Commission Minutes – September 8-12, 2025

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

9:00 AM CONVENE

PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder

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

   Duane and Sage Rugg joined the meeting. Discussed road material that was used for Cabin Creek Loop; requested gravel instead. The Commission will discuss further with the road crew later today; currently other roads have the same road material being used. 

9:14 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

9:15 AM WEED UPDATES/Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator

    Sara stated the remaining crew is completing some maintenance this morning. Discussed spraying completed and what remains. Sara plans to complete as much as possible as long as the weather holds. Landowners have until the 25^th of September to bring waste in for disposal. Discussed fall training in Glasgow. Spray Days will take place in November. Discussed the road crew spraying roads and thoughts from the Weed Board regarding licensure, etc. Will get a meeting scheduled with everyone to discuss further.

9:20 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

9:23 AM EMS UPDATES/Brittany Veal, EMS Program Manager

   The Ambulances/Department passed state inspection. The gas ambulance needs a CO2 monitor and that was all that was found. Discussed ambulance maintenance the road department will complete. Brittany presented her run reports to date. Discussed a couple of new EMTs that are coming on board. They are busy covering sports events. Discussed new State EMA Policies; the updated state policy is under the guidance of the Montana Department of Labor. Brittany is hoping to learn more about the new policies at the manager’s training this week.

9:32 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

9:40 AM OUTSIDE/PARKVIEW MAINTENANCE/Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager

   Discussed maintenance at softball fields and other maintenance that will be completed before the weather turns.  Splash Park is shut down for the season.

   Parkview is at full occupancy. Discussed an HVAC unit down in Parkview II. MTI will be here tomorrow to repair. Parkview II upgrades will begin soon. Discussed elevator maintenance and inspections. Discussed cleaning out the courthouse irrigation lines; Derrick is waiting for the plumber.

9:48 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

9:54 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bryan Batchelor, Road Superintendent; Carl Overland and/or Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic

   Discussed road maintenance working on currently; working on driveways, Cabin Creek Loop, Ismay Road, all mowers are on the roads. Commissioner Braun discussed concerns presented by the Rugg’s this morning regarding Cabin Creek Loop. Bryan will go view the roads and the pit and make some decisions. The Commission discussed using gravel to overlay the scoria already placed. Also discussed meeting with Knoll’s about purchasing more gravel.

     Bryan presented an invoice for work completed at the golf course, by the road crew. Discussed work that will need to be completed at the golf course this week. The road crew will get the culverts finished at Ismay Road South today and then complete the work at the golf course. Discussed landowners requesting water on county roads in front of their homes; discussed other maintenance that needs to be completed and timing to incorporate those requests. The Commission granted permission to purchase the tanker discussed at a previous meeting. Carl will go through the trailer and make sure all maintenance is up to date. Discussed Westmore Road culvert that needs attention. Commissioner Rost stated now that the bridges are completed, the county can focus on maintenance of low water crossings and culverts. Discussed other county vehicle maintenance. RDO will complete maintenance items on the new loader.

10:13AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

10:32 AM PROJECT UPDATES/Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering, Rich Menger, Sanitarian

   Discussed golf course irrigation water testing process. Reviewed the DNRC permit application for beneficial water use pertaining to golf course irrigation. Discussed possibility of using the water for county roads; this permit does not allow that much water to be used.

   Ismay Road-SE Electric has (1) power pole that the county will need to pay to reset. Discussed adjusting fencing items; permission granted to adjust as needed. Shannon will work with the road crew regarding the extra pipe discussed previously. Mid-Rivers will wait until the County is finished with South Ismay Road project before they work in that area.

Chairman Braun moved on to Cemetery Updates.

11:08 AM CEMETERY UPDATES/Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker

   Chanse discussed trimming trees as well as other maintenance items. Road mechanics are working on the cemetery tractor and dealing with the warranty items.  Discussed purchasing a zero-turn mower. Discussed old weed eaters; no longer parts available. Will salvage what he can and dispose of the remainder of the weed eaters.

1. Permission to purchase mower.

Commission would like Chanse to wait until Plevna is ready to purchase their mower for better pricing.

11:14 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

11:15 AM DISCUSS/DECISION TO FINALIZE PLANNER & DES COORDINATOR WAGE PROVISIONS, OVERTIME, STAFFING/Desiree Thielen, Planner/DES Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM

   Met to clarify extra provisions that do not belong in the Job Description. Discussed achieving Certified Planner status. When that happens, Desiree should come back in and discuss at that time. Overtime and staffing will also be addressed at a later date and further clarified Desiree can still use the contract Planner.

11:18 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recessed until 1:30 PM.

NOON RECESS

1:15 PM RECONVENE

PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Mandi Varner, Member; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder

FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

1:30 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT

   Nikki Slagter, Slagter, Inc. met to discuss the upgrades for Parkview, per the quotes earlier requested. Discussed clarification on the wall color.

1:32 Chairman Braun ended the discussion

1:45 PM FAIR UPDATES/Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager

   Jennefer presented various reports. The Fair Board will be meeting on Monday, September 15^th at 6:30 PM. Discussed adjustment of lights before the lift was removed; Jennefer does not believe those adjustments were made before the lift was removed from the grounds. The contractor has not been here to adjust the grandstands sound system.  Commissioner Braun spoke to someone about the issues and speed delays were discussed as a possible resolution.

   1.Permission to purchase desk

Commissioner Varner motioned to approve purchase of the desk quote. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.  

1:50 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

2:17 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor; Shane Bettenhausen, Match Manager

   Discussed resolutions for the floor inside the range.  Discussed possibly roll out mats; further research and discussion will be completed. Discussed completing the fob system at the range. They have a match this weekend; have a few new members; new board members are working out well. Discussed scoria included in the current budget; will work with the Road Superintendent on scheduling and placement.

2:22 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

2:31 PM AIRPORT UPDATES/Roger Meggers, Airport Manager

     Roger stated the beacon was struck by lightning or something; he contacted MDU to have it repaired. The west sump pump quit; Direct Electric came and installed a new one. The contractor will start on the pavement maintenance project around the 20th. Will not get the primary markings on until next spring.

   1.Discuss Water Leak-Roger stated the water leak test was positive for chlorine. Commission would like Roger to contact a contractor to have the repairs made.

   2.Permission to purchase snowblower & floor sweeper-This will be a snowblower that fits the new bobcat and the floor sweeper is used for the hangers. 

Commissioner Rost motioned to approve purchase of snowblower & floor sweeper for the Airport.  Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. Roger stated other departments could use it.  Further discussion. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

2:47 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

3:00 PM IT UPDATES/Josh Lewis, System Administrator

   1.Permission to attend Local IT Conference in Helena-Josh stated he has been attending annually, brought the agenda for the Commission to view and stated Townsend Computers will be available.

Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the System Administrator’s attendance at the Local IT Conference in Helena. Commissioner Varner   seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

   ATM will be coming back tomorrow to be placed in the lobby. The company did not have available reports regarding usage. Discussed benefits of purchasing our own ATM or keep using this one. Reported on projects he is working on and assisting with. Discussed the road project and problems with the current floppy drive ordered. Commissioner Rost feels we need to find out what information is on the discs and may have a source that will be able to help.

3:12 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

3:15 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION

   1. Approve September 1 – September 5, 2025 Commission Minutes

Commissioner Rost motioned to approve September 1 – September 5, 2025 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Varner 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 – Permission to purchase copier w/maintenance agreement for Clerk and Recorder’s office.

Commissioner Rost motioned to approve purchase of copier w/maintenance agreement for Clerk and Recorder’s office. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

       b. Discussion/Decision – Permission to purchase copier w/maintenance agreement for Human Resource Manager office.

Commissioner Rost motioned to approve purchase of copier w/maintenance agreement for Human Resource Manager office. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

       c. Discussion/Decision – Approve/Sign FAA Airport Grant Agreement (reseal project).

Commissioner Varner motioned to approve and sign the FAA Airport Grant Agreement for the reseal project. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

   3. Old Business as needed

        a. Discussion/Decision-Adopt Resolution #1160-Granting Perpetual, non-exclusive easement in favor of Roddy Mac and Maxine Lea Rost

Commissioner Varner motioned to Adopt Resolution #1160-Granting Perpetual, non-exclusive easement in favor or Roddy Mac and Maxine Lea Rost. Commissioner Braun stepped aside to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstain (Commissioner Rost). Motion carried.

        b. Discussion/Decision – Charging finance fee for private pay Ambulance accounts over 60 days old

             The Commission made the decision not to pursue finance charges at this time.

        c. Discussion/Decision – Sign agreement between the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services and Fallon County to be a Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization with the CMS

Commissioner Varner motioned to approve signing the agreement between the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services and Fallon County to be a Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization with the CMS. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

        d. Discussion/Decision on Catalyst for Change Amendment to Agreement

Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Catalyst for Change Amendment to Agreement. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

       e. Permission to sign the DNRC permit application for beneficial water use discussed earlier today.

Commissioner Varner approved signing and sending the permit application for beneficial water use to the DNRC. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any discussion.  Commissioner Rost asked if this could be amended later. Discussed amending or expanding at a later date.  Commissioner Braun asked if there was any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. 

   4. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments/zoning compliance (as needed)

10:12 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

3:22 PM There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:30 PM tomorrow.                                 

                           RECESS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

1:30 PM DISTRICT COURT-PUBLIC HEARING ON PETITION TO RECOGNIZE COUNTY ROAD

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025

10:00 AM – 9-1-1 BOARD MEETING-LIBRARY EOC

12:00 PM – BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING-FMC DINING ROOM

1:15 PM RECONVENE

PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Mandi Varner, Member; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder

FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT

   No one appeared for Public Comment.

1:29 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE DETENTION OFICER/Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff/Coroner; Julie Straub, HRM

   Trenton stated they completed interviews and made the decision they would like to hire Mariah Palluck.  Mariah has previous experience and will not have to attend the Law Enforcement Academy. 

Commissioner Varner made the motion to hire Mariah Palluck for the Detention Officer position.  Commissioner Rost seconded the motion.  Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

1:32 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

EXTENSION/4H PROGRAM UPDATES/David Kirschten, Extension Agent; Kodie Olsen, 4H Program Coordinator

   David and Kodie were unable to attend the meeting.

1:36 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until Thursday, September 11 at 9:45 AM.                                 

                           RECESS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025

9:45 AM CONVENE

PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost and Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary

FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT

   No one appeared for Public Comment.

10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO

   Marjorie reported on year-to-date financials and auditors scheduled to visit. David updated on gas lines and glycol pump projects being completed; currently having issues with the new computer system for the glycol pumps.

10:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

10:31 AM FMC RENOVATIONS BID OPENING

   Brandon Janshen, SDI Architects AIA Principal Architect; Shaun Sweets, B&B Builders Incorporated; Mandi Keefler, Jackson Contractor Group; Casey Roans, Sletten Construction joined the meeting.

10:38 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

11:00 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/Nathan Kalbach, Golf Course Superintendent; John Didier, Seasonal Golf Course Superintendent

   Nathan and John were unable to attend the meeting.

11:30 AM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

            NOON RECESS

1:45 PM RECONVENE

PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Mandi Varner, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary

FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

1:45 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT

   No one appeared for Public Comment.

2:03 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/Darcy Wassmann

   1. Decision-Opioid Settlement Participation

        Discussed setting up an agreement to indemnify Fallon County if the County decides to waive the money. Discussed how the County could utilize the opioid settlement; hire a speaker for the schools. Permission to opt in the Opioid Settlement.

Commissioner Rost motioned to opt into the Class Action Opioid Settlements. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; the County Attorney will manage the settlement. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.

   2.Old Business as needed.

        There was no discussion at this time.

2:14 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion.

2:14 PM CLOSED SESSION – LITIGATION – THIELEN’S VS FALLON COUNTY

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.

2:41 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.

Commissioner Rost motioned to adopt Resolution 1161 to retain Susan Swimely as legal counsel for Cause No. 2025-012 filed in the 16th Judicial District in Fallon County. Commissioner Varner seconded the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays.

2:43 PM Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business; meeting adjourned.

                           ADJOURN

                                                                                                                   s/ Kevin J. Braun, Chairman

s/ Megan Slagther, Recording Secretary

ATTEST:                   

s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder