Commission Minutes – April 27 – May 1, 2026
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 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.
9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Reported on road maintenance for Plevna South, Anticline, Cabin Creek Loop, Johny Creek and driveways. Discussed stockpiles of shorter cattleguards; discussed welding the twelve footers together. Discussed an auction for the cattleguards, older equipment and pavers; pavers could be utilized at the golf course. Mitch reported on equipment maintenance. Discussed options to fill the taller tanker at the fairgrounds or with the Upper Dam; will discuss further with the City of Baker or with local companies. Carl reported on equipment maintenance. RDO will bring the excavator within the next two weeks. Discussed mowing tank hill as a test; will ask the City for permission. Kendall Sieler’s achievement story will be in the paper soon. Discussed adding sand to the beaches. Discussed budgeting for a mini excavator that could be used by the Road Department, landfill and golf course. Discussed 4H Council enclosed trailer at the gun range that needs new tires and lights; 4-H Council will purchase the tires and the County will put them on.
10:25 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
1. Update on Lower Baker Dam Inspection Statement of Intent/ Jade Boggs, The Insurance Store
Shannon reported on items on the Inspection Statement of Intent. Discussed receiving financial assistance for the Upper Dam Inspection by DNRC. Discussed removing trees in the channel for mowing. Discussed upcoming inspection this Friday.
Will start to send samples to DEQ for the golf course irrigation pond after the third sample is completed. Updated on Anticline culvert project. Discussed survey for the Certificate of Survey for Triangle Park; discussed surveying additional property for possible auction in the future.
11:02 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:02 AM Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor and Derrick deHaan, Fair Board Member joined the meeting.
11:02 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL FAIRGROUNDS CREW HANDS/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Emma Thielen and Kaeden Oberlander as Seasonal Fairgrounds Crew Hands. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed Office Assistant and Lead openings – will replace lead with one more crew hand after close date. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL WEED DRIVER/CREW HANDS/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Jasia Stieg and Madalyn Bechtold as Seasonal Weed Driver/Crew Hands. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HOST TOUCH A TRUCK EVENT/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Robbie Christiaens joined the discussion. Sara asked to host a Touch a Truck educational event for grade schoolers; Outside Maintenance, Road Department and Golf Course are also interested in the event. Event would be held at the fairgrounds and would be held on a weekday; permission granted.
11:09 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Updated on utilizing the RAVE system to notify senior citizens on the bus and programs. Reported on grant for requested vehicles; requested for a mini-van as top priority and a bus as second. Discussed bus maintenance. Council on Aging board meeting tomorrow; will review Fallon Medical Complex meal bid. Discussed the Road Department repairing the Senior Center parking lot; have to discuss with Red River Inn on the drainage for the parking lot. Thanked the Road Department for keeping the parking lot clear in the winter.
11:23 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON DIS TECHNOLOGIES QUOTE FOR A CAMERA SYSTEM NVR/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Reported on recent camera upgrades requiring two new NVRs in order for all cameras to be functional.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the DIS Technologies quote in the amount of $3,948.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed phasing out night vision cameras in the upcoming budget meeting.
11:33 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 COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discussion on Contract of Services for Tab Electronics
Will draft a master services contract with Tab Electronics; discussed scope of services to include in the terms of the contract.
2. Discussion on Resolution to rename roads – Windy View Road to Windy View Trail
Will review documents for Windy View Road.
3. Review Resolution of Intent
Discussed creating a Resolution of Intent to transfer property to City of Baker. Will include exact balances of both loans in the Resolution of Intent to transfer. Discussed advertising for public hearings.
4. Old Business as needed
Reported on other counties sharing their red lines for the DPHHS Master Contract; discussed either waiting for bigger counties to finish negotiations or request the final negotiated contract from DPHHS.
Updated Fair Addendum was sent to Jennefer Wheeler.
Discussed final draft of Planning Board By-laws; will research concerns presented by the Commission.
5. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
No discussion at this time.
2:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM PROPOSED BRIDGER PIPELINE EXPANSION PROJECT UPDATE/ Eric Lepisto, Miles City BLM Field Manager
Reported on the Proposed Bridger Pipeline Expansion Project; updated on scoping process and upcoming public hearings. Record of decision will be in or around the Spring of 2027. Discussed landowner discussions being favorable towards the expansion project. Discussed road access and right of way maintenance. The County will be invited to meetings regarding the planning prospect of the expansion project. Commissioner Braun reported on sharing road haul agreements and encroachment permits with other counties.
Reported on North Plains Connector Line; currently finished the draft and public review. Scoping comments have been positive for the Connector Line.
Invited the Commission to attend a round table event for Montana Stockgrowers to discuss BLM and Forrest Service grazing.
Updated on transferred grazing permits becoming discretionary due to short staff.
Discussed county easements through BLM; if BLM were ever to deny renewing easements then the County would no longer be able to maintain the road but the access would remain.
2:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM REVIEW DRAFT ROAD PLAT/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Brittanie Jorgenson, Road Shop Assistant; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Desiree was unable to attend the meeting. Reviewed draft road plat; discussed classification of several roads. Will schedule another review of the draft.
3:18 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:33 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve April 20-24, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve April 20-24, 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 Travelers Insurance background check recommendation/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM
Travelers Insurance requested the County’s Abuse and Molestation Policy; also make a requirement to conduct federal background checks on employees at hire and every five years for several county departments. Would reduce County’s limits on coverage on this specific part of the policy if Fallon County does not comply. Julie recommended third party vendor that has quick turn around and can also conduct federal background checks. Discussed current employees’ willingness to participate in background checks every five years, especially if they have been employed by the County for over ten years. Julie was granted permission to switch companies for background checks.
Commissioner Varner motion to deny Travelers Insurance background check recommendation Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; recommendation could possibly decrease that specific coverage with Travelers. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Letter to Request Financial Assistance with 5-Year Dam Evaluation Expense
Commissioner Rost motioned to sign the Letter to Request Financial Assistance with 5-Year Dam Evaluation Expense. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision to approve Planning Board By-Laws
Discussed during County Attorney work session; will wait for Darcy to research concerns.
d. Discussion/Decision to conduct scoping survey per Planning Board recommendation
Decision will be made next week.
e. Discussion/Decision on Parkview Retirement Complex Rental Application
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Parkview Retirement Complex Rental Application for Lyle Neary. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Discussion/Decision on quote to cut down trees in the south parking lot
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the quote from Tod and Lisa Passemore if certificate of liability is made available. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Discussion/Decision on Montana Healthcare Program Provider Enrollment Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Montana Healthcare Program Provider Enrollment Agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
h. Discussion/Decision on vaccine storage MOU with Fallon Medical Complex
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the MOU with Fallon Medical Complex. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Discussion/Decision on Applications for Federal Assistance for the airport
Discussed documentation process if/when the land transfer is complete.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Applications for Federal Assistance for the airport and for the Chairman to sign. 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 renewing State Surplus purchasing account
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve renewing the purchasing account with State Surplus. 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 designation for the FY27 Alcohol Tax funding
Will schedule a meeting with Another Chance Recovery for an update.
c. Advised Road Superintendent to put up truck signs for bridge construction on Sandstone; detour on Bonnievale Road.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
4:10 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
