Commission Minutes – May 5-9, 2025
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
8:30 AM ATTEND MT DES PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TRAINING – MILES CITY
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 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.
9:15 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Updated on museum visits and events. Reported on working on a tourism grant to assist with the Museum expansion and/or other tourism ideas within Fallon County; Terra Burman, EPEDC suggested creating a steering committee for the grant. Reported on AI statistics for age groups that visit the museum.
1. DISCUSSION ON EXTENDING INTERMITTENT MUSEUM AIDE HOURS FOR FY24
Discussed scheduling for the Intermittent Museum Aide; scheduled her incorrectly for hours.
9:37 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:38 AM Jean Hanratty was misinformed on the time for Public Comment; discussed an easement for road maintenance.
9:40 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Discussed updating the process of distributing food from the Community Cupboard. The Commission has not heard any complaints regarding the Community Cupboard. Suggested joining the Food Bank Network in the future if unable to replenish inventory; currently one hundred percent community funded. Updated on meal bid in the newspaper; Fallon Medical Complex normally submits.
9:50 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:50 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON PURCHASING CONVERSION PROGRAM FOR FLOPPY DISCS/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk
Presented a quote for floppy disc readers; suggested converting the discs in house and downloading a program at the road department to transfer.
Commissioner Varner motioned to purchase the necessary equipment to read the files. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:55 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:55 AM EXTENSION UPDATES/ David Kirschten, County Agent
Updated on meetings with oil companies individually on noxious weeds. Reported on fair activities and plans for the 4-H Barn.
10:01 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:16 AM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Update on Dec. Action
Susan Swimley returned the dec. action with suggested updates. Discussed process of filing; will schedule reviewing the dec. action for next week.
2. Discuss Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and City of Baker for City Court Staff
Currently waiting for the City Council to review. Will address the longevity scale for the position.
3. Discuss 1996 EMCMHC agreement on alcohol tax monies
Will send the addendum to EMCMHC. Discussed creating a similar contract for Prairie Hills Recovery.
4. Review/Revise Petition to create a road
Discussed public hearings not being required for creating a road; the Commission would prefer to hold public hearings. Discussed process of surveying and plating the road; investigative committee would request a quote for the cost of surveying the road.
5. Old business as needed
Reviewed agreement with Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
10:50 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor; Shane Bettenhausen, Match Manager
Shane was unable to attend the meeting. Jim updated on recent shooting matches; reported that attendees want to have more events for other types. Reported on build maintenance and key fobs. Discussed padlocks on the dirt bike tracks; the Commission will investigate further. Discussed burying the old wooden bleachers.
11:16 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:17 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Updated on the Family Planning Contract. Dawson County asked to wait out the contract before requesting an amendment; Commission agreed. Updated on upcoming events, tobacco scholarships and water safety applications. Currently applying for a grant to put up billboards. Meeting for partnering for a grant to bring rural vision care.
11:28 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:30 AM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Reported on upcoming events. Sound maintenance is currently $20,000.00 for labor but will give a discount for all the old equipment; offered to come during the fair to fine tune the equipment for the crowds. Updated on rodeo event conflicts. Discussed breaker project and connecting to the transformer at the 4-H Barn. Discussed reviewing the fair budget with the Fair Board. The main gate will be replaced around June.
11:43 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 8th.
RECESS
THURSDAY, MAY 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 PRELIMINARY SALARY DISCUSSION/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder, Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM; Kimberly Jensen, Payroll Clerk
Presented percentages of cost-of-living adjustments that could be given to elected officials and all other employees.
9:27 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:15 AM Brandon Janshen, SDI Engineering joined the meeting via conference call
10:18 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Brandon updated on several projects that are in progress at the hospital, clinic and Parkview; replacing doors, flooring and adding a lift to the clinic entrance.
10:40 AM Brandon left the meeting.
Discussed telehealth space within FMC. Marjorie reported on March financials. Updated on billing programs and billing collection policy for patients. Updated on Community Health Assessment. Discussed panic buttons for the emergency room.
11:10 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM DES/911 UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, DES/911 Coordinator
Updated on meetings and completed trainings. Siren testing will be done on the last Wednesday of every month, during Baker Rural Fire meetings. During this month’s test, one siren was not functioning and the other was not spinning; schools completed tornado drills during the test. Discussed notifications for the Parkview residents and community education for the types of sirens. Updated on grants, contracts and budget items. Reported on progress for rural addressing with KLJ and RIMS.
11:31 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:31 PM HEALTH INSURANCE COMMITTEE UPDATES/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Marjorie Losing & Troy Hess
1. DISCUSSION/DECSION ON HEALTH INSURANCE RATES
Presented EBMS health insurance rates. Discussed options for proposed rates; suggests not increasing the premium. Discussed rebates and the wellness program. Reported on upcoming meetings to discuss other insurance options. The Commission agreed to maintain the current premium.
11:55 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 PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Shannon called into the meeting. Rich was unable to attend the meeting. Updated on golf course pond project, deviations, and the nutrient management plan. No seeding schedule has been set for Bergstrom Hill Road. Close to completing GIS mapping project. Discussed easements for members of the public.
1:47 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:55 PM SMART UPDATES/ Jodi Varner, Vice President
Jodi stated she is now the President of the SMART Board. Updated on personnel changes, trainings and grants. Reported on Fallon County Theatre group. Discussed the Endowment Community Foundation for Fallon County.
2:02 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM DISCUSSION ON PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND CLERK & RECORDER OFFICE WORKFLOW ISSUES/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk
Reported on the Clerk & Recorder Office being overwhelmed with Planning Department duties. Respectfully requested the Commission to consider hiring a Planner/GIS person in the upcoming budget year.
2:20 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM PLANS & EXPECTATIONS FOR RIMS IN DISPATCH/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Brenda Flint, Clerk/Detention Staff; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed changes that need to be made to RIMS reports. Discussed additional training for Dispatchers; Brenda Flint could do more one-on-one training with Dispatchers individually.
3:25 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:25 PM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT DETENTION OFFICER/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to recruit for a detention officer. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Jonathan Holland as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE CREW HAND/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost motioned to hire Daniel Schmidt and Mya Hadley as Seasonal Outside Maintenance Crew Hands. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:27 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING – CORAL CREEK ROAD SPEED LIMIT
No one appeared for the Public Hearing
3:45 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve April 28 – May 2, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the April 28 – May 2, 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. Discussion/Decision to adopt Resolution #1155 Adopting the 2024 Eastern Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan
Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Resolution #1155. 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 extending Intermittent Museum Aide Hours for FY24
Discussed extending Intermittent Museum Aide Hours; no extension or additional hours allowed for this remainder of this fiscal year. Will readdress during FY26 budget discussions.
c. Discussion/Decision on Morrison-Maierle, Inc quote for the 5-year Dam Inspection
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the quote from Morrison-Maierle, Inc for the amount of $24,330.00. 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 mosquito control contribution and application fee for the City of Baker
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the mosquito control plan. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; the City does all of the applications, County contributes monetary assistance for spraying County properties. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discussion/Decision on Board Appointment
Commissioner Varner motioned to appoint Randy Morris to the TV Advisory Board. 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 Fair Contract
The Commission will sign the contract as of today.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Discuss/Decision to sign letter of support for GoRail Transportation
Discussed the letter of support written for freight only.
Commissioner Varner motioned to redact the motion that was made on Monday, April 21st. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Approve April 2025 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve April 2025 End of Month Claims for the amount of $180,513.80. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Approve April 2025 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve April 2025 Payroll & Withholdings for the amount of $656,255.49. Commissioner Rost 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)
4:58 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.
s/ Kevin Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
