2024-09-11 LB MinutesMeeting of the Board of Trustees
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Brockway Memorial Library Conference Room
The meeting was called to order at 9:08 a.m. by Christine Gay. Present were Michelle Brown,
Library Director, Christine Gay, President, Marie Mennes, and Puja Motiani, Secretary. Nancy
Frehling, Vice President, and Barbara Lawless were excused.
Public Comment: None
Presentation:
1. Victor Bruce, guest architect, presented drawings and plans for the Library Courtyard Garden
Proposal.
2. Approval of Minutes The Board reviewed the minutes from the June 12, 2024 meeting.
Christine Gay moved for the approval of the minutes; Marie Mennes seconded. Motion
carried.
3. Community Alliance Report: Marie Mennes presented the report. The Library will host
breakfast for the Alliance meeting on April 2, 2025.
The Mayors Ball will be a Brunch for 2025 to be held on February 23, 2025.
Pass It On Ministries required assistance and we would donate books. Christine Gay moved
for the approval to support Pass It On Ministries; Marie Mennes seconded. Motion carried.
4. Financial Report: Michelle Brown presented the Financial Report. By September 2024, the
Library had spent around 67% of its budget. See Attached report. Puja Motiani made a motion
to approve the Financial Report, Christine Gay seconded. The Financial Report was approved
unanimously.
5. Circulation Report: See attached.
a. Archives Report: John Bachay has been meeting with and interviewing local
residents with ties to Miami Shores history. He has met with Roy Hawkins' great
niece Genie Hawkins. Milton Dillon who is another descendent of Mr. Hawkins,
donated Golf Clubs to the Miami Shores Country Club and this will be
memorialized with a Historical Marker in the future. John Bachay also interviewed
Edwin reader's son. Catherine McLaney and Carla Peters from the Chamber have
also met with John Bachay. George Oxar met with Mr. Bachay for the oral history
project. Dennis Leyva from a Pride Organization spoke to John Bachay about
archiving "Save Dade".
6. Old Business:
a. Historical Marker: The historical marker for the Library has been approved at the
state level and will take 6-7 months to create for installation.
b. Heritage Quest: Michelle Brown reported that that this is now operational and has
had positive feedback because it can be used at home and is a better replacement
for Ancestry.com.
7. Other items:
a. ILL: Brockway Memorial Library will no longer be part of the Statewide Inter
Library Loan System due to changes made by the system that are incompatible with
the Library's policies.
b. New Safety Measures: The Board discussed installing wireless panic buttons
throughout the library building as a measure to assist the staff. This would require
9 buttons and 3 hubs, and the total cost would be $3515.23.
c. Memorial Plaque — Gracie: The Board discussed a plaque to memorialize Gracie —
a past therapy reading dog who recently passed away. This would cost about $100
and would be covered from the Operating budget. Christine Gay made a motion to
approve, Marie Mennes seconded.
d. Youth Services Assistant Vacancy: this position is open again for hiring.
8. Announcements
• Next scheduled Board Meeting: October 9, 2024
• Story Walk Grand Opening: September 17, 2024 at 3:30 pm.
• Alzheimer's Program: September 10, 2024 at 10:30am
• Healthy Aging Seminar with Chamber of Commerce: September 12, 2024 at 6pm
• Hispanic Heritage @ Saturday Storytime "I am La Chiva": September 21, 2024 at 10:30am.
• 7th Annual Artisan Fair: Saturday October 5, 2024 at 10am-2pm. Christine Gay and Marie
Mennes will attend the event.
• Open House: all day event for 75th anniversary of Brockway Memorial Library. Date to be
determined.
Adjournment: Christine Gay moved to adjourn, Puja Motiani seconded. The meeting was
adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
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