OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Christian Dorton read the meeting dedication for Officer Jerry Leon Spruill who was killed in the Line of Duty on October 26, 1972.
GUESTS
Judge Jim Horowitz-probate court issues/tips
Andrea Schmauss- Awards
Officer Juan Martinez- President of Los Canales
Sergeant Robert Medel JR- Vice President of Los Canales
Frank Hinojosa- Secretary of La Familia
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Chase and Officer Teed from the Central Patrol Division were presented as Officers of the month.
Detective Magness from the Special Victims Unit was presented as Investigator of the month.
The Meritorious Service Award was awarded to Officer Andrew Winterbottom.
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 asked the membership to please contribute $5 dollars a month to PAC. Joe informed the membership that if they are unsure, they can walk next door to ask questions.
Joe updated the membership on the fire fighter pay parity bill. Joe informed the membership that the HPOU has filed a lawsuit against the Mayor, City, and the Houston Fire Union.
Joe informed the membership that Austin PD has settled a contract, they will be getting a 7% pay increase over 4 years. Oklahoma City will be getting a 2% pay increase over 1 year.
Joe informed the membership that there will be a benefit for Officer Bacillo Guzman at the union on January 18, 2019 at 11:00am.
Joe announced the HPOPS election results; Trey Coleman won over George Guerrero. There is a runoff between Hill and Siscoe.
Joe informed the membership that No Shave November was a huge success. The department raised $55,000 for pediatric cancer research.
Joe informed the membership that John Barnes, the retired HPD Officer shot in the Santa Fe High School shooting, informed him that he was saved by another Officer who placed a tourniquet on him. Joe reminded the membership how important it is to carry a tourniquet on their gun belt.
Joe addressed the membership about the recent epidemic of Officers drinking and driving. Joe reminded the membership that the Chief has a zero-tolerance policy for Officers who are caught drinking and driving and that there are several alternatives to avoid drinking and driving.
Joe informed the membership that the department will be adding 120 officers over attrition this year. 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 stated that hiring requirements have changed, laterals only need 3 years to join now instead of 5.
Joe informed the membership that the print version of the Badge and Gun will be discontinued after this month; the online version will begin in January.
Joe informed the membership that the Biometrics Health Assessment deadline has been extended to December 31, 2018. You can get your biometrics taken care of today in the Union Hall.
Joe informed the membership that the Finance Class was a huge success. Joe thanked Rhonda for putting the class together.
Joe informed the membership that the FOP membership is full.
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 through social media posts. Joe informed the membership to quickly advise him about controversial news stories.
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 informed the membership that they only have 30 days to add a new baby to their insurance policy. If the paperwork is not submitted within 30 days, you must wait until open enrollment. Joe asked the membership to remind new parents about this policy.
Joe informed the membership that the Sherriff’s Department is having difficulties entering misdemeanor warrants in a timely manner. If an Officer has an important misdemeanor warrant they need entered they can call 713-274-5045.
Joe informed the membership that there will be a Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner at the HPOU from 11:00am-6:00pm. The Board will be serving food.
Joe informed the membership that the HPOU family picnic was a success. Joe thanked Dan Levine for putting the picnic together.
Joe informed the membership that the Sugarland Holiday lights are offering Officers a discount. A donation will be made to ATO when you use promo code ATO.
Joe informed the membership that the ATO Heroes Gala will be on March 30, 2019. Tickets are available online @ ATO.com.
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. Starting July 2019, the PAT will be available for $1,000 dollars until the budget runs out.
Joe informed the membership that there will be no monthly cookout this month.
Joe informed the membership that qualifications will now be on duty.
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 done 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 January 3, 2019.
NEW BUSINESS
$750 donation to the Youth Police Advisory Council Committee.
NEW MEMBERS
George Craig, Lateral Class 12-18. Motion to accept the new members was made by Rhonda Williams with a second from David Vasquez. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Dan Levine made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tom Hayes seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary