Commission Minutes – April 14-18, 2025
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025
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 DISCUSSION ABOUT 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT YOUTH COURT/ Kim Bryan, Public Health Director; Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist; Sarita Fenner, 16th Judicial District Chief Probation Officer
This meeting will be rescheduled.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Currently running blades north and south. Discussed installing car gates on the Calumet Road. Discussed MDU requesting to widen a private road on county land, located after the landfill; permission granted. Carl and Mitch updated on county vehicle maintenance. Discussed removing a rose bush from the Lakeview Country Club; recommended to spray the bush instead of pulling it due to gas and telephone lines. Bobby updated on the State grinding the South Plevna Road. Discussed new subdivision having complaints about dust being created from the scoria road.
10:15 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE & PARKVIEW UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Facilities Manager
Robbie updated on attending a convention. The dock at Ironhorse Park was damaged due to strong winds; discussed options for repairs. Updated on water pump and mower maintenance. Derrick updated on elevator maintenance in Parkview Retirement Complex. Discussed having a spare washer in the basement of Parkview; permission granted.
10:25 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
1. Discussion on qualified contractors for the five-year dam evaluation
The State will send out a list later this week.
2. Discussion/Decision on Golf Course Nutrient Management Plan
Reviewed deviation requests for e-coli testing and wind buffer zone. Reviewed draft Nutrient Management Plan. Commissioner Rost informed Rich that the school would like him to use the DEQ testing equipment for the golf course pond testing; discussed utilizing to check levels before sending off the final tests to Energy Labs.
10:58 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:58 AM Shannon Hewson and Rich Menger joined the meeting.
11:00 AM DISCUSS LAGOON MICROBE TESTING PROCEDURES BETWEEN THE CITY AND COUNTY/ Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor; Kevin Dukart, City of Baker Clerk
Discussed samples required for the City’s discharge permit. The County only tests at the pond with gas chlorination at the filter system. Discussed sending a copy of tests of the treated wastewater to the City for filing purposes; both monthly e-coli and weekly residual chlorine tests. Discussed lagoon cell irrigation process.
11:14 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SUBSTITUTE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVER/
Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Charles (Lee) Strait as a Substitute Public Transportation Driver. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HIRE DETENTION OFFICER/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Hunter Grimbly as a Detention Officer. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:18 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE MULTIPLE SEASONALS/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Ryaan Gorder, Ayden Renner and Cord Olsen as Seasonal Crew Hands and Whitney Thielen as an Office Assistant. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed amount of seasonals needed. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HIRE WEED CREW DRIVERS/HANDS/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Kane Olsen, Carlee Gundlach, Hunter Bailey and Sheridan Beach as Weed Crew Drivers/Hands. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed length of spraying season. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HIRE CEMETERY CARETAKER ASSISTANT & OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE SEASONALS/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Robert (Bob) Curry as a Cemetery Caretaker Assistant and Bishop Hanson and Michel Hanson as Outside Maintenance Seasonals. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:36 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:43 AM EXTENSION UPDATES/ David Kirschten, County Agent
Updated on Maddi Butori returning to her assistant position. Updated on workshops, Livestock Committee and 4-H Council. Reported on Health Fair booth and orders for several samples. Will set up an in-town training on absinthe wormwood and poison hemlock. Discussed roles for fair week.
11:52 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.
1:29 PM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Update on Dec. Action
Dec. action is not completed; finishing up exhibits before sending off.
2. Discuss Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and City of Baker for City Court Staff
Reviewed the revised draft of the interlocal agreement. Discussed defining that the Court Clerk is a County employee who would be interviewed, hired and disciplined by the County only. Discussed liability for City actions.
3. Discuss 1996 EMCMHC agreement on alcohol tax monies
Discussed cancelling or amending the agreement with Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center. Reviewed Montana Code Annotated regarding the agreement; have not received monthly updates from EMCMHC. Discussed the budgeted amount of alcohol tax monies and how EMCMHC utilizes it for Fallon County.
4. Discuss updating airport hangar leases
Debbie reported on a current lease being owned by a trust. Discussed updating all leases for the 2026 fiscal year. Will have the individual get an assignment with consent from the Airport Commission.
2:11 PM Debbie left the meeting.
5. Discuss creating a TV Advisory Board
Discussed creating a resolution for the board with three to five board members. Will look into the minimum number of members needed to establish a quorum.
6. Discuss updating agreements for the TV Advisory Board; HAM Radio rental agreement, WBI, Pinnows, Mid-Rivers
Discussed obtaining written permission from Mid-Rivers to utilize the top of the hill; will also inquire about allowing other individuals and businesses to utilize the building.
7. Review/Revise Petition to create a road
There was no discussion at this time.
8. Old business as needed
2:29 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:32 PM PLANS & EXPECTATIONS FOR RIMS IN DISPATCH/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Julie Straub, HRM
Trenton reported on revisions that need to be made on RIMS reports. Discussed RIMS possibly having a technical error; print outs are correct but saved file is incorrect. Discussed Dispatchers maintaining the line with individuals during emergency calls. Discussed margin of error and if the training is helpful; another meeting will be scheduled.
2:51 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:05 PM DES/911 UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator; Dale Butori, MT DES District Field Officer; Julie Straub, HRM
Desiree updated completed tasks and visits with other departments. Reported on I Am Responding contract that the 911 Board inquired on; discussed the functions of the app for first responders. Updated on generators, trainings and rural addressing.
1. DES/911 Coordinator Oath of Office
Desiree completed the Oath of Office with Commissioner Braun.
3:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:31 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve April 7-11, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the April 7-11, 2025 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 designating alcohol tax monies to a substance use disorder treatment and prevention provider
Commissioner Rost motioned to table the discussion on designating alcohol tax monies. 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 Fallon County Junk Vehicle Program Agreement with Baker Metal & Recycling, Inc
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Junk Vehicle Program Agreement. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Review/Decision on Board Appointment Letter
Commissioner Rost motioned to appoint Steve Baldwin to the Tax Appeal Board. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Adopt Joint Resolution #1151 to restrict subdividing land used in the operation of the Baker Municipal Airport and golf course
Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Joint Resolution #1151. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:45 PM Commissioner Varner left the meeting to attend Seasonal Golf Course Crew Hand Interviews.
e. Discussion/Decision on Capital Improvement Program for the Baker Municipal Airport
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the CIP for the Baker Municipal Airport. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commission Varner) Motion carried.
f. Review/Decision on Parkview Retirement Complex rental applications
Reviewed two rental applications; permission granted.
g. Discussion/Decision on Hanson Chemical, LLC floor sweeper quote
The Commission reviewed the quote; no decision was made at this time.
3. Old Business as needed
(THESE MOTIONS WERE NOT MADE IN ORDER DUE TO COMMISSIONER VARNER ATTENDING INTERVIEWS.)
a. Discussion/Decision to authorize David Espeland, Fallon Medical Complex, CEO to begin the engineering side of replacing gas lines
Commissioner Varner motioned to authorize the gas lines project at Fallon Medical Complex. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and City of Baker for City Court Staff
Currently waiting for the City to review the draft. There was no discussion at this time.
c. Discussion/Decision on Resolution of Intent to exchange debt with City of Baker
Will discuss further with the City Council on Wednesday, April 16th during the next Council meeting.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments & zoning compliance (as needed)
3:38 PM PRAIRIE HILLS RECOVERY CENTER UPDATES/ Tracey Goerndt, ACLC
Tracey explained Prairie Hills Recovery Center’s presence in the community. Commissioner Rost requested monthly updates going forward; discussed submitting quarterly reports instead. Discussed the County Community Health Worker and Prairie Hills Recovery Center working together. Updated on community activities.
3:50 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025
12:00 PM ATTEND BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING – LIBRARY EOC
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025
7:00 PM ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO DISCUSS INTENT TO EXCHANGE DEBT WITH CITY OF BAKER – FALLON COUNTY COURTROOM
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder