All right. Good evening. I wanted to welcome everybody to the City of North Mammy Beach, Commission Conference Meeting of Thursday, June 27, 2024. First, Madam Clerk, roll call. Commission Shana. Commission Jean. Here. Commission Joseph. Commission Smith. Here. Commission Smokler. Present. Commissioner Jean here Commissioner Joseph Commissioner Smith Commissioner Smuckler President vice mayor McKenzie flooring one here mayor Evan Piper here. Thank you. You may proceed. Thank you. Thank you Okay, so next we're going to move into our presentations for this evening. So I guess we'll just kind of regroup over here and then we'll get going with our presentations. Like I said, me. I'm going to put to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the I don't know. I don't know. What is the mayor for what do you do? I'll go back to the other order. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor, and good evening, everyone. As you know, we celebrate a National Holiday this month, June team, and the city had different celebrations. Our different colleagues led different celebrations, and we had actually an essay contest with over 40 of our youth that participated. So let's give our youth a round of applause. The essays were very compelling, and I want to give a shout out to Miss Maurice from our mayor and council and also Mr. Plotkin, director Plotkin, for really encouraging our children to participate. So we have a few of the top three winners today. Comella Patron, he got applause going. And the Nisha Moss, I'm not sure if the Nisha is here today. All right, so we'll take a few seconds to allow them just to read the first paragraph of their essays. All right. Thank you. June 10th is an opportunity for all freedom-loving people to celebrate the epic drama to remember its heroes and Sharon. Honor their games, mourn, mourn, their losses and learn from both. It is proper that we take a day out of each day, of each other to honor the greatest social movement. It is proper that we remember the business that remains unfinished from the movement to come to come template the as a purpose not an event not an event. To me, Juneteenth is a day of freedom. And if you don't know what Juneteenth is, Juneteenth comerates an effective end of slavery in the United States. I'll take this day very serious because without the end of slavery, I'll still be working. And Juneteenth isn't just about celebrating a day or a single historic event. It's a celebration of freedom, resilience, community, and the possibility of good things to come. Here are great things to celebrate Juneteen with the young people in their life. Some people don't know what activities to do, but it depends on what you want. Juneteen festivities are rooted in cookouts and barbecue. and the community's activities are rooted in cookouts and barbecue. Well, you know how nerve-wracking it is to come up, but the pieces will be shared online so that the community can enjoy and we have some trees for them. So congratulations on participating in our Juneteenth essay contest. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. All right. You're all good. Thank you. All right. All right. You're all good. Thank you. Thank you. All right. You're all good. Okay. Okay. Next we have a certificate of recognition to Carol Renfro, Commissioner Smith. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, say. So here's our jazzer-sized lady in. If any one of you had come for the last 40 years and taken her course, you too could look like her. It's just a question of putting in the effort and you have done that for North Miami Beach for all these years. She's here at 615, she's here to take care of our residents. And you know the number one thing is you can't enjoy life if you're not healthy. So we can't thank you enough and we want to recognize you. In honor of your outstanding dedication and over 40 years of exemplary service to the Park and Recreation Department since 1984. All right, some of you haven't been born yet. Don't raise your hand, you see these views raising their hand. Carol has been teaching jazz or size in North Miami Beach helping its residents, friends, and neighbors stay healthy and fit. Your tireless efforts and heartfelt dedication have profoundly impacted the lives of countless senior citizens, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. Your explanation exceptional service is a testament to your passion and dedication, and we are deeply grateful for your invaluable contribution. June 27th, 2024, and recognition from the Mayor and the commissioners. Okay, before we go, let's let Carol tell us if somebody wants to come, you're still. Oh, as a matter of fact, this Saturday, JocerSize is actually celebrating 55 years of being around. You can find JocerSize internationally, literally. And this Saturday, in honor of the 55th anniversary of Jocelyn's I'm doing a free class on Saturday morning at 9.30 and it's right over in the McDonald's Center. Come and see us 9.30 in the morning. It'll be an hour. We're doing a fun celebration. There'll be raffles and all kinds of things going on because it's a big celebration. So come join us. Thank you. Look at the benefits. This woman is 40 and she only looks like she's 20. Look at the benefits. Come and enjoy. Thank you again. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Woo! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank, you brought it. Oh, sorry. Okay. We love John so much. He's like a lot. Literally arguing. That's what I was trying to do. Who's going to do this for John? Okay. This is how much he's like. I don't like you. Okay. Okay. I'm fighting over who can. That's what it was about. Of North Miami Beach. And I going to tell you something. He is worth fighting for. Next item is with profound sorrow. We present a proclamation for the family of Commander John Phalom. Commissioner Smith. Okay. Let's family please come up. Please come up. And if we could have some of our officers that are here come up as well, we would appreciate it. And while they're coming up, I want to tell you what a huge loss this is for North Miami Beach. But, you know, North Miami Beach is a large community, large community, and we're one. But you don't realize how large John Falon was, unless you attended the services Saturday and Friday night. They held the services at a church that probably holds over 1,000 people. And I have to tell you, there wasn't seating for everybody. There was not seating for everybody. And so many wanted to speak in his behalf, so many people wanted to speak that they had to really pull them off the stage and off the podium. So I can only tell you, North Miami Beach also, in its own way, wants to make sure that the family knows how much we love a door and we'll always love him and we're going to recognize him as well. So we can start with the mayor that he could read the first sentence and then we'll pass. This is the smallest I have ever seen a proclamation written because there's not enough room on the page to write what we want to write about him. room on the page to write what we want to write about him. Whereas John Fulum was born to Haitian immigrant parents in Little Haiti, Miami, and graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 2001, demonstrating early academic and personal success and... So we talk about that he was born. His birthday would have been next week under live fourth. We always texted each other and each other's birthdays and John Friol could be getting my texts this year. Whereas John Faloam's passion for public service began in high school with the North Miami Beach Police Department's Police Explorer program, setting the stage for lifelong commitment to community service and... We're as in 2005, John Follome joined North Mybeach Police Department as a domestic violence and victim and witness coordinator. Later becoming a full-time crime prevention specialist where he coordinated numerous crime prevention programs and supervised volunteers demonstrating exemplary leadership. and. Where as John Follon was promoted to lead worker in 2010 and crime prevention supervisor in 2015, overseeing various units and programs and achieving numerous awards for his contributions to public safety and community service. Where as in 2020, John Follon became a civilian commander, responsible for critical programs, such as the NNB Park Rangers, Homeland Security Infrastructure, for the showcasing his dedication and leadership. And where as John Follon was deeply involved in mentorship and advocacy, notably with the 5,000 role models of excellence in the North Miami Beach Pound. NFL Youth League earning multiple awards, including the North Miami Beach Civilian of the Year, and the current prevention practitioner of the year. Before I read, I just want to say I remember John from Edison Middle School and you know, good, good kid. We were all kids, but good kid and came back and met him here in North Miami Beach as a employee of the city during doing great things. And when you think about John, and he was with the city for almost 20 years, at such a young age to be with the city for all that time, that shows that he had in his mind what he wanted to do from day one. And he was focused, and he knew exactly where he wanted to do from day one. And he was focused. And he knew exactly where he wanted to go and who he wanted to help. And for him to be here for such a long time and influence so many people and to see all of those people in uniform this past Saturday, he lived beyond most people's wildest dreams and touched so many people that will continue his legacy. And you all should be very, very proud of your brother, your husband, your cousin, your father, your uncle. You guys should be very, very proud. Your son made a great, great legacy here in the city of North Miami Beach. And so it's just, you know, an honor to have known John. And the proclamation continues whereas John Falom was a general and true gentleman, inspiring and transforming the lives of hundreds, if not thousands. The proclamation continues where as John Falom was a general and true gentleman, inspiring and transforming the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, those he impacted are better members of society for having known him. And whereas John Falom was loved, respected, and valued by many, though lost at a young age, he touched more lives and his short time than most do in a lifetime. Whereas John Follon was admired for his giving nature and positive attitude, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love for family friends and God. With his words resonating, life is what you make it and what you put into it. Live your life and leave the rest to God. And we're all gonna get an opportunity to say something about your wonderful graduate生. Now therefore, we, the mayor and commission of the city and North Miami Beach, Florida, post-humansly honored John Falom for his exceptional service and contributions to our community. His life and work stand as a testament to the values of dedication, leadership and compassion. John Falom's legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all. Okay, we're going to do something a little different than we usually use. We would ask the mother and the family to come up and take a picture. But because he was so special, our representative in the United States have sent a proclamation as well. And this is something I don't remember ever getting one when I'm up here from anybody. For the public that doesn't know, John Fologne was the one that trained the young kids and put them on the right path. So he may be gone, but he's got hundreds of families that he has made a difference. Not just for the cadet, not just for the explorer, but for them family, their family, forever and on. And the preset at the best, John did good and John was good. But let's read this proclamation, because it's a symphony resolution from the honorable Fredrika Wilson from the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, I Congressman Fredrika Wilson from the 24th District of the great state of Florida seek recognition. I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a truly remarkable individual, Commander John Kay Follon, who has served this community with distinction and dedication, and you can start the whereas. But you're not going to speak again now. Right, right. Okay. Just saying. Whereas Commander John K. Phalom dedicated 19 years of exemplary service to the state of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and the city of North Miami Beach, making a profound impact on his community and the lives of many. And whereas Commander John Phalom began his journey in public service as a juvenile, participating as a police explorer with the North Miami Beach Police Department, demonstrating exceptional commitment by biking one hour each way from his home in the city of Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood to the police department. And. Where as commended for loans progression from volunteer to a full-time crime prevention officer with the city of North Mime Beach Police Department exemplifies his unwavering dedication and passion for public service, whereas as the leader of the Explorer Advisor for the North Marming Beach Police Department, Command of Falone paid a crucial role in bridging the gap between the community and the police department, positively influencing many young lives by providing guidance and support. Whereas Commander for Loan tirelessly recruited and mentored at risk youth from across Miami-Dade County, filling the voids in their lives and offering them the support and encouragement they needed to overcome their challenges. And whereas through his involvement with programs such as the 5,000 role models of excellence project, police athletic league, police explorer program, and volunteers in police service program, Commander for Loan positively impact his council and his young lives, helping them to inspire their better, for better futures. helping them to inspire their better for better futures. Whereas Commander Falon's mentorship led many. Did you read that one? No. Okay. Whereas Commander Falon's membership led many at risk youth to achieve significant milestones, including graduating from high school and college, attending the police department, academy, I'm sorry, attending the police academy, and enlisting in the United States Air Forces, and becoming one of our very own detectors here in the city of North Miami Beach. So you're pleased with the last two. Okay. Commander Fulome, unwavering dedication. Whereas Commander Falom's unwavering dedication to his community, both during and beyond his work hours made him a pillar of strength and support, creating a space where youth felt heard, loved, and valued. And whereas Commander Falollome's legacy is reflected in the lives of countless individuals who because of his compassion, love and support have reached their potential and achieved significant milestones and. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Federica S. Wilson, a member of United States House of Representatives, representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, I'm honored to recognize the late John K. Foulomb and extend my heartfelt sympathy. This is a huge, huge, huge thing because she is the woman that started role model 5,000. And that now is international in the islands. I think overseas, it's international. And this is an honor for me as well as I'm sure my commissioners and the mayor to not just remember, but to really celebrate what he did for North Miami Beach and what he gave to the community and the future communities. We all have stories about John. We all have stories about his kindness and to watch him get to where he was and know that he had a short life and he did more than many men living a long life. It really and truly you deserve these honors and much more, much more. I'm sure my fellow commissioners want to say some words. Thank you so much, Commissioner Smith. Yes, I wanted to just say, I was speaking to one of my colleagues about this, but I wanted to propose a scholarship in John's honor for the explorers or PAL program kids who actually want to go into law enforcement. So I think that would be an amazing thing that the city can do in the legacy of John to champion the youth that want to go in. I don't know if you guys agree with that, but that would be. That would be a great picture. Excellent. You know. Please want to speak after us. Okay. We turned it back on. Okay. You were there. Thank you. So besides the fact that John has an amazing family, he also had amazing friends and detective to Stolly, being one of them. Nikki Wright, back there, also being an amazing friend to him. And you are his family, as well, Jennifer. And I just, I called the manager last week, and I thanked him because when I told him that John was in the hospital back in April, he went right away to visit him. And he barely knew John. The manager hadn't even been here a year at that time, but he went to visit him. Like so many others should have done before his final days. But thank you to his family. And please, if you don't mind, I want you to share. I started talking about it with the shopping cart. What if you don't mind telling me the story that you told me? Because it's just, it's John. So when we were little kids, John's favorite games was cops and robbers. So he got an old shopping cart and broke his toys to take the lights and attach them with the battery. So the lights and sirens would be on the shopping cart and he got the little plastic handcuffs and he would give us 10 seconds and he said go run Hi, and he would chase us down with the shopping cart and arrest us and take us back to jail And he would do this over and over again, and he said it when he was a little kid I'm talking about eight years old. He said when I grow up, I'm gonna be a police officer and Look at it. He did it He never straight never got any other deep job straight up became a cop I'm gonna be a police officer and look at it. He did it. He never strayed, never got any other deep job. Straight up became a cop. And that was his favorite thing. And I'm so happy that he gave us this new family too. Thank y'all. Thank you so much. Yeah, I just want to share a story as well. When we were kids, five, six years old, there was a table that was in the middle of the living room. And John would have an entire community laid out in between the pictures and all that stuff of cop cars and firefighters and different stuff like that. And he would just play with the toys for hours on end and I would just watch him. And I'd be like, man, that looks so interesting. And then when he would leave, I would go on the table and then two minutes later, I was like, man, that looks so interesting. And then when he would leave, I would go on the table and then like two minutes later, I was like, man, this is the sun. Like, that was just John's thing. And, you know, John would watch the cop shows. Now, those I could get into, he would record them, then we would watch him again, then we just know the episodes. When John was 14 years old, we were downstairs and, well, not downstairs. Me and my best friend were sitting outside. It was 8, 9, 10 o'clock at night. And we were sitting on the porch just hanging out. And it's just four foot clearance entry or whatever. And I remember when the door just bursting open. And John jumps hurdles both of us. And he says, the house next door is on fire. Come with me. And at 14 years old, John dashes over to the duplex across from us. And it's engulfed in flames. And John burst the front door open. I don't know how, like it's a duplex. So it's two doors. I don't know how, like it's a duplex. So it's two doors. I don't know how he knew which one to go to, but it was the back one. He kicks the door open. The entire thing is on fire. Me and my friend are only like, I don't know, 10 years old. But we're following John's lead. John gets through the fire. He grabs an old man on the wheelchair, puts him on his back carries them outside. We're just doing our best to help. We get outside. The old man is OK. John had asthma. And so John ends up in the ambulance for over an hour and having to go to the hospital after saving the guy's life. Our brother wasn't like, he was a defender of family. He was a defender of the people he loved. He was a defender of family. He was a defender of the people he loved. He was a defender of friends, but most importantly, John was a defender of the world. His greatest weapon was not a gun. His greatest weapon was his heart. That's what he led with. That's what made him so effective as a leader. And I know that he had a bigger vision for what he wanted in this life and the impact he truly wanted to have. And since he can't be here in order to live that out, I think that it's up to all of us to take a piece of John and to live forward with his memory and his legacy. In the hospital, he would always say legacy three times. Anytime we were around him, that was John's biggest thing. And so we have to live through us. He has to live through us and we have to carry on his legacy and not just in silence, but remember that as we accomplish different things that John would have loved to accomplish, that we also say, hey, John, this one's for you. And we don't just say it silently. We say it out loud. So he knows he hears it and other people do too. So thank you guys so much for everything. And you're right, John. He sometimes during the commission meetings when he saw that they were going crazy, he would text me, you know, keep strong, have faith, and he did. He was always protecting those he loved, and I know he loved me as I loved him. I should've said. The funeral was pretty impactful going back to the old neighborhood, went to Miami-Edison, senior high school, two years ago, you're behind me, you're in my sister's class. And saw a lot of familiar faces at that funeral, a lot of family, too. But to harken to your words is true. It's an old, I like movies. I like to make some types of time. I like to sometimes make a reference to movie because they can sometimes best, like, sum up my thoughts in certain things. And it was a band-man versus Superman when Superman dies. And it's that you're going up to the monument. They says, if you're looking for him, look around you, and you see your own monument, and you guys are examples of that, you know? And people that are impactful, people that affect people, they don't last long, I said to say. They have to deal with a lot of burdens, they have to deal with that on a constant basis He I'm not gonna share a quote his time and Growing up and and going through the struggles and being when he has was not easy and you guys know it wasn't You guys know it was not But you guys are strong enough to know That his legacy will continue on That hole will never be filled But it will remind you of how much love you guys had, no matter what happens. So my thoughts and prayers to you. If you on say and some praying for you all. No, before you go, I wanted to ask the police officers that somebody would speak. before you go. I wanted to ask the police officers that somebody would speak. So on behalf of the police department, this is still very surreal for us. It just feels like it was just yesterday, literally that, you know, John was in our lives and he was here at work and, you know, visiting John for the last couple months in the hospital. The fight and the life that he had inside of him is a true testament to who John was as a professional human being, a mentor to so many people in the city. So many people, so many lives that he touched youth officers that we currently have here working are here because of John. And I just want to let you know that on behalf of the police department, his legacy will never ever be forgotten. You could rest assured of that. And he was just an amazing man. He was an amazing man and I personally am glad that I had the opportunity to know John as many of us here did as well and loved him very much. And he will be missed but he will know be forgotten. Garren to you that. I would just wanted to add that this is very sad that we have to meet the Follon family this way, but just the time that we spent with you guys, I think you're a blessing to our department and I don't want you to ever think that John will be forgotten. So we have some upcoming well events where we're going to show honor to John. So his legend will live on and we'll be doing a like a tree dedication in front of our station. So you have that to look forward to and we'll also be doing a plaque dedication. So we will let you know when those dates come, as well as mayor and commission, obviously. But we just want you to know he will not be forgotten. And you are part of our family. So if there is anything that you need, please reach out to us. Good evening. Again, I'm sorry for your loss, major Nichols from Police Department. I knew John and I worked with him and I can tell you no one was better at training the explorers and he was out there. And he's a mentor to everybody I was here and we have officers in the department that are going to carry on his legacy from what he taught them and the explorers coming all the way through to be in our officers now. First from sergeants to detectives and I'm sure there'll be more than that in the future and he's going to be missed and he was loved. So the mayor wants to say a few words also and to the family we never spend this time, never but it's not enough time to talk about John. I was fortunate to know him 15 years when I first came here. And the thing that I see the most is how arcadets, how our explorers perform. Do you understand that every place they went, the city was proud? There was never a negative, always acclimates. and that came from within John for long. He taught them how to be kind, how to be generous and he taught all of us that and when I would see him and he was in such a different John and I say to him, keep it up John, you're good. He said, Commissioner, I'm trying. Because that was John. It didn't matter. And again, I hope this family will never forget short life, long forever, legacy. So may all be blessed and lamar will say a few words, and then we'd like to take pictures. So my time with John started over a decade about probably closer to two decades ago. When John was kind of going through the ranks, his mentor was a former commander Tom Carney. And we were working together on several things, parking enforcement specialist, the program we had back then. Also, we developed myself and another commissioner, developed a disability sports program in the city, and he was helping with that as well as with Commander Carney. And nothing to say but great things about how helpful, kind, polite that he was. So I just wanted to share that. But really, at the end of the day, it's not about our belongings, our money, our personal things. What it's really about is our legacy. And John has done a great job with that. So thank you. And what are parents taught us? You did an amazing job. So, here's the man, the man, mother, and the fiancee. If either one of you would like to say something and We're happy to have let you speak and then we definitely want to take pictures with the two proclamations Okay, so then we're good. Let's take let's break the mud and then down there is the whole population. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'm going to go to You guys can move over to. What? I can do a twig over there. You can do that. I'm good. Thank you. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the other side. I'm going to go to the Okay, I want to also announce that this meeting is adjourned and then in the next 15 minutes, we'll be starting our regular committee meeting. you you you you you you you