Minutes - April 10 2019Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 8:30 AM
Brockway Memorial Library Conference Room
MINUTES
The Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Brockway Memorial Library was called to order at 8:45 AM by the
President. Present were: Michelle Brown, Library Director; Cheryl Gowing, Board President; Laura Farley,
Vice President; Kathleen Redmond, Secretary; Christine Gay and Donna Hurtak, Board Members.
Public Comment: None
Presentation: None
Guests: None
Minutes: March 2019 minutes were reviewed. Christine Gay moved to approve without amendment, Laura
Farley seconded. Motion passed.
Community Alliance Report: As the Community Alliance sponsor for April, Brockway Board Members
attended the meeting and provided an (elaborate) breakfast for attendees. Board President Cheryl Gowing
gave a presentation on behalf of Brockway which was informative and well received. The Alliance Treasurer
reported that there is a balance on hand of $56,014 from the Mayor’s Gala. Mayor Mac Glinn reported that
Storm Water Fee Assessments have been sent out; Miami Shores Estates and the Bayfront are the priority
projects with matching grants already approved. The Village Council approved an ordinance to allow
synthetic turf in backyards, a non-toxic pest management system for the Village, an active marquee at Miami
Theatre Center, and solar installation on municipal buildings. The mayor also spoke about new standards
at Miami Shores Elementary, including I Prep and Cambridge curriculum/methods to improve student
outcomes. Grants are being pursued to cover the estimated $220,000 cost. Finally, a Parks Master Plan
Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued, and two new restaurants are expected to open on NE 2nd Avenue
by late summer 2019.
Financial Report was reviewed in detail. The library received $250 in tile sales; approximately 80 have been
purchased so far. Also $71 was generated by the sale of raffle tickets for adult and children’s book
collections. The library will again submit an application to the Community Alliance for grants to fund
children’s summer programs and the children’s computer lab. Peter Grimm has requested information on
items that are part of the expansion which still need funding.
Michelle informed that we have received a quote of $6,798.75 from Orvieto for the Donor Tree, including
the trunk and 60 leaves. Additional engraved leaves are $24.75 each. A rendering will be done to determine
space needs and feasibility of adding other items, such as rocks and flowers, will also be reviewed. Donna
Hurtak moved to approve the budget + items presented; Christine Gay seconded. Motion passed.
Circulation Report for March was provided showing 4,791 in print circulation + 180 in digital for a total of
4,971 checkouts. 105 holds were placed. There were 97 copies added for adults and 19 added for youth;
57 books were donated. 521 items were weeded to update teen Manga collection and Music CD
selection. 28 patrons were added for a total of 7,159. (Note that the Patron Inventory Project continues
and is currently on the letter “R”.)
Old Business: The Board will take no official position on the Sew and Sew Quilting Group’s proposed Donor
Quilt and have accepted the Donor Tree from Orvieto as the official method for recognizing supporters of
the Library and the Expansion. The Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Library expansion was held on Friday,
March 22 and featured presentations by Board President Cheryl Gowing, Mayor Mac Glinn, and
Councilwoman Alice Burch, followed by children’s activities and an indoor reception. The event was well
attended by major donors, village officials, the library board and village residents.
Other Business: The Tuesday Tots Program has been “over-subscribed” and will be limited to the first 20
tots who arrive each week. The requirement for Library membership will be enforced. The
FIU/OLLI/Brockway collaboration for “One Book One State”, is scheduled for Thursday, March 9 and will
feature motivational speaker, Craig Skilling. The Meter Reveal will be held on April 13 to complete the meter
poles; the parking meter heads are complete and in place. National Libraries Week is being celebrated April
7 - 13; April is also Poetry Month. The “Little Free Library” is supported by local Girl Scouts and will be
located at the athletic field Tot Lot; books are being supplied by the Library, which will serve as a steward
to the project.
It was suggested that the Board send a memo, with cc to Angela Dorney, to the Fine Arts Commission
requesting that the Library Board be included in the planning and selection of all future art exhibits, as
agreed upon in the initial agreement for the collaboration.
Announcements May 11th: “Intro to ancestry.com"; May 15 – 17 Florida Library Association Conference
which will be attended by Brenda and Frances; May 18th Author event featuring “The Skunk Who Lost His
Stink”; May 23 “Financial Literacy for Teens”, May 30th “Women and Investing” presented by Treece
Financial.
There being no further business, Kathy Redmond moved to adjourn; Christine Gay seconded. Meeting was
adjourned at 10:05 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Redmond, Secretary