Members Present: Dean Adams – Co-Chair, Grant Petersen – Co-Chair, Walter Scheldorf – ASMSU Representative, Brett Gunnink, John How, Kane Urdahl, Danielle Garber, Sky Wernik, Michael Everts, Duane Morris, and Steve Swinford

Members Absent: Jason Browning, Terry Leist, Robert Mokwa, Sreekala Bajwa, Thomas Luhrsen, Kirsten Ostberg, and Alison Harmon

Staff & Guests: Robert Stockdale, Jennisse Waters, Dena Knutson

ITEM No. 1 – Approval of Minutes from June 17, 2025

The June 17, 2025, meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 2 – RECOMMENDATION – Reid Hall Center for Research on Rural Education Renovation

Robert Stockdale explained that the Center for Research on Rural Education had received a grant to fund the renovation of the space that it occupies in Reid Hall, and that the proposed work includes alterations to the west entrance of the building. Robert then introduced the designs for the renovated entrance, noting that it includes a glass curtain wall with entryways at either end. Robert stated that the addition would extend 8 feet from the current façade, but that it would not impede emergency vehicle access along the adjacent service drive. Robert noted that the improvements to the entrance would also include improved accessibility ramps.

Michael Everts asked whether there were any bollards in place to prevent vehicles from blocking access to the entry ramps. Dena Knutson replied that there had previously been bollard in front of the entrance, but a truck damaged them. Dena then stated that new bollards will be included as part of the renovation. Michael asked whether a rail could be installed to help protect pedestrians from traffic along the service drive. Grant Petersen replied that a goal of the project is to make the service drive more pedestrian focused, and that the design team would look at different options for making the space safe and comfortable. Sky Wernik asked whether vehicles will still be allowed to use the service drive, noting that building occupants use the drive and the entrance to load and unload equipment. Grant clarified that campus employees are welcome to continue using the service drive for such purposes. Kane Urdahl stated that Facilities Services had reviewed the plans and believes that the proposed changes would not interfere with facilities-related needs.

Dean Adams asked how the canopy’s drainage would be designed. Kane Urdahl answered that water will drain to the north and the south, but that the area will need to be re-graded as part of the renovation project to ensure that the surface slopes away from the building.

Walter Scheldorf asked if the renovation of the Reid Hall 124 classroom included in the project drawings would be done in conjunction with the other Reid Hall classroom renovations. Grant

Petersen explained that the renovation of Reid Hall 124 is funded by the Center for Research on Rural Education’s grant and is separate from the other classroom renovations, which are funded by student fees. Dena Knutson stated that the Reid Hall 124 renovation would ideally occur alongside the other classroom renovations, but that the phasing of the project is still being determined. Robert Stockdale added that the Classroom Committee recently approved the renovated design for Reid Hall 124.

John How asked whether there were any historic preservation restraints for this project. Robert Stockdale replied that the State Historic Preservation Office was consulted and indicated that there would not be any issues with the proposed alterations.

Grant Petersen noted that the proposed design is intended to improve traffic flow through Reid Hall by drawing traffic to the west entrance and away from the north entrance, while also bringing more attention to the Center for Research on Rural Education and its work.

The Reid Hall entry addition, as part of the Center for Research on Rural Education renovation, was approved unanimously.

ITEM No. 3 – INFORMATIONAL – 2024-2025 UFPB Sub-Committee Updates

Robert Stockdale provided the board with an overview of the ADA Facilities Advisory Committee’s activities over the past year, highlighting the completion of the university’s annual ADA transition plan. Grant Petersen commented that the ADA Facilities Advisory Committee had been very successful in bringing together the right people to help guide and inform compliance and being responsive to campus needs. Grant added that the committee was the subject of an internal audit two years prior, and that the committee has since resolved all the recommendations from that audit process. Kane Urdahl stated that the ADA Facilities Advisory Committee has collaborated with Facilities Services to develop a map that prioritizes snow routes on campus, which is helpful for both the grounds team as well as the wider university community.

Robert Stockdale next discussed the efforts of the Classroom Committee. Robert highlighted the committee’s intimate involvement in the five classroom renovations that were completed over the summer as well as its role in developing the design for the Reid Hall classroom renovations that are to be undertaken in 2026 and 2027.

Robert Stockdale then presented on the Public Art and Artifacts Committee’s activity, updating the board on the artworks that had been selected over the past year and noting the RFPs that were currently open for submissions. Dean Adams asked if art had been selected for the Montana PBS addition project. Grant Petersen responded that the Montana PBS project was not at the art selection stage, but that a request for artwork proposals would likely occur at the start of 2026.


ITEM No. 4 – Open Discussion

Walter Scheldorf asked if there was any activity related to the campus landscape sub-committee that was mentioned at a previous UFPB meeting. Grant Petersen replied that there had been some discussions about the need for a landscape sub-committee, but no official decisions have been made.

Grant Petersen updated the board on projects currently underway on campus. Grant noted that Gianforte Hall is moving along according to schedule, the Facilities Yard project is nearing completion, the campus hotel is to begin work shortly, the Montana PBS addition will shift to its construction phase come spring, and the work on the five Jones Hall nursing building are all progressing. Dena Knutson added that the American Indian Hall outdoor classroom was also recently completed.

Danielle Garber provided updates on recent developments from the City of Bozeman. Danielle outlined the recently passed wetlands ordinance as well as the Unified Development Code, which was recommended for approval by the city planning board the previous evening.

Duane Morris commended the success of the Grant Street project in transforming the campus for the better.