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 Louis Lyndon Sander who was killed in the Line of Duty on January 21, 1967.
GUESTS
Mitchell from Williams/Khirker.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Werner Stroehmburg and Officer Brandon McDonald were presented as Officers of the month.
Detectives Seagler, Aldrete, Varela, and Vasquez were presented as Investigators 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 the HPOU supports Houston Firefighters getting a pay raise but is absolutely against pay parity.
Joe reminded the membership that the Boxing Battle of Badges will be at the Humble Civic Center on Friday September 14, 2018 at 06:00pm.
Joe informed the membership that the rumors about the contract are not true. Joe reminded the Board that the contract is still in negotiation.
Joe informed the membership that this calendar year HPD will be losing 197 officers due to retirements but will be adding approximately 309 new officers. Joe stated adding 112 new officers to the Houston police force is the largest amount added in over a generation.
Joe reminded the membership to help recruit for upcoming academy classes. 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 informed the membership that there are upcoming Union Elections for 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and even numbered positions. The sign up will begin on September 3, 2018 and will close on October 4, 2018. The elections will run from October 5, 2018 to October 19, 2018.
Joe reminded the membership how important body cameras are and referenced the most recent Chicago police shooting. Chicago people initially protested and claimed the police officers shot an unarmed suspect; thanks to the body camera footage the public was able to see the suspect was indeed armed with a pistol.
Joe informed the membership that he slammed the Chief for doing away with warrant teams. Joe stated warrant teams are necessary for keeping Houston safe from dangerous criminals.
Joe informed the membership that Sally resigned and will be starting her own practice, Sally will still be used as a contract attorney. Joe introduced Mary Nan as the new Union Attorney.
Joe informed the membership that he and Doug attended the Robert Jennings’s hearing, the judge set the execution date for January 30, 2019.
Joe informed the membership that Tom Hayes was elected 1st Vice President of the FOP at the recent state FOP conference. Joe reminded the membership that if they would like to join the FOP to fill out forms located at the front desk or third floor.
Joe reminded the membership to immediately advise him if a story needs the narrative to be positively controlled.
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 on city emails.
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 the District Attorney’s Office wants Officers to give them information on violent criminals at the front end of the case so that they can make an impact.
Joe informed the membership that the Family Picnic will be on Saturday November 3, 2018 at the Oil Ranch from 10:00am-03:00pm.
Joe thanked Robert Sandoval for working to get red dot sights approved for pistols, Robert worked on the proposal and lesson plans for months.
Joe informed the membership that the 911 Heroes Run will be at City Hall on Saturday September 8, 2018 at 08:00am.
Joe informed the membership that HPD breast cancer awareness hats will be available on September 9th, they have been approved for wear with uniforms. All proceeds will go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Joe informed the membership that Coptober Fest, an ATO fundraiser, will be held at the Union Hall on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 11:00am-07:00pm.
Joe reminded the membership that the Jerry Flores benefit will be at Minute Maid Park on Thursday August 23, 2018 from 11:00am-04:00pm.
Joe informed the membership that the Santa Fe PD benefit will be at the Mid-Galveston County Fairgrounds on Saturday August 4, 2018 at 11:00am.
Joe stated there would be a Blood Drive being held on the 4th floor today from 09:00am-01:30pm.
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 August 16, 2018 at the North Shepard station.
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 September 6, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
Rhonda Williams made a motion to accept Amelinda Rodriguez and all of class 235 as new members. Joe Castaneda seconds the motion. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ken Nealy seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary
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