Commission Minutes – October 27-31, 2025
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
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
Shanya Stoddard, Marty Asay, Terry Mahoney, and James & Judy Whitney joined the meeting.
James presented research regarding fraudulent registration cases; will be requesting the Secretary State to release cast votes. James expressed concerns with election integrity; illegal aliens voting and mail-in ballots.
Shanya presented a Bob’s Tree Service invoice; would like the Commission to consider reimbursing half of the amount due for the trees that are in the lake shore. Will add to next week’s work session.
Terry reiterated that she is for hand counting.
James stated that if Fallon County continues to hand count, the citizens will have to be more involved, so it does not fall entirely on the Election Department.
Judy stated that communication should be greater between both parties for requesting election judges.
9:15 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:15 AM CLICK SEND TEST FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES
The Commission completed the Click Send test for county employees.
9:30 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
Reported on equipment maintenance for several offices; Sheriff’s office had new communication lines installed. Updated on new ATM and recent safety meeting for Cybersecurity; discussed having more public presentations.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON CDW-G QUOTE FOR SONICWALL SECURITY
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the CDW-G quote for the amount of $10,823.03. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; life expectancy of the SonicWall equipment will be around ten years. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MID-RIVERS COMMUNICATIONS 2025 EDUCATION TECH GRANT FOR THE LIBRARY
Presented a grant to replace the ten computers in the library. Mid-Rivers does not require matched funds but there would be a possibility of $10,000.00 matched funds; Josh will discuss with the Library Board budgeting for the match.
9:49 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Finished Ismay Road South along with the seeding and fencing. Mowing is completed. Currently working on Hanratty easement, clearing auto gates and graveling the s-curve of Spur Road. Mitch and Carl updated on equipment and vehicle maintenance. Bryan presented an updated salt quote from NSC Minerals; will discuss further in Old Business. Discussed installing a drainage sock at the Lake Gazebo; will discuss further with Robbie Christiaens next week.
10:14 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Reported on Ismay Road South being completed. Rich reported on winterizing lagoon pump; Rich has not completed any additional local tests for the golf course irrigation pond.
1. Discussion/Decision regarding Survey & Easement work order/proposal for S19-T4N-R62E (Proposal does not include Section 20 but may be discussed)
Discussed obtaining an easement that is a few miles from the North Dakota State line; road would benefit county residents.
Commissioner Rost motioned to move forward with obtaining the easement for S19-T4N-R62E. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; will obtain research for exact stretch that requires an easement. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:42 AM Desiree Thielen, DES/Planner joined the meeting.
2. Discussion/Decision regarding Dam Owner Statement of Intent
Currently waiting for Desiree to review the final draft of the Owner’s intent; will decide during old business.
3. Discussion/Decision regarding work order/proposal for dam action items.
Discussed dam levels and overflow of the Lower Dam. Reported on items requested for the inspection; cross sections, hydrology, storage and dewatering.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve Brosz Engineering to complete a Stage Storage Analysis and Dewatering Analysis for the Baker Lake Dam. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
11:08 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM SMART UPDATES/ Katie Miller, SMART Executive Director
1. DISCUSSION/DECSION ON LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR A DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
The Commission signed the letter of support.
Discussed counties creating a resolution to participate in the Montana 250 Grant; Commissioner Rost stated that the resolution is not necessary for SMART to participate in the grant. Updated on Downtown Master Plan and several other grants that SMART will be applying for.
11:21 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:29 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Cheryl Goodman 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.
11:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:42 AM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services; Julie Straub, HRM
Updated on story time attendance. Discussed the Mid-Rivers grant for new computers; Josh will updated the Board at their December meeting.
1. Discuss Library Board Meeting.
The Library Board has made the decision to close the library the Friday after Thanksgiving and the Friday after Christmas.
11:45 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
James & Judy Whitney, Marty Asay, Terry Mahoney, Launa Quenzer joined the meeting.
Judy read aloud a letter written by her and an anonymous individual against using grant funds to purchase tabulators; presented a list of possible election judges (list is with the Election Department). Judy suggested the Fallon County Republican Party Committee could host mock elections for additional election judge training; James would be able to purchase fake ballots to practice hand counting.
1:29 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Restitution amount for damage to the livestock barn
The county submitted a claim to insurance that is currently under review. The next restitution hearing has been rescheduled; Darcy will move forward with the hearings regardless of the insurance’s decision on the claim.
2. Easement & Right of Way Agreement with Bracket Butte Ranch
The Pinnows’ have requested to have the gravel be changed to “repairs as necessary”. Discussed requested incremental increase for the easement. Discussed section regarding spraying weeds; decided that the County will not be responsible for the weeds but will be include as a repair. Will send over updated easement to the landowners for review.
3. Old business as needed
1:43 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:43 PM CLOSED SESSION – UPDATE ON THIELEN’S LITIGATION/ Darcy Wassmann
Commissioner Rost motioned to go into closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:00 PM Commissioner Rost motioned to come out of closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:00 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:15 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve October 20 – 24, 2025 Commission Minutes
2. Approve October 20, 2025 Commission Closed Session Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve both October 20-24, 2025 Commission Minutes and October 20, 2025 Commission Closed Session Minutes. Commissioner Varner 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 purchasing election tabulators
Commissioner Rost thanked the citizens who reached out or attended Public Comment to express their opinions with the tabulators. Commissioner Varner stated that having over one hundred citizens willing to volunteer as election judges speaks volumes for what the people want for elections and the main thing being they trust the locals here and the job that they will be doing; is against purchasing the election tabulators. No motion was made for or against the election tabulators.
b. Permission to upgrade elevator at Parkview Retirement Complex 1
Discussed recommendation to replace the elevator in Parkview 1, which is currently inoperative. Due to quoted amount, the County will have to go out for bids to complete the project. Commissioner Braun recommended that the Commission does not take any action until the repair diagnosis of the elevator is completed; would have to amend the budget if replaced this year. Will visit with Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager and Brandon Janshen, SDI before starting the bid process; will clarify who is installing the lift at Fallon Medical Complex.
c. Discussion/Decision on Graham Welding Service LLC quote for Livestock Barn repairs
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Graham Welding Service LLC quote for the amount of $8,873.75. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; project will begin November 13th. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on Montana’s Older Americans Act Programs Contract
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the program contract. Commissioner Rost 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 Bracket Butte Ranch agreement for the TV Board
Darcy will send the revised agreement to the landowners.
b. Fallon Medical Complex Renovations
Reviewed requested additions to the change order. Will discuss further with David next week.
c. Discussion/Decision on NSC Minerals quote for road salt.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the NSC Mineral quote for the amount of $5,060.00. Commissioner Varner 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/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
2:27 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
A quarter of the trees are left at the container site. Discussed cows that were around the container site. Currently using tire remnants to cover.
3:03 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM on Tuesday, October 28.
RECESS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
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 EXTENSION PERSONNEL MEETING/ David Kirschten, Extension Agent; Kodie Olsen, 4-H Program Coordinator; Larry Brence, MSU Extension; Julie Straub, HRM
David was not in attendance. Kodie requested to go into closed session.
Commissioner Rost motioned to go into closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:15 PM Commissioner Rost motioned to come out of closed session. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:15 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
