Commission Minutes – August 3-7, 2026
MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Vice Chairman and Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:15 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:30 AM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
1. Discussion/Decision on Library AC Unit repair or replacement
Reported on quotes for replacing the library ac unit. Updated on recent repairs for the courthouse ac unit. Discussed discontinuing the computer program and going back to thermostat systems. Will gather more quotes from the surrounding area to replace in the winter. Discussed installing shades on the south side of the library.
9:42 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
9:45 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Reported on July attendance for events and kid camps. Reported on street dance; discussing more music events next year with the Fairgrounds. Received Tourism Asset Grant from the State of Montana for a virtual dinosaur exhibit. Updated on Fallon County 250 Exhibit. Discussed purchasing a printer; will discuss further with Josh Lewis, IT Director
9:54 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:00 AM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland, Mechanic
Reported on road and culvert maintenance for Cabin Creek Loop. Assisted with recent fire on Webster road; permission to purchase concrete for culvert. Updated on driveway maintenance. Will clear out auto-gates on Coral Creek Road.
1. Permission to hire a Mechanic
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Adam Woods as a Road Mechanic. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
Depending on pre-employment test results, would be able to start Monday. Carl updated on equipment maintenance and fair preparations.
10:04 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:20 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent
Updated on cart path chip and seal will be completed soon. Finished replacing all of the old sprinkler heads; updated on watering in the middle of extremely warm days. Have started spiking and aerating the greens to help release the heat in the greens. Doug Varner will be returning to assist. Discussed leveling hole two fairway this fall where a main line was dug up for repairs.
10:30 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Updated on the box culvert for 6th Street SW; will reschedule a preconstruction meeting with the City and Fire Department. Triangle Park COS is still in the drafting process. Updated on road mapping for the draft Road Plat. Reported on waterfall pump at the lake; do not know the cause of recent blockage but it has removed itself.
10:33 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
11:09 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
1. Permission to purchase printers for the Fairgrounds and Museum
Presented quotes for two printers; discussed installing the printers after fair.
Commissioner Varner motioned to purchase printers for the Fairgrounds and Museum for the combined amount of $10,752.00. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
Reported on preparations for the fair. Updated on camera maintenance and installation. Updated on RAVE County Employee Alert administrative logins. Will start slowly swapping out library computers.
11:17 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
11:21 AM TIM SHEEHY REPRESENTATIVE UPDATES/ Celia Herbel, Eastern Regional Director and Agricultural Liaison
Updated on legislative bills. Senator Sheehy will possibly be traveling around the state during the month of August; Commissioner Varner invited him to visit during the fair. Discussed fire season. Currently no updates on post office situation. Will be attending the Energy Meeting in Colstrip; will be submitting video presentation for the MPA Annual meeting.
11:28 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
11:30 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Public Health Director
Completed school physical and scheduled walk-in immunization clinics. Discussed closing the Public Health Clinic in order to assist with the Sun Bus August 18th and 19th. Mindi Murnion transitioned to the Community Health Worker position last week; will start having quarterly updates with the Commission. Tobacco will attend Back to School Bash this Saturday. Karla Kings, Public Health Specialist will start September 1st. Updated on kids wearing the Public Health bike helmets. Permission granted to close the clinic in order to assist with the Sun Bus; Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager will also assist with the Sun Bus.
11:36 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Vice Chairman and Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:25 PM Ashley Bondell, Town of Plevna Clerk/Treasurer joined the meeting.
1:25 PM DISCUSSION ON ASSISTANCE WITH PLEVNA ROAD REPAIRS/ Gary Thielen, Town of Plevna Mayor
Reviewed Century quote for road repairs; Plevna will budget for $130,000.00 in the Oil & Gas Tax fund. Discussed maintenance plan for the streets once the pavement project is completed. Requesting between $70,000.00 and $100,000.00 assistance from the County. A decision will be made during the Commission Work Session.
1:46 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
2:00 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON BAKER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LIGHTING BID RESULTS AND AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager; Justin Zindell, KLJ Engineering
Reviewed three submitted bids as follows:
| Boundary Electric | Mortenson Electric | Colstrip Electric | Engineer Estimate | |
| Base Bid – Lighting | $173,551.00 | $170,832.00 | $367,897.72 | $128,029.80 |
| Additive Bid – A/P Signage | $96,707.50 | $116,049.75 | $193,028.79 | $74,769.35 |
| Total Bid | $270,258.50 | $286,881.75 | $560,926.51 | $202,799.15 |
Discussed base bid for lighting or including additional cost for signage. Justin suggested awarding the base bid to the lowest bidder, Mortenson Electric. Boundary Electric was willing to carry cost for additive bid while waiting for the FAA to approve submitting for a reimbursement grant next year; cost would be County responsibility if not awarded the grant. Roger reported on having difficulties working with Boundary Electric during previous projects. Discussed engineering fees per the task order and grant closeout. Decided to complete signage part of the project at a later date and solicitate for local quotes.
Commissioner Varner motioned to award the Base Bid lighting to Mortenson Electric for the amount of $170,832.00. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
2:21 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
2:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve July 27-31, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve July 27-31, 2026 Commission Minutes. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on county land Lease Agreement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the county land lease agreement with Hayden and Shyla Hadley. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; the house that utilizes this lease has changed ownership. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
b. Discussion/Decision on Public Road Right-Of-Way Easement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Doug Bruha’s and Martin Gonsioriski’s Public Road Right-Of-Way Easements. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Decision on Professional Services Agreement with TAB Electronics
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Professional Services Agreement with TAB Electronics. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
d. Discussion/Decision on CDPHP Program Sub-Contractor Task Order/Agreement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the CDPHP Program Sub-Contractor Task Order with DPHHS. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Great West Engineering Task Order No. 2 for landfill staking
Currently waiting for updated task order.
b. Discussion/Decision on assistance with Plevna road repairs
Gary Thielen, Town of Plevna Mayor originally requested $70,000.00; Commissioner Varner suggested covering all of the roads in need of repair. Will discuss further tomorrow during the continued Commission Work Session.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
5. Approve July 2026 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve July 2026 End of Month Claims for the amount of $602,393.74. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
6. Approve July 2026 Payroll and Withholdings
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve July 2026 Payroll and Withholdings for the amount of $799,045.20 . Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
3:28 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM on Tuesday, August 4th.
RECESS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Vice Chairman and Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM PERMISSION TO CANCEL GLOBAL STAR SATELLITE PHONE AND UPGRADE VERIZON COUNTY CELL/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Discussed cancelling satellite phone and upgrading county cell phone to have satellite capabilities in order to eliminate an unnecessary fee. Permission granted.
1:31 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
1:32 PM PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ON COUNTY ZONING/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator; Forrest Sanderson, Peaks Planning & Consulting LLC; Fallon County Planning Board Members
Jon Slagter, Alissa Miller, Vaughn Zenko, Cindy Irgens, and Shelley MacKay Dean, Planning Board Members joined the meeting. Janalee Ferrel, Sanitarian joined the meeting. Shawn Wiseman, member of the public joined the meeting. Forrest updated on bridge construction north of town; lower cord beams have a higher arch than originally planned. Discussed outreach results from County citizens in regard to development regulations and creating a process to inform the citizens. Currently the growth policy does not give the County the option to consider development regulations; the adoption of interim development regulations (MCA 76-2-206) will require a study for the interim development regulations. Updating the Growth Policy would be this study; it allows the community to give input and determine what development standards, if any, the County could potentially implement. Forrest recommended procuring the service of updating the Growth Policy. The City of Baker could extend development regulations one mile outside of city limits. Discussed development regulations being similar to the subdivision regulation process; the planning board could potentially become the zoning commission. The County will have to include contract services to update the Growth Policy in the budget whether it is utilized or not. Discussed fiber optics lines going through the highway right-of-way. Will return to discuss further after tonight’s Planning Board meeting.
2:31 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion
2:33 PM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Hillary Frank, Library Director
Reported on summer reading and summer events. Updated on new releases for America 250 display; also received donations of books and dvds.
1. Discussion on Library AC Unit repair or replacement
Currently looking into options; new AC won’t be installed until fall but will be ready for next summer.
2:38 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion
2:45 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Reported on building and gate maintenance; Josh Lewis, IT Director will be out tomorrow to see why the gate is malfunctioning. Discussed if the gate is a necessary security measure; will discuss further with the Shooting Range Board. Asked for permission to utilize the Weed Department Gator during the Section Match.
2:55 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion
3:28 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discussion on Public Road Right-of-Way Easement Resolution
Presented drafted resolution for review.
2. Review Resolution granting statutory authority to the County Sanitarian
Currently waiting for revisions from the Sanitarian.
3. Review Debt Recovery Agreement for the Ambulance receivables
Reviewed Debt Recovery Agreement. Discussed terms and conditions for third party to collect; recommended shortening term of contract and remove auto renewal. Discussed recent posting of delinquent taxes. Discussed invoicing process for ambulance services and other options for collecting.
4. Review CDPHP Program Sub-Contractor Task Order/Agreement
Darcy found no issue with task order.
5. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
6. Old Business as needed
Updated Darcy on Planning Boards discussion on possibly updating the Growth Policy; requested Darcy to research MCA 76-2-206 on interim development regulations. Discussed process of amending the Growth Policy.
3:47 PM Vice Chairman closed the discussion for the Thielen Litigation Update; no decisions were made.
3:52 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:52 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED (IF NEEDED)
3. Old Business as needed
b. Discussion/Decision on assistance with Plevna road repairs
Discussed budgeting for the initial amount of $70,000.00 for now and discussing additional funds after Gary Thielen, Town of Plevna Mayor meets with Century on Wednesday.
Commissioner Varner motioned to budget $70,000.00 for the Town of Plevna road repairs. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). Motion carried.
3:54 PM Being as there is no further business to come before the Commission, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
