Commission Minutes – February 2-6, 2026
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 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.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/PERMISSION TO TILE LIBRARY BASEMENT EOC FLOOR/COLLAPSED DUCT WORK-TREASUER’S OFFICE/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Maintenance Custodial Supervisor
Discussed temperature regulation issues for the Treasurer’s and Revenue’s Offices; will check ducts for repairs. Discussed replacing tiles in the library basement; discussed laying floating tiles over the current tiles.
10:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:01 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Updated on hauling to Runway Trail and removing trees. Discussed implementing a mechanical internship for students; the summer would be a paid internship/seasonal employee. Discussed replacing or renting the rubber tire roller which is utilized twice a year at most; permission granted to rent a rubber tire roller going forward while using the on hand as backup. Mitch reported on equipment maintenance. Carl reported on vehicle maintenance.
10:20 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:21 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Reported on Influenza and Covid tests. Updated on Pathways recognition grant process. Updated on School Health Services agreement and school events.
10:26 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Discussed South 6th Street box culvert revisions; will begin advertising for bids February 6th.
Commissioner Rost motioned to go out for bid for the South 6th Street West Box Culvert project. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Presented an easement for Section 19-4-62. Reported on Anticline culvert surveys.
10:41 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:51 AM IMEG/LANDFILL ENGINEER PRESENTATION/ Kolten L. Knatterud, IMEG Representative
Presented how IMEG could assist the county with Landfill Engineering and inspections. Reported on how an engineer would be from out of state but the Billings Office would be the point of contact; discussed pricing for services.
11:06 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.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION-THIELEN LITIGATION/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Susan Swimley, Attorney
Susan Swimley called into the meeting. Discussed amended complaint against the County.
Commissioner Rost motioned to recognize the Amended Complaint submitted by Robert and Melissa Thielen. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
1:33 PM Chairman Braun closed the meeting.
2:52 PM Chairman Braun opened the meeting.
Council has been instructed to continue with the current case; no decision was made on a settlement.
2:53 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:57 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discuss Draft Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
The school received a draft for review.
2. Discuss Draft Lower Dam Memorandum of Understanding for local businesses
Discussed compensation for the local businesses if an emergency with the Lower Dam occurs.
3. Discuss Elevator Service Contract
Will review the service contract.
4. Old Business as needed
Discussed draft Warning Siren Resolution.
3:06 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:21 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve January 26-30, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve January 26-30, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:22 PM Commissioner Varner stepped out to answer a phone call.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
Currently waiting for the school to review the agreement.
b. Discussion/Decision FMC Project Changer Order: 002
The Commission signed the Change Order being as it contained the previously approved Request for Proposals #008 – #012.
3:24 PM Commissioner Varner returned.
c. Discussion/Decision Fair Entertainment Agreements
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Fair Entertainment Agreements. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion regarding City cost share expenses/ Kathy Newell and Kimberly Jensen, Clerks
Reviewed cost share from the previous year; recommended to keep the amount the same. The Commission decided to leave the amount the same.
e. Discussion/Decision regarding Letter of Support for the Sheriff’s Office Grant Application
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Letter of Support for the Sheriff’s Office Grant Application. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Discussion/Decision regarding Draft position announcement for the Extension Agent position
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the draft position announcement for the Extension Agent position. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Discussion/Decision signing approval form to advertise for Extension Agent position
Commissioner Rost motioned to sign the approval form to advertise for the Extension Agent position. 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. Discuss/Adopt Budget Amendment Resolution to receive Mid-Rivers grant for the Library
Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Budget Amendment Resolution #1174 to receive Mid-Rivers grant for the Library. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Otis Elevator Service Contract
Contract has been given to the County Attorney for review.
c. Discuss/Adopt Resolution for the Fallon County Outdoor Warning Siren Policy
Commissioner Varner motioned to adopt Resolution #1175 for the Fallon County Outdoor Warning Siren Policy. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Sign Veteran Burial Benefit Letter
Commissioner Varner motioned to sign the Veteran Burial Benefit Letter for Ronald Shepherd. 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)
5. Approve January 2026 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve January 2026 Payroll & Withholdings for the amount of $668,496.70. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Approve January 2026 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the January 2026 End of Month Claims for the amount of $364,257.25. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4:16 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:45 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
RECESS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
9:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:03 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Majorie Losing, CFO
Marjorie presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit and December 2025 financials. Discussed the effects of Montana’s Rural Health Transportation Program on the hospital and the county
1. Discuss Draft Health Facility Lease Agreement
Reviewed David’s proposed draft of the Health Facility Lease Agreement; will have the Hospital Board review the final draft.
2. Discuss/Decision Renovation Project
David reported on renovations progress. Requested to have a plaque dedicating the lift to Betty Mueller who was a long-standing President to the Hospital board and a strong advocate for the lift; Commission allowed it.
10:50 AM Commissioner Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
11:00 AM – ATTEND 911 BOARD MEETING – LIBRARY BASEMENT EOC
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 GOLF UPDATES/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent
Reported on course and equipment maintenance. Requested permission to attend training; permission granted. Discussed attending the Montana Golf Course Superintendent Association Conference. Reported on needing to replace a sustain pump in the pump house before the start of the golf season.
1:41 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:45 PM WEED UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Coordinator
Reported upcoming presentations and conference. The Weed Board went out for bids to replace the last John Deere UTV. Updated on seasonal workers. Fallon County will be awarded Weed Department of the year at Conference.
1:47 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM Kevin Grabinski, WWC Representative joined the meeting.
2:00 PM WWC/LANDFILL ENGINEER PRESENTATION/ Shawn Wiggley, WWC Representative; Jeff Frank, Landfill Manager of Operations
Presented a Statement of Qualifications for WWC on assisting the county with Landfill Engineering and inspections. Commission requested pricing; will make a decision next week during the Commission Work Session.
2:14 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM SOLID WASTE UPDATE/Jeff Frank, Landfill Manager of Operations
Planning to start burning trees; will reach out to DEQ for direction.
2:16 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:15 PM TV BOARD UPDATES – CONFERENCE CALL/ Wayne Mangold, Board Member; Randy Morris, Board Member; Josh Lewis, IT Director; Desiree Thielen, DES Coordinator & Planner; Charlie Cannaliato, Communications Technician
Randy was unable to attend the meeting. Charlie joined the meeting via phone. Discussed moving equipment from Plevna Tower to the North Tower; recommended replacing several cables to counteract extreme weather fluctuations, along with a processor. Reported on training Josh on maintenance along with TAB Electronics assisting with maintenance. Discussed repairing Bracket Butte Tower before adding another tower; TAB Electronics will be assisting with replacing the cables at Bracket Butte Tower. Discussed pricing on amplifiers and transmitters. Wayne reported on air conditioner malfunctioning in the Plevna Tower. Currently receiving Rapid City channels after TABs replaced cables.
3:42 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:44 PM DES/PLANNING UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES Coordinator/Planner
Discussed delegation of responsibilities for the Lower Baker Dam. Reported on alternatives for the Sanitarian representation on subdivisions. Requested permission to attend LEPC Conference; will look for alternative funding to attend, along with Mindi Murnion.
3:54 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
