Minutes - March 13 2019MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, March 13, 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 8:30 AM by the
President. Present were: Michelle Brown, Library Director; Cheryl Gowing, Board President; Laura Farley, Vice President;
Kathleen Redmond, Secretary; Christine Gay. Donna Hurtak was absent (excused).
Public Comment: None
Presentation: None
Guests: None
Minutes: February 2019 minutes were reviewed. Laura Farley moved to approve, Christine Gay seconded. Motion
passed.
Community Alliance Report: The treasurer reported that the Mayor’s Gala will be at capacity by March 9th; balance of
the account is currently $18,966.17. Mayor Glinn reported that steps to correct the Village’s pension plan are now
completed, the Village Comprehensive Plan is now in place, and Brightline Shuttle service is now better coordinated with
the Brightline schedule. Miami Shores Elementary is receiving $5 million in additional funds from MDPS to upgrade the
facilities. Storm water study findings indicate that property owner utility rates will increase by about $60 per year. We are
still pending a start date for Grant Applications, but know they must be done by May 1st when the board turns over. Fine
Arts’ last event will be “Dance Now” on April 5th at Miami Theatre Center. There will be two more candidate forums before
the April 9th Village elections: March 18th at the Community Center, and March 27 at Miami Theatre Center. Women’s
Leadership Conference is being held at Barry U on March 26th.
Financial Report was reviewed and all appeared in order. Kathy Redmond moved to approve, Laura Farley
seconded. Motion passed. Michelle announced that the Unity Day Raffle netted $52 and it will be continued monthly. Also
$114.25 was collected from the parking meters. Michelle is working on the Capital Budget which will include a new copy
machine, water fountain upgrade, shelving for periodicals, silicone flat roof project and items not included in the original
Capital request.
Circulation Report was reviewed. Circulated copies were 4,226 + 43 digital for a total of 4,269 with 89 holds placed for
February. There were 63 copies added for Adults, 38 for Youth, and 20 in Media. The library received 53 donated movies
and books. During February 104 copies were removed, mainly duplicates from Juvenile inventory. 50 items were
repaired/replaced. During the month 27 new patrons were added for a total of 7,467. (Note that the total is below last
month due to the ongoing patron inventory update project. Miami Shores has approximately 10,000 residents.)
Of interest also is the utilization of ancestry.com which hosted 169 searches during the month. Mango Languages had no
sessions and Overdrive had 43 users with 149 checkouts. Digital magazines saw 23 checkouts, led by “The Economist”
and “The New Yorker” with 4 each. Finally, Facebook reached 1,280 users which reflects added posts being directed at
keeping our information current.
Old Business: The group in charge of the Donor Quilt, honoring original contributors to the library expansion, appears to
be dissatisfied with the arrangements made for compensation. Board Members agreed that their offer could be declined,
rather than cause ill-feelings. The Cornerstone for the addition will be displayed at the Dedication Ceremony. As of March
12 the Expansion Project is officially kicked off, following a meeting with Stobs, Village Manager Benton and Library Director
Michelle Brown. Parking meter contest entries were due on March 1st and 9 finalists have been selected. The “Meter
Reveal” celebration will be held on April 13th at 10 AM followed by a Pizza Party.
Other Business: Groundbreaking Ceremony is confirmed for Friday, March 22 at 4 PM and will include children’s and
adult activities. Board President, Cheryl Gowing will preside with remarks by Mayor Glinn and Councilwoman Burch. Top
Donors with Michelle will cut the ribbon and board members will join for the hard hat/shovel photo ops.
Our Library Cards are being restocked and the new design will feature the new Brockway logo.
It was suggested that the Board consider serving as stewards of a “Little Free Library” to be placed by the local Girl Scouts
at the Tot Lot adjoining the Village athletic fields. Christine Gay moved to approve and Laura Farley seconded. Motion
passed.
Announcements Seth Bramson will host “Debunking Miami Myths” on March 12 at 6:30pm. Fine Arts Exhibit will open on
Friday, March 16 at 10 AM with a companion exhibit at City Hall; refreshments will be provided. Library Board will host
breakfast at the next Alliance Meeting on Wednesday, April 3rd at 8:00 AM; set up must be completed by 7:45. Other
events: “The Future of Miami Marine Stadium” on April 4th; “Top 10 Plants for South Florida Gardens” on April 6th; “Poetry
After Dark” featuring poet, Butterfly; Karen Bruce Author Event and Ezra Jack Keats Children’s’ Art Show, both on April
25th.
There being no further business, Kathy Redmond moved to adjourn; Christine Gay seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:28
AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Redmond
Secretary