Wilton Manors Library Advisory Board

City of Wilton Manors Š Leisure Services Department 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-390-2130 Š Fax 954-390-2138 www.wiltonmanors.gov Library Advisory Board Meeting Agenda Monday, July 20, 2026 6:00PM – Commission Chambers 2020 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Additions to the Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes 5. Public Comments 6. Old Business a. Meeting of the independent municipal libraries in Broward County b. Non-city resident library card fees c. Art policy and Library mural update d. Library Advisory Board meetings location and frequency (requested by Chair Guthbertson) 7. New Business a. Mission Statement Revision b. Library Rules & Regulations c. Library Anniversary 2027 (requested by Chair Guthbertson) 8. Requests for Items on Next Agenda 9. Adjournment CITY OF WILTON MANORS LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES RICHARD C. SULLIVAN PUBLIC LIBRARY 500 NE 26TH STREET, WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026 6:00 P.M. Members Present: Barbara Gail Cutherbertson, Anne Bellisimo, Heidi Melius, John Fiore, Jim Bennett Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michelle Parks, Leisure Services Director; Shannon Edwards, Adult Services Librarian 1. Call to Order The meeting recording began at 6:05 p.m. A quorum was confirmed and the meeting was called to order. 2. Roll Call Roll call confirmed attendance of all board members listed above. Michelle Parks and Shannon Edwards were introduced and confirmed they will be regularly attending future meetings as staff support. 3. Additions to the Agenda Michelle Parks added draft minutes from the December 1, 2025 special meeting, which had not previously been circulated with the regular meeting minutes. Anne Bellisimo requested addition of discussion regarding an advisory communication to the City Commission concerning board responsibilities and budget priorities. The item was added under New Business. 4. Approval of Minutes • December 1, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes John Fiore made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2025 special meeting. The motion passed unanimously in a voice vote. • January 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes John Fiore made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2026 regular meeting. The motion passed unanimously in a voice vote. Page 1 of 5 5. Comments from the Public No public comments were received. 6. Old Business Meeting of the Independent Municipal Libraries in Broward County Barbara Gail Cutherbertson reported that the Board has attempted for several years to convene a meeting among independent municipal libraries. She indicated she had personally contacted several libraries and received interest in participating. Anne Bellisimo recalled prior outreach efforts had also generated interest but did not result in a coordinated meeting. Michelle Parks stated that collaboration among municipal libraries could provide operational and strategic benefits, including sharing approaches to budget constraints, policy changes, and common administrative challenges. She compared this to her participation in a monthly Parks and Recreation Directors group that provides valuable peer exchange. Michelle Parks advised that any meeting involving advisory boards must comply with Sunshine Law requirements and she will consult the City Attorney to determine how such collaboration could proceed. John Fiore emphasized the importance of collaboration in light of potential budget pressures affecting municipal libraries, including the possibility of reduced property tax revenues. Board members expressed general support for pursuing coordination once legal parameters are confirmed. Non-City Resident Library Card Fees Anne Bellisimo expressed concern that non-resident fees may discourage library use, particularly given the library’s proximity to municipal borders and nearby schools. She noted that families frequently travel through the area and questioned whether the administrative effort would produce meaningful financial benefit. Michelle Parks explained that the City is implementing RecTrac software to modernize library point- of-sale operations, replacing the existing cash register system and enabling credit card processing. Initially, the system will be used to track existing transactions such as copies, computer printing, and replacement charges. Michelle Parks explained that most independent municipal libraries in Broward County charge non- resident card fees, with Oakland Park being an exception due to participation in a state grant program. She noted that Wilton Manors is no longer bound by that program and has flexibility as an independent municipal library. Potential fee structures discussed included individual annual fees, family household rates, student rates, and reduced senior rates. Members also discussed the possibility of a scholarship or reduced-fee structure to maintain equitable access. Michelle Parks emphasized that the fees are not expected to generate substantial revenue but would demonstrate that non-residents contribute to services funded primarily by city taxpayers. Page 2 of 5 She also noted that implementation is not immediate and will follow completion of the RecTrac system setup. Board members discussed fairness considerations and administrative complexity of implementing scholarships or differentiated fee categories. Michelle Parks stated that once a draft fee structure is developed it will be presented to the Advisory Board for discussion before submission to the City Commission. Art Policy and Library Mural Update Michelle Parks provided an update regarding discussions with the Art Board concerning potential public art installations. Two projects currently under consideration include a mural on the library building and printed artwork panels for the pickleball court windscreens. Michelle Parks indicated the mural is likely to be the first project pursued due to feasibility and visibility. The Friends of the Library have expressed interest in contributing supplemental funding depending on the project scope. Michelle Parks stated that the Advisory Board may be asked to recommend a general theme for the mural, allowing artists creative flexibility while aligning the artwork with the library’s identity. Members expressed support for a mural that would increase visibility and recognition of the library as a community asset. 7. New Business Interim Library Management Shannon Edwards described assisting with scheduling, deposits, and operational tasks previously handled by the former library director. Michelle Parks reported that she will be working part-time onsite while evaluating operational needs, including circulation activity, facility usage, and staffing requirements. She stated her preliminary assessment suggests that a working manager model may be appropriate rather than a director-level position, particularly since the library is no longer required to maintain a director position for state grant eligibility. Anne Bellisimo noted that library directors traditionally bring specialized expertise related to collection development, patron challenges to materials, and professional standards governing library services. Michelle Parks acknowledged the importance of maintaining appropriate policies and procedures addressing those responsibilities. Members also discussed patron management concerns including sleeping in the facility, extended occupancy of tables, and other behaviors affecting library operations. Michelle Parks stated that similar issues are addressed regularly in park facilities and confirmed that clear policies regarding appropriate use of public spaces will continue to be applied consistently. Vacant Board Positions Recruitment Process Overview Board membership has been expanded from five to seven members. Members discussed previously interested applicants and the opportunity to appoint additional qualified candidates to Page 3 of 5 fill the new positions. The Board emphasized the importance of recruiting engaged participants who can contribute to advisory responsibilities related to library services, policy review, and budget input. Michelle Parks indicated she would confirm timing of future appointments with City staff. Library Advisory Board Meetings Location Michelle Parks explained that moving Advisory Board meetings to the library requires City Commission approval to ensure compliance with public access and recording requirements. She confirmed that recording capability is available at the library. Heidi Melius made a motion to approve holding Library Advisory Board meetings at the library facility. The motion was seconded by John Fiore and passed unanimously in a voice vote. Barbara Gail Cutherbertson will prepare a memorandum requesting Commission approval, and Michelle Parks will coordinate placement on a future Commission agenda. Budget Update and Advocacy Planning Michelle Parks provided an overview of the FY27 budget process. She stated that the proposed budget maintains current service levels with no reductions in hours or operations. She reported submitting a request to increase the book budget to $50,000 to address inflation and maintain collection quality. She also included funding for installation of security cameras at the library, Hagen Park, and Stafford Park, citing safety concerns related to building layout and blind corners. Estimated costs for camera installation across locations are approximately $60,000 with relatively low recurring maintenance costs. Michelle Parks indicated that operational software expenses currently paid by the Friends group may be incorporated into the City budget to ensure sustainability of core services. Members discussed the budget review process and were encouraged to attend Finance Advisory Board meetings where detailed line-by-line review occurs prior to Commission consideration. Members also discussed broader concerns related to potential property tax policy changes and possible impacts on municipal services including libraries and parks. Michelle Parks reported that recent guidance from the Florida League of Cities suggests major changes are unlikely in the immediate budget cycle, although longer-term uncertainty remains. Advisory Communication to the City Commission Anne Bellisimo presented a draft letter identifying possible Advisory Board priorities, including support for the increased book budget, installation of security cameras, and consistent IT support availability. Discussion focused extensively on the importance of maintaining reliable public computer access and the need for adequate IT response capacity. Anne Bellisimo emphasized that public technology services are central to library operations and historically required staff with strong technical capability. Page 4 of 5 Jim Bennett suggested that prioritization of advocacy topics may be helpful and indicated that security cameras appeared to be the most urgent need. Heidi Melius summarized the possible priorities as book budget funding, security cameras, and IT support. Michelle Parks provided clarification regarding the City’s IT support structure, including division of responsibilities between City IT staff and the Scarlet Group contractor. She explained that hardware issues are addressed through City IT while general account and software issues may be handled by the contracted vendor. Board members agreed that additional discussion of advisory priorities should occur at the next meeting in conjunction with a review of board responsibilities and mission statement. 8. Request for Items on Next Meeting Agenda (July 20, 2026) Items requested for future discussion include: x review of Advisory Board responsibilities x review and potential revision of mission statement x development of advisory priorities for the upcoming fiscal year x update on independent municipal library coordination x update on action item tracking process x update on mural project progress 9. Adjournment Barbara Gail Cutherbertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by John Fiore. The motion passed unanimously in a voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2026. Page 5 of 5