OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Chaplin Monty Montgomery.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Rodney Wells who was killed in the line of Duty in 1927.
GUESTS:
Ray introduced Mark Corona and allowed him to speak about his program called the Warriors Heart, which is a PTSD program from Police, Fire, Paramedics and members of the Military.
Ray then called Assistant Chief Charlie Vasquez up and told the members that Chief Vasquez is leaving HPD. Ray advised Chief Vasquez last day was today, but true to form, Chief Vasquez would be out tomorrow morning running with cadets before he got on his plane to go to Florida. Chief Vasquez will be the Tampa Airport Chief of Police.
Captain Edwards spoke about the new North Belt Division, which was being created. Captain Edwards stated if anyone had question to contact him and he would provide additional information.
Ray then pointed out Rodney Hill who is a retired member of HPD. Ray advised he believes Hill will be running for a council seat. Ray then pointed out City Councilmen Greg Travis and thanked him for his support of the Police Department.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officer Jimmy Conley from North Division was this months Officer of the month and were presented the award Luis Mendez-Sierra.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray also advised the Membership that Detective Sarah Wyatt would be the investigator of the month, and Captain Angelo would present the award.
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 SB4 “Sanctuary City Bill” passed. Ray advised that he believed HPD would be fine as long as Officers understood this is not a license to go stop people based on their believed immigration status. Ray then advised the Pension Bill has passed and will be signed into as Law. Ray advised this Bill should strengthen the Pension and save us from future cuts.
Ray then introduced the new Board Member who was present and sworn in this morning. Ray had Christian Dorton, Director #6 stand and is recognized. Ray advised that Dan Levine would be sworn in as Director 20 but he was still on vacation.
Ray then addressed the Membership in regards to the DA’s office. Ray advised he received one complaint in regards to the filing of filing marijuana charges along with other charges. Ray reviewed the policy and found that officers should only file the one charge and tag the marijuana but not place the defendant in the diversion program. Ray also advised that the DA’s office has put up half the money for the narcotics lock boxes at the patrol stations.
Ray then thanked all who attended Police Week festivities and went to Washington. Ray gave a special thanks to Tim Whitaker, Terry Seagler, Don Egdorf and Bobby Kessler for all they did in the planning and during the trip. Ray also wanted to make mention that Tilman Fertita took care of the meal for the group in Washington, so if anyone was planning on eating out consider one of his restaurants.
Ray then addressed the Membership in regards to the Pay issue for City Holidays. Ray advised that that the unofficial policy, which allowed officers to volunteer to work for pay on holidays, has been under fire. Ray advised that the City was concerned about budget issues and wanted to return to the comp for volunteers. Ray advised Joe was working with Executive Assistant Chief Finner to resolve this issue.
Captain Edwards spoke about the new North Belt Division, which was being created. Captain Edwards stated if anyone had question to contact him and he would provide additional information.
Ray then advised that there would be a snow cone truck outside of the meeting for members to get a snow cone.
Ray then advised the Membership of the need of Chiropractic treatment for HPD officers. He advised that $65 per visit is too expensive and officers are not paying this and not going. He believed that if the cost was cheaper, officer could go and seek the necessary treatment and maybe avoid costly insurance claims in prescription’s and surgeries. Ray advised Deloach Chiropractic centers would offer officer discounted rates. Ray advised it was the $65 initial visit then $45 for each additional.
Ray reminded the Membership that if you have a body camera to TURN THEM ON.
Ray then advised the Membership that Cynthia Martin would be getting married on June 17th at 10:30 am at the Police Memorial. Ray advised he would be shuttling people back and forth it they wanted to attend. The family asked for Officers to attend in uniform.
Ray reminded Officers who pass the Physical Agility test who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 you get $800, and hired after that date get 40 hours of PD time.
Ray advised the Membership that the next Cookout was unknown at this time.
Ray then advised the membership that Gringos in Pearland at 2202 E. Broadway was having a fundraiser for ATO. 20% of the bill would go to ATO. This event was on Tuesday June 20, 2017.
Ray reminded the membership that the deductibles for insurance started all over May 1st.
Ray advised the membership about National Donut Day, which is June 2, 2017. The HPOU will be giving out 1000 donuts at City Hall.
Ray then reminded the membership that there were stuffed animals on the stage for patrol officers to take to give out to kids on scenes. Ray encouraged Officers to takes these and pass them out.
REMINDERS
Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.
Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.
Ray reminded 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 then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with Fairway mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Ray then advised the membership if they needed a Realtor to use Michael Bedner who advertises in the Badge and Gun.
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 mentioned to the membership that there have been 3 suicides this year.
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.
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 $65 compared to the ER visit of $400. 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.
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.
The next meeting will be on August 3, 2017. There will be no meeting in July.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Luis Mendez-Sierra seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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