OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Antonio Guzman who was killed in the line of Duty in 1973.
GUESTS:
Ray then addressed the membership in attendance and introduced the new 3rd Vice President Tom Hayes. Ray then called the Board to the stage to be sworn in. Newly elected Mayor Sylvester Turner then swore in the current HPOU Board of Directors.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officers Bice from Northeast would be receiving this month’s award for the patrol officer of the month. Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra then presented Officer Bice with his award.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray advised the membership that Officer’s R. Klementich and T. Colbert of the Homicide Division were to receive the Investigator of the month award but they were not in attendance at the meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.
Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Ray advised the membership that the City Council election results were in, all but two of the HPOU endorsed candidates won their elections. Ray then had Amanda Edwards who was an endorsed candidate for City Council come to the podium and address the membership. Edwards thanked the HPOU for the support and was looking forward to a relationship with the HPOU.
Ray advised the membership that the Pension Rumors are NOT true. Ray stated that the current one he heard is that he and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick are secretly meeting to make a deal to end pensions. Ray advised that his wife doesn’t work and would need Ray’s pension so the idea that he would work to end them is ridiculous. Ray advised the membership that if they had any questions feel free to call.
Ray then reminded the membership of the Doctors Council of Texas flyers which were being passed around. Ray advised this organization was available to assist officers with workers compensation issues. Ray stated that if an officer gets injured to contact, if they wished, this company and they would refer them to doctors who understood workers compensation issues. Ray stated that workers compensation issues are still a large problem and the HPOU is constantly working on these issues. Ray advised that the phone number for the Doctors Council of Texas was found on the HPOU app under Workers Comp Help.
Ray told the membership that the calendars are NOW in the mail. Ray stated that the membership should be getting them within the week.
Ray advised the membership that he wanted to clarify the new Trust Benefit. Ray advised he misspoke last meeting and stated that you could now get two specialist co pays paid for if you have the plus benefit. Ray also stated that there has been a small change in the dental and vision. Ray advised that this is an improvement in the plan and no reductions.
Ray reminded the membership that the Open Carry law began January 1st. Ray advised he feels for the patrol guys who have to deal with these calls for service. Ray advised that he knows there will be issues with the law in regards to policy. Ray just reminded the officers at the meeting to be mindful of the law and the policy.
Ray reminded the membership of the next step in discounted insurance. Ray advised the membership they would need to pick their path to get the discounted rates.
Ray advised the membership that the next Pray for Police event would be held January 26th from 6am to 2pm. Ray stated the plan was a walk from the HPOU building to City Hall.
Ray mentioned to the membership that the cookout at Beechnut was a success and the next one will be held at the Kingwood Station on January, 20th.
Ray reminded the membership that if you were hired prior to 03/30/11 the passing score on the Physical Agility test would get an officer $800 and after 03/30/11 an extra 40 PD hours. Ray advised there were roughly 700 more spots available to collect the cash incentive. Ray then reminded the membership that when he says you receive $800 that is before tax. The incentive money is taxed.
Ray updated the membership about the body cameras and advised they have been approved. They will start with Central and then one station at a time. Ray advised he and Doug had gone to Watch Guard and met with the manufacturer. Ray advised he was impressed with the facility and pleased with their knowledge and ability to continually improve the product.
Ray mentioned to the membership that a mailing fundraiser is being conducted to raise money for scholarships. Ray stated that if your family received a mailer with Ray’s picture on it that it was a legit flyer. Ray advised that all monies collected by the HPOU via this flyer will be directly applied to scholarships. Ray advised the membership that the scholarship deadline is Friday, Feb 26th at 4pm and that this deadline is firm with no exceptions. Scholarship forms are available at the HPOU building or online at hpou.org.
Ray advised the membership that Family Assistance has asked that we URGE YOU TO COMPLETE A WILL AND POD. Ray advised not having a will causes problems when an Officer dies and there is no directive on where to distribute their assets. Ray stated that the pension office would do the will for free.
Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.
Ray advised the membership that Fuzzy’s Taco has a 50% off for Officers in uniform.
Ray mentioned to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the 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.
Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.
Ray reminded the membership that for in-service schools to please be on time. Ray advised the Academy is going to start enforcing the start times and if you’re late you will not be admitted to the class.
REMINDERS
Ray reminded the membership that if you were not a member of the organization you would receive no member benefits.
Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance.
Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost and in addition he has .223 ammo.
Ray reminded the members that all in-service and police memorial was now on duty as of February 26th 2015 and forward.
Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information. Spouse may restrict voter information as well.
HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).
Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is 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 – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms. Urgent care facilities are $60 compared to the ER visit of $300. Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed because the Chief is now monitoring from his desk.
Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center. Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers. Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.
Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page. Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx. The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
Ray then advised the membership of new members to be accepted would be all of Class 224, and a reinstatement for Charles Franklin. The first motion for the new members was made by Tom Hayes and the second by Doug Griffith. The motion carried.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Doug Griffith seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary
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