Library Advisory Board

Joint Library Board and Foundation Board Meeting October 11, 2022 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Library Board Chair Cynthia Cheney called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. BCL Foundation Members Mark Browning, Nicole Taranto Daniel, Lorraine Ekegren, Colleen Karls, Valerie Otto, and Ali Vasarella; Library Board members Cynthia Cheney, Bob Coughlin, Scott Mullen, Martha Sellers, and Chrysti Smith; BCL Director Gale Bacon; and Jeff Lusin, Matt Sedor, and Sander Story from 45 Architecture attended. Circulation Specialist Kathleen Godfrey and Public Service Desk Coordinator John Wellcome were present to take minutes and help facilitate the meeting. Nancy Pearson, a Library volunteer, attended as a guest. Introductions & Public Input All attendees introduce themselves. There was no public input. New Business: 45 Architecture - New Library Update Due to the funding available now, it was not possible to build the new library so that it could expand to a second story, but it may be possible to extend the building as a single story. The new building will be approximately 23,500 square feet. The storage in the basement is about the same size as the current library building. Some of the basement may be used as City storage. Currently, the building project is staying within budget and includes funding for landscaping. The building is configured so that part may be used by the public after the library is closed. Trustee & Committee Reports Belgrade Community Library (BCL) Foundation Updates The Foundation received the final payment from the Taylor Foundation. Give Big Donations 45 Architecture donated $25,000 to the Library during Give Big 2022. All meeting attendees expressed appreciation to 45 Architecture. Cook Family Foundation Grant The Foundation is working on this grant of $10,000/year for the next five years. They are planning to use it toward collection development. Look Who’s Talking Event Local actors will read from biographies found at the Library. It is a fundraiser for the Foundation, with a suggested donation of $15. No reservations are necessary. The event will take place at Bar 3 BBQ at 6:30 on Thursday, October 20. Library Board Update: Board Meetings in Council Chambers All Library Board meetings must now be held in the City Council Chambers, so that meetings may be recorded. City Update Martha Sellers, Belgrade City Council member, gave a City update. She thanked everyone present for their work for the new library. Fireworks regulations have not changed. There have been many annexations, especially to the south of the City. West Post subdivision has a lot of open spaces and parks designated. ADUs will be allowed. Belgrade Senior Center is now part of the City of Belgrade and their employees are now City employees. There is an additional SRO. Yellowstone Plaza is growing. Sidewalk issues are being considered. The City logo has stayed the same. Chief Greg Tryon is the new fire chief for Central Valley Fire District. An aquatics center is being considered. Director’s Report Recognizing Greatness Anyone is welcome to use this document as needed when applying for grants or awards for the Library. Gale compiled a list of the Library’s state and national awards, including individual awards. The Library won the 2020 Montana Center for the Book Prize. Gale encouraged everyone to be involved in the 2023 One Book Belgrade program. The Library anticipates it will be a very fun community read. The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan centers around the Martel family during WWII. Martel Construction funded the program. Current Staff Photo Gale reviewed the current positions and professional backgrounds of the Library staff. Gale thanked Board members for supporting the staff. Future Meetings 11.29.22 5:30 p.m. - Library Board Meeting 11.29.22 5:30 p.m. - BCL Foundation Meeting Adjournment Motion to adjourn at 8:22 made by Martha Sellers, seconded by Ali Vasarella, and passed unanimously. Cynthia Cheney Ali Vasarella Kathleen Godfrey Belgrade Community Library Belgrade Community Library Belgrade Community Library Board Chair Foundation President Circulation Specialist