Commission Minutes – August 12 – August 16, 2024
MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Wayne Mangold, Baker & Plevna TV District Board member; Allen Rustad, Member of the Public; Tom Kendall, Member of the Public attended the meeting.
Wayne Mangold updated on Baker & Plevna TV District equipment upgrades. Channels will be down during transition.
Allen Rustad and Tom Kendall expressed concern for the number of fair booths that are selling the same food and are also from out of town. Commissioner Braun asked for clarification on whether Allen recommends only local and charitable organizations for vendors. Tom stated that he would prefer there was no overlap with vendors that are not from the community; money stays in the community with local food vendors. The Commission advised them to speak with the Fair Board being as they approve the vendors. Commissioner Braun will also speak with the Fair Board.
9:12 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:15 AM DISCUSS PANIC BUTTON SYSTEM/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Anna Straub, Justice of Peace; Safety Committee Members
Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick DeHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager; Josh Lewis, System Administrator; Julie Straub, HRM attended the meeting.
Julie reported on a recent situation that required a functional panic button. Josh stated that he wasn’t positive if the panic button has ever been tested or if employees are aware of it. Brenda stated that the button is functional, but the audio in Dispatch is not working; also not sure if employees are aware that it is there. Judge Straub explained an individual requested law enforcement, so her staff called them; panic buttons are outdated and unreliable. Judge Straub suggested that if the Commission starts addressing the idea of safety and panic buttons, then they should start by addressing the idea of courtroom/courthouse safety; panic buttons are only part of the solution. Discussed locations of panic button in the courthouse. Judge Straub recommends employee entry only through blind doors and no access from the courthouse to the library after three. Discussed setting up a special committee to look at the safety of the courthouse and other county facilities. Trenton expressed concern for false alarms after incorporating every office; Josh suggested an upgrade that has fail safes for false alarms. Commissioner Baldwin added that quarterly tests should be implemented in the future once panic buttons are operating. Brenda explained how the current system isn’t noticeable or urgent enough and is too outdated for adding other offices. Discussed testing current panic buttons along with state assessment. Debbie suggested looking into grant funding for upgrading the panic button system.
9:43 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:04 AM ROAD & SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Mitch was unable to attend the meeting. Road crew is out blading county roads; discussed sweeping rocks off the highway. Commissioner Braun updated Bobby on water being absorbed into the millings at the amphitheater. Discussed signage for Bergstrom Hill Road construction. Commissioner Rost stated that Old Baker Highway needs to be twenty-four feet wide; the road is currently twenty-one feet wide. Discussed water running over Pine Creek Road. Carl updated on county vehicle and mower maintenance.
10:14 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM BID OPENING FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES
No one appeared for the bid opening and no bids were submitted.
11:45 AM Skyla Varner joined the meeting.
11:45 AM CHAMBER UPDATES/ Marissa Gundlach, Executive Director & Rec Director
Reported on several completed events. Skyla Varner has been hired as the new Rec Director. Updated on camps, programs and upcoming events. Commissioner Braun updated Marissa on the Rec Department donation.
11:54 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recessed until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, 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. GIS road research and classification.
No discussion at this time.
2. Baker & Plevna Senior Center transfer of ownership and lease agreement.
Darcy explained changes that were made to the lease agreement; the Commission approved of the draft. Darcy will send the leases to Baker and Plevna Senior Centers for review and revisions.
3. Ag easement for Randy Tunby.
No discussion at this time.
4. Kirschten-Braun lease assignment.
1:36 AM Commissioner Braun recused himself.
Darcy presented a draft of the assignment; explained process of assigning the lease. Darcy will send the completed assignment to Debbie for landowner signatures.
1:41PM Commissioner Braun; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
5. Old Business as needed
Discussed changing Rusley ag covenant certification so the covenant is only on tract two; discussed legal descriptions for the COS. Darcy will send over the edited ag covenant certification, including the building restrictions.
1:51 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:30 PM FMC UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Margorie reported on FMC financials. David reported on current employment. Reported on new mammography machine and other equipment upgrades. David updated on past power outages damaging equipment and insurance unable to cover it. Reported on SDI Architects + Design sending a proposal for the FMC and Parkview master plan labeling.
3:07 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:07 PM SMART & EMEDA UPDATES
1. Decision on previous insurance question/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Vaughn asked if EMEDA, being a County entity, could add the childcare employees to the County insurance. Debbie explained how the County is self-insured and the current individuals eligible for coverage are county employees and Fallon Medical Complex employees; FMC was grandfathered in from 1980s. Discussed possible routes of insuring the four employees at the childcare facility. Commissioner Baldwin stated that it would cause confusion if the County were to commit to insuring the four employees. Vaughn stated that he understands and was checking all possible options. Commissioner Braun stated that the Commission does not have power over EMEDA, even if they are a county entity. Debbie will research more if it is possible.
Vaughn updated on the childcare facility progress; there was difficulty in flipping over the collapsed childcare facility. Head Start facility will be up and running by mid-September. Will be hiring for a SMART assistant. Updated on Food Forest requests from local seniors. Updated on Pocket Park dedication being moved to September 28th, during Fall Festival. Reported on working on projects regarding workforce development and assisting with business efficiency.
3:26 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:27 PM David Kirschten joined the meeting.
3:30 PM DISCUSSION/DECSION ON LENDING BLEACHERS TO PLEVNA SCHOOL/ Dennis Gerke, Plevna School Superintendent; Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor
Dennis asked to borrow four sets of bleachers for Plevna football games; stated that they would be transported to Plevna and not move, will also cover damages if any are incurred from transportation. Commissioner Braun asked if the Plevna School Board plans to purchase any in the future. Dennis stated that he is currently waiting for the Plevna School Board to commit. Commissioner Rost recommended applying for the Grid Unit grant with Vaughn Zenko’s, SMART Executive Director assistance. Robbie stated he does not like lending out the bleachers because they return damaged most of the time and that 4-H was also requesting bleachers for the Fair. David requested three sets of bleachers; once the fair is over, the bleachers will go to Plevna. The Commission approved to lend the bleachers to Plevna School with the promise of a long-term plan.
3:36 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:13 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve August 5th – August 9th, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve August 5th – 9th, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive/Action Items:
a. Review/Decision on Weed Management Plan
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the Fallon County Weed Management Plan. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
b. Decision on signing Cyber Hygiene Authorization
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Cyber Hygiene Authorization. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
c. Adopt Resolution for Sheriff Office Scheduling Fees
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve Resolution #1135 for Setting Various Sheriff Office Fees. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on door damage to 2020 Honda Odessey/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Commission decided to repair the door and pay through the self-insurance fund.
b. Decision on Rusley COS based upon the staff report received from the Contract County Planner.
No decision at this time.
c. Airport Hay Lease
No decision at this time.
d. Decision on Community Health Worker position.
Decision has been made, waiting for clarification from Kim Bryan, Public Health Director.
e. Discussion on road policy.
f. FY25Budget questions (if any)
Discussed lake testing budget and if it should be through the Sanitation Department; will discuss more
with Rich next week.
4. Review/Approve encroachment permits.
Commission approved encroachment permits for MDU and Plevna School.
5. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
6. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
4:19 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
