Commission Minutes – September 14-18, 2026
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 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 IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, IT Director
1. Discussion on CivicPlus quote for ADA Website accessibility services
Presented the CivicPlus quote. Decision will be made during the Commission Work Session.
Will be attending Local Government IT Meetings September 29th through the 30th; Clint Townsend will assist during Josh’s absence. Reported on Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency completing state assessment of security for elections. Reported on cameras and computer maintenance. Discussed IT moving into office across from Extension; will move forward with moving.
9:31 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
9:31 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON BAKER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LIGHTING AGREEMENT/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager; Justin Zindell, KLJ Engineering
Presented agreement and Safety Compliance Plan with Mortenson Electricfor the airport lighting agreement; Chairman Braun signed the document. Justin will schedule a pre-construction meeting for the lighting project. Discussed storage of old equipment; could donate old reels to Dawson County airport. Reported on grants available for apron and taxi-way reconstruction.
9:42 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion
9:58 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland, Shop Foreman
Currently hauling gravel on Plevna South Road and finishing mowing. Repaired auto-gate wings and bladed a few of the washboard roads. Updated on Nolls Gravel Pit. Contacted Wyrick’s Construction regarding Sikorski Pit; will have gravel replaced and locks changed. Carl reported on vehicle and maintenance repairs. Waiting for mini-excavator to install culvert at Lame Jones. Will gravel hills at Duck Creek; will mulch several roads.
10:02 Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:12 AM SMART UPDATES/ Katie Miller, SMART Executive Director
Reported on past events and meetings. Updated on local producer food market. CIP Grant photos were completed with Pheasants Forever and areas around Fallon County. Updated on outdoor movie night; will be submitting for Commerce sponsorship to purchase outdoor speakers. Asked Commissioner Varner to be a member of the Baker Main Street Committee; updated on Main Street Committee meeting. Reported on Reimagine Rural grant for signs to assist with wayfinding through Baker.
10:23 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:30 AM Sandi Reddick, City Clerk/Treasurer joined the meeting.
10:30 AM PLANNER & DES UPDATES/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator; Steve Zachmann, City of Baker Mayor
1. Discussion on ownership of the Upper Dam
Reported on communication with DNRC in regards to the County owning the property the dam is situated on. Name change of ownership for the dam will be changed to Fallon County pending if the City Attorney finds no further documentation.
2. Discussion on extraterritorial zoning for the City of Baker
Reported on the Planning Boards recommendation to implement extraterritorial zoning up to a mile beyond the city limits of Baker; Peaks Planning & Consultant quoted between $30,000.00 and $50,000.00 for just the extraterritorial zoning updated. Discussed administration being either the County or City similar to Custer County. Discussed establishing residential and commercial zoning within the extraterritorial zoning to keep it uniform with the City of Baker zoning.
3. Discussion/Decision on Lower Dam Condition Assessment
Discussed changing the Lower Baker Dam condition assessment from moderate to poor condition in order to qualify for dam maintenance grants; insurance rates or inundation mapping would not be affected. The 5-Year inspection for the Lower Baker Dam is requiring several expensive analyses including the Geotechnical Analysis; would be able to return to moderate condition after grants are completed. DNRC stated only media perception would be affected by the assessment change; discussed informative publications to post for the public. Desiree will ask for DNRC clarification on assessment change in writing before the Commission make a decision; will be added to next week’s agenda.
4. Discussion on Lower Dam Geotechnical Grant and commitment to matching funds
Presented letter of commitment funds and application authorizing statement to apply for the grant. Clerk and Recorder has Submittal updated to begin the grant process for the Geotechnical Analysis. Discussed Morrison-Maierle being a State procured engineer.
10:55 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:11 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Updated on Public Transportation Bus Drivers. Received a reimbursement contract for Medicaid patients receiving rides; has given to County Attorney for review.
11:15 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:28 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE A PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Varner motioned to hire Michelle Moser as a Public Health Director. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
PERMISSION TO RECRUIT FOR A STAFF NURSE
Commissioner Rost motioned to begin recruitment for a Staff Nurse. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION/DECISION ON DESIGNATED VENDOR FOR ICE CLEATS
Asked permission to order ice cleats from Amazon; not able to find specific cleats from Baker Area or Runnings. Commissioner Varner suggested asking Russells; clarified that it is not the boot. Permission granted to order cleats from Amazon.
11:34 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. Discussion/Decision on Parkview Retirement Complex Rental Agreement
Presented revisions to the vacancy policy. Discussed policy for guests staying in apartments; will clarify that the tenant needs to be present during the guest’s visitation which is a maximum of fourteen days.
2. Review letter of cancellation for TK Elevator maintenance agreement
Will review maintenance agreement to draft cancellation letter.
3. Review spillway easements for landowners along channel
Discussed obtaining easements from all landowners along the channel; will obtain access and permission to mow portions of their yard that is within the channel. Discussed property lines that are within the channel.
4. Review Amended Road Resolutions for 911 Addressing
Presented one Amended Road Resolution; discussed creating a Notice of Intent or Public Hearing to notify affected landowners. Will post notification on the agenda for roads that do not affect mailing services.
5. Review draft Ambulance Billing Policy
Will send draft policy later.
6. New/Old Business as needed
Discussed Medicaid reimbursement contract that Carla Brown submitted for review.
7. Closed Session – Thielen Litigation Update (IF NEEDED)
2:09 PM Chairman Braun closed the session.
2:16 PM Chairman Braun opened the session; no decisions were made.
2:17 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:18 PM EPEDC UPDATES/ Jaime Shanks, EPEDC Community Development Specialist; Sylvia Carney, EPEDC Food & Ag Development Specialist
Introduced Sylvia Carney. Updated on upcoming Ag Summit in Culbertson. Reported on applying for several grants and upcoming trainings. Reported on Baker EPEDC Office being closed but quality of service will not change for Fallon County. Reported on Community Benefits Agreements; EPEDC would be liaison to Bridger Pipeline for Community and Environmental Development within the county. Updated on Downtown Master Plan. Invited the Commission to the Annual EMEDA Conference in Sidney.
2:35 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Ranger Supervisor
Reported on recent match. Updated on gate maintenance. Reported on Merit Employee Appreciation event on Friday with an individual shooting out of turn while others were lined up at the stations; targets were sent to Helena for criminal investigation being as the individual shot through a crowd of people during an event.
2:44 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve September 7-11, 2026 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Varner motioned to approve September 7-11, 2026 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 on Lower Dam Geotechnical Grant and commitment to matching funds
Commissioner Varner motioned to commit to matching funds for the Lower Dam Geotechnical Grant. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
b. Discussion/Decision on Con’eer quote to replace Fallon Medical Complex chiller for Long-Term Care
Reviewed submitted quote; will have to go through bid process due to the quote being over $80,000.00.
c. Discussion/Decision on Letter of Support for Lion’s Club purchase of a statue
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve Letter of Support for the Lion’s Club. 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 Fair Board request to make Seasonal Lead Crew Hand a permanent position
This will be tabled until an updated job description has been submitted for review.
e. Discussion/Decision on CivicPlus quote for ADA Website accessibility services
The Commission will ask MACo if they are offering assistance/subscriptions for this service during the MACo Annual Conference.
f. Discussion/Decision on ATM quote for the Fairgrounds
No quote presented at this time.
3. Old Business as needed
4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachment and approach permits/zoning compliance (as needed)
2:48 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM EMEDA UPDATES/ EMEDA Board Members
Jodi Varner, Alissa Miller and Shelby Klus joined the meeting. Discussed EMEDA’s roles and responsibilities. Reported on new mill evaluations; EMEDA will be receiving two mills. The Commission is requesting the budget and meeting minutes from EMEDA. Also clarified that EMEDA can utilize the County Attorney. Recommended the board review and update the current EMEDA bylaws.
3:23 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:30 PM CEMETERY UPDATES/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Reported on mowing and tree trimming. Updated on John Deere taking mowers back to install attachments. Presented a quote from Road Department to repair Bonnievale alleys; discussed using a harley rake instead. Requested to extend assistant’s season for one more month to finish trees; the assistant’s season will remain the same.
3:37 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:44 PM Kady York, Brosz Engineering called into the meeting.
3:45 PM GUMBO LILY BASIN MINOR SUBDIVISION FINAL REVIEW/ Desiree Thielen, Planner & DES Coordinator
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Gumbo Lily Basin Minor Subdivision upon the condition that all signatures be obtained before the Commission sign. Commission Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
3:46 PM Being as there is no further business to come before the Commission, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
ATTEND 6TH STREET BOX CULVERT PRE CONSTRUCTION MEETING – BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
Kevin J. Braun, Chairman
Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
