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 George Rojas who was killed in the line of duty on January 28, 1976.
GUESTS
Mike Sullivan swears in new HPOU Board Members. J. Bates with the Family Support Unit presents the Blue Badge Award to Tim Whitaker.
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: Detective Nieto with Human Trafficking
Patrol Officers of the Month: None
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 advised the membership we sent a letter to Mayor Turner to open contract negotiations. Survey will go out later this month.
Joe informed the membership on runoff city election results.
Joe informed the membership that HPOU has endorsed Mary Nan Huffman in the Republican Primary and Todd Overstreet in the Democratic Primary.
Joe updated the membership departmental manpower. When we started our pledge at HPOU, we were just under 5,100 officers. We are now over 5,366 officers.
Joe advised the membership that Sgt. Brewster’s family was paid $291,000 from dues assessment.
Joe informed the membership on continuing issues with the HCDAO.
Joe updated the membership on the Prop B Lawsuit and advised our brief has been submitted.
Joe advised the membership of an upcoming meeting at the White House with President Trump and DA’s and judges from other cities.
Joe discussed the latest comments from the Chief.
Joe updated the membership on the Memorial Hermann/CIGNA contract. Advised there will be coverage till March 15, 2020.
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.
Joe advised the membership on court attendance. Keep contact numbers updated and show up.
Joe updated the membership on the rise in police officer suicides. Joe advised the Board on the department’s Peer Support Unit (713-308-1279).
Joe advised the membership that National CBS radio with pair up with the Houston Police Department and the FOP on the Lover’s Lane cold case on January 15, 2020 at 1300 hours.
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 advised the membership that we need to keep recruiting and reminded the Board about the $2000 drawing if you mentor a new recruit.
Joe informed the membership that beards have been permanently approved.
Joe advised the membership that the blood donation bus was out from until 1400 hours.
Joe reminded the membership about PR campaign with BARC and to get with Dan Levine to schedule.
Joe advised the membership of policy changes at JPC. Joe advised it’s now the officer’s option to handcuff.
Joe advised the membership that scholarship packets are available now for pick up and will be in the Badge and Gun. Deadline is March 6, 2020 at 1600 hours to turn in packet. Deadline will be strictly enforced.
Joe informed the membership that the ATO Gala will be on March 28, 2020 and tickets are available now.
Joe informed the membership there will be a Benefit for Cedell Lovings on February 1, 2020 from 1300-1700 hours at Buffalo Bayou Brewery.
Joe informed the membership the next Family Fun Night will be on February 21, 2020 from 1800-2200 hours at Delmar Bowling Lanes.
Joe advised the membership that Christmas Dinner held at the HPOU hosted by Luis Menendez family was a success and thanked them for hosting the event.
Joe advised the membership to help share information by following him on Twitter (@JoeGamaldi) or following and retweeting the HPOU (@HPOUTX). Keep sharing and keep spreading the word.
Joe reminded the membership that all city email and phones are open records request eligible.
Joe advised the membership that a 3% raise will be coming in the first full pay period in July.
Joe informed the membership that qualifications will now be on duty. Joe advised next year’s qualification course will be pass/fail only.
Joe informed the membership that the PAT was open for money on July 1, 2019. No more agility test. Sign up to open mid-October. Money has been exhausted this year.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout is to be determined.
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, February 6, 2020.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
John Dalrymple. Motion by Norma Lazo. Second by Tom Hayes. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Alexa Gamaldi made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Doug Griffith seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson