reported on seasonal crew hands starting and vehicle maintenance. Will be picking up the Can-Am next week. Reported on Madi attending ambassador and council meetings. Updated on sweet potato and fruit sales; assisting 4-H Council with advertising. Will be notifying boards of new supervisor roll and both will be flexing hours to attend meetings. Larry Brence will be attending the livestock and 4-H Council meeting.
2:39 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:18 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve April 6-10, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the April 6-10, 2026 Commission minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further business; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Direct Electric quote for lights in hanger
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Direct Electric quote for the amount of $2,975.63. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further business; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on fair contract
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the fair contract with Buffalo Skull LLC for the amount of $20,000.00 Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further business; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on irrigation pump quotes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Crisafulli quote for the amount of $10,700.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further business; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on Tab Electronics transmitter quote for the TV Advisory Board
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the updated Tab Electronics quote for the amount of $10,359.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further business; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on library AC Unit quote
Requested a quote to replace the compressor for the library AC unit.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Capital Improvement Program Data Sheet for the airport
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Federal Aviation Administration Capital Improvement Program Data Sheet for General Aviation Airports. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further business; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
3:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was recessed until Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
9:00 AM ATTEND CAREER & JOB FAIR – BAKER HIGH SCHOOL
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:16 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Melodie Bertsch requested permission to gather propane quotes for the winter; permission granted.
1:17 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:29 PM Brittanie Jorgenson, County Shop Assistant joined the meeting.
1:29 PM REVIEW DRAFT ROAD PLAT/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Reviewed draft road plat; discussed classification of several roads. Will schedule another review of the draft.
3:10 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:17 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED (IF NEEDED)
Discussed MTI quote to replace the compressor or the entire unit for the library. Will discuss further next week.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Orphans Entertainment contract. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; will sign once a clean addendum received. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Creative Artist Agency entertainment contract for the amount $30,000.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Zarconia Talent entertainment contract for the amount of $10,000.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:24 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
