The Parmly Billings Library is requesting approval to accept a grant from the Montana State Library funded by the federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP).  The purposes of the grant are:
• Expanded broadband access for patrons
• Network infrastructure improvements capable of migrating to the new Library building upon its completion

Funding from the BTOP grant for expanded broadband speed will begin as soon as the attached Memorandum of Understanding is signed and will end June 30, 2013. Broadband speed will increase from the current 10 Mbps to 70 Mbps with no change of vendor.  BTOP will pay for the expanded portion of the monthly charges through June 30, 2013.

The network infrastructure improvement portion of the grant will provide four new switches, licensing and transceivers that will be dedicated for patron internet access.  At present, there are two networks at the Library – one for staff and one for patrons – and the network switches at the Library are configured to provide internet access to both networks.  Current switches are at or near capacity in terms of allowing internet-able devices on the network.   The new switches will physically separate the staff network from the public network and provide increased capacity as the number of patrons requiring internet access increases.

The Library is working with City IT and the grantor to purchase switches compatible with current equipment. All items funded through this portion of the grant will be moved to the new Library building upon its completion.  The Montana State Library is working through State procurement guidelines to issue an Invitation to Bid for the network equipment.  When that is complete, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Montana State Library and the Parmly Billings Library will be formulated, describing the Montana State Library’s agreement to pay for the equipment and the City’s agreement to install the equipment for public access to the internet.

The City Council may:
• Accept the grant
• Decline the grant

The MOU between the City and the Montana State Library requires that the City continue to provide internet access at the same level or higher for twelve months after June 30, 2013, when the project ends. The yearly charge for 70 Mbps bandwidth is currently $11,760. The Library will incorporate the increased costs in its operating budget.

There is no financial impact for purchasing the new network infrastructure equipment.  However, as this new equipment ages it will need to be replaced through the City’s Technology Replacement Program (TRP).

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Montana State Library’s Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program grant and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached MOU for increased broadband speed and the MOU for network infrastructure equipment upon its receipt.