Jessica King, executive director of the Terrell Heritage Society, updated the board on the Andrew Carnegie library restoration campaign and prioritized immediate work to stop water intrusion and stabilise the building.

King summarized the museum’s recent outreach and programming gains, including new rotating exhibits, market and car‑show events, a podcast, volunteer growth and an increase in visitors from a railroad‑focused exhibit. She recounted the building’s historic designations (Texas recorded historic landmark, Texas state antiquities landmark, and listing on the National Register of Historic Places) and said the second floor is currently closed because it does not meet code.

On restoration priorities, King said the most urgent work is “the west elevation drainage” to stop water running under the building; she and staff cited a $35,000 drainage line item and said the city of Terrell has committed $18,000 toward that work. King described subsequent priorities as foundation stabilization and masonry/pointing; she said Mark Thacker prepared architectural recommendations and a master plan for the building addition on the west side that would add ADA bathrooms, an elevator and storage so the second floor can reopen.

King also described recent philanthropic support and pending grants: a $10,000 gift from the Social Science Club, other smaller donations, and a Texas Historical Commission grant application for historic window work (the grant application and the city match were described in the packet; the THC application timeline described by King anticipates notification in August with funds paid in October/November if awarded). King said immediate drainage work will be scheduled once the total amount is available and that delaying the drainage and masonry work increases the risk and cost of further deterioration.

Board members asked about phasing, whether smaller pieces of work could proceed without full funding, and timing for grant awards; King and staff confirmed the drainage work must precede foundation stabilization. No formal board appropriation was requested at the meeting; King’s presentation was framed as an update and a request to continue coordinating with city staff and potential donors.

What happens next: staff and the Heritage Society will schedule the west‑elevation drainage work and continue fundraising/grant pursuit; staff confirmed the city’s $18,000 contribution toward the drainage line item and will coordinate phasing with the Heritage Society and design consultant Mark Thacker.