OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Officer Noel Miller who was killed in the Line of Duty on June 6, 1958.
GUESTS
Yvonne from FRBT.
Kirsten’s Crew.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Dustin Reeves was presented as Officer of the month.
Luis Menendez presented David Williamson from the Kingwood PIU division 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 confronted the Chief on wearing his uniform while giving political statements. Joe stated the Chief was not setting a fair example for the department.
Joe stated the badge rumor has resurfaced and informed the membership that it is not true. Joe reminded the membership that there are far more important issues to address as a police department.
Joe informed the membership that legal victories were taken out of the Badge and Gun four years ago, on June of 2014. Legal victories were removed after several lawyers and campaign groups requested public records to reinforce the fact that the Chief of Police should have the final say on discipline matters.
Joe informed the membership that the policy discipline matrix for body worn cameras was approved.
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 selected per academy class and will win $2,000 dollars. Anyone interested in joining HPD can text JOINHPD797979 to receive recruiting information.
Joe stated 13 million dollars have been approved in the budget for new fleet.
Joe informed the membership that the current contract expires on December 31, 2018. Joe stated there will be a 3.48% salary increase in July 2018. The first contract negotiation meeting was held on June 5, 2018.
Joe reminded the membership that it is important to follow the HPOU on social media sites. There is power in numbers, and by retweeting/sharing HPOU posts we can control the narrative. Joe stated there are several instances where he has been able to turn a negative story about an Officer into a positive one.
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 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 stated that he spoke to the HCDAO and that they have agreed to accept felon in possession charges even if a higher charge is applicable.
Joe informed the membership that he attended the Alfred Brown civil hearing and that there are no new developments.
Joe informed the membership that Judge Jackson has sentenced Gary Gryder’s killer to another year in a mental institution.
Joe thanked the membership for voting and informed the membership that Martha Castex Tatum won the special election position.
Joe informed the membership that the HPOU will not be spending money on the fire fighter petition.
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 hepatitis booster shots from Harvey will be available next door until 1:00pm, free of charge.
Joe stated that the bike relay sendoff will be at City Hall on Tuesday June 19, 2018 at 9:00am.
Joe reminded the membership that Dave and Busters will be hosting a Law Enforcement Appreciation event on June 19, 2018.
Joe stated there will be a cornhole fundraising tournament for Officer Chayne Brother on Sunday June 24, 2018 at 1:00pm at Bareback Bar and Ice House.
Joe informed the membership that if they want to be part of the FOP to please fill out the forms located at the front desk on the third floor.
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 June 21, 2018 at the Northbelt station.
Joe reminded the membership that the Gary Gryder softball tournament will be on July 29-30th. Contact Mandyleeday@gmail.com if you would like to help.
Joe reminded the membership to please wear their vests.
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 August 2, 2018. No meeting in July.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
None.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Melendez 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
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