Commission Minutes – May 12-16, 2025
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost & Mandi Varner, Member; 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.
9:14 AM WEED UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Updated on equipment maintenance; a Can-Ams had warranty repairs. Reported on crew schedules. Updated on educational activities and events.
9:17 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:30 AM PERMISSION TO CHANGE A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUS DRIVER TO 40 HOURS PER WEEK/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie was unable to attend the meeting. Discussed officially increasing Chelsea Lindsey’s hours, she would be able to keep her at forty hours a week if she decided to stop working the Wednesday at the container site. Permission granted; will be effective immediately and Chelsea’s job description will be changed to reflect the forty hours with Wednesdays at the container site
PERMISSION TO HIRE A PERMANENT & A SEASONAL GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire John Didier and Nathan Kalbach. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:32 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:42 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON FUN ON THE 4TH/ Karol Zachmann, Member of the Public
Discussed fireworks funds. Asked for assistance in advertising Fun on the 4th in both the newspaper and on the radio. Karol will ask local businesses first.
9:52 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD & SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Installed pump at the lagoon for irrigating the golf course; working on repairing water well leak at the fairgrounds. Reported on pulling gravel out of ditches and easements. Currently hauling scoria to John Deere Lane and mulching Division Road. Updated on county vehicle and equipment maintenance. Discussed going out to bid for gravel.
10:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM Rich Menger, Sanitarian joined the meeting.
10:15 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Updated on sprinkler system maintenance and lagoon pump. Discussed plans for greens maintenance and communication with the new superintendent.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON BAKER METAL & RECYCLING INC QUOTE FOR GOLF COURSE ARCHED BRIDGE
Discussed bridge quote; the Commission would like to ask for donations first.
10:26 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor
1. DISCUSS QUOTES FOR COMPRESSOR AND BOILER ROOM LIGHTS
This meeting has been rescheduled.
10:30 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
Presented a draft of the petition; will turn in the exhibits tomorrow.
2. Discuss Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and City of Baker for City Court Staff
Currently waiting for the City to review the agreement.
3. Discuss Baker Racing Association and Tri-Area Racing Association lease agreements
Darcy stated that the Baker Racing Association lease agreement is null and void due to Association being disbanded and agreement is for the older shooting range location. Discussed 2020 agreement with Tri-Area Racing Association; liability issue with Trap targets in the direction of the motorcross track.
4. Discuss Prairie Hills Recovery agreement
Reviewed the agreement; will be sent to Prairie Hills Recovery.
5. Review/Revise Petition to create a road
There was no discussion at this time.
6. Old business as needed
Discussed Plevna School Board reviewing the State of Emergency MOU and reaching out to the Spartan Bus Line for updates.
1:49 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:53 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve May 5-9, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve May 5-9, 2025 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 Big Language Solutions, LLC Master Services Agreement
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the master service agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Family Planning Agreement with Dawson County
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Family Planning Agreement. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Discussion/Decision on Slagter Inc blow-in insulation quote for the Museum
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Slagter Inc quote in the amount of $7,800.00. 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 EBMS Administration Fees Renewal
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the renewal fees for EBMS. 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 renewing DPHHS Immunization Program Task Order
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Immunization Program Task Order. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Discussion/Decision on KLJ Award Recommendation for the Baker Municipal Airport Pavement Maintenance
Commissioner Rost motioned to follow KLJ recommendation to award the Baker Municipal Airport Pavement Maintenance bid to Maxwell Asphalt Inc. for the amount of $291,594.09. 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
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
2:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:30 PM Julie Post, Deputy Treasurer attended the meeting.
2:30 PM FY26 SALARY WORK SESSION/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Kimberly Jensen, Payroll Clerk; Julie Straub, HRM; Barb Ketterling, Treasurer; Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Judge Anna J. Straub, Justice of the Peace; Jennifer Fisher, Clerk of District Court; Kyle Medearis, Member of the Public; Jodi Varner, Member of the Public
Julie Straub and Jennifer Fisher were unable to attend the meeting. Reviewed cost of living (COLA) interest rates. Reported that county revenue is increasing and expenditure is decreasing; discussed interest rates on current investments along with oil and gas revenues.
Jodi Varner motioned to set cost of living to 3%, approximately $1.08 an hour. Kyle seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; reiterated that two commissioners would need to agree with the vote in order for the motion to pass. 7 Ayes (Commissioner Varner). 2 Nays (Commissioner Braun and Commissioner Rost). Motion failed.
Discussed whether 3% or 2% cost of living is more favorable. Reported on current mills. The next Salary work session will be scheduled. Reported on no major capital outlay projects that could affect the decision on the cost of living.
3:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING – CORAL CREEK ROAD SPEED LIMIT
No one appeared for the Public Hearing.
3:50 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2025
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
