OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Luis Menendez read the meeting dedication for Officer James Kilty who was killed in the Line of Duty on April 8, 1976.
GUESTS
Joe introduced Andrea Schummas from the Houston Police Citizen’s Academy who presented Officer Hunt with the 2018 Lynn Clooney Award.
Joe introduced Alicia Cramer the Assistant Dean of Admissions from South Texas College of Law who informed the membership that she would be available after the meeting to provide information and answer questions about the university.
Joe introduced Matthew Hindmarsh a student from the National Honor Society of Humble ISD. Matthew spoke to the membership about their Books and Bears program which raises money to purchase books and bears for Officers to provide to children who are victims of a crime.
Joe introduced Erin Cones who spoke about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the year award which funds blood cancer research. Erin informed the membership that she would be accepting monetary donations as well as selling merchandise to raise money for the cause. Joe then informed Erin that the Houston Police Officer’s Union would be donating $3,500 dollars towards her cause.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Luis Menendez presented Officers Logan Weber and Jerry Rivera as Officers of the month.
Lt.Gonzales from the Northeast Burglary and Theft division presented Detective Dana Wilkerson Wyche as Investigator of the month.
Sgt.Mora from the Westside Robbery division presented Detective Demetra Hammons as Investigator of the month.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Joe informed the membership that the treasurer’s reports were on the tables.
Joe reminded the membership that meeting minutes are available on HPOU.org.
COMMUNICATIONS
Joe informed the membership that year one of the manpower commitment has been fulfilled. Joe stated that the mayor budgeted for 375 new officers and encouraged the membership to recruit. Joe stated that the HPOU will be setting up a recruiting incentive by entering names of police trainee mentors into a drawing, one winner will be chosen per academy class and will win $2,000 dollars.
Joe informed the membership that the primary voting results went well.
Joe reminded the membership about the new changes in TAC/Gang/Wet and stated that if the divisions did not like the new changes that they could file a grievance.
Joe informed the membership that NAPO sent the HPOU a letter prohibiting the HPOU from using “Top Cop” when promoting the Assist the Officer Top Cop Gala. Joe informed the membership that the HPOU will not stop using the term Top Cop.
Joe encouraged the membership to fill out the FOP forms and stated that the HPOU would be reintegrating into the FOP.
Joe reminded the membership that the Union has a new legal addition and that Chad will be handling inhouse workman’s comp coverage cases.
Joe informed the membership that issues with the Judges and District Attorneys are beginning to be addressed.
Joe reminded the membership that access to the DA criminal database is available.
Joe informed the membership that due to the passing of Larry Green, City Council will be holding a special election on May 5, 2018. Joe stated the HPOU will be supporting Martha Caste Tatum to fill the position.
Joe thanked everyone that attended the K9 Rony funeral, Joe stated that the ceremony was wonderful and received national attention. Joe thanked Councilmember Greg Travis for attending the ceremony.
Joe informed the membership about the passing of Officer James Wilson and asked the membership to please pray for the Wilson family.
Joe reminded the membership that all health care benefits will now remain the same throughout open enrollment unless you are on a flexible spending account.
Joe informed the membership that retired Lt. Nelson Zoch would be outside selling his new book.
Joe stated that the Houston Police Memorial reception will be held on Friday, May 18 at 5:00pm.
Joe informed the membership to complete a new death term pay out form with the City.
Joe reminded the membership to please, TURN THEIR BODY CAMERAS ON. Joe also reminded the membership to appeal their cases.
Joe informed the membership that the current contract expires on December 31, 2018 and that officers will receive a 3.48% raise in July 2018. Joe stated that contract negotiations are currently delayed as a result of the city not having an attorney to negotiate the contract.
Joe informed the membership that the multi gun challenge benefiting the Police Foundation will be held on Saturday April 7, 2018.
Joe reminded Officers to take the physical agility test. If passed, Officers who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 receive $800 dollars and those hired after that date receive 40 PD hours. The fiscal year will end on June 30, 2018.
Joe advised the membership that the cookout at the benefits fair went well and that there would be no cookout this month.
Joe advised the membership to help share information by following him on Twitter (@JoeGamaldi) or following and retweeting the HPOU (@HPOUTX).
Joe reminded the membership to please wear their vests. Joe stated that there was an Officer who was recently shot at and was not wearing his vest.
Joe informed the membership that Shields of Chris will be holding Blue Mass on Sunday April 29, 2018 at 10:00am. The event will be held at Immaculate Conception Church located at 7250 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011. See Officer Robles for more information.
Joe informed the membership that the 8th annual Stars and Stripes Golf Tournament benefiting ATO will be taking place on April 19, 2018 at 10:00am at the Clubs of Kingwood. Contact Doug Griffith for more information.
Joe informed the membership that if they need a personal injury attorney to contact Khirker law firm.
Joe advised the membership that if they need a will to contact Fulton Broemer who will make you one for free.
REMINDERS
Joe reminded the membership to download the HPOU application which is now available through Google play and the Apple store.
Joe advised the membership that HOPA the peer support group is live at 832-200-3499.
Joe advised officers that if they know of anyone who needs assistance to please encourage them to contact HOPA.
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.
The next meeting will be on May 3, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
None.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dorton seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary
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