Commission Minutes – June 9-13, 2025
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 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.
9:30 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT A PLANNER/GIS/ Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed moving planning responsibilities out of the Clerk & Recorder Office. Discussed advertising for a certified planner or an administrative planner; recommended to advertise for a certified planner for three months before advertising for another clerk. Discussed giving DES the GIS mapping side if interested. Brenda reported that Dawson County would be interested in sharing a certified planner through an interlocal agreement; discussed schedule for a planner who would travel. Discussed job descriptions. Permission granted to recruit.
9:39 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:02 AM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
10:02 AM ROAD UPDATES & FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Carl was unable to attend the meeting. Reported on maintenance for John Deere Lane, other roads, and car gates. Mitch updated on mower maintenance. Commissioner Rost reported on David Mckay requesting the hill on his approach to be looked at. Discussed maintenance for Yanz access.
1. DECISION ON GRAVEL BIDS
Commissioner Varner motioned to accept Wyrick Constructions gravel bid for $13.00/yard. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed adjustments to Road Department, Bridge and Capital Improvements budgets.
10:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:19 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Commissioner Braun updated on calls with Midland Implement and Toro for the sprinkler system. John updated on repairing leaks on hole eight; also finishing the replacement of older sprinkler heads. Discussed mowers for the golf course; will submit a quote for a fairway mower. Reported on the amount of water used for watering the golf course; soil samples are not in yet
10:33 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM CATALYST FOR CHANGE UPDATES – ZOOM MEETING/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health; Kimberlee Rost, Community Health Worker; Amber Martinsen-Blake, Catalyst for Change Executive Director
This meeting has been rescheduled.
11:28 AM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Dale joined the meeting.
11:28 AM AIRPORT FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager
Discussed adjustments to the Airport budget; federal grants increased due to runway maintenance. Discussed where to budget hanger sweeper. Discussed holding an air show; will not budget for fiscal year 2026. Discussed contract with David Turch & Associates.
12:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
12:04 PM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
12:04 PM SHOOTING RANGE FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Discussed adjustments to the Shooting Range budget. Discussed upcoming lead maintenance and parking lot scoria.
12:21 PM 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.
1:26 PM Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
1:26 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review Dec. Action
Received signed affidavits. Will do one final check before filing.
2. Review/Revise Petition to create a road
Cindy will review petition before Commission work session.
3. Review updated water purchase agreement
Reviewed changes to the water purchase agreement; will send to City Attorney for review.
4. Old business as needed
Updated on procurement policy. Donald MacKay requested a waterline easement. Discussed Petitioned Road #97; a built up road that was graveled without an easement. Discussed procedure to continue maintaining a road that is missing easements for a mile of it; will request easements from the landowners. Discussed cost-share with the City for the Court Clerk Interlocal Agreement. Submitted road easement will be handed to Darcy for review.
1:44 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
2:30 PM PLEVNA RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENT FY26 BUDGET MEETING
Kalyn Bohle, Larry Steffes, Dana Buerkle, Bobby Wiedmer joined the meeting. Discussed changes to the Plevna Fire Control budget. Discussed increase in supplies for bunker gear and wildland fire clothing; will be updating expired sets. Capital Projects received an increase for two trucks; replaced trucks will be put up for auction.
2:42 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM INSURANCE RENEWAL/ Jade Boggs, Insurance Store; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Reviewed new policies available through Travelers Insurance; aviation liability, cyber liability; landfill pollution liability. Reviewed updates to current policies that the County utilizes. Discussed if it is necessary to have landfill pollution liability insurance; will discuss further with Manager of Landfill Operations. Discussed positive results from Safety Committee and trainings on workman’s compensation. Discussed qualifications for cyber insurance; the County has prequalified.
3:35 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:35 PM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
3:35 PM LANDFILL FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Discussed changes to the Solid Waste budget. Discussed increase to cover tire shredding and chipping trees. Discussed increasing rates to match surrounding landfills; recommended bumping up the price every two years so it is not all at once.
3:46 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:47 PM Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
3:47 PM DISCUSSION ON PETITIONED ROAD #97/ Kim Hufford; Nicole Weiss; and Steve Schweigert, Landowners
Discussed Petitioned Road #97 also known as Neiter Road. Road used to be bladed once a year by the County but is no longer maintained. Member of the public bladed the road themselves; requesting the County to maintain the road once a year again. Discussed easements required for the road in order to begin maintenance. First mile of the road and rest of driveway requires easements. Will need to have an engineer draw up the legals in the easements for the County Attorney to review. Discussed installing a cattle guard. Nicole requested more gravel on Duck Creek Road.
3:58 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:07 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 2-6, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve June 2-6, 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. Executive Decisions
a. Appoint Board Members
Commissioner Rost motioned to reappoint Dale Hinton to the Airport 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 reappoint Debra Klos, Gary Lang, Thomas Kendall and Bonnie Newberry to the Council on Aging. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost motioned to accept Mark Sieler’s resignation from the Lake Advisory Board and to appoint Karen Beyers. 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 accept Ken Griffith’s resignation from the Museum Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed Shooting Board appointments; received five letters of interest but only have three positions open. Will discuss further next week.
Commissioner Varner motioned to reappoint Lance Kono and to appoint Jesse Scott to the Noxious Weed Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Roddy M. Rost road easement.
Road easement will be added to County Attorney work session for final review.
c. Discussion/Decision on Dick’s Heating and Cooling AC Unit quote
Reviewed Dick’s Heating & Cooling quote and Straub Heating & Cooling quote.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve Dick’s Heating & Cooling quote for the amount of $8,140.00. 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 Public Health Emergency Preparedness Task Order with DPHHS
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the task order. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on MOU to provide vaccines for underinsured children
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve MOU between Fallon Medical Complex, Fallon County Public Health and DPHHS. Commission er 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. Decision to renew Healthy is Wellness Order Form
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the order form. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Review Petition to create a road
There was no discussion at this time.
4. Approve June 2025 Mid-Month Claims
Motion will be made Thursday, June 12th.
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
4:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
RECESS
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
9:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Jade Boggs and Debbie Wyrick joined the meeting. Requested to apply for the Blue Group for workman’s compensation. Jade discussed Travelers rates that he incorrectly applied to Fallon Medical Complex last year; a credit will be applied to Fallon Medical Complex and the County’s side will increase to balance out the charges.
10:05 AM DISCUSS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CAPITAL ENHANCEMENTS PROGRAM (C-PACE PROGRAM)/ Carolyn Jones, Montana Department of Commerce; Carter County Commissioners; EPEDC Representatives
Rod Tauck, Carter County Commissioner and Jaime Shanks; EPEDC Community Development Specialist joined the meeting. Carolyn presented the C-PACE Program; a financing structure that allows building owners to borrow private sector funds to pay for renewable energy systems and improvements. The Commission had several questions that will be answered at a later date through email.
10:56 AM Being as there is no further business, recess until 1:15 PM on Thursday, June 5th.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025
10:00 AM ATTEND 911 BOARD MEETING – LIBRARY EOC
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
9:00 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:15 AM APPROVE JUNE 2025 MID-MONTH CLAIMS
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve June 2025 Mid-Month Claims in the amount of $398,851.96. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:07 AM SANITARIAN FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Discussed changes to the Sanitarian budget. Discussed increasing hours, holding off on replacing laptop, equipment needed for testing the lake would come out of the Lake Budget. Discussed the increased amount of wastewater systems being installed. Discussed slight increase in the Motor Vehicle Disposal Budget.
10:13 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM EMS FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Brittany Veal, EMS Program Manager
Discussed changes to the EMS Budget. Discussed increasing the training budget and showing the grant that would cover it. Requesting a laptop and a new printer. Discussed increasing the med supplies, public relations/advertisements; decreased maintenance and fuel costs, professional services. Discussed utilizing the donations fund; will be used for public relations and training. Discussed new line item for obtaining grant money to build a new ambulance garage. Requested an EMS Management Response vehicle in the 5-year outlook; discussed if reimbursing for mileage would be a better option and would be trackable.
10:48 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:48 AM HR & SAFETY FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed changes to the HR & Safety Budgets. Discussed increase in office and operation supplies; reported positively on years of services awards. Discussed increase in training budget; training held later in the year than usual and will come out of fiscal year 2026 Budget and not fiscal year 2025 as originally planned. Discussed which budget to take a new printer out of; will take out of HR Budget. Reported on wanting to purchase a new AED trainer. Discussed safety boot, safety eye wear, yak tracks and vaccination reimbursements. Discussed increase in public relations for safety promotions. Discussed becoming CPR certified for safety meetings.
11:02 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:02 AM Wendy Wagner and Derrick deHaan, Fair Board Members joined the meeting.
11:02 AM FAIRGROUNDS FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Discussed changes to the Fairgrounds Budget. Discussed increase in operation supplies; replacing the metal foldable chair, picnic tables, office desks. Discussed repair and maintenance; replacing lighting to LED. Discussed decreasing fair only supplies. Discussed increasing fair only purchased services; one account has been broken up into three for easier tracking.
11:38 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:44 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor
Discussed changes to the Outside Maintenance and Parks Budgets. Discussed the increase in travel for conventions. Discussed capital outlay for a new mower. Discussed decreasing operating supplies for the Parks Budget; decreased purchased services.
11:58 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:58 AM LIBRARY FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services
Discussed changes to the Library Budget. Discussed the Library Boards recommendation of requesting the same COLA as all other employees. Discussed donations budget.
12:05 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM Wanda Pinnow joined the meeting.
1:30 PM WEED FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Discussed changes to the Weed Budget. Discussed decreasing the amount for weed chemicals, purchased services and travel. Discussed rotating out equipment; plan to replace one of the gators. Discussed including upcoming grants for noxious weeds.
1:42 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM MUSEUM FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Discussed changes to the Museum Budget. Discussed upcoming projects for the museum buildings; installing heat, replacing shingles and repairing paint/plaster. Discussed including a grant for VR Dinosaurs.
2:33 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:33 PM INSIDE MAINTENANCE FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
Discussed changes to the Inside Maintenance Budget. Discussed increasing purchased services. Discussed upcoming projects and replacements for the Courthouse.
2:51 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM IT FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Discussed changes to the IT Budget. Discussed decreasing office supplies. Discussed increasing projects budget for a new SonicWall and replacing switches
3:16 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:21 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY FY26 BUDGET MEETING/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
Discussed changes to the Attorney Budget. Discussed increase in professional services and other purchased services.
3:28 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
