OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Retired Lt.Nelson read the meeting dedication for Detective Isaac Parson who was killed in the Line of Duty on May 24, 1914.
GUESTS
None.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Joe Gamaldi presented Officers Castillo, Luna, and Perez as Officers of the month.
Captain Angelo presented Sgt Lee Donovan from the child sex abuse unit 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 he is working alongside the Chief to develop a policy discipline matrix for body camera incidents.
Joe reminded 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 HPOU will be adding approximately 850 members to the FOP membership.
Joe informed the membership that the new shift and unit changes in the TAC/Gang/Wet unit went into effect on April 14, 2018. Joe stated that zero grievances have been filed.
Joe informed the membership that the media released two separate stories attempting to depict HPD officers in a negative manner. The first story was about a SWAT officer arriving to an active scene in plaid shorts. The second story was about a patrol officer who sat on top of a car hood and caught a ride back to his shop after being on a perimeter for over two hours. Joe was able to control and positively change the narrative of both stories by using social media. Joe reminded the membership that it is important to support the HPOU on social media.
Joe reminded the membership that city emails are considered open records. Be cautious with the information and content you share.
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 Judges and District Attorneys are continuing to be addressed.
Joe informed the membership that special prosecutor Charlie Clark has been assigned to take over the Alfred Brown case.
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 Castex Tatum to fill the position.
Joe informed the membership that the HPOU will not be spending money on the fire fighter petition.
Joe informed the membership that the Houston Chiver’s will be hosting a fundraising event benefitting HPD K9s at 11 Below Brewing on May 5, 2018 at noon.
Joe informed the membership that a benefit for Jesus “Chuy” Sosa will be held at the HPOU on Friday June 22, 2018 from 11:00am-02:00pm.
Joe informed the membership that Brenda Stardig will be hosting a softball game and movie night on Saturday May 19, 2018 at 8575 Pitner Rd.
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 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 will begin towards the end of the month.
Joe informed the membership about the creation of a LBGTQ committee that will handle issues that pop up.
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 next cookout will be on Thursday May 24, 2018 at the Midwest station.
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 a blood drive for Jerry Flores will be held at the HPOU on Friday May 4, 2018 from 10:00am-02:00pm.
Joe informed the membership that if they need a personal injury attorney to contact Williams/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 June 7, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
All of Cadet Class #234.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Vasquez made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Doug Griffith seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary
The post May 3 Membership Meeting Minutes appeared first on Houston Police Officers' Union.