Commission Minutes – January 26-30, 2026
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
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 CLICK SEND TEST
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Bryanreported on road maintenance-Hauling trees from various areas; removed the bleachers from the Shooting Range; cleaned auto gates; working on closure of more pits; hauling on Runway Trail and installing bridge markers. Mitch reported on truck hood repair, plans to take to body shop for repairs, rather than purchasing new. Carl reported on purchase of new steer tires for trucks and discussed department vehicle/equipment maintenance. Found information on sandbags and is waiting to hear on information requested for pumps; any information was/will be given to Desiree Thielen, DES Coordinator. Commissioner Rost discussed Public Health vehicle maintenance; Mitch stated that maintenance issue was addressed.
10:06 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM LOWER DAM UPDATES/Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Updated on the Emergency Action Plan for the lower dam. Discussed contact information for onsite resources such as gravel, sand, and riprap. Plan will be to have 200 tons each, readily available, in case of an emergency. 10:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:26 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Shannon brought the road project maps for review; Kady also sent an electronic copy. Discussed adding the Commissioner Districts to the map and the app that will be available for whomever needs access. Discussed the bid opening for the 6th Street box culvert; contractor deadline will be October 30th; also, the DEQ permit has been submitted. Not sure if there are any further flood plain items to be addressed; will check with Forrest Sanderson, Flood Plain Coordinator. Discussed the Anticline and Loop Road hydrology. Discussed appropriate name for the Little Beaver Road “extension”; will contact 911 and research the road name on Bowman County side. Discussed the lagoon pump system; will continue to pull samples as required. Also need to be sure we have adequate supplies; further discussions will start March 1st.
10:48 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM Commissioner Braun announced the Commission will hold the following public hearings simultaneously.
11:01 AM There being no one present for Public Comment, at this time, the Commission will recess.
PUBLIC HEARING TO DONATE PROPERTY TO THE PLEVNA RURAL FIRE DISTRICT
PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT THE FALLON COUNTY OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN POLICY
PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND MUSEUM BUDGET TO ACCOMMODATE SMITHSONIAN GRANT
11:42 AM Commissioner Braun closed the hearings and stated no one appeared for public comment.
11:43 AM EPEDC UPDATES/Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director; Jaime Shanks was unable to attend today’s meeting.
ARPA-Due to engineering problems regarding the Plevna Lagoon Project, the project will go over budget; Brosz Engineering has agreed to take care of the overage. The contractor is in place to complete this project. The NBWSD project is complete and will be closed soon. Discussed changes in healthcare/funding issues to help keep hospitals open; setting Solar Data center parameters; assistance for communities with assessment funding; funding for ORE (Opportunity in Rural Economies); Tourism Grant funding and CIP global funding to assist local businesses aesthetically. EPEDC continues to have difficulties filling job openings.
12:02 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; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
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. Review draft Lease for Healthcare Facility
Clerk and Recorder will send to the Hospital Board for review.
2. Discuss Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
This was not prepared for today’s meeting.
3. Discuss Lower Dam Memorandum of Understanding for local businesses
Darcy will contact Desiree Thielen, DES Coordinator, to get the specs.
4. Review Plevna Rural Fire District Deeds
Clerk and Recorder’s office will review and send to the Plevna Rural Fire District for their review.
5. Old Business as needed
The City of Baker will be in this afternoon to discuss the land swap if Darcy would like to return.
6. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation (IF NEEDED)
No closed session was needed.
1:46 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM PERMISSION TO PURCHASE A DURALABEL SYSTEM/Julie Straub, Josh Lewis, Derrick DeHaan, Sara Berger, Brittany Veal; Safety Committee
Josh discussed the labeling system could be utilized by various offices/departments. Discussed liability if items were incorrectly labeled. The system is designed to follow OSHA, etc. guidelines, for that reason. This was not in the current FY26 budget but could wait until the new fiscal year. The Commission would like the Safety Committee to check with the local business first and return with their information before making any decisions.
2:17 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:19 PM IT UPDATES/Josh Lewis, IT Director
The past windstorm caused phone system malfunctions; Josh is looking into resolutions. Ordered more hardware to complete the swap from Mid-Rivers; will coordinate with Dispatch before the swap. Courthouse fire wall licensure is expiring, plans to stay late Thursday to complete; will coordinate with Dispatch. Discussed DIS camera install; DIS would like 50% install fee upfront. Commission stated the County does not pay fees upfront and would also like to discuss a contract for this project. Josh will contact DIS. Discussed the cybersecurity grant for end point licensure; will no longer use COMODO. Library grant resolution will be on the agenda next week. Discussed the usage and fees collected from the new ATM machine. Josh has appreciated the current assigned vehicle; however, would like a larger vehicle for his department. Commission stated they have options available. Discussed the fob system at the Shooting Range.
2:32 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM TV BOARD UPDATES – CONFERENCE CALL/Wayne Mangold, Board Member; Josh Lewis, IT Director; Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator; Charlie Cannaliato, Communications Technician
Cancelled and will reschedule.
2:57 PM DISCUSSION ON TRADE WITH THE CITY OF BAKER/Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor; Sandi Reddick, City of Baker Clerk/Treasurer
Discussed the land currently owned by the City of Baker that would be traded to Fallon County in lieu of debt owed to the County. Discussed the condition of the sewer line in the Fairway Acres Subdivision (1 piece of pipe broken at the manhole and a portion of the line lies low). Most of the line has been videoed; City will video the remainder of the line. Discussed the Bonnievale waterline that services (3) residences and (1) stock yard; and loops to the NBWSD. Commissioner Braun wanted to clarify the land being discussed: 160 +/- acres (Airport); 72 +/- acres (Triangle Park and around Baker Lake); 47 +/- acres (Old Landfill); 10 +/- acres (North of Upper Dam). Everything will be typed up on a Resolution of Intent and scheduled for public comment. The Council has discussed moving forward with negotiations and what needs to be completed before that happens: Video last bit of sewer line; access via easements; Bonnievale water line to be discussed with NBWSD. Discussed the debt owed for the water line project and SID 34 & SID 35; the city will figure out the responsibilities for the property owners regarding SID’s. The city would like to hold the payment that is due in January. The Commission is ready to move forward; the city will pursue preparing the Resolution of Intent. Mayor Zachmann asked if the city would be able to come forward should another loan be needed. Commission stated yes, the current Commission would be willing to discuss future loans.
3:18 PM Commissioner Braun ended the discussion.
3:20 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve January 19-23, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the January 19-23, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decisions on donating to the fireworks fund
Commissioner Rost motioned to contribute $7,500, (this one time). Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:25 PM Commissioner Braun ended the discussion to take a brief recess.
3:41 PM Commissioner Braun reconvened the work session.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Architectural Design Services Proposals for an EMS Facility
Commissioner Rost would like to make a motion to accept High Plains Architects proposal of PAR for an EMS Facility in the amount of $32,000. Commissioner Braun asked for a second; due to lack of second the motion dies.
b. Permission to reimburse the O’Fallon Historical Society for Instrumentl subscription with Museum Donation Funds
Commissioner Varner made the motion to approve the Historical Society be reimbursed with donation funds in the amount of $2,694.60 for the Instrumentl subscription. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for further discussion. Commissioner Braun clarified the Historical Society had asked for $2,994.00, which was over ½ of the subscription amount, Commission therefore agreed to pay ½ or $2,694.60. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on Letter of Support for pursuing funding for the Baker Dinosaur Discovery Hub
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Letter of Support for pursuing funding for the Baker Dinosaur Discovery Hub. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on Grant of Easement for Section 22-T3N-R59E
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Grant of Easement for Section 22-T3N-R59E. 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)
3:50 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there was no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
1:00 PM – ATTEND RED BUTTE GRAZING DISTRICT MEETING – FALLON COUNTY LIBRARY EOC
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
ATTEST
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
