Commission Minutes – April 7-11, 2025
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member (Attending Board of Health Training in Helena)
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 has been rescheduled for Monday, April 14th.
10:00 AM ATTEND JUVENILE DETENTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONFERENCE CALL
Commissioner Varner attended the meeting.
10:37 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Shannon presented a draft nutrient management plan for the golf course. Discussed deviations for total coliforms and prevailing winds. EPA released their administrative order on the Upper and Lower Lake along with the Sandstone channel; discussed replacing culverts and installing channel liners to control localized flooding issues. DNRC and FEMA will be updating the county floodplains map in the next few years; completed every five years and was started in 2023.
1. Discussion on qualified contractors for the five-year dam evaluation.
The State has not released a list of qualified contractors yet; will reach out to DNRC for the list. Discussed the insurance requiring an engineer report.
11:02 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:02 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Reported on March EMT calls and stats. Updated on ambulance maintenance; discussed wiring issue with the cot. Will be attending the health fair; promoting new EMT and CPR classes. Scheduled an EMT Meet & Greet on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30 PM. Discussed coverage for Brittany’s absence in May; requested to have Rod Kilsdonk in charge while she is gone, permission granted.
11:11 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
New microphone equipment is installed. Updated on training and administrative planning for technical difficulties. The Commission asked Josh if he would be part of the TV Advisory Board; reported on the additional channels. Updated on grandstands fire monitoring being reconnected in June; 406 Fire will replace monitoring system. Working on running Wi-Fi cables to the lobby for the ATM. Discussed clearing out outdated Mid-Rivers cables in the server room. Updated on camera and phone systems
11:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Maintenance Custodian
Justice Court office carpet is installed.
1. Discussion/Decision on Mechanical Technology Incorporated AC Unit quote
MTI will come at the end of April to install the new AC Unit. Discussed moving the fence for access to the AC units.
11:33 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:43 AM Rich Menger, Sanitarian joined the meeting.
11:43 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Doug Varner, Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Doug presented a POGO report showing the conditions of the soil at the golf course. Discussed when to begin watering the greens; start hand watering around April 21st. Discussed utilizing volunteers for seeding and watering. Reported on equipment maintenance and bridge repair. Discussed pond relining project and quotes for a new fairway mower.
12:02 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member (Attending Board of Health Training in Helena)
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:33 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Update on Dec. Action
Dec. action has not been sent out for review.
2. Discuss Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and City of Baker for City Court Staff
Reviewed changes submitted by the City Attorney; will discuss indemnification of the employee.
3. Review/Revise Burial Contract for funeral homes
Updated burial contract will be sent to Stevenson’s Funeral Home for review.
4. Discuss Resolution of Intent to exchange debt with City of Baker
Discussed memorandum of understanding. Currently in negotiations for the amount of debt that should be forgiven. Darcy suggested holding public hearings for discussion on the exchange. Discussed property currently owned by the City.
5. Discuss creating a TV Advisory Board
Discussed having three to five board members with three-year terms. Requiring the DES/911 Coordinator to be tied to the board for budgeting reasons; possibly including the System Administrator. Discussed Wayne Mangold billing the County for any work done on the County’s behalf.
6. Discuss updating agreements for the TV Advisory Board; HAM rental agreement, WBI, Pinnows, Mid-Rivers
Discussed agreements for liability purposes with sharing an equipment building.
7. Review/Revise Petition to create a road
There was no discussion at this time.
8. Discuss State of Emergency MOU with Spartan Bus Line, LLC and Plevna School District
Discussed changing the agreement to a day rate both bus lines. Currently waiting for figures from John Geving.
9. Old business as needed
2:06 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM JUSTICE COURT UPDATES/Judge Straub
Updated on carpet in the Justice Court office; expressed appreciation towards Lynda Herbst, Kim Gray, Theresa Myers and the Road Department for all the hard work that went into clearing out the office, installing the carpet. Reported on acceptance to the Montana Justice Institute training at the University of Montana Law School; provided through the Montana Supreme Court but per diem will be split between the County and the City.
1.Discussion/Decision Interlocal Agreement City/County Clerk
Discussed liability clarification; will wait for updated draft after discussion with the City Attorney.
2:33 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:36 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve March 31 – April 4, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the March 31 – April 4, 2025 Commission Minutes. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Midland Implement diffuser quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Midland Implement quote for the amount of $1,249.00. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
b. Discussion/Decision on Precision Parts & Supply rim clamp tire changer quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Precision Parts & Supply quote for the amount of $8,499.00. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Decision on Canyon TV sencore omnihub package quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Canyon TV quote for the amount of $8,817.62. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
d. Discussion/Decision on Bruco, Inc floor scrubber quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Bruco, Inc quote for the amount of $6,495.00. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
e. Discussion/Decision on Griffith Steel garage door repair quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Griffith Steel quote for the amount of $700. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on State of Emergency MOU with Spartan Bus Line, LLC and Plevna School District
There was no discussion at this time.
b. Discussion/Decision sign Mackay Road Easement Agreement
Commissioner Varner motioned to accept the MacKay Road Easement. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Decision on Mechanical Technology Incorporated AC Unit quote
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the MTI quote for the amount of $40,540.00. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments & zoning compliance (as needed)
5. Approve March 2025 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the March 2025 End of Month Claims in the amount of $596,474.33. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
3:47 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:45 AM on Wednesday, April 9th.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
8:00 AM ATTEND 2025 BOARD OF HEALTH TRACK TRAINING – HELENA MT
Commissioner Rost attended this training.
4:15 PM FAIRGROUNDS SEASONAL CREW HANDS INTERVIEWS/FAIRGROUNDS EXHIBIT HALL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025
8:00 AM ATTEND 2025 BOARD OF HEALTH TRACK TRAINING – HELENA MT
Commissioner Rost attended this training.
9:45 AM PERMISSION TO USE RESERVOIR TRAIL AS A BYPASS/ KLT Civic Contractors
Commissioner Varner motioned to allow KLT Civic Contractors to use Reservoir Trail as a bypass. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
10:00 AM ATTEND 911 BOARD MEETING – LIBRARY EOC
12:00 PM AIRPORT BOARD MEETING/DISCUSS SIGNED RESOLUTION
1:00 PM WEED DEPARTMENT SEASONAL CREW DRIVERS/HANDS INTERVIEWS/HRM OFFICE
ADJOURN
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025
12:00 PM ATTEND BAKER CHAMBER MEETING – THE COFFEEHOUSE AT LAWLER’S
3:00 PM CEMETERY DEPARTMENT SEASONAL CARETAKER ASSISTANT INTERVIEWS/HRM OFFICE
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025
3:30 PM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE SEASONAL CREW HANDS INTERVIEWS/HRM OFFICE
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025
9:00 AM ATTEND MY ARENA TRAINING – FAIRGROUNDS EXHIBIT HALL
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder