OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, then a prayer by Bishop Corey Davis.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer J.D. Landry who was killed in the line of Duty December 3, 1930.
Ray then advised the membership in attendance to remember Tim Abernathy who we lost in the line of duty on this date in 2008.
GUESTS:
Ukraine Police Officers were called to the stage to be recognized. Lt. Randy Upton has been involved in training these officers as they start a new police force in Ukraine. The Ukrainian officers presented a Thin Blue Line flag in with their seal. This is the first ever-Thin Blue Line flag with their symbol.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Sgt. Grayson Wilson and Officer Larken Willabay would be the Officers of the month. Lt. Johnson presented the award.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Det. Kollean Himes from Special Victims and Luis Menendez-Sierra 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 advised the Membership of the election results were in and congratulated Frances Dominguez on her victory.
Ray then informed the membership that the Pension Board election results were in, and Terry Bratton and Dwayne Ready won the elections. Ray allowed Terry to speak briefly. Bratton advised the membership he has heard their concerns in regard to the voting and he believed there would be some changes in the voting policy. He also advised there would be some changes in the way the Board communicated with its members.
Ray advised the Membership in regards to the Pension Bonds. Ray advised the Pension Bonds passed and he expected the monies soon.
Ray gave an update to the Membership that ATO payments and WAM payments had been sent out in two waves, and a third was being processed to be disbursed.
Ray then thanked Officers who have participated in the efforts in Puerto Rico. Ray advised the membership that Luis Menendez-Sierra and Terry Seagler had just returned and he again thanked them for their efforts.
Ray then advised the membership that the ATO would be holding a Top Cop Gala and anyone would be in interested in attending to see Tom Hayes.
Ray then advised the Homicide Christmas Party would be held on December 13 and all officers were invited.
Ray reminded the membership that the HPOU Family Picnic was cancelled due to Hurricane Harvey. Ray advised that all monies which were slated for this event was used in the Harvey relief for HPOU members.
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 then stated that there would be a National Law Enforcement Retreat on March 19-21 for any officers who would be interested.
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 then stated the next cookout would be held at Kingwood on December 14.
Ray also advised the Health Assessments are due by Feb. 2nd.
Ray advised that that “We are stronger” movie would be on December 11. Ray then had the trailer played for the membership in attendance.
Ray then advised that Operation Goody Bag in New Jersey had sent four cases of Goody bags for Officers and Ray encouraged the membership to tag some back to their offices and give to their co-workers.
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 January 7, 2017.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
All of Lateral Class and Class 233. Motion was made by David Riggs and the second by Tom Hayes. All were added as new members to the HPOU.
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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