OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bishop Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Officer Claude Ronnie Beck who was killed in the line of duty on December 10, 1971.
GUESTS
Council member Greg Travis. Eric Fagan running for Fort Bend County Sheriff. Steven Benavidez with a Veterans Day presentation. ATO presentation of check to the Perales family.
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: Detective Zane Brumley and Matthew Althaus with Major Assaults (FV)
Patrol Officers of the Month: FOX Sergeants Burton and Chebret
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 updated the membership on the city’s election results.
Joe updated the membership on departmental manpower. When we started the recruiting push we were at 5,100 officers. We are now at 5,300 officers.
Joe updated the membership on the HPOU election results.
Joe updated the membership on our relationship with the HCDAO and Harris County Judges. Keep providing Joe with incidents of cases. Keep working on them accepting charges. Keep the pressure on them. We are still developing a database of activity. Keep Joe informed on gun charges.
Joe informed the membership that Mary Nan Huffman of HPOU Legal is running for HCDA on the Republican.
Joe updated the membership on the Prop B lawsuit. The 14th court of appeals has ordered a mediation. Brief due on November 22, 2019.
Joe updated the membership on the Hewitt accident.
Joe informed the membership on current health assessment requirements. Must have a physical by January 31, 2020 and health assessment must be done by March 13, 2020. Insurance will now accept our PAT test will cover 80% of the requirements.
Joe informed the membership on their court attendance. Ensure your phone numbers are updated and show up.
Joe spoke to the membership on the suicide of Officer Tommy Phillips.
Joe urged the membership to reach out to their peers if they see they are struggling. Suicide awareness is important. Joe reminded the membership that HOPA, the peer support group, is live at 832-200-3499. Joe advised the membership of the department’s new Peer Support Unit for military, Peer Support, PACA, etc. Their phone number is 713-308-1279.
Joe informed the membership that the HPOU sponsored the Texas State FOP meeting. Dues were lowered to $15,000.
Joe informed the membership on possible retiree healthcare agreement with Aetna.
Joe informed the membership that the FOP will continue making national news appearances and push back against the anti-police narrative being used by some political platforms.
Joe reminded the membership about online id protection; the goal is to protect members’ private information from being accessible on the internet. Online protection is available to members free of charge.
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 he has gotten approval from the Chief to push No Shave November to two months in November and December.
Joe advised the membership on the “Drop A Dime” on cancer campaign.
Joe reminded the membership to check the new female grooming standards.
Joe informed the membership that the Union has started a PR campaign with BARC. Officers will now take pictures with animals up for adoption on Tuesdays. Joe asked the membership to email him if they are interested in participating.
Joe thanked the membership for the turnout at the Police Memorial Ceremony.
Joe informed the membership there will be a benefit at the HPOU for Officer Ruby Roman’s family. She has passed away. The benefit will be on November 22, 2019 from 1100-1400 hours.
Joe advised the membership the Finance 101 class was a success and thanked Rhonda Williams.
Joe informed the membership the HPOU Family Picnic will be on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Oil Ranch. No bus service this year.
Joe informed the membership that Christmas dinner will be hosted by the Luis Menedez family at the HPOU beginning at 1100 hours.
Joe advised the membership the next upcoming ATO events.
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 a 3% raise will be given in the first full pay period of July.
Joe advised the membership that as of July 1st, the PAT will be available for $1,000 dollars, until the budget runs out. Once the budget runs out, members will get PT days: 5 days for Officers and 4 days for supervisors. The agility test is no longer necessary.
Joe informed the membership of the removal of the shuttle run test. Now open for sign up.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Eastside.
Joe informed the membership that qualifications will now be on duty. Joe advised that in January that the qualification course will be pass/fail only.
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 Thursday, December 5, 2019.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Mark Gomez made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Luis Menendez seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson