Commission Minutes – October 6-10, 2025
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2025
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member
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
Alexandra Amonette, Montana Citizens’ Climate Lobby, called into the meeting. Discussed possible permitting reforms for energy projects that could assist the county; requested a letter of support. Will discuss further after reviewing letter.
9:07 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:15 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON MEAL & TRAVEL RATES/ Kimberly Jensen, Payroll Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Melodie Bertsch, Accounts Payable Clerk, joined the meeting. Reviewed updated state meal rates; travel rates remain the same at $0.70 per mile.
1. PERMISSION TO ADJUST PER DIEM RATES FROM JULY 1ST TO PRESENT
Commissioner Varner motioned to increase both in-state rates to $45.00 per day and out-of-state rates to $63.00 per day, retrofitting back to July 1st. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commission Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. Motion carried.
9:23 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:45 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Museum Curator
Reported on visitation amounts and meetings held at the museum. Discussed including more localized souvenirs into the museum gift shop. Updated on Night at the Museum events. Discussed flexing hours for meetings that are being held on Columbus Day. There are lights going out in the mural building; will need to hire an electrician to replace fluorescents and will budget for LEDs next budget season. Discussed upcoming convention that will require vacation to attend. Updated on steering committee for community tourism grant.
10:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Carl was unable to attend the meeting. Updated on the regrading of Ismay Road South, scoria on Yanz Access, and replacements of auto gates/culverts. Reported on a landowner’s waterline running through a culvert; will ask the owner to remove/reroute the line. Discussed taking more gravel from the north gravel pit to finish off the Anticline Road along with some other roads; will purchase an additional fifty thousand yards at $12.00/yard. Discussed Plevna Road South getting washboards from lack of moisture; will ask surrounding landowners about having a rain gauge in area. Mitch will gather quotes for gutters on the road shops. Retrieved retired plow from Plevna.
10:19 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:19 AM PERMISSION FOR TWO EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND MONTANA EMERGENCY MANAGERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE – CALL IN/ Desiree Thielen, Planner/DES
Commissioner Varner motioned to allow both Mindi Murnion, Deputy DES and Desiree Thielen, DES to attend the MEMA Conference. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
Discussed how to flex time due to the Columbus Day holiday.
10:24 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:45 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent
Reported on black algae clogging up the filter and sprinkler heads after running the sprinkler system after pigging the irrigation line. Will clean the filter more often and use algaecide. Finished aerating the tee boxes and will start on the fairways. Reported on siphon issue which will be repaired this week with a new quill. John’s last day for the season will be around November 10th – 15th. Discussed intake inspections.
11:00 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:15 AM TV BOARD UPDATES/ Wayne Mangold & Randy Morris, Members; Josh Lewis, IT Director
Upgraded the Plevna Tower electricity and air conditioning. Suggested adding a tower North and South of Baker; would possibly be able to cover everything in Fallon County. Bechtold’s tower south of Baker for a possible option; need to find a location for the North like on the Big Hill or Gonsoroski’s. Additional towers would be covered by the Federal Communications Commission. Will have TAB Electronics do a coverage test to see if everyone in Fallon County would receive signals. Josh updated on the bridgepoint internet connection between Bracket Butte and Plevna; would reduce travel time for maintenance when connected to internet. Discussed weather channel that could evolve into a local informational channel. Turned off power at Lookout Butte and will be removing the building once Montana-Dakota Utilies disconnects the meter from the building. Requested to utilize the Road Department to move and store the building temporarily until a new location is established. Reported on channel maintenance. Wayne stated that Ekalaka would like to fund channels in order to have improved signals sent down to them.
11:43 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Mandi Varner, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor, joined the meeting. Reported on valve replacement and leak causing the north line to be turned off; tied into the Bonnevale line after doing a chlorine test. The Mayor will be meeting with the North Baker Water Sewer District to discuss options for the line; plan to leave both lines open in the case of another leak. Commission gave permission to allow the City to continue using the line. Updated on crack sealing around town.
1:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Easement & Right of Way Agreement with Bracket Butte Ranch
Have not heard back from the landowners regarding the easement.
2. Old business as needed
There was no old business to address at this time.
1:29 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
1:29 PM CLOSED LITIGATION SESSION – UPDATE ON FALLON COUNTY’S ANSWER TO THIELENS VS FALLON COUNTY CAUSE NO. DV-13-2025-12-QT/ Darcy Wassmann
Commissioner Varner motioned to go into closed session. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
1:56 PM Commissioner Varner motioned to come out of closed session. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
1:56 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM 2025 LOWER BAKER DAM INSPECTION REVIEW – ZOOM MEETING/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Desiree Thielen, Planner/DES; Benjamin Cope, Morrison-Mairle; Sam Johnson, DNRC PE Dam Safety Program
Review latest dam inspection and discussed items that will need to be changed and/or monitored. Recommended to update the Emergency Action Plan for the dam; updated surveys of the dam; removal of vegetation upstream, downstream and the box culvert. Discussed recent release from the EPA, allowing the county to clear out the spillways and channels. Rich requested that the County have flexibility on managing the gates for the lower dam included in the Operations & Management manual (O&M); recommended to create an agreement with the City. Recommended including process of draining the lake in the O&M. Recommended having hydrology, geotechnical, and seepage analysis completed on the dam. Include documentation of sump pumps that are both inside and out of the stores. Desiree will get with DNRC to discuss funding for the requested analyses.
2:58 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:58 PM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Discussed total coliforms testing for the golf course irrigation pond. Commissioner Braun reported on black algae coming out of the line and clogging the sprinkler heads. The pond lining project has been pushed back to possibly next fall. Shannon updated on Beneficial Water Use Permit being returned for correction; will need to be mailed back before October 12th. Will work with Rich on the owners intent form for the lower dam. Updated on regrading of Ismay Road South; will be ready to gravel soon.
3:10 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve September 29 – October 3, 2025 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the September 29 – October 3, 2025 Commission Minutes. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
2. Approve September 29, 2025 Commission Closed Session Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve September 29, 2025 Commission Closed Session Minutes. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
3. Approve September 2025 Payroll and Withholdings
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve September 2025 Payroll and Withholdings for the amount of $722,643.51. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
4. Executive Decisions
a. Discussion/Decision on adopting Resolution #1163 to amend per diem rates
Motion was made earlier this morning. The Commission signed the Resolution.
b. Discussion/Decision on Selby’s Preventive Maintenance Agreement
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the preventive maintenance agreement. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
c. Discussion/Decision on TK Elevator quote for Parkview 1
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the TK Elevator quote in the amount of $4,831.54. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
5. Old Business as needed
a. Discussion/Decision on Miles City Airport lease agreement for the TV Board
Commissioner Braun signed the lease agreement.
b. Discussion/Decision on Bracket Butte Ranch agreement for the TV Board
No discussion at this time.
6. Approve September 2025 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the September 2025 End of Month Claims in the amount of $295,233.94. Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) Motion carried.
7. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)
4:04 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 9:45 AM on Tuesday, October 7.
RECESS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025
9:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:53 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Josh Lewis, IT Director joined the meeting. Discussed transaction fees to cover warranty; the Commission are against the additional ten cent charge. Josh will move forward with ordering the ATM.
9:55 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Marjorie presented August financials; updated on recent auditor visit. David updated on the recent Pre-Construction meeting that was held on Thursday, October 2nd. David will remain as the owner representative for the project. David recommended purchasing builders risk insurance policy for the project; the Commission are not interested in purchasing the policy if the materials are being stored inside. Discussed process of installing the lift. David will submit Certified Payrolls and Lien Releases for the County’s record. Reviewed items that will be submitted for a change order; adding flooring tile, door openers, floor prep not to exceed $19,000.00, and switching the alum entry door company to a Montana company. Reported on completed repairs on the squirrel cage and boilers. Discussed upcoming FMC Board meetings.
10:31 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Mandi Varner, Member; 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 DNRC FLOOD STUDY UPDATE – ZOOM MEETING/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Desiree Thielen, Planner/DES; Forrest Sanderson, Peaks Planning Contract Planner; Nadene Wadsworth, DNRC Flood Hazard Outreach Planner; Doug Brugger, DNRC Bureau Chief; KC Robinson, AECOM
Rich Menger, Sanitarian, was unable to attend the meeting; Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor, joined the meeting. Reviewed changes to the flood study after hydrology and hydraulics test; culverts and channels projects that are completed would further improve the flood study around. Discussed drainage project for the North Baker Water Sewer District. Discussed lake and reservoir flood risk. Discussed if it was possible to complete box culvert and channel projects next summer and have the maps revised before they are official; Montana DNRC would write letters for possible grants to complete the culvert reconstruction on sixth street west. Would need a letter of revision to have an additional survey completed for the flood study. Could be possible to have small changes rolled into the flood study if the projects are completed in the upcoming summer but the study will proceed at its current pace no matter what. Nadene will send a draft study with the box culvert and concrete channels included to assist with an informative decision for planning future flood risk reductions.
2:30 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:33 PM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor/911 Coordinator
Reported on recent issues with delayed 911 and radio calls. Updated on equipment and antenna maintenance. New dispatcher started today. Reported positively on RIMs progress and trainings.
2:36 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:40 PM Chairman Braun left the meeting.
2:45 PM CEMETERY UPDATES/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Chanse was unable to attend the meeting.
3:00 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor; Shane Bettenhausen, Match Manager
Shane updated on recent shooting matches; Annual meeting will be scheduled for the beginning of next year. Jim reported on the Trap Board and range cleanup. Discussed having the Road Department move some dirt and old railroad ties; dirt will go by the berms, and the railroad ties will be put in a container. Fobs project has not progressed due to the vendor not coming down. Shane reported on air leak in the range, currently affecting the pressure; will ask Outside Maintenance for assistance. Updated on hunter traffic at the range.
3:08 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion.
3:15 PM JUSTICE COURT UPDATES/ Anna Straub, Justice of Peace
Updated on recent conference and current case load.
1. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON FIRESIDE COPIER QUOTE
Presented a quote for a new printer. Discussed creating an interlocal agreement to share a printer with the City; Judge Straub stated that she has no interest in an interlocal agreement.
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve the Fireside quote for the amount of $3,893.00. Vice Chairman 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.
3:18 PM Vice Chairman Rost ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM on Wednesday, October 8.
RECESS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 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 ATTEND PUBLIC TABULATOR PRESENTATION/ Lori Mommaerts, Election Systems & Software Representative
2:00 PM The Presentation ended. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
s/ Roy Rost, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
