Commission Minutes – December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
9:30 AM CONVENE
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 PERMISSION TO APPLY FOR MT DES STATE AND LOCAL CYBERSECURITY GRANT/ Josh Lewis, IT Director; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Presented the requirements to apply for the cybersecurity grant; no match funds are required. Would like to apply for IT trainings and Endpoint Detection Software that are provided through the grant; currently have Endpoint Detection through the State but will see if it will be reimbursed before applying. Desiree included the cybersecurity as a medium priority threat assessment to assist with obtaining the grant. Permission granted to apply for the grant.
9:55 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM Alissa Miller, Chamber Executive Director joined the meeting.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Mitch was unable to attend the meeting. Bryan reported on re-graveling and spreading a thin layer of scoria on several roads. Discussed adjusting the fines and gravel from Noll’s gravel pit; currently receiving too much moisture for the gravel that is being laid. Carl reported on vehicle maintenance. Discussed having students apprentice/intern with the Shop Mechanics. Alissa reported on a career/workforce program that the Chamber is currently organizing.
10:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:13 AM MONTANA DEVELOPMENT TOURISM GRANT UPDATE/ Katie Miller, SMART Executive Director; Alissa Miller, Chamber Executive Director
Katie was unable to attend the meeting. Alissa reported on creating a Committee for the Montana Development Tourism Grant. Requested a Commissioner to join the Committee; Commissioner Varner will join the committee.
10:19 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Shannon reported on survey for 19-4-62,; will be drafting easements for the Little Beaver Road (referenced as the North Dakota-Montana Road). Survey crew will work on Cabin Creek culverts next week. No updates on the Beneficial Water Use Permit; Shannon will reach out to DNRC regarding the permit. Commissioner Braun reported on the City wanting to camera the fairgrounds sewer main; discussed possible repairs to the line before the City takes the line.
10:36 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:43 AM GIS WORK SESSION – ZOOM MEETING/ Kady York, Brosz Engineering; Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Discussed renaming Primitive Grant Roads on the legend to Primitive Grants. Reviewed roads that were on the Fallon County 1932 Road Plat. Brosz Engineering will complete the draft road plat book for review.
12:30 PM 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.
1:41 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve December 22-26, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the December 22-26, 2025 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost 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 the Sanitarian job description/ Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed education requirements and weekly hours. Will begin advertising immediately.
b. Discussion/Decision on submitting Bobby Wood’s claim to the County Insurance
Commissioner Varner motioned to recommend to Bobby Wood to submit the claim to his own insurance. Commissioner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on Morrison-Maierle Lower Baker Dam Engineering Master Agreement Task Order
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Morrison-Maierle Lower Baker Dam Engineering Master Agreement Task Order. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on Olness & Associates Management Representation Letter
The letter was reviewed and signed.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Outlay Report & Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs for the airport
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Outlay Report & Request for Construction Programs for the airport. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor joined the meeting to request the shooting range hours be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 31st for New Year’s Eve; permission granted.
1:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:07 PM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Reported on damages from the recent windstorm. Currently working on fair act contracts. The Board would like to have a concert on the fourth of July for the 250th Anniversary of America; assisted by SMART and Chamber.
2:11 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
