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 Fred Maddox, Jr. who was killed in the line of duty on February 24, 1954.
GUESTS
Council Member Greg Travis, A/C Bender with check presentation for Special Olympics, Gavin Torabi given award for feeding so many officers during trying times throughout the years, Ashley Fields, co-founder of The Way Home Adoption.
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: Detective Jessica Lam with Special Victims Unit
Patrol Officers of the Month: Officer Abelina Lopez with Eastside Division and Officer Hector Cardenas of Clearlake Division
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 to make sure they fill out the contract survey and send it in.
Joe informed the membership on a customer service story regarding an officer and citizen interaction. Joe advised we need to always be the best we can be and continue to build bridges with the community.
Joe informed the membership the load bearing vest have been approved. Joe informed the membership that Point Blank is working on style. Wait for them to come out and get approved prior to purchasing.
Joe informed the membership that HPOU has endorsed Mary Nan Huffman in the Republican Primary and Todd Overstreet in the Democratic Primary.
Joe informed the membership that a strategy is in place for the next election with a number of different ads and information going out along with PAC donations.
Joe informed the membership that he and Christian Dorton are on the sub-committee for President Trump’s Commission on Law Enforcement.
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 informed the membership that education-based discipline began in January.
Joe updated the membership on the Harding Street incident and that Rusty Hardin will represent the officer/s involved in the shooting if needed.
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 updated the membership on the Memorial Hermann/CIGNA contract. Joe advised there will be coverage till April 30, 2020 and new plan will be with Village Doctors.
Joe updated the membership on the FOP’s retirement healthcare plan.
Joe informed the membership on current health assessment requirements. Physical should have been done 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 the broadcast with National CBS radio at the FOP on the Lover’s Lane cold case held on January 15, 2020 was a success and thanked everyone who attended.
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 advised the membership that a finance class will be held on March 24, 2020 from 1200-1300 hours at the HPOU.
Joe informed the membership the next Family Fun Night will be February 21, 2020 from 1800-2200 hours at Del Mar Lanes.
Joe reminded the membership about PR campaign with BARC and to get with Dan Levine to schedule.
Joe informed the membership the ATO Gala will be on March 28, 2020 at the ballroom at Bayou Place. Tickets are available online.
Joe informed the membership of a rugby match between HPD and HFD. Get with Tom Hayes if you are interested in joining the team.
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 Luis Menendez-Sierra will be the new Sergeant at Arms at the HPOU.
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 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 will be on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Clearlake Division.
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, March 5, 2020.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
All of classes 243 & 244. Motion to accept by Doug Griffith. Second by James Mushinski. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ryan Moreland seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson