2024-04-10 LB MinutesMEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Brockway Memorial Library Conference Room
10021 NE Second Avenue
Miami Shores, Florida 33138
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 9:04 a.m. Present were Michelle Brown, Library Director; Cheryl Gowing,
President; Nancy Frehling, Secretary; Christine Gay and Puja Motiani; and Laura Farley, Vice President.
Public Comment: None
Guests: Michael Weber and Mallory Lehoff, MSV Education Advisory Board Members
• The Board was asked to consider eliminating or reducing the $25/yr. fee for a non-resident child library
card for MSE students. Such a change in non-resident policy would have to apply to all non-resident
students attending schools within Miami Shores. It was noted that MSE and non-resident students at
other local schools are always welcome to visit the library to research, read, and attend library
programs. The Board will facilitate making contact with the Miami-Dade Public Library System to reach
out to MSE parents to have them better understand the free library services available to them at any of
the 50 county libraries wherever they live in Miami-Dade County.
• Alice and George Burch, the Miami Shores Mayor: They arrived next to listen and learn more about
Brockway and its board. Introductions were made.
1. Approval of Minutes of the February 14, 2024 meeting- Motion to approve was made by Nancy Frehling
and seconded by Puja Motiani. Motion passed.
2. Community Alliance report: Puja Motiani said that $77,000. was raised from the Gala. Grants will be
awarded on 5/22. Green Day is 4/27 and the BML booth will be hosted by Bachay.
3. Financial Report: This month the interior painting (a capital project) was finished. We are at 37% of the
budget although some big expenses will be posted soon. Motion to approve was made by Christine Gay and
seconded by Laura Farley. Motion approved.
4. Circulation Report: See attached
5. Old Business:
a. Phase one of the south garden project is complete. There were 30-40 volunteers. The concept was
explained. Phase two has not yet been approved and would need wheelchair access. There will be
labelling and QR codes. Mary Benton has volunteered to teach about maintenance and garden care.
b. Thirty people have registered for the Library’s 75th Anniversary Party. Some have commented on
our charging. Michelle Brown has reduced the catering numbers. There will be music, special
displays, a slide show and flowers by Carlos Andrade. Alice Burch and Neil Cantor will attend along
with the Mayor. Michelle Brown and Chery Gowing will speak. There are three sponsors: Holland &
Knight, MOCA and the Frost Museum. There will also be a raffle. The Library will close on the Friday
at noon in order to prepare. The Library will also be closed on Saturday.
c. Capital Projects- We will have to address flat roof problems. We have had two leaks. The front porch
also needs work, including tile replacement. Changes to the women’s restrooms may have to be
postponed. George Burch commented that Florida has an Historical Grant program that might pay
for the changes like window replacement.
d. Outstanding Fines- We have over $10,000. in uncollected fines. Over 75% go back to the ‘90’s. If
older than five years, if people have moved, these need to be wiped off the books. Active members
should have card blocked. The Library will move to clean up the records. Nancy Frehling moved and
Puja Motiani seconded to change the rules about fines accordingly. Motion passed.
6. Additional Items:
a. The Community Alliance grant will end on 4/15. We are asking for the same grant for summer
programming but for $3,000.
b. The Citizens Academy is an opportunity to connect with the community. A different department will
present each week from 4/29 to 6/24 on Monday evenings. The Library will present on 5/20. Mayor
Burch said this began with Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky as a way to educate and interest people in the
various boards. For instance, last night was a Traffic Committee meeting. George Burch said we
need to communicate and have real input from the
Committees. Cheryl Gowing said there should be promotional clips to put on social media.
7. Announcements:
a. The three schools entered the contest to re-do the meters which will be completed soon. Pizza and
cupcakes will be provided.
b. Green Day is 4/27 at 3:00 p.m. John Bachay and Beverly will host a booth.
c. May is Historic Preservation Month. On 5/2 at 6:30 p.m. Historic Preservation will host a kick-off
followed by a panel forum and tour.
d. 5/4- John Bachay is doing a walking tour
e. 5/11 is a Haitian Heritage event with FLPOC.
f. Library Assistant Lars Essington is completing his Master’s degree in Library Science. Cheryl Gowing
suggested having a cake.
g. The Library is still looking to fill a position for a part-time Youth Services Assistant to Brenda Holsing.
Michelle Brown had a good interview yesterday. The position is for 25 hours a week- afternoons,
evenings and weekends.
h. Alice Burch complimented the Library Board and Staff.
i. 5/9- the Women’s Club will be expressing their gratitude to the Library and explaining their mission.
Laura Farley is on the Board.
Laura Farley moved to adjourn and Christine Gay seconded. The motion was approved at 10:27.
Submitted by Nancy Frehling, Secretary