Commission Minutes – January 6-10, 2025
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Vice Chaiman; 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 ADOPT RESOLUTION #1141 ELECTING PRESIDING OFFICER FOR THE FALLON COUNTY COMMISSION
Commissioner Rost motioned to have Kevin Braun as Chairman of the Board. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to have Roy Rost as Vice Chairman of the Board. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:49 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Discussed resurfacing the 101 Road after finishing the Anticline. Commissioner Braun reported on a possible gravel pit; Bobby will reach out to the landowner. Bobby updated on closing reclaimed pits. Road Department will be hauling snow today. Discussed snow removal for the Senior Center; Commissioner Braun will update John Beach on the County taking over snow removal going forward.
10:04 AM Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor joined the meeting.
Robbie and Bobby reported on their departments snow removal routes. Mitch and Carl updated on county vehicle and equipment maintenance. Reported on attending MACRS in March.
10:12 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE & PARKVIEW UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
Robbie updated on snow removal for Iron Horse Park; discussed who is responsible for clearing the sidewalks along the highway by the lake. Robbie will remove the snow going forward; discussed how to handle the additional route. Commissioner Rost reported on posting weight on the wooden bridge on the ?? side of the lake; discussed removing the bridge and installing drainage. Discussed ADA regulations. Updated on golf course snow fence.
Derrick updated Parkview water heater maintenance. All but two Courthouse handrails have been powder coated and reinstalled. Frank will repair the Courthouse entrance concrete steps on his time.
10:34 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:35 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
1. Decision on Contractor’s Application for Payment for Bergstrom Hill Road
Shannon was unable to attend the meeting.
10:55 AM Theresa Myers, Justice Court Clerk joined the meeting.
10:57 AM DECISION ON JUSTICE COURT CLERK HOURS & INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT/ Anna Straub, Justice of the Peace; Steve Zachmann, Mayor of Baker; Julie Straub, HRM
Anna reported on a recently opened Justice Court Clerk position; would like to readdress the position. Anna suggested increasing hours for one clerk, making them a county employee with an agreement with the City. Seventeen hours with the County and fifteen hours with the City. Julie stated the lost clerk position is hard to recruit for and retain; would like to keep one clerk and increase hours for retainment. Anna suggested having a call-in if the situation requires more assistance. Discussed hours between the County and City for the agreement where the County assumes City hours; could prorate hours if clerk works strictly on City for a week. Discussed updating the job description and wages to match the case and workload. Discussed attending a City Council meeting once the written proposal is completed.
11:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM CONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chaiman; 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 BAKER CHAMBER UPDATES/ Marissa Gundlach, Executive Director; Skyla Varner, Rec Dept Manager
Skyla updated on upcoming Recreation Department events. Marissa updated on the Recreation Department financials. Marissa updated on upcoming Chamber events.
1:34 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:42 PM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Commissioner Braun asked if Doug could be a point of contact for vendors while the Commission is recruiting the Golf Course Superintendent. Doug explained how he does not want to be a full-time employee, he would just be there for help. Discussed equipment maintenance. Discussed hours for January and February; could be put on intermittent status. Discussed having Outside Maintenance and the Road Department assist in equipment maintenance.
1:58 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM APPROVE DECEMBER 2024 END OF MONTH CLAIMS AND DECEMBER 2024 PAYROLL & WITHHOLDINGS
Commissioner Rost motion to approve the December 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $182,684.66. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the December 2024 Payroll for the amount of $672,103.22. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:06 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:45 AM on Wednesday, January 8th.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025
9:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chaiman; 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.
10:00 AM ATTEND 911 BOARD MEETINGS
10:45 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
1. Decision on snow removal for Senior Centers
This meeting has been rescheduled.
11:00 AM SMART & EMEDA UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director; Tasha Losing, EMEDA Chairperson
Vaughn reported on upcoming activities for SMART. Updated on grants for upcoming projects and progress with the food forest. Reported on a workforce development program for the school; also assisting with a mental health program for the school. Updated on progress for the Plevna/Westmore Museum. Received a grant for an AI tracker program to report on traffic for events for one year.
Tasha updated EMEDA Childcare facility progress. Updating EMEDA policy and by-laws. Discussed running board positions on the ballot; updated on current advertising for board positions with the local newspaper. Tasha asked the Commission for suggestions on any EMEDA projects; reported on EMEDA’s steps to making the Childcare facility a self-sustaining business.
The Commission updated on submitting board minutes to the Clerk & Recorder Office. Discussed giving two county email addresses to EMEDA’s Director and Treasurer and trainings that will be required for security purposes.
11:28 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:28 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Updated on a grant for new radios. Presented ambulance run stats and on call hours. Reported on a service contract with Stryker for equipment maintenance; will present an updated quote at next fiscal year budget meeting. Updated on battery connection issue for the ambulance cot. Discussed ambulance that was donated to Prairie County. Requested permission to attend a crisis intervention course in Sidney along with two EMTs. Updated on CPR certification; discussed teaching CPR to the community as an EMS Program Manager. The Commission will check with the auditors to see if the revenue from the classes goes back to EMS or into the general fund. Discussed flexing hours to cover future community CPR trainings; discussed budgeting for the next fiscal year.
11:50 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS – ATTEND HEALTH BOARD MEETING
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chaiman; 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 Rich Menger, Sanitarian joined the meeting.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Draft/Review Golf Course Etiquette MOU
Commissioner Braun explained that the Country Club and the County do not have an agreement; the easement between the City and the County does not include the location of the Country Club but does cover the nine holes of the golf course. Discussed having the City deed the property the golf course sits on to the County in order to resolve the etiquette issue for the golf course. Discussed past minutes regarding the clubhouse and the Golf Course Board. Discussed having the MOU require the Country Club to enforce a code of conduct; the Country Club wants to be able to trespass disorderly individuals if they deem it necessary. The Country Club is currently writing up a code of conduct; the Commission and county attorney will review it once completed.
2. Revise/Review Fallon County and Dawson County Sanitarian MOU.
Reviewed changes to the MOU; will send to Dawson County for review.
3. Update on dec. action.
Darcy is currently reaching out to individuals who used to work at the Road Department in order to obtain missing information.
4. Old business as need
Reviewed Petition to abandon roads. Discussed changes to how the petition should be numbered and adding the petition number to every page. Discussed verbiage for effected landowners.
2:11 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:24 PM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator
Updated on TV District and upcoming meetings for grant funding. Updated on AAR meeting regarding the Baker Lake incident. Updated on upcoming meetings; will be setting up a meeting with BNSF to discuss the times the train blocks the railroad crossings. Updated on several grants that will be up for application. Updated on by-laws for the 911 Board; will review rough draft at the next 911 Board meeting. Discussed submitting requests for sick and vacation leave.
2:43 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:43 PM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Updated on electronic sign; was not awarded the Grid United grant for the sign. Discussed budgeting for the sign. Reported on indoor barn lights currently being installed; discussed disposing of the old light fixtures. Baker Metal inquired on the sign for the fairgrounds; Jennefer will send a quote and the designs to the Commission. Reported on Montana Dakota Utilities will have to add additional power to the vendor section at the fairgrounds.
2:51 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM PERMISSION TO INCREASE PAULA FUCHS’S, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUS DRIVER HOURS/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM
This meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, January 13th.
3:15 PM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Lisa Dulin, Emergency Communications Dispatcher/Detention Officer
1. Prairie County Emergency calls report
Briefed on 911 calls from Prairie County that should have been rerouted to Custer County by now. Discussed sending the report to Prairie County Commission and Custer County Commission.
3:26 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:45 PM AIRPORT UPDATES/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager
Updated on facility and equipment maintenance; purchased replacement tug batteries. Reported on pavement project for the runway. Commissioner Rost updated the submitting of board minutes. Discussed the Fuel System Project report and reimbursement; Roger explained FAA funding.
4:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve December 30, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Commission Minutes.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the December 30, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Commission Minutes. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
2. Adopt Resolution #1142 to Amend Mileage for Fallon County Elected Officials and Employees
Commissioner Rost motion to adopt Resolution #1142. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Adopt Resolution #1143 to Establish Commission Days and Times
Commissioner Rost motion to adopt Resolution #1143. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Adopt Resolution #1144 to Establish a Public Location for Posting Information
Commissioner Varner motion to adopt Resolution #1144. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Rost asked if the website should be added as a public location in the future. Commissioner Varner friendly amended to include the Fallon County website as a location for posting. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Executive/Action Items:
a. Decision on Cattle Guard Policy
The draft is on the website for the public to review. Members of the public are encouraged to bring any questions, concerns or input regarding this topic for discussion to the Commission.
b. Decision on Road Petition
This decision has been tabled for corrections.
6. Decision on Fair Contract
Commissioner Rost motioned to accept Dalton Morris’s fair contract for the amount of $4,000.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
7. Old Business as needed
a. Review Airport Fuel System Project report and reimbursement.
Commissioner Rost motion to approve the Airport Fuel System Project report and reimbursement for the amount of $28,984.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
8. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
9. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments (as needed)
4:12 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:15 AM on Thursday, January 9th.
RECESS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025
9:15 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chaiman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:16 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
High school students Austin Gaub, Teagan Croy, and Jackson Moser joined the meeting. These gentlemen joined the meeting to watch the Commission work. Discussed learning local government; students expressed appreciation for Mr. Bo Lingle, their government teacher.
Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Curt Wyss, Olness & Associates Auditor joined the meeting. Curt explained that the county has spent all its ARPA money, but there is LATCF money remaining; Brenda stated it will be passed to North Baker Water Sewer District. (Correction: LATCF money has been spent, was granted additional ARPA funds for the Norther Baker Water Sewer District.) Curt explained Local and Tribal Consistency Fund to the high school students. Discussed the second Buerkle Scoria Pit bid and the RIMS bid for the Sheriff’s Office; these two projects did not go out for bid when they should have as they were over the threshold. Curt suggested setting up an additional bank account for the ambulance for tracking purposes and will need to book accounts receivable for the landfill. Updated on tax receivable with an interface issue; should be synced up every month instead of yearly. Discussed changing the ambulance enterprise fund as a special revenue fund as it is not self-sustaining. Reported on tax revenue being low due to mill levies being lower than the prior year.
9:40 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:43 AM CLOSED PERSONNEL/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost motioned to go into closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:14 AM Commissioner Rost motioned to come out of closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:15 AM Commissioner Rost motion to issue a written warning. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
Commissioner Braun thanked Brenda for everything.
10:16 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:19 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing; CFO
Marjorie reported on Fallon Medical Complex financials. Marjorie explained Medicare and Medicaid regulations. David reported on legislative changes to Medicaid expansion money. Updated on board meeting and new officers. David updated on replacing glycol pumps for $17,000 a pump and will replace one at a time. Updated on boiler maintenance. Discussed Fallon Medical Complex fire alarms being tied into Dispatch; alarm error fixed at Fallon Medical but link to Dispatch possibly not reestablished (Commissioner Braun texted Josh Lewis, System Administrator and confirmed that the alarm system is reading on Dispatch’s side). Discussed panic button systems and building projects; business office remodel, door replacements, adding lift at clinic entrance, replacing flooring, nursing home chiller. Reported on Fallon Medical passing on asking for a mill levy. Decided to ask for quotes but wait until budget time for replacing the gas lines.
11:12 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
12:00 PM ATTEND CHAMBER MEETING – THEE GARAGE & STEAKHOUSE
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
