2016-0721 Regular City Commission Meeting

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Summary Minutes:Regular City Commission Meeting July 21,2016 City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida 5B. Recognition of the Excellence of Law Enforcement in the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Action: [City Clerk's Note: Heard after the Invocation.] Commissioner Aelion read into the record a message from Police Chief Fred Maas,who is on a very well deserved vacation, to the troops. "Not a day goes by since I have been away that I have not thought about you, worried about you, or prayed for your safety. The event of Dallas and others brings an uneasiness for me being apart from you. I know you are vigilant and cautious. I know you are safety conscious but it does not satisfy the worry for each of you and your loved ones. The Dallas Officers were well trained and cautious as well. It can happen anywhere. I do believe that there is so much negative sentiment just because of the job we do, and so it is easier to criticize us. Police work is a calling, a vocation, when done right, keep doing it right. I urge you,there are just as many who support and appreciate you. The pendulum can only swing so far and then we turn to all the reasons you chose this profession. This has never been just a job, it has always been an opportunity and a career to make a difference. One life, one situation at a time. This is why our community appreciates, respects, and supports you. When there is no one else to call for help, the Police will always be there to respond. No matter how much the caller may have hated us, disrespected or acted with malice toward you in the past. The day will come when they or a family member will need the Police. Be strong, be proud and be yourself. In return, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers every day I am away. God Bless. Your Chief." Commissioner Aelion prepared the following and read into the record:"In this country we as people decided long ago that we want to live within a free democracy based on the rule of law. Throughout our history as far back as 1751 the first Police Department was formed in Philadelphia, and incorporated communities all around the country formed a Police Department as part of a municipality governing body. We the people chose law enforcement to ensure our safety so that we can go about our daily lives feeling protected within our communities. What has happened in Dallas and in Baton Rouge lately where Police Officers were ambushed and murdered underlined the very foundation upon which that principle of law enforcement was built. We as a City and community must believe as all other communities across the country that is the heart of each law enforcement officer serving their community to serve and protect, there would be no hesitation to jump into the line of fire to protect the public. In light of the tension created by the events in Dallas and Baton Rouge and the terror of threats facing our communities today, I felt compelled to do a reminder of the excellent and compassionate behavior which has been exhibited by the officers of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department since our City's inception 19 years ago. To that end he would like our Mayor and Commissioners to join him in recognizing this excellent law enforcement. Further,to ask the Mayor for a Proclamation that will recognize this day,July 21, 2016 as Law Enforcement Day in the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Mayor Scholl thanked Commissioner Aelion and said that the Proclamation is the easy part. He thinks the Chiefs words and Commissioner Aelion's words certainly echoes all of our sentiments and we appreciate the turnout tonight of the Police Officers as well. City Manager Russo said he wanted to point out one thing,yesterday was the 18th Anniversary of our Police Department,coincidently with this,and by the grace of God we have never had a major incident and everyone has been safe for 18 years in our Department, and that is amazing. 3