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 David Murdock, who was killed in the line of Duty in 1921.
GUESTS:
Ray then addressed the membership in attendance and introduced Dr. Steven Tate from HPD Physiological services. Dr. Tate spoke to the membership about the assistance they provided. He also advised he was out on the shooting scene from this past Sunday and understood the trauma the officers go through. Dr. Tate advised he is there for any officer who needed his assistance.
Captain Freemin then took the stage and introduced Clay Jones and presented an appreciation award. Captain Freemin advised Mr. Jones owned a local business and was a big supporter of Law Enforcement and HPD.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officer’s Tica and Saldana were this months Officer of the month and they were presented their award. Ray then had Kenneth Wilson who is a private citizen who assisted the officers on the scene. Ray presented Mr. Wilson a $250 gift certificate for his assistance.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Robert Morales- Not present at the meeting.
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 addressed the Pension issue with the membership. Ray advised that on the Pension website there was an article which spoke of negotiations with the City. Ray advised the membership that the HPOU does not negotiate pension benefits. Ray believed the Pension Board was currently talking to the City to try to come up with an agreement, which would be fair. He cautioned the membership that the Legislature was looking at some legislation to fix the pension issues so it was crucial to have an agreement in place.
Ray addressed the membership and advised there was a meeting between the Department and the HFSC in regards to CSU’s coming back to the Homicide. Ray advised the Chief and the department wanted the CSU’s back but HFSC was reluctant. This issue is still being worked on and there is no decision as of yet.
Ray advised the membership that the Garcia Project (Ram Garcia) was a huge success and a big thank you to Luis Menendez-Sierra and Jeff Wagner for pulling this together. Ray stated the family was overwhelmed with emotions from the renovations completed.
Ray informed the membership that Stars and Stripes was postponed due to weather conditions and will now be held on June 29th.
Ray then informed the membership that the first promotional exam will be the Captains on July 21 then the Sgt. Then the Lt. The dates are to be announced. Ray also advised that the City has a new vendor for the testing and the Union side of the LRC voted no on this selection. Ray advised this company would be using live assessors in the assessment portion of the process.
Ray then told the membership of the First Responder Sunday at Christian Faith MBC Church at 2616 Calumet at 10:15. Ray advised Bishop Corey Wilson is inviting all first responders to attend.
Ray advised the membership that Chief of Police position is still searching for the permanent person. Ray advised he believed the interviews would be starting soon and was looking forward to the announcement.
Ray thanked everyone who attended the Police week Memorial service at the HPOU. Ray gave a special thanks to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for attending and bringing Tyler Martin.
Ray gave an update regarding the body cameras advising they have not had any issues at this time and is still moving forward to supplying every station. Ray reminded the membership to turn the cameras off on a shooting scene when the scene was secure.
Ray then informed the membership that the first promotional exam will be the Captains on July 21 then the Sgt. Then the Lt. The dates are to be announced. Ray also advised that the City has a new vendor for the testing and the Union side of the LRC voted no on this selection. Ray advised this company would be using live assessors in the assessment portion of the process.
Ray advised the membership that the Cookout at Clear Lake was a success and there would not be one in June due to vacations and scheduling.
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 advised the membership that the LRC met and now any language that is tested for by the company the City uses is eligible for the language pay.
Ray then advised the membership of an error made on the Badge and Gun this past month. Ray advised there was a collage or pictures and the caption should have ready college instead. Ray advised they were working on getting some corrected copies for the families who received scholarships.
Ray then spoke on the shooting scene this past Sunday. Ray advised this was a large scene and the responding officers did an incredible job. Ray advised the Constable who was shot in the chest had two metal plates in his vest and the round went through both plates and into the Kevlar. The extra plates save his life.
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.
Ray then informed the membership about the Texas Wild Game Cook-off which was postponed until sometime in September.
Ray then announced that on June 24th the HPD Bike Relay Team would be departing from City Hall and the send off ceremonies started at 0800. Randy encouraged any and all to attend.
REMINDERS
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.
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 $65 compared to the ER visit of $400. 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.
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 August 4th and there is NO JULY MEETING.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
Keola Man. Doug Griffith made the motion with a second from Joe Gamaldi and the motion passed the membership.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes. Ray then announced that he had a special door prize to be given out.
ADJOURNMENT
Kawanski Nichols made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Will Reiser seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
The post Meeting Minutes for the June 2 Membership Meeting appeared first on Houston Police Officers Union.