Commission Minutes – March 2-6, 2026
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Vice Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT SEASONAL CREW HANDS/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Nathan was unable to attend the meeting. Robbie has two coming back and requested two more crew hands. Sara has five coming back and requested one more crew hand. Cemetery is requesting one crew hand. Museum is requesting one aide. Golf course has two coming back and requested two more crew hands. Fair has one coming back, requesting two more crew hands and one lead crew hand. Discussed Outside Maintenance assisting the Cemetery with mowing again this year if needed.
Commissioner Varner motioned to recruit for requested seasonals. Vice Chairman Rost stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
9:48 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:03 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Mitch was unable to attend the meeting. Finished Fletcher Creek Road. Currently working on driveways, Medicine Rocks, Sandstone, Runway Trail, Cougar. Discussed clarifying the auto-gate policy; landowners would like to use a cattle guard for drainage instead of a culvert. Carl reported on equipment maintenance. Discussed John Deere tracking system to assist with plowing to the edge of the road in white out conditions; would include in the next two blade’s bid process. Discussed implementing starlink for the equipment. Vice Chairman Rost reported on driveway’s that need maintenance
10:21 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:25 AM PERMISSION TO HOST HIGH SCHOOL GOLF MEET AT THE GOLF COURSE/ Aaron Skogen, Baker Schools Superintendent; Bill Brist, Baker Schools Athletic Director
Aaron was unable to attend the meeting. Discussed hosting a golf meet on Friday, May 1st. The Commission agreed with the idea but recommended speaking with Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent about the state of the course.
10:27 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Public Health Director
Reported on vaccines and positive tests. Updated on upcoming events and conferences. Reported on Community Health Worker and Staff Nurse schedules. Discussed rescheduling the Health Board meeting. Currently replacing old and hazardous toys in the waiting room.
10:39 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
10:54 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Reported on submitting the State Transportation Grant today. Discussed options for temporarily hiring or asking substitute drivers to cover for an absent Public Transportation Bus Driver; Carla will discuss further with Julie Straub, HRM. Discussed vehicle maintenance for the Traverse.
11:01 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
11:03 AM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
Presented Moetivations training progress report for the Dispatchers
1. PERMISSION TO CREATE A DISPATCH FACEBOOK PAGE/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
Requested to create a Facebook page to notify county residents when 911 phones are not operable or when there are road closures; discussed utilizing the DES Facebook page being as it has a large amount of followers established and Dispatch would not post often. Josh will provide administrative access to Brenda.
11:07 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
11:30 AM 6TH STREET WEST BOX CULVERT BID OPENING
Heart 7 Enterprises LLC
Columbus, MT
Total Base Bid – $204,605.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $395,605.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – $411,297.00
COP Construction, LLC
Billings, MT
Total Base Bid – $210,425.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $386,425.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – No Bid
Century Companies, Inc.
Lewistown, MT
Total Base Bid – $249,169.50
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $417,369.50
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – $437,321.50
Franz Construction, Inc.
Sidney, MT
Total Base Bid – $260,903.20
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $458,637.90
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – No Bid
7F Services, LLC
Shepherd, MT
Total Base Bid – $214,169.69
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $337,530.07
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – $294,250.45
Diamond J Construction, LLC
Miles City, MT
Total Base Bid – $227,625.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $397,625.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – No Bid
Earth Movers Excavation, Inc.
Laurel, MT
Total Base Bid – $352,697.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $484,159.00
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – No Bid
Edward H. Schwartz Construction, Inc.
New England, ND
Total Base Bid – $243,411.72
Total Base Bid + Alternate “A” (Precast) – $400,763.50
Total Base Bid + Alternate “B” (Concrete) – No Bid
11:45 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
11:47 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Updated on road plat review. Reported on culvert replacements for Shortcut Road and Anticline Road. Will review bids for 6TH Street Box Culvert.
11:51 AM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting. Discussed appointment of an Election Administrator; the State must provide the training online or through teleconferencing so there is no need to appoint a new election administrator.
1:17 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassman
1. Old Business as needed
MacKay clarified that he only wants access and has no intention of maintaining or improving the existing trail; discussed how to include a legal description or specification for the trail. Currently waiting for Montana State GIS to provide updated legal descriptions for Triangle Park and the baseball park. Darcy reported on the Appointed Special Attorney Deputy’s findings on the Ethics Investigation requested by Robert and Melissa Thielen; Mr. John Rubus, McCone County Attorney and Fallon County Special Attorney Deputy has declined the complaint in its entirety.
2. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation (IF NEEDED)
Travelers will be providing coverage and appointing counsel for Fallon County.
1:46 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM PERMISSION TO CHANGE INTERMITTENT MUSEUM AIDE TITLE/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie stated there is confusion with aide titles being similar; requested to change the title to Museum Assistant. Permission granted.
2:01 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:01 PM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Vaughn presented visitor stats. Reported on general public education program; discussed dates to host the school fire educational program for the public. Reported on Valentines Day love stories; Bismark KFYR TV interviewed the museum along with several magazines posting articles about the museum. Updated on several upcoming events. Discussed hosting Classic Cruisers Car Show at Heritage Fest; permission granted to use county parking lots.
2:11 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:25 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor
Reported on shooting events and hunter safety. Requested scoria for the parking lot; will tell Bryan Batchelor. Both Jim and Shane will be gone later this week but Carl will cover. Updated on fob system; fobs are working but now the gate won’t open. Will try hard resetting the gate before calling the gate company in Williston. Reported on replacing shooting board members.
2:35 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve February 23-27, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the February 23-27, 2026 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner 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 Fireside Office Solutions Maintenance Service Agreements
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Fireside Office Solutions Maintenance Service Agreements. 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 Contract Landfill Engineer for inspections
Received another RFQ; will schedule a presentation with the engineer.
c. Discussion/Decision on replacing cameras per CISA/NDAA recommendation
Commissioner Varner motioned to replace the Hikvision cameras per CISA/NDAA’s recommendation. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on Eastern Montana Drug Task Force Letter of Support
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force letter of support. 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 Dam Safety Program Letter of Support
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Dam Safety Program letter of support. Commissioner Rost 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. Review County Construction and Maintenance Draft agreement for Shell Oil Road signage
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the draft agreement with MDT for Shell Oil Road signage. 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 Agreement for the provision of School Health Services
c. Discussion/Decision on Commissioner Deeds for the Plevna Rural Fire District
4. Approve February 2026 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve February 2026 Payroll & Withholdings for the amount of $635,578.88. Commissioner Varner stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun) Motion carried.
5. Approve February 2026 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve February 2026 End of Month Claims for the amount of $453,807.33. 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)
3:37 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:30 AM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
RECESS
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026
9:30 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM SANITARIAN UPDATES/ Janalee Ferrel, Sanitarian
Discussed a county cell and vehicle. Reported on upcoming trainings and membership fees. Discussed flexing hours to work within a twenty hour work week. Discussed recent licenses and fee schedules.
9:52 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Reviewed January financials. Reported on resolution that will be presented to the Hospital Board tomorrow night for funding new lab equipment. David reported on staffing for the clinic and emergency room. Updated on hospital renovations; lift and doors are the only projects left. Next budget year’s renovations will be the clinic and business offices for patient flow; currently making space and installing new lab equipment. Updated on replacing the chiller for long-term care and the fire alarm system control panel.
10:29 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:43 AM DISCUSSION ON INSURANCE PROPOSALS/ Insurance Committee
Insurance Committee Members Troy Hess, Marjorie Losing and Debbie Wyrick joined the meeting. David Espeland, Fallon Medical Complex CEO joined the meeting. Reviewed submitted insurance proposals from Pacific Source, United Health Care, MACo, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Joint Powers Trust (JPT). Discussed possibility of Fallon Medical Complex not continuing insurance through the county. The Insurance Committee recommends MACo Health Insurance. Discussed disbanding the Insurance Committee if the County decides to no longer be self-insured.
12:07 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and 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.
1:28 PM PLANNER & DES UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Reported on 911 Calling System grant and GIS 911 mapping for oilfield roads. Siren sounds will be made available on the website so residents know what the sounds represent; discussed a presentation for the schools. Reported on conferences and meetings. Reviewed Hazard and Mitigation Plan. Updated on unifying prefix and suffix addressing within Fallon County; will set up a meeting for further discussion so the public can participate.
Will present Planner fee schedule to the Planning Board for recommendation. Reported on unifying GIS platforms; setting up a policy to require engineers to submit in standardized form.
1:46 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:46 PM Kimberly Gray, Inside Custodian joined the meeting.
1:46 PM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON LIBRARY EOC TILE SAMPLES
Presented sample planks; prefer to go lighter due to ice melt residue. Decided to update quotes, eliminating the amount to strip the old tile.
1:55 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED IF NEEDED
No discussion at this time.
2:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
