OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Bishop Corey Davis.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Howard Hammond who was killed in the line of Duty in 1946.
GUESTS:
Ray introduced newly elected Jeff Wagner who is now the Mayor of Pasadena Texas. Jeff is a former HPOU Board member and retired Houston Police Officer. Wagner then addressed the membership and thanked the membership for the HPOU’s support.
Ray then pointed out City Councilmen Greg Travis and thanked him for his support of the Police Department. Ray then advised that Councilmen Travis had additional monies in his budget left over and purchased 200 tactical vests for the Houston Police Department.
Ray then introduced Bill Fife and HPD retiree George Rodriguez to give out some weapons for the essay contest for Cadets. Wendy Caldwell from class 226 and Officers Thompson and Reed from Cadet Class 230 were presented with the guns they had chosen.
Ray then took a moment for a special presentation. Zach Randolph, who was the young man who worked for the Great American Cookie Company, was in attendance. Zach purchased a cookie for a police officer and was suspended by his manager. The HPOU played the media clip detailing the story and presented Zach a gift card to show appreciation. Zach Randolph received a standing ovation by the membership in attendance.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officer Brent Purser from Central Division (July Officer of the Month), and Officers Robert Montalvo and Will Smith were 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 Kamesha Baker would be the investigator of the month, and Captain Angelo presented 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 the addressed the membership in regards to the Pension Bonds. Ray advised that he was hopeful that the bonds would receive the voter approval and HPOPS would get the payment that was part of the negotiations. Ray advised that is for some reason the voters did not approve the bonds and the HPOPS did not receive the monies by March 31, 2018, then the Pension agreement would end and the pension benefits would return to what they were previous.
Ray then advised that in the Special session of the Texas Legislature was now under way. Ray advised the only bill that cause the HPOU some concern was the Union Dues Check Off Bill. Ray stated that at this time Police and Fire were excluded from the bill.
Ray then introduced Dan Levine who was recently appointed to Board Position 20, and then advised the membership that Don Egdorf who promoted the Sgt. is now in Position 19 filling a vacancy created by the retirement of John Yencha.
Ray then addressed the Membership in regards to the DA’s office. Ray advised there was a question in regards to Agg Robbery cases getting deferred. Ray advised he contacted Ogg who advised she would be looking into this and would see what is being done. Ray advised that the HPOU has a good relationship with Ogg and she continues to work to fix issues that are brought to her attention.
Ray advised the membership that the HPOU elections were up coming. Ray advised the positions of President, Secretary, Third Vice President and odd numbered positions were up for election. Ray advised anyone interested in running could sign up starting September 1st at 0800, with the sign up ending October 5th at 1000.
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 pointed out Roy McDonald the President of the HPROA and advised he was offering discounted handgun classes.
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 Cookout at Northeast was success and the next one would be on Thursday August 31at Southwest.
Ray then advised the membership that when handling any type of narcotics to use latex gloves!!! Ray stated if any station did not have or could not get any gloves to contact the HPOU.
Ray then wanted to thank Alan Rosen, Captain Guinn shaver and her crew for all their efforts on July 7th. Ray also wanted to thank Gary Hicks for his assistance as well Ray made a special note to thank Gary for his continued support of the HPOU and the taking of pictures. Ray then presented Gary a gift card for his support.
Ray then advised the membership of the TAFR Casino night, which would be Saturday August 19th from 1600-2000. Any member wishing to attend was welcome to do so.
Ray then mentioned Fuzzy’s Pizza on S. Mason in Katy. Ray encouraged the membership if they were in the area and wanted pizza to go by their location.
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 September 7, 2017.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
Ryan Graham – Motion made by Ken Nealy with the second by Christian Dorton. The motion carried by vote of the membership. There were additional new members in the entire Cadet class 231. Joseph Castaneda made the motion, with the second by Tom Hayes. The motion carried by a vote of the membership.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Don Egdorf made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Colton Peveril seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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