Commission Minutes – July 28 – August 1, 2025
MONDAY, JULY 28, 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 CLICK SEND TEST TO EMPLOYEES
All of the Commissioners tested the click send.
9:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:30 AM DES & 911 UPATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator
Updated on siren testing. Baker Rural Fire does not test their fire sirens on a regular basis; discussed repurposing the fire sirens for signaling evacuation. Will test all sirens at noon on the last Wednesday of every month for Baker; will continue to test Plevna sirens during the Plevna Fire meeting every month. Reported on tower sites’ maintenance. Updated on rural addressing. Requested to set up a booth at the fair to promote CodeRed to the community; permission granted. Updated on grant funding, revising Emergency Operation Plan and trainings.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON VIVTECH QUOTE TO REPLACE FAILED ANTENNA ON NEEDMORE TOWER
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the TAB Electronics quote for the amount of $5,080.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:57 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM Bryan Batchlor, Road Superintendent attended the meeting.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Mark Sieler, Road Foreman; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Mark presented a quote for culverts to keep on hand. Mitch updated on building maintenance; new bulbs were installed at the cold storage in Plevna. Discussed the approach for Zumbrum; discussed moving it across the road from the High School tennis courts; build the approach without a culvert. Discussed replacing the signs. Commissioner Braun reported on Johny Creek Trail having soft spots; discussed blading the west side of the hill. Discussed gravel pits; Wyrick’s Construction is currently crushing and Nolls is testing material. Commissioner Rost reported on members of the public requesting road maintenance. Griffith Excavating scoria pile is ready but needs measured before hauling. Carl updated on vehicle maintenance.
10:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Rich reported on sample tests from lagoon cell three and the outflow; the lagoon had less total coliforms meaning the line will need to be treated. Discussed treating the line annually; would leave chlorine in the pipe during the winter. Will continue to run tests at the lagoon and pond. Discussed cutting the hill at Ismay Road South; will discuss further with the landowner for a temporary construction easement. Discussed an easement for Wiley Butte Road and Hanratty. The Commission requested the scoria pile be measured.
10:51 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET REVIEW WORK SESSION
Reviewed Trap, Predator Control, Clerk of Court, Fair, Golf, Commission, 911, Dispatch, Cemetery, Museum, Sheriff, Elections, Superintendent of Schools, Clerk & Recorder, Ambulance, SMART, Chamber Recreation, GIS, Property Casualty Self-Insurance, Road, Capital Improvements, and Hospital budgets.
11:39 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.
1:40 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review Roddy M. Rost road easement
Recently received the easement; will need more time to review and edit.
2. Review MacKay cattle crossing easement
No discussion at this time.
3. Review draft petition to create a road
Reviewed draft petition; Darcy added more items to County check list. Discussed procedure of the petition.
1:48 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM Rich Batterman, City Attorney joined the meeting.
2:00 PM DISCUSS ADA REQUIREMENTS FOR AROUND THE LAKE/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor; Justin LaCroix, Chief of Police
Discussed jurisdictions of the sidewalks around Iron Horse Park and the lake. Discussed violations and ordinance that are on the sidewalks; main question is if it is justified to operate a street legal cart on the sidewalk. Discussed moving barriers so tailgates don’t block the sidewalk. Discussed concern for the general public safety; can’t be enforced unless there is a safety issue at that moment. Discussed putting up signs and enforcing keeping sidewalks cleared. Mayor Zachmann reported on sidewalks that are enforced and/or maintained by the City. Both the County and the City will post a PSA for items on the sidewalk; Darcy will draft a letter on the Commissioners behalf.
2:26 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder and Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
2:30 PM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Veal, EMS Program Manager
Reported on ambulance calls. Updated on finishing EMT classes and individuals being ready to take tests.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON EMT HOLIDAY PAY
Reported on asking other counties for information along with volunteer EMT opinion on an hourly rate. Julie stated that if the volunteers receive holiday pay then intermittent positions should also receive this same benefit; COA bus drivers, airport assistant, museum aide. The volunteer EMTs don’t show any interest in working or being on call on a holiday. Discussed changing amount for runs on a holiday; could have time and a half instead of the $2.50. One Commissioner will attend the next monthly meeting.
2. PERMISSION TO ATTEND EMS MANAGER WORKSHOP
Permission granted to attend all four days of the EMS and trauma workshop.
2:53 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
3:00 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MOVING 911 COORDINATOR TO DISPATCH/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator; Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed 911 Coordinator responsibilities with tower maintenance; 911 rural addressing would stay with the DES Coordinator position. Will notify Carter County and Wibaux County Commissioners of the plan to move 911 Coordinator into Dispatch. Gave Brenda permission to use the DES truck when available to check towers.
DISCUSSION/DECISION ON COMBINING DES AND PLANNER INTO ONE POSITION
Discussed similarities between community planning and emergency planning. Desiree expressed concern on the workload for both responsibilities. Desiree would document time specifically for DES, GIS and Planning. The contract with Peaks Planning has been renewed for another year and would be available for the adjustment. Discussed Planning Board roles and responsibilities. Will research compensation amounts for 911 and Planning; will follow through with hiring process before making a decision on the 911 and Planning roles.
DISCUSSION/DECISION ON CHANGING DISPATCH EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR TO NON-EXEMPT
Discussed changing the Supervisor role to non-exempt; Monday through Friday and making it possible to see the nighttime dispatchers. Monday, Wednesday, Friday would be 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Effective date will be August 4th.
Commissioner Rost motioned to change the Emergency Communications Supervisor position to non-exempt. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; effective date is August 4th and must notify the Commission whenever there is overtime. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:32 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:45 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPOINTING A DES DEPUTY AND COMPENSATION/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator; Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed compensation; would just maintain current rate of pay. Would be paid in an event of an emergency and for trainings.
Commissioner Varner motioned to appoint Mindi Murnion as a Deputy DES Coordinator, maintain her current compensation rate. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Mindi Murnion completed the oath of office.
3:49 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve July 21-25, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the July 21-25 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
Will attend the City Council meeting to discuss latest research on the sewer line.
b. Discussion/Decision on quote for Needmore Tower
Was approved early today.
c. Discussion/Decision quotes for grounding Dispatch drop ceiling
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Direct Electric quote for the amount of $5,082.73. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision quote to replace Road Department lights
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Direct Electric quote for the amount of $9,759.82. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on Application for Burial Assistance
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the application. No second was made, motion failed.
f. Discussion/Decision on Superintendent of School’s agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Review/Decision on MDT Highway COS
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Certificate of Survey. 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. 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 MacKay cattle crossing easement
No discussion at this time.
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
4:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 3:15 PM on Wednesday, July 30th.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025
3:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
3:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment
3:30 PM INTRODUCTIONS WITH DAVID TURCH & ASSOCIATES
Reported on the upcoming Air Force Draft EIS Public Review. David introduced himself and explained the reason he was originally hired; past issues with the Air Force and EPA issues with the lake. Reported on current projects that would be willing to be involved in; AT&T cell tower issue, Post Office, Highway 7 federal funding. Discussed budgeting for maintaining services.
4:05 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
5:00 PM ATTEND AIR FORCE DRAFT EIS PUBLIC REVIEW – EXHIBIT HALL
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
