OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a moment of silence for the victims in Las Vegas and Puerto Rico, then a prayer by Bishop Corey Davis.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Sargent Steve Perez who was killed in the line of Duty during Hurricane Harvey.
GUESTS:
Ray introduced Chris Daniel with e Harris County District Clerks office, Rice P.D. Chief of Police Tate who was in attendance.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officers Sean Helton and Franklin Bernett from Northeast 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 Chris Hartman would be the investigator of the month.
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 then allowed officers from the South Gessner station take the stage to make a presentation. The Officers presented their captain, Captain Craig Bellemy, with a gift for his outstanding leadership during Hurricane Harvey. They commented on his dedication and the fact he never left his station and worked hand in hand with his officers.
Ray then acknowledged the family of Sgt. Steve Perez who were in attendance. Ray had them come to the stage for some presentations. Ray called Texas Tim to the stage that presented a painting of Sgt. Perez for the family. Ray then called Kevin Fitzgibbons who is the Chief Security Officer of the NY Stock Exchange. He presented a flag, which flew over the stock exchange to the family.
Ray then presented the family with a check for the due assessment. Tom Hayes also presented a check for the death benefit from the Texas police Trust.
Ray advised the Membership in regards to the Pension Bonds. Ray advised that at this time there has been no negative add against the bonds. Ray advised that Paul Bettancourt, Bill King and the business leaders have all been encouraging the voters to vote for the bonds. Ray did advise that the wording on the proposal is horrible but no negative press to this point.
Ray then advised the Membership that Dallas ATO gave a second check in the amount of $20,000 to assist for officers who had their vehicles damaged in the flood. Ray advised that hopefully by next week the monies would start being dispersed.
Ray then advised the Membership that if you have up to five PD days prior to the Hurricane, and you needed them carried over, you need to contact your Division Commander and get your name on the list and they will be carried over.
Ray advised the election sign ups ended at 1000 am today. Ray advised voting begins at 1200 noon on October 6, 2017. Ray provided the Membership the final voting list as of the close at 1000. The following is the final election ballot:
PRESIDENT:
Joseph Gamaldi
Robert D. Torres
SECRETARY:
Sarah Wyatt
Marco Lopez
Director #3:
Allen Boskey
Debbie LeHaie
Director #7:
William “Colton” Peverill
Steve Turner
Director #9:
Joseph Castaneda
David Neilson
Director #13:
Chad Crawford
David Vasquez
Director #17:
Travis Willamson
Frances Dominguez
Jason Alderete
The following are the positions, which ran unopposed and won their positions:
3rd Vice President:
Tom Hayes
Director #1:
Kawanski “Nick” Nichols
Director #5:
Davis Riggs
Director #11:
Rosalinda Ybanez
Director #16:
Luis Menendez-Sierra
Director #19:
Don Egdorf
Director #20:
Dan Levine
Ray then advised that on Monday October 2, 2017 Officer Ronny Cortez was released from the hospital and returned to his new home. Ray advised Joe Gamaldi and several others officers were at the hospital when he was released. Ray asked officers to continue to pray for Cortez and Munoz during their time of recovery.
Ray then advised the Membership that on October 9, 2017 from 10am to 4pm there would be a blood drive for the injured officer Nestor Garcia. Ray advised Garcia continues to make progress in his recovery and the Doctors are optimistic on his recovery.
On Thursday October 26, 2017 Lupe Tortillas will be at the HPOU selling plates of fajitas with all monies collected going to the ATO. Ray advised it will be $10 a plate for Officers and $20 a plate for non-officers.
Ray advised that the 2017 HPOU Family Picnic is cancelled for this year. Ray advised the venue suffered severe damage and would be unable to support the function, and the funds, which would be used for the picnic, were diverted to assist members of the HPOU.
Body camera update is very simple. PLEASE TURN THEM ON!!!
Ray then advised that contract negotiations would begin in a few months, and if any Board member had a suggestion as to the contract, their suggestion should be emailed to Doug, Joe or Tom. Ray advised the new leadership for 2018 would decide who would be on the contract negotiating team.
Ray advised the 911 Hero’s Run has been rescheduled to Saturday November 11, 2017.
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 would be cancelled for October due to the Monster Jam and Lupe Tortillas events at the HPOU.
Ray advised that on Thursday October 19, 2017 from 11am to 2pm, Monster Jam and Chick Fil-A would be at the HPOU with food and 2000 Monster Jam tickets.
Ray advised there would be Biometrics screening on the fourth floor of the HPOU today until 7pm. Ray advised is you don’t get your annual physical your encouraged to get this done to enter your numbers and receive your discounted insurance rates.
Ray wanted to thank Walmart and Debbie Lahaie, Ken Neely, Bill Booth and Tim Butler for the assistance with the food trucks at the HPOU yesterday.
Ray then advised that the Buddhist Foundation provided the HPOU 600, $600 gift certificates to be given to officers. Ray advised the COH provided a list of the officers the gift cards were to be given to. The HPOU had nothing to do in the selection of the officers.
Ray advised the Membership that the ATO collected over $500k in donations for officers who were affected during the flood. Ray advised that checks have already started being mailed out to the officers. Ray advised the checks were between $500-$2000 depending on the damage and the need.
Ray advised the Houston Strong T-shirts would be back in stock today after 1300hrs if anyone were interested in purchasing one.
Ray then advised the membership that the Jokes and Justice event sponsored by AAPOL was upcoming and tickets were on sale in the lobby. See Kevin Hunt.
Ray then advised the HPOU has four tickets to the Houston Astros playoff game which will be auctioned off and all monies will be donated the ATO. Ray advised members would have to send Lisa an email with their bid and the highest bid would win the tickets.
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 November 2, 2017.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
All of class 232, Chad Minton (Central Gangs), Danny Le (Downtown)
Motion was made by Joe Gamaldi to accept with a second by Will Reiser. Motion carried.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Ken Nealy made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Doug Griffith seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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