Commission Minutes – July 21-25
MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & 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.
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:15 AM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON LIBRARY AC UNIT QUOTE
Presented a MTI quote for the amount of $46,500.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the quote for the amount of $46,500.00. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed timeline, motion on hold until Commission work session for timeline of replacing the library AC Unit, will be shipped within 4 weeks. 2 Ayes. 1 Nay. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
9:20 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:20 AM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON DROP CEILING
Presented Vivtech for installing parts for grounding the drop ceiling. Reported on phone lines going down with power outages; will speak with Josh. Discussed RIMS reports; possibly changing Brenda’s hours as a supervisor to fives days a week for a forty-hour week. Discussed options to keep track of mistakes from dispatchers. 911 Coordinator responsibilities will go back to the dispatch office.
9:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM DETERMINE IF EQUIPMENT/MOTORIZED DEVICES ARE ALLOWED IN THE SKATE PARK AND ON PUMP TRACK/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor
Discussed ways to address people who are driving motorized vehicles in the skate park or the splash park. The Commission stated that nothing motorized should be driving in the skate park, splash park or pump track. There are signs posted stating this as well.
Updated on dirt work for the softball field.
9:52 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Mark Sieler, Road Foreman; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Mitch presented a quote for new lights for cold storage. Discussed installing sensors and LEDs; shop is used by several departments. Report of road maintenance; several hills were washed over. Bruski’s approach has more scoria added to it; will talk to landowner to see if he would like something else done. New cattleguards and culverts have been installed; Cabin Creek will need a new culvert. Carl reported on county vehicle and equipment maintenance. Discussed moving van out of the shop; possibly send to the fairgrounds or to a different county. Reported on Plevna South being remilled.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON ISMAY ROAD REGRADING PRELIMINARY
Will show the preliminary to the landowner; will ask if 3:1 will work for the approach.
10:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Updated on Tobacco funds for this fiscal year. Kid Karnival and school physicals. Discussed readvertising for the temporary Community Mental Health Worker, then will switch to contractor if no one applies. Updated on changes to training for the Community Health Worker.
10:34 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:56 AM DISCUSSION ON BAKER LAKE FISHERY/ Mike Backes, MFWP Region 7 Fisheries Manager; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Mike updated on lack of yellow perch at the hatchery; discussed taking yellow perch from Baker Lake. Reported on process of transferring fish; could be late fall or next spring.
10:58 AM Steve Zachmann, Mayor of City of Baker joined the meeting.
Would transfer Walleye back into the Baker Lake; reported on positive feedback with the fish at Baker Lake. Discussed upcoming public comment for an ice fishing tournament; Jake from the Lake Board applied to assist running it. White crappie did not thrive at Tongue River; will only test Baker Lake as a potential crappie source.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON CONDUCTING WILD FISH TRANSFERS WITHIN FALLON COUNTY
Will take about sixty perch from Baker Lake around the middle of August; will be included for the hatchery testing. Discussed rumors of Northern Pike being in the lake.
11:38 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & 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.
Steve Zachmann, Mayor of Baker joined the meeting.
1:30 PM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
1. DEQ DISCUSSION ON GOLF COURSE WASTEWATER OPERATIONS – ZOOM MEETING/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent
Discussed discharging from the wastewater facility to the golf course; currently in the middle of permitting. Discussed process of discharging from the lagoon and coliform management at the golf course.
1:56 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:32 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE ROAD SUPERINTENDENT/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Bryan Batchelor as the Road Superintendent. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:33 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MT2 LEAD DISPOSAL CONTRACT
Discussed excluding waste removal. Reported on Wardens coming to certify at the range; cleanup day with the wardens is in August. Discussed repairing steel targets and removing railroad ties.
Commissioner Rost motioned to include the additional service for $5,395.00 for the total amount of $18,655.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSS/DECISION ON DIRECT ELECTRIC QUOTE FOR REMOVING BREAKERS
Did not have a quote to present.
2:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Presented a request for an account; permission granted. Discussed account discrepancy with Daktana and G&G. Have not heard back from a contractor on moving the trees; discussed using one hook truck and the backhoe to haul trees.
3:14 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve July 7-11, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve July 7-11, 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 County proposal for City Property
Discussed removing the sewer line by the fairgrounds and the water line to the Bonnievale Cemetery from the City’s proposal. Will hold off on the proposal until the sewer line is surveyed.
b. Discussion/Decision on memorial bench
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the memorial bench for Kristen Moody. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision to go out to bid for 911 Base Station Upgrade
Commissioner Rost motioned to go out to bid for 911 Base Station Upgrade and Repeater Upgrade. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision to go out to bid for 911 Repeater Upgrade
e. Discussion/Decision to accept grant for EMS SkillForge
Commissioner Varner motioned to accept grant for EMS SkillForge for the amount of $10,000.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed County’s match for the grant. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Discussion/Decision on allowing DES/911 Coordinator to assist at Alzada Annual Event
Commission approved to allow Desiree to assist.
g. Discussion/Decision on Local Infrastructure Partnership Act Grant for Town of Plevna
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Local Infrastructure Partnership Act Grant for Town of Plevna. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
h. Discussion/Decision on Application for Burial Assistance
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Application for Burial Assistance for the amount of $3,000.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Discussion/Decision on Peaks Planning and Consulting LLC Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Rost stated that he is only paid as needed. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
j. Discussion/Decision on Grant of Easement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Patricia Malcom’s grant of easement. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
k. Discussion/Decision on Fallon County Employee Medical Benefit Plan Amendment #38
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the amendment. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
l. Discussion/Decision on Toro NSN Renewal for the golf course
Decided to hold off on renewing until they come to service the current issues.
m. Discussion/Decision on Olness & Associates Scheduling and Engagement Letter
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the letters. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
n. Discussion/Decision on Board Appointment request
Motioned tabled to reach out to the applicants for the Museum Board.
o. Discussion/Decision on Parkview Retirement Complex Rental Agreement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the rental agreement for DuWayne Bohle & . Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
p. Discussion/Decision on Fair Contract
Chairman Braun signed the contract.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Roddy M. Rost Easement
No discussion at this time.
b. Discussion/Decision on drafted Petition to create a road
No discussion at this time.
c. Discussion/Decision on Procurement Policy
Discussed the set amount that requires permission before purchasing; decided to keep the $2,000.00 threshold.
Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Resolution #1157. 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 MacKay cattle crossing easement
No discussion at this time.
4. Approve July 2025 Mid-Month Claims
Commissioner motioned to approve the July 2025 Mid-Month Claims for the amount of $916,952.30. 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)
4:10 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025
11:00AM – ATTEND VIEWING OF UPPER LAKE FENCING FOR QUOTES
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
