Commission Minutes – June 2-6, 2025
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 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 OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE AND PARKVIEW UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
Robbie updated on waterfall and splash park maintenance; new diffuser is installed by the dock. Reported on mowing the Shooting Range before a match and the Bump N Run. Updated on spraying the softball field on an upcoming Friday. Derrick updated on elevator button quote. Reported on sprinkler leak located underneath the new steps at the front of the courthouse; discussed quote to fix sprinkler leak. Discussed recent laundry issue with the Parkview residents.
9:23 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:30 AM PERMISSION TO GIVE EMTS FALLON COUNTY POLICY BOOK & REQUESTING STIPEND FOR EMTS WHO TEACH CLASSES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed teaching classes for new EMTs; two veteran EMTs are certified to teach and are assisting with teaching the new EMTs. Requested an additional stipend for assisting with teaching EMT classes. Julie recommends hourly wages instead of a stipend. Discussed prepping for classes and the hourly wage that should be set for teaching.
Commissioner Rost motioned to include $25.00/hour to an EMTs wage if they are assisting with teaching. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed if there is an emergency during a class. Brittany reported on ride-along waivers and rate changes for the instructors. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays.
Requested to give EMTs the Fallon County Policy book for accountability. Julie explained the paid volunteers have workman’s compensation and liability claims like a normal employee. Permission granted.
9:46 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD & PROJECT UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics; Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering, Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Bobby reported on replacing a few culverts and found chips for chip and sealing. Carl and Mitch updated on county vehicle and equipment maintenance. Discussed a zero-turn mower for the cemeteries. Burnt Station sign is missing and was reordered. Retrieved a load of sand for the golf course. Discussed Stanhope Addition road maintenance; enough chips to include Stanhope. Discussed a member of the public requesting scoria on Yanz Access; discussed minimum maintenance roads. Updated on road maintenance; discussed opening a gravel pit under an open procurement.
10:15 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:18 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Updated on equipment maintenance. Discussed having a TORO representative come to service the sprinklers. Updated on training for John. Rich suggested including big rocks for landscaping at the golf course. Discussed needing a different mower for the greens instead of the rough mower that is currently being used; other mowers to include in the FY26 budget.
10:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:34 AM ATTEND BREE STRAUB’S BAKER LAKE RESEARCH PRESENTATION
11:02 AM GRAVEL BID OPENING
Wyrick Construction – Sikorski Pit – 50,000 yards – Unit price $13.00 – Extended Price $650,000.00 – Bid Bond
Griffith Excavating, Inc. – Bechtold Pit – 50,000 yards – Unit price $14.00 – Extended Price $700,000.00 – Cashier Check
11:07 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM FY26 COLA AS IT APPLIES TO SALARY SCHEDULE/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie explained how there was an error in calculating the COLA with the current salary schedule. Discussed how to adjust the COLA with the steps and what was decided last year for the salary schedule; discussed removing the percentage calculation from the salary schedule.
11:47 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 COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review Dec. Action
Updated on changing the heading of the affidavits to clarify Thielen Access. Discussed changes that need to be made to Exhibit 6.
2. Discuss Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and City of Baker for City Court Staff
There was no discussion at this time.
3. Discuss requested waterline easement
Will advise MacKays to go to the County Attorney for clarification on the type of easement needed.
4. Review/Revise Petition to create a road
Darcy will make the final corrections for the Commission to decide next week. Discussed whether an easement has to go through the petition process in order to declare it as a non-county road; ask the Attorney General’s opinion on process of abandoning road in 2011 to determine if it was or was not done right.
5. Review Water Purchase Agreement with the City of Baker
Reviewed Water Purchase Agreement; will updated dates on the next contract.
6. Discuss Mid-Rivers easement for tower on Brackett Butte Road
Discussed Mid-Rivers giving the County an easement for Brackett Butte Road for prescriptive use. Discussed allowing other entities to utilize the entities; will advise other entities to request an easement from Verizon themselves.
7. Discuss updating the County Procurement Policy
Discussed audits discovering that the County never verified if a contractor was debarred or suspended.
8. Old business as needed
Discussed agreement with Prairie Hills Recovery and MOU with bus lines
2:18 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Public Health Director; Julie Straub, HRM
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER COVERAGE
Discussed whether to have an independent contractor or hire for a temporary Community Health Worker. Kim suggested hiring someone from the Council of Mental Health if they have knowledge in behavioral health; would only have to complete forty hours of training through Catalyst for Change. Commissioner Rost has a suggestion for a contractor or as temporary recruitment. Kim would like to recruit as soon as possible while the current Community Health Worker is still around for guidance. Discussed proposal process for hiring a contractor.
Commissioner Varner motioned to go out for recruitment for a Community Health Worker while the current one is temporarily on maternity leave. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; discussed going out for recruitment first and then hiring a contractor if no one applies due to time being of the essence. Discussed advertisement for recruitment.
3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:42 PM Julie Straub left the meeting.
2. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON PLAN-A MOU WITH BRIDGERCARE
Discussed Plan-A MOU with Bridgercare; will have to present a video and survey to girls the age 16-24. Money received could be used for purchasing birth control.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the MOU with Bridgercare. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Updated on Water Safety that is on Thursday, June 5 at 11:00 AM.
2:49 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM WEED UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Updated on this year’s crew; experienced crew members are assisting with training newly hired crew members. Updated on equipment maintenance. Updated on Noxious Weed Awareness Week; June 1 – June 7. Discussed spraying around the Senior Center building. Updated on spraying for the City and local businesses; the lagoon has noxious weeds spreading.
3:07 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:15 PM INSIDE BUILDING MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MTI QUOTE FOR A NEW AC UNITS
Discussed the library AC Unit compressor failing.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the MTI quote for the amount of $14,915.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON REPLACING RO SYSTEM AND JURY TOILETS
Presented a quote to replace the jury room toilets. Permission granted. Discussed replacing the RO system in the Dispatch office; recommended to find filters for the RO system instead of replacing the whole unit.
3:28 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Updated on equipment maintenance and “no littering” signs for Coral Creek Road. Discussed hauling the trees from the container site to the landfill. Discussed where crushed concrete could be utilized; could purchase a concrete crusher attachment for the track-hoe. Discussed prices for the landfill; will present a suggestion during budgets. Discussed disposing of windmill blades and shredding tires.
3:58 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve May 19-23, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve May 19-23, 2025 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Approve May 2025 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve May 2025 Payroll & Withholdings for the amount of $658,155.87. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on cost of living for elected and nonelected officials
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Salary Commissions’ recommendation of 2.78% Cost of Living Adjustment for elected officials. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 1 Nay. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
Commissioner Rost motioned to give $0.94 to all nonelected officials. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; this excludes the Sheriff Office. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Coral Creek speed limit
Commissioner Rost reported that during the three public hearings, there had been no members of the public for or against a speed limit on the gravel part of Coral Creek road. Decided not to set a speed limit.
c. Approve FY26 Salary Resolution #1156
There was no discussion at this time.
d. Discussion/Decision on Baker Metal COS Boundary Line Adjustment
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Baker Metal COS Boundary Line Adjustment. 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 Morrison-Maierle Amendment No. 1 to Standard Agreement
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.
f. Discussion/Decision on Fireside Maintenance Service Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the service agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Discussion/Decision on Star Service & Con’eer Engineering proposals to replace the gas lines at Fallon Medical Complex
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the proposals for the combined amount of $77,318.00. 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 MacKay Construction quote for fence removal
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the quote for the amount of $1,900.80. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; for the fence along Calumet Road. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Discussion/Decision on Cerberus Security quote for fobs system at the Shooting Range
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the quote for the amount of $9,037.98. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
j. Discussion/Decision on Mike’s Plumbing quote for Courthouse sprinkler system
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the quote for the amount of $2,475.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Old Business as needed
a. Review Parkview Rental Application
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the application for John Didier. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Review Fair Contracts
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Fair Contracts for the night show and carnivals. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Review MOU with Plevna School District
Commissioner Rost motioned to sign the MOU with Plevna School District. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Approve May 2025 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve May 2025 End of Month Claims for the amount of $176,109.26. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
5:05 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
5:00 PM DISCUSS UPDATING LEASE AGREEMENT WITH TRI-AREA RACING ASSOCIATION/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Tri-Area Racing Association Members
Clint Dietz, Jason Moser, Kasey Dolf, Justin Reese attended the meeting. Discussed liability issues with the motorcross track and who was the person of contact when requesting access to the track. Discussed posting rules/signs to for using the motorcross and Bump N Run tracks. Discussed mowing/maintenance for the tracks; discussed the old bleachers next to the motorcross hill. Discussed moving the announcers booth/flag stand; will be moved out of range of the shotguns sometime after the Bump N Run.
5:45 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, recess until Tuesday, June 3rd at 9:00 AM.
RECESS
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 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 EXTENSION UPDATES/ David Kirschten, Extension Agent
Dave updated on transitioning responsibilities back to the assistant position. Reported on upcoming 4-H events. Updated on Homemakers meetings. Updated on plans for the 4-H barn; tabled until the fall. Discussed relocating the Extension office so it is more accessible to the public.
9:26 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:32 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Updated on public meetings/sessions that were held at the Museum. Reported on school programming attendance and upcoming events. North West Magazine stopped by to write an article about Steer Montana and the museum.
9:42 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM DISCUSSION ON DEVIATIONS FOR THE GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION/ Rachel Clark, MTDEQ Engineering Bureau Chief; Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent
Discussed changes needed for the deviations to be approved; install fence around buffer zones that impede on the airport, clarify better for the wind sensor at 30 mph. Will need to sample at the main holding pond.
10:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:57 AM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator
The County is now FEMA compliant. Updated on siren testing and repairs. Plevna School was not able to hear the sirens in their building; will look into connecting the alarm system to Dispatch. Will be updating the Emergency Operations Plan. Reported on emergency drills for the new daycare. Updated on Lower Dam Inspection; will updated iPause and Code Red. Reported on current trainings; received a grant for EMS training supplies. Discussed LEPC meetings and community education; include Parkview Retirement Complex drills.
11:13 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:25 AM TV BOARD UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator; Josh Lewis, System Administrator; Wayne Mangold and Randy Morris, Board Members
Wayne presented a budget for the TV Board; includes additional building in Miles City. Discussed the cost for the additional channel. Discussed setting up the line items for the TV board. Discussed new legislative law that would be conflict of interest for Wayne if he is a contractor for the TV board. Discussed insurance for the building in Miles City; will need a lease agreement for the building.
11:51 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:45 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Reported on lending the City of Baker a few unused laptops. Updated on file storage transfer; plan to begin transfer on Friday, then monitor over the weekend. Reported on equipment upgrades for departments.
1. REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR 365 LICENSING
Presented a proposal for 365 Licensing that is currently expired; discussed if there is enough money in this year’s budget for the licensing.
12:03 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
12:03 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED (IF NEEDED)
Commissioner Rost motioned to have the correct amount of $175,869.15 for May 2025 End of Month Claims. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
12:03 PM Being as there is no further business, recess until 1:15 PM on Thursday, June 5th.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025
7:00 AM ATTEND ANNUAL TRAINING – EXHIBIT HALL
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025
8:00 AM ATTEND OPERATOR INTERVIEWS
11:00 AM ATTEND WATER SAFETY – BAKER LAKE
12:00 PM ATTEND BAKER CHAMBER MEETING – FMC DINING ROOM
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Vice Chairman; Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
1:30PM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES & FY26 BUDGET MEETING / David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Marjorie updated on new payroll and account payable systems. Reviewed April financials. Reviewed Fallon Medical Complex’s fiscal year 2026 budget that was approved by the FMC board. Discussed cost of living rate adjustments.
2:28 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
2:30 PM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
The Grid Unit grant was denied for the electric sign; discussed including all county requests when applying for the Grid Unit grant. Will incorporate electric sign into fiscal year 2026 budget. Discussed cement for the Exhibit Hall parking lot entrance. Presented quotes for stage maintenance and vendor electricity; permission to move forward as long as there is money in the budget.
2:48 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:00 PM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
Three Dispatchers are signed up for training; other trainings will be presented at the 911 Board meeting. Updated on RIMS training; progress after one-on-one training from Brenda Flint. Second check will stay in place. Updated on Prairie County emergency calls; not receiving as many calls as in the past.
3:08 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:15 PM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Reported on east side of parking lot being a tripping hazard
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON AC UNIT QUOTES
Reported on air conditioner no longer working. Presented two quotes for repairs. Will reach out for time-lines on repairs.
3:20 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:26 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor; Shane Bettenhausen, Match Manager; Carl Overland, Shooting Range Board Member
Discussed budgeting for laying scoria on the road and in the parking lots and possibly in the shooting bays. Discussed bleachers that will be removed by the Racing Association and moving the crow’s nest. Updated on motorcross track. Discussed better coordination for the shotgun shooters and the motorcross track. Reported on quote for cleaning the range.
3:38 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
