OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Keith Dees who was killed in the line of Duty in 2002.
GUESTS:
Ray then addressed the membership in attendance and introduced Mike Sullivan and Jessica from Mike Sullivan’s office. Ray also acknowledged Chris Daniel who was in attendance. Ray then advised the membership that Roy McDonald with HPROA was in the audience and any person who was retired or in phase down could sign up with him for the retiree union.
Ray then called “Dawn” with Ambit Energy to the stage to speak with the membership. Dawn informed the members that her company had collected over two hundred teddy bears to be given to the patrol officers. These bears could be placed in the patrol vehicles to be given to children the officers encountered.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officers Flores and Tafhurt would be receiving this month’s award for the patrol officer of the month. Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra then presented the Officer’s the award.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray advised the membership that Officer David Patterson of the Vice Division would receive the Investigator of the month award. Lt. Richardson presented the award to the investigator of the month. Officer Patterson received a standing ovation for his investigation, which led to the arrest of a father who was attempting to sell his four-year-old daughter.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.
Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Ray acknowledged Michael Berry who was in attendance and called him to the stage. Ray then advised the membership that recently we had a TLEC event at the HPOU and Michael was a speaker. Ray advised he did not charge for the event and the HPOU was appreciative of his gesture. Ray also advised that Michael is very supportive of the police and the HPOU and consistently acknowledges police officers for their hard work and dedication. Ray then presented to Michael Berry a Black and Gold .44 magnum rifle with the Houston Police badge and artwork. Michael Berry then addressed the membership and was very excited about receiving the rifle. Michael spoke very highly of police and even proclaimed he was a “holster sniffer”.
Ray then called Steve Burrell and Hugh Lam to the stage for a check presentation. Will Reiser and Doug Griffith then presented Hugh Lam with a check from Assist the Officer for the proceeds of the benefit held for him the previous month.
Ray then advised the members that all scholarship packets should have been turned in on Friday February 26 at 1600 hrs. Ray advised the Board approved close to thirty five thousand dollars to be dispersed in scholarship payments. Ray told the membership we received seventy-five scholarship packets.
Ray told the membership that the calendars were mailed and there are more at the front desk. Ray advised that the membership to please mark out the computer services help desk number because the number in the book was to an individual’s personal number. The correct number for the help desk is 713-247-8500. Ray advised that all the phone numbers in the HPOU App are correct.
Ray then informed the membership that the annual Stars and Stripes golf tournament was going to be on April 28th and if any member needed additional information they could contact Captain Freeman.
Ray then reminded the membership that there would be a benefit at the Union tomorrow (March 4, 2016) for Officer Seldon (Chip) O’Brian. Ray encouraged all who could attend to do so.
Kemp from HR then addressed the membership and advised open enrollment is fast approaching. Kemp advised the membership that if they were an active employee or in phase down they would still need to go and renew the insurance. If they were retired and didn’t want to make any changes, they did not have to do anything. Kemp encouraged all the members to call if they had any questions regarding open enrollment.
Ray reminded the membership of the next step in discounted insurance. Ray advised Only B, C and D are available until March 12th. Ray encouraged the membership to pick their path and get this done to get the discounted insurance rates.
Ray then informed the membership of the appointment of Martha Montalvo to the Interim Chief of Police. Ray stated that the nationwide search was still on going and that the appointment of Chief Montalvo did not mean she would be the Chief going forward. Ray believed her as well as other Executive Chief’s had all submitted applications to this position, but no final decision had been made for the position long term.
Ray then spoke in regards to the Pension Review Committee in which Josh McGee is part of. Ray advised he met with Mr. McGee and spoke of our pension and the city not making the necessary payments. When Mr. McGee spoke in the hearing, he echoed what Ray had told him. Ray advised there was nothing he said at this time that gave the Board heartburn. Ray advised we would closely watch Mr. McGee going forward.
Ray mentioned to the membership that the cookout at South Gessner was a success and the next one had been cancelled due to a conflict. Ray advised that on the day the next one had been scheduled (March 23rd), there would the Police Trust sponsor a Health Fair at the HPOU.
Ray reminded the membership that if you were hired prior to 03/30/11 the passing score on the Physical Agility test who get an officer $800 and after 03/30/11 an extra 40 PD hours. Ray then reminded the membership that when he says you receive $800 that is before tax. The incentive money is taxed.
Rat then told the membership that the pay raises for this year would be on July 2nd and you should see the raise on the paycheck received on July 22nd.
Ray then told the membership that Ray, Doug, and Kawanski Nichols had been invited to attend church services at Houston Praise and Worship. Ray advised the message that was delivered at the service was incredible and he wished every officer could have heard the message. Ray advised there is an open invitation to any officer who is in the area and wanted to attend the services at Houston Praise and Worship.
Ray then reminded the membership about MDT messages. Ray stated these messages should be strictly police related, and especially after police shootings. Ray advised MDT messages and radio recordings are some of the first things requested by attorneys and Ray did not want an officer get caught short because of a message which is misinterpreted by a juror.
Ray then told the membership in attendance that Officer Robles was having another Shields of Christ event June 9th-12th. Ray stated if you needed additional information to contact Officer Robles and pointed him out in the audience.
REMINDERS
Ray encouraged any member not contributing to PAC to do so. Ray advised there would be many battles in the legislature in upcoming years and the PAC money helps our cause.
Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.
Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.
Ray reminded to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.
Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.
Ray then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with PHH mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Ray reminded the membership that for in-service schools to please be on time. Ray advised the Academy is going to start enforcing the start times and if you’re late you will not be admitted to the class.
Ray reminded the membership that if you were not a member of the organization you would receive no member benefits.
Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance. Ray mentioned to the membership we had a suicide last week and encouraged the membership to reach out if you know someone or if you need help.
Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost and in addition he has .223 ammo.
Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information. Spouse may restrict voter information as well.
HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).
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.
URGENT CARE vs. ER – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms. Urgent care facilities are $60 compared to the ER visit of $300. Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed because the Chief is now monitoring from his desk.
Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center. Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers. Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.
Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page. Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx. The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.
The next meeting will be on April 7th.
Ray then acknowledged James Mushinski and his wife who were in attendance and celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Doug addressed the membership and reminded that the body cameras are coming and Central would be the first station for deployment. Doug also stated that CRU would be in the areas to assist in calls as the officers are receiving the two hours of training.
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
A motion was made by Don Egdorf to accept the membership request by Hector Pizana, with the second by Doug Griffith. The motion carried.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes. Ray then announced that he had a special door prize to be given out. Ray had a wine holder and two bottles of red wine to be given out to a retired member who never wins the door prize and likes to drink. Ray presented the wine to retired member Sam Kennedy.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Luis Menendez Sierra seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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