Regular Council Meeting
February 7, 2022
As it is customary, Mayor Karyn Cunningham, along with Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam and Councilmembers Patrick Fiore, Steve Cody and Marsha Matson recognize people making a difference in Palmetto Bay during the Proclamations, Awards and Presentations portion of the monthly Regular Council Meetings.

During the meeting of February 7, 2022, the Mayor & Council recognized Black History Month, LGBT History Month and National School Counseling Week.
Proclamations
Black History Month
During the month of February, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of African-Americans who have shaped our state and nation in innumerate ways.

The Village of Palmetto Bay, Mayor and Council would like to support and celebrate in observance of Black History Month and commemorate this year's theme Black Health and Wellness that emphasizes on health and vitality.

In honoring this theme, the Mayor and Council proudly recognize Colonel Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., who at the young age of 86, he still continues providing a labor of love and working extremely long hours at Community Health of South Florida (CHI). During his tenure, he has brought innovative ideas and strategies to the table to guide CHI, the Health Choice Network, and the healthcare community to unchartered territory, blazing the trail of progress in improving quality healthcare for all. His devotion to helping people COVID-19 pandemic he implemented Telehealth services for those who couldn't leave home to get care, including, developing a plan to curb the rising shortage of physicians and ensuring that patients in the South-Dade community received proper healthcare and behavioral services.

Colonel honorably served 26 years on active duty in the Army Medical Services Corp. Once again, thank you for all you've done and we wish you an abundance of health to continue championing for your community.
LGBTQ+
In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, the Village of Palmetto Bay is proud to recognize Safe Schools of South Florida, creator of safer schools for the past 29 years where all students can learn and thrive, regardless of real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, their own or that of their parents or guardians.

It is the only organization in South Florida comprised of educational professionals committed to training other education professionals and school staff, youth service provider agencies, parents/guardians, families and communities how to create safer schools where all students can learn and thrive.

The Village of Palmetto Bay is committed to supporting equality for people within the community. The path towards LGBTQ+ equality and liberation has been paved by courageous persons who have fought for the right to love and to be loved and their societal contributions of advancing areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and respect deserve recognition.

Mayor Cunningham, together with the Village Council, proclaimed February 7, 2022 as Safe Schools of South Florida Day in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month in the Village of Palmetto Bay. Safe Schools of South Florida member and Palmetto Bay former Mayor Shelley Stanczyk accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the organization.
National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week is February 7 - 11, 2002, focusing public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. school systems and highlight the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career after high school.

School counselors and student services personnel are actively committed to helping students reach their full potential, explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development.

They help parents focus on ways to further their children's educational, personal and social growth. They also work with teachers and other educators meet their full potential and help them set and achieve realistic goals for themselves.

Therefore, the Village of Palmetto Bay who is proudly the home of some of the best private and public schools in Miami-Dade County, honorably commemorates all school counselors and student service personnel in the community that help shape the lives of its students.

Mayor Cunningham, together with the Village Council, proclaimed the week of February 7 -11, 2022, as National School Counseling Week and recognize the month of February in honor of all student services personnel in the Village of Palmetto Bay. Susan Sirota, School Counselor at Coral Reef Elementary School accepted the proclamation and was recognized for her exemplary work with students during her tenure.
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