Commission Minutes – July 7-11, 2025
MONDAY, JULY 7, 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 WEED UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Reported positively on current Weed crew. Updated on completed areas of spraying and current areas; lagoon has thistle, poison hemlock and absinthe wormwood. Updated on radio interview for Montana Weed Association. Discussed giving the road spraying back to the road crew; new Road Superintendent possibly could test for their own license. Reported on a new local spraying business; will discuss with Weed Board on pricing to ensure the County is not competing with other local businesses.
9:28 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
Jaime Shanks and Teresea Olson, Community Development Specialists joined the meeting.
9:30 AM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director
Reported on EPEDC goals for the community; ag tours, grants, and North Baker Water & Sewer District letter. Discussed C-PACE program through the State. Updated on moving out of the Baker EPEDC office; moving out of the space but not out of the community, just removing the expense of rent. Tereasa updated on creating a vacant building list for Baker.
9:46 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:47 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON PLEVNA SENIOR CENTER COPIER
Reported on a copier at Plevna Senior Center; could be replaced with an extra county printer that is in storage. Discussed having Josh look at the printer before replacing the printer.
Reported on lawn maintenance around the Baker Senior Center parking lot. Suggested reaching out to the hotel about who takes care of the weeds by the alley.
9:53 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:36 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Rich reported on golf course wastewater tests; will raise the chlorine to 50 lbs to eliminate remaining total coliforms. Discussed adding an air relief valve; will need to locate buried air check. Discussed leaving max level of chlorine to sit in the pipe overnight.
1. DISCUSS FALLON/BAKER FLOOD STUDY
Discussed DNRC requesting updates on any upcoming projects; new box culvert on 6th street. Reported on completed culvert improvements and other drainage repairs. Will search for the filed letter that was sent to DNRC in 2022. Ismay Road surveys are completed; discussed gravel bid that was awarded to Wyrick Construction.
11:05 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:06 AM PREDATOR CONTROL UPDATES/ Doug Ekberg, USDA Eastern District Supervisor; Allen Brown, Assistant District Supervisor/Trapper
Reported on the process of replacing retired trapper for Fallon County; possibly fill trapper position around the end of September. All pilot positions are currently filled. Reviewed annual report for removing coyotes/foxes; discussed budgeting for predator control.
11:22 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:24 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE TEMPORARY COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Alissa Miller for the temporary Community Health Worker position. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:26 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:26 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, I.T. Director
Updated on current issues at the golf course, Dispatch and Sheriff’s Office. Ran coordinated panic button testing with DES and Dispatch. Fairgrounds fire suppression system has been activated and will be sending alerts to Dispatch; fairground printer had issues during ticket sales. Setting up an appointment reminder system for Public Health. Reported on power bump that caused many phones to lose service; will be focusing on removing Mid-Rivers hardware to assist with the service issues. The new logo has been uploaded to the county website; discussed color scheme. The Commission updated on Carla’s request for a printer at the Plevna Senior Center; discussed repairing the current printer before replacing it. Commission reported on Clint Townsend working on the Toro/Midland Implement system for the golf course.
11:39 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:45 AM CEMETERY UPDATES/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Reported on vehicle maintenance. Discussed road issue at the Bonnievale Cemetery; Chanse will talk to the Bonnievale Board about moving a road that is currently on a burial plot. Reported on repairs needed at the catholic cemetery; will notify the Catholic Church. Discussed having a website to update the plot maps for the cemetery; the Commission stated that would be a board decision and does not fall under cemetery maintenance. Discussed creating a policy manual to define maintenance for the cemeteries. Chanse will borrow a pickup for completing tasks while his truck is under repair.
11:53 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Kristen Moody called in to request a memorial bench dedicated to her grandparents.
1:21 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
1:30 PM Trent Harbaugh, Sheriff; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HR joined the meeting.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review Roddy M. Rost road easement
No discussion at this time.
2. Review MacKay waterline easement
No discussion at this time.
3. Discuss ADA Requirement for the sidewalk around the lake
Discussed letter from a member of the public requesting sidewalk accessibility around the lake; the sidewalk sits on City property. Discussed state code that the Sheriff’s Office can enforce. Debbie suggested putting up signs stating to keep the sidewalks clear of any obstacles; discussed who would cover the costs for the signs.
4. Discuss updating Alcohol Designation plan
Reviewed current plan; will request updated plans for the designation plan.
1:45 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
2:00 PM Chairman Braun joined the meeting.
2:35 PM CATALYST FOR CHANGE UPDATES – ZOOM MEETING/ Kimberlee Rost, Community Health Worker; Amber Martinsen-Blake, Catalyst for Change Executive Director
Kimberlee updated on number of clients and upcoming trainings. Amber reported positively on Kimberlee’s progress. Discussed bills that legislation is passing and how they will affect the care the clients receive. Discussed current amount of clients being alarming and how the number will progress in the future; another Community Health Worker may have to be hired in the future to service a higher volume of clients. Discussed creating an amendment for the Catalyst for Change program; discussed officially starting it this fiscal year.
3:09 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:15 PM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MOTOROLA QUOTE
Presented proposal letters for companies to bid out console and repeater updates.
2. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPOINTING A DES DEPUTY AND COMPENSATION/ Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie presented job descriptions for previous DES Deputies. Discussed Mindi’s qualifications; goes hand in hand with Emergency Preparedness. Discussed how Mindi would be compensated as a Deputy. Discussion has been tabled.
3:35 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:44 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 30 – July 4, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve June 30 – July 4, 2025 Commission Minutes. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
2. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on Griffith Excavating, Inc quote for scoria
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Griffith Excavating quote for the South end of Fallon County for the amount of $9.25/yard. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
b. Discussion/Decision on Montana Stockgrowers Association MOU
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Stockgrowers MOU with the allocation amount of $20,000.00. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Decision to Montana Wool Growers Association MOU
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Wool Growers MOU with the allocation amount of $936.60. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Roddy M. Rost road easement
No discussion at this time.
b. Discussion/Decision Petition to create a road
No discussion at this time.
4. Approve June 2025 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the June 2025 End of Month Claims in the amount of $520,340.03. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Varner) Motion carried.
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
4:26 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until Tuesday, July 8th at 9:00 AM.
RECESS
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025
9:00 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment
9:15 AM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Asked for permission to utilize county equipment to get logs; permission granted. Presented a quote to replace the outdoor arena lights and a quote for repairs in the grandstands bathroom.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Direct Electric quote for the amount of $31,939.55. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Mike’s Plumbing quote for the amount of $2,950.00. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed flag positions for the entrance; discussed lighting for the vendor area.
9:21 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Reported on attendance at the museum and at Heritage Fest. Updated on several upcoming events. Requested a letter of support for the virtual reality dinosaur’s trail; Commission agreed to signing the letter of support. Discussed grants that would be put towards the virtual reality program. Requested a grant match for Lovett Foundation to hold a concert at the museum; will discuss further for fiscal year 2027 budget.
10:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:04 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Marjorie reported on May financials; reported on changes to accounts receivable with new financial assistance starting up in twelve months. Discussed new payroll system. David reported on several ongoing projects; replacements of glycol pumps, gas lines and HVAC console. Will have a travel physical therapist for thirteen weeks. Presented Community Healthy Plan which is also posted on Fallon Medical’s website. Discussed effects of bills being passed to the hospital and nursing homes.
10:35 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM INTRODUCTIONS WITH CONGRESSMAN DOWNING
The Commission met with Congressman Downing.
11:52 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.
1:30 PM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Veal, EMS Program Manager
Reported on stats and on call hours. Updated on upcoming conference and inspection. EMT classes are almost completed. Discussed installing GPS in the ambulances. Updated on billing services with Gold Cross Services, previously known as SoleStone Reimbursemnt. Discussed having volunteer EMTs to be on call during the holidays; possibly increase pay for holidays and require EMTs to pick holidays to be on call for.
1:45 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:06 PM Shane Bettenhausen joined the meeting
2:06 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager
Discussed MDU quote for removing electrical boxes from outdoor range; could have the breakers removed instead and then the County can remove the electrical boxes. Requested to borrow the fairgrounds skid-steer for a volunteer range clean-up day; plan to have it before fair week and take the metal to Baker Metal.
1. DISCUSSION/DECSION ON MT2 PROPOSAL
Discussed proposal to remove lead from the indoor shooting range.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the MT2 proposal for the amount of $13,260.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:32 PM Clint Townsend, Townsend Computers joined the meeting.
2:32 PM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ John Didier, Golf Course Superintendent
Updated on equipment maintenance; sprayer is at the county shop for repairs. Midland Implement has a spreader and workman available for pickup.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Midland Implement quote for the amount of $20,183.00; for a workman and spreader Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Clint updated on software maintenance for the sprinkler system; could work on the sensors but Midland would like to hold off until Golf Course Superintendent is available.
2:54 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed advertisement for the planner position; plan to advertise internally first before advertising in newspapers. Discussed requirements for education and experience; reviewed wages based off the averages of the state.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Planner job description as written. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:14 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM Dennis Twedt joined the meeting.
3:30 PM AIRPORT UPDATES/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager
Discussed David Turch & Associates monthly lobbyist invoice. Will wait to meet with David to hear about the services he has provided for Fallon County. Discussed equipment repairs and maintenance.
1. Introductions with David Turch & Associates
David was unable to attend the meeting.
3:43 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED (IF NEEDED)
Work session was not needed.
3:43 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025
12:00PM – ATTEND BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING AT FMC DINING ROOM
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
