MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:
Ray Hunt, President, called the meeting to order then followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bishop Wilson provided the opening prayer.
MEETING DEDICATION:
Joe Gamaldi read the meeting dedication for Officer E. C. Chavez who was killed in the Line of Duty in 1925.
TREASURY REPORT:
Ray Hunt advised the membership that a copy of the treasury report was available for review on the tables.
MINUTES:
Ray reminded the membership that the meeting minutes are posted at HPOU.ORG.
GUEST:
Both Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson and Harris County
Tax Assessor Mike Sullivan addressed the membership asking for their support and vote in the upcoming election.
Ray stated that both of these election races have a direct impact to our jobs and daily lives. Ray added that Devon and Mike have been friends and supportive of HPOU.
Ray introduced Dr. Steve Tate of HPD Psychological Services. Mr. Tate advised a “Family Engagement Community Meeting” is planned for September 20th at HPOU from 630pm to 830pm. This meeting is a forum to address concerns of family members of police officers who are questioning if they want their love one to continue in a career as a police officer in the current environment. Dr. Tate stated Assistant Chief Provost and Lieutenant Wheeler along with Dr. Garmecy of HPD Psychological Services will be attending. All members were asked to get the word out about this event.
PATROL OFFICER AND INVESTIGATOR OF THE MONTH:
Ray stated there were no nominees submitted this past month.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Ray advised that HPOU does not negotiate pension benefits, the
HPOPS elected trustees do. Ray added that HPOPS is currently meeting with the COH to work on drafting a bill to present in the upcoming Legislative session to address pension funding issue and is not planning a re-opener to the HPOPS contract.
Ray gave an update regarding body cameras and advised to make sure to turn the cameras on ASAP and to document the activation in the RMS report. Ray added that Body Cameras have been rolled out at two patrol stations and Midwest is up next.
Joe Gamalbi advised that a joint venture with the Police Foundation is working to raise 52K to fund the purchase 421 Level 4 Body Armor Vest. Joe advised that 21 of the vest will be assigned to SRG and a goal for an additional 200. Joe added a press conference is planned in a of couple along with a meeting of business owners. The next project will be for funding ballistic helmet purchases.
Ray reminded all to download the new HPOU App for their smartphones via both Apple and Google. This is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.
Ray advised the HPOU Elections sign-up is for 1st and 2nd Vice President and all of the even Board Positions. The sign-up starts today after the General Membership Meeting and members will have to the close of business on October 6th to sign-up. Voting will start October 7th and will end at the close of business on October 21st .
Ray stated a proposed resolution amendment to the HPOU Constitution, Article II, Section 8, will be on the upcoming election ballot. The amendment would provide compensation for the services rendered by the HPOU President and not just the Treasurer as it allows now. Ray added if passed this change would not take place until after he has completed his term in office.
Ray stated “32 hours” of mandatory training will be required during the next training cycle instead of the usual 40 hours.
Ray advised Language pay is now available for all languages testable by the new vendor.
Ray stated the Captains promotional assessment was held this week and the feedback he had received was about even regarding the fairness of the process. Ray stated from his perspective and involvement with the process it appeared to be fair.
Ray said the upcoming Sergeants exam is scheduled for Thursday, Sept 8th . and added an announcement for the Lieutenant’s promotional exam should follow soon after.
Ray stated the Texas Association of First Responders appreciation luncheon held at HPOU on August 10th was a huge success with 500+ served. Ray expressed appreciation to Tim Butler and all who assisted with putting on this event.
Ray advised HPOU has a “Prayer Room” and invited everyone to go check it out.
Ray spoke briefly concerning former HPD Officer Pedro Gonzalez who allegedly threatened officers, family members and coworkers has been arrested and charged and currently is “No Bonded”.
Ray reminded members that the “First Responder Peer Support” group is still being held on Monday and Thursdays and recently extended counseling assistance to Dallas PD, HC PCT 4 and Victoria PD. The contact number for HOPA is 832-200-3299.
Ray reminded all to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty.
Ray stated HPOU supports all four of the internal candidates who are seeking the Chief of Police appointment by Mayor Turner. Interviews have been scheduled in the next ten to fourteen days for both internal and external candidates
Ray informed the membership that the “911 Hero Run” is scheduled for September 10th in Clear Lake. Captain Freemin heads up this event an does a great job. All are encouraged to participate and/or support this event.
Ray it is time again to complete the physical wellness assessment and to get your biometric numbers (both employee and spouse) between now and Dec 5th for May 2017 as a requirement toward qualifying to receive the COH Medical Insurance discount.
Ray added free flu shots are being offered today by Walgreens in the officer break room just outside the hall until 2pm. Ray stated the flu shot will count as one health action taken toward meeting your discount requirement.
Ray advised the Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast provided at the Forum was a very nice event and greatly appreciated.
Ray stated the Physical Agility test to get $800 (prior 033011) or an extra 40 PD hours (after 033011) is available again starting today.
Ray reminded the board that the “Texas Wild Game Cook-off” is scheduled for September 9th -10th at the Pasadena Fairgrounds. HPOU will have a booth at the event and all members are invited to attend.
Ray stated Robert Jennings the Killer of HPD Officer Elston Howard is scheduled for execution on September 14th at 6pm. Joe and Doug will be making the trip to Huntsville along with other members who can attend to show support for the Howard family.
Ray reminded all that the 5th Annual Family Picnic hosted by HPOU & Texas Police Trust is scheduled for November 12th at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club. This is a great family event to attend. Flyers and tickets are available now.
Doug Griffith stated that a Benefit supporting the Marco Zarate family,
(Bellaire Officer who died in the line of duty and Nephew of HPD Officer
Eric Garza) is scheduled for a noon start on September 25th at Mo’s Place, 21940 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, Texas. All are encouraged to attend this event to support a fallen brother’s family.
Ray stated all are invited on September 24th at 5pm to the “First Responder Blue Mass” at the Co-Cathedral Catholic Church, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy.
Ray stated on September 19th “Pray for Police Texas” will take place from 7am to noon at HPOU. Local Christian Radio Station KSBJ will be assisting with this event. The event will concluded with a walk to
City Hall and Prayer with City Council at 1pm. Ray who will be at the Capitol in Austin on that day will be joining in prayer at 1pm.
Kawanski Nichols advised the membership that a Social Event paid for by HPOU will take place at the St. Arnold’s Brewery, 2000 Lyon’s Avenue on September 26th from 7pm to 9:30pm. This event is for Southeast, Eastside, South Central and Clear Lake Stations. Kawanski stated that the previous socials have been well attended with positive feedback from the attendees.
Captain Lori Bender stated that Woodway Wellnes is offering a free Chiropractic Evaluations a $120 value.
Ray stated Main Street America is hosting a free BBQ lunch in for PO on September 5th,6th and 7th from 11am to 2pm. Main Street America is located at 18750 I45 North.
Ray advised the Zuma Fun Center located at 6767 Southwest Fwy is offering PO familes 4 unlimited ride tickets along with a 50% food discount on September from 10:30am to 11pm.
Ray pointed to ‘American Eagle” shirts sitting on the stage and advised they were being given away free to members who wanted one.
Ray stated that a “Poker Night” fundraising event was schedule at the Dave and Buster at Baybrook Mall in Clear Lake on November 11th at 6pm for the family of a Pearland PD officer killed in an auto accident.
Ray advised a MADD walk in honor of fallen HPD Officer Will is scheduled to take place in the Woodlands on October 15th. Please contact Captain Spears for additional information for this event.
Ray stated that AAPOL is hosting a comedy event scheduled for
October 19th 7pm 7620 Katy Freeway Space #455 Houston 77024. All are asked to show support for this fun event.
REMINDERS:
Fill prescriptions at HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.
If in the market for a home loan or refinancing use Mickey Keys with PHH mortgage. With every closed loan Mickey donates $50 to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Guns for purchase “Sold at Cost” see Tim Butler..
Restrict HCAD and voter registration information. Spouse’s may restrict voter information as well.
Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).
Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG. Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.
URGENT CARE vs. ER Use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms. Urgent care facilities are $65 compared to the ER visit of $400. Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.
Everyone wear seat belts at all times and watch your speed.
Use the Sobering Center, Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers.
Follow HPOU on Twitter at @hpoutx and “like” us on the HPOU Facebook page.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None
NEW MEMBERS:
None
Ray advised the next general membership meeting is scheduled for
October 6, 2016.
DOOR PRIZES:
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes are sets of Astro’s tickets, a $50 gift certificate to Brazilian Steak House and two free gun cleaning certificates.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION:
Doug Griffin made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Joe Gamalbi seconded the motion. Motion Passed.
Minutes prepared by: Cole Lester, Assistant Secretary
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