Commission Minutes – October 26-30, 2026
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and 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 RAVE – COUNTY EMPLOYEE ALERT TEST AND TUTORIAL
A test alert had been sent out to county employees.
9:25 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:30 AM DISCUSSION ON MUSEUM EXPANSION PROJECT/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator; Museum Board Members; Historical Society Members
Discussed creating a phasing plan for expanding the museum; previous architectural preliminary was too expensive to move forward. The Historical Society has offered to cover the potential phasing plan as long as the County approves with moving forward with the expansion on the empty lots north of the museum; will also obtain other grants and funding for the potential expansion itself. Requested a letter of endorsement from the Commission.
9:35 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:56 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland, Shop Foreman
Updated on mowing and road maintenance. Updated on 6th Street box culvert progress. Carl reported on equipment maintenance. Pump has been pulled from the lagoon; pump buoy has leaks and will need repaired.
1. Discussion/Decision on Superintendent work truck quotes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Two-Rivers quote for the amount of $62,345.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; Bryan will ask for expected delivery date. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussed receiving quotes for v-plows for the work truck.
10:08 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion
10:15 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
1. Discussion on JGA Architects Proposal for drafting Ambulance Garage prints
Discussed JGA’s updated proposal. Discussed going out for quotes for a new conceptual design of the ambulance garage; process of the project requires the County to go out for bid. Discussed bid process; will discuss further closer to the end of the year.
10:28 AM 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.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review draft Fallon County Ordinance
Will finish reviewing draft ordinance.
2. Review spillway easements for landowners along channel
No discussion at this time.
3. Discussion on Resolution to trade land for City Debt
Discussed adding the COS to the Resolution and review process.
4. Review TK Elevator Maintenance Agreement
Will send completed revisions to TK Elevator for review.
5. New/Old Business as needed
Discussed Resolution of Intent to sell the man-camp. Will have the auction around November 30th, 2026.
6. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
The Commission reported on Travelers recommendation to reject Thielen’s settlement offer.
1:46 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve October 19-23, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the October 19-23, 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. Approve October 20, 2026 Closed Session Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the October 20, 2026 Closed Session Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost 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 Griffith Steel, Inc. for repairs to the Whispering Waters Salon and Spa
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Griffith Steel, Inc quote of the amount $2,427.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; the contractor will be paid directly through the Property/Casualty Fund (self-insurance fund) once repairs are completed. Repairs must be completed within a year. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on FY2027 County Motor Vehicle Graveyard Grant
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the FY2027 County Motor Vehicle Graveyard Grant. Commissioner Varner 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. Discussion/Decision on JGA Architects Proposal for drafting Ambulance Garage prints
This discussion has been tabled until November or December.
b. Discussion/Decision on TK Elevator Maintenance Agreement
Currently waiting for revisions to be sent to TK Elevator.
c. Discussion/Decision on purchasing a bow compressor
Commissioner Varner motioned to allow purchasing a bow compressor for the Fallon County Gun Range. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
2:19 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:03 PM DISCUSSION ON RESTRUCTURE OF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT/ Julie Straub, HRM; Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager/Fair Board Member; Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Maintenance Supervisor; Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager; Fair Board Members
Discussed restructuring the Outside Maintenance and Inside Maintenance to potentially include the cemetery, fairgrounds, and possibly golf course; potentially all under one supervisor. May be easier to direct seasonals and may save the County money. Custodial staff would be separated out from Inside Maintenance; would not affect either positions. Discussed adding an assistant that would be available for both Outside Maintenance and Inside Maintenance. Concerns of current job descriptions becoming vague in the restructuring; currently have several supervisors and never enough seasonals. Discussed Fair Board’s request for a permanent lead position; could have assist other departments as needed. Will discuss further after Robbie and Derrick confer on possible layout; a decision will be made on the Fairgrounds Seasonal Lead position. No changes will be made to the golf course personnel.
4:31 PM Being as there is no further business to come before the Commission, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
