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 Jack Billy Beets who was killed in the line of duty on April 30, 1955.
GUESTS
Mary Nan Huffman, Republican candidate for HCDA, thanks HPOU for their continued support. Councilmember Greg Travis. William Skeen with 100 Club plaque presentation. Josue Villa and Buffalo Bayou Brewery staff plaque presentation. Judge Wanda Adams, Justice of the Peace thank HPOU for their support. Steve Benevidez with VFW.
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: Officer Shelton with ILU (Investigation Liaison Unit).
Patrol Officers of the Month: Officer Smith and Duncan from Westside nights.
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 contract negotiations.
Joe updated the membership on primary election results.
Joe informed the membership that volunteers are needed to man the phone banks for the general election.
Joe informed the membership the load bearing vest have been approved and Blauer will be the vendor. Do not buy anything until circular comes out!
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 we need to keep recruiting and reminded the Board about the $2000 drawing if you mentor a new recruit.
Joe informed the membership that education-based discipline began in January and a city-wide pilot program will start on April 1, 2020. 70% of suspensions are 3 days or less.
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 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 updated the membership on the Prop B Lawsuit and advised our brief has been submitted.
Joe updated the membership on the FOP’s retirement healthcare plan with Aetna.
Joe updated the membership on the health insurance increases.
Joe informed the membership open enrollment is March 16, 2020 through April 3, 2020. If you are not making any changes, no action is required
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 informed the membership that City Wellness is on the 4th floor today from 1200-1400 hours. You can visit them and get 90% of your wellness credit.
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 (713-308-3499).
Joe informed the membership there will be a Health Benefit Fair on Thursday, March 26, 2020 from 0800-1800 hours at HPOU. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and vendors will be present.
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 a finance class will be held on March 24, 2020 from 1200-1300 hours at the HPOU.
Joe informed the membership the Family Fun Night was a big success thanks to Rhonda Williams.
Joe reminded the membership about PR campaign with BARC and 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 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. A scholarship breakfast will be on Saturday, April 18, 2020.
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 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 on the removal of the shuttle test run.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout will be in April.
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, April 2, 2020.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mark Gomez seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson