Commission Minutes January 12-16, 2026
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 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.
9:44 AM Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator joined the meeting.
9:44 AM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
Presented a TAB Electronic quote for new battery back-ups at the towers; discussed setting up a rotation for replacing batteries. Updated on two current openings for Emergency Communications Dispatchers and upcoming training courses for certification. Updated on RIMs reporting.
9:58 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Currently blading ruts off some roads; finished Johny Creek Trail and currently working on several driveways. Reported on culvert replacements; discussed coating for culvert maintenance. Carl and Mitch reported on equipment/vehicle maintenance.
10:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:13 AM BAKER CHAMBER UPDATES/ Alissa Miller, Chamber Executive Director
Reported on recent activities and events. Updated on personnel; currently have a high schooler working part-time and advertising for an Administrative Assistant. Reported on recreation activities; implementing more adult leagues. Updated on new board members; currently working on strategic planning. Participating in judging for Montana Grant event; updated on mentorship program.
10:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:37 AM LOWER BAKER DAM INSPECTION UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
1. Discussion/Decision on Morrison-Maierle Task Order to complete inundation map
Reported on inundation maps needing to be redone after Code Red crashed; Desiree has some experience but does not have the time so recommends approving the task order. Will move decision to Commission Work Session.
10:42 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM PUBLIC HEARING TO DONATE PROPERTY TO THE PLEVNA RURAL FIRE DISTRICT
No one appeared for the Public Hearing. Commission will advertise the public hearing for donating property to the Plevna Rural Fire District.
11:15 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM DIS TECHNOLOGIES & VERKADA PRESENTATION – ZOOM MEETING/ Keith Plasterer, DIS Technologies; Tori Smith, Verkada; Josh Lewis, IT Director; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
1. Discussion/Decision on quote for additional courthouse cameras
Reviewed quote for additional courthouse cameras. Tori presented Verkada demo for a security system. Discussed whether to add an NVR system or update the system completely. Decision will be made at a later date.
12:05 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 WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Old Business as needed
Discussed rescheduling public hearing for the Plevna Rural Fire District property. The Commission reported on negotiations with the City of Baker.
2. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation (IF NEEDED)
Commissioner Varner motioned to go into closed session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
1:53 PM Commissioner Varner motioned to come out of closed session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
1:53 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:57 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Reported on fob system completed. Discussed raising membership fees five dollars to cover the fobs; Shooting Range Board will be meeting tonight to set new rates.
2:00 PM Carl Overland, Shooting Range Board Member joined the meeting.
Updated on new key fobs and gate. Reported on upcoming matches and road maintenance.
2:07 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve January 5-9, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve January 5-9, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Approve January 5, 2026 Closed Session Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve January 5, 2026 Closed Session Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Weed Board Members attending a MWCA Annual Conference/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Jessica Scott and Wanda Pinnow requested to participate in the Montana Weed Control Association Annual Conference as Weed Board Members; currently have enough in the training budget to allow them both to attend. Discussed benefit of allowing board members to attend the conference with County funds; could assist with future workshops for the public. Discussed conflict of interest funding individuals to attend for points towards a personal license; require board members to fund themselves if they are attending for points.
Commissioner Rost motioned to pay for two Weed Board Members to attend the MWCA Annual Conference. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; The County would pay for rooms, meals and mileage. 2 Ayes. 1 Nay. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
b. Discussion/Decision on Otis Signature Service elevator contract
Discussed cancelling current contract with TK Elevator. A letter has been sent to TK Elevator to discontinue services; will wait to hear a response before moving forward with Otis Signature.
c. Discussion/Decision on SDI Architects Request for Proposal for Fallon Medical Complex platform lift
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the SDI Architects Request for Proposal #007. 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 Proposals for Architectural Design Services for an EMS facility
Commission will review proposals and decide at a later date.
e. Discussion/Decision to adopt Budget Amendment Resolution #1174 to receive Mid-Rivers Grant for the Library
Commission will advertise the Public Hearing for the Budget Amendment Resolution #1174.
4. Old Business as needed
a. Review draft Resolution for adopting an Outdoor Warning Siren Testing and Activation Policy
Commission will advertise the Public Hearing for the Outdoor Warning Siren Testing and Activation Policy.
b. Discussion/Decision on Morrison-Maierle Task Order to complete inundation map
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Morrison-Maierle Task Order for the amount of $10,000.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
2:31 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:15 PM CLOSED PERSONNEL MEETING/ Jennifer Fisher, Clerk of Court; Tricia Shipman, Deputy Clerk of Court; Julie Straub, HRM
3:15 PM Chairman Braun closed the meeting.
3:20 PM Chairman Braun opened the meeting.
Commissioner Varner motioned to issue a written warning to Tricia Shipman, Deputy Clerk of Court. Commission Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:22 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there was no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
