March 1 Membership Meeting Minutes
OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Luis Menendez read the meeting dedication for Officer James Walker who was killed in the Line of Duty on March 1963.
GUESTS
Joe introduced Judge Jay Karahan who addressed the membership and encouraged everyone to vote.
The president of the HFD union Marty Lankin and ATO members were presented with fundraising proceeds gathered from the 911 Heroes Run.
Doug Griffith thanked the Travis Manion Foundation who raised $14,950 dollars for the Houston professional firefighters and $14,950 dollars for ATO.
The Gilbert family was presented with their fundraiser check totaling to be $36,402 dollars.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Joe presented Officer Dennis Shadden, K-9 Officer Rony, and Officer RJ Hainey from the K-9 division as Officers of the month. Joe informed the membership that a funeral for K-9 Officer Rony will be held on March 7, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Union Hall.
Joe stated there was no investigator of the month.
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 reminded the membership that early voting ends tomorrow and that election day is March 6, 2018. Joe encouraged the membership to please vote and to encourage family and friends to vote as well, HPOU endorsements can be found on HPOU.org, Facebook, and Twitter.
Joe informed the membership about the new changes in TAC/Gang/Wet.
Joe informed the membership that the ATO Top Cop Gala was successful and thanked Tom for a wonderful job.
Joe informed the membership that the Union has a new legal addition and that Chad will be handling inhouse workman’s comp coverage cases.
Joe reminded the membership that issues with the Judges and District Attorneys remain the same and that voting is necessary to make a change.
Joe informed the membership that access to the DA criminal database will be available by the end of the day.
Joe informed the membership that in the near future if a DA does not accept a family violence charge then a Sergeant will have to make the scene and the proper division will take a 24-hour hold.
Joe informed the membership that all health care benefits will now remain the same throughout open enrollment unless you are on a flexible spending account. Joe then read out all the new health care premium rates to the membership.
Joe informed the membership that a data breach occurred through the City and that all City employees will be provided with free credit monitoring until further notice.
Joe stated that the Houston Police Memorial reception will be held on Friday, May 18 at 5:00pm.
Joe informed the membership to complete a new death term pay out term with the City.
Joe reminded the membership to please, TURN BODY CAMERAS ON.
Joe informed the membership that the current contract expires on December 31, 2018 and that officers will receive a 3.48% raise in July 2018. Joe reminded the membership that a survey was sent out on E-blast encouraging members to identify issues they want addressed in the next round of contract negotiations. Joe informed the membership that contract negotiations will likely begin around March 12, 2018 and that the bargaining team will consist of himself, Ray Hunt, Doug Griffith, Tom, Ken, Marco Lopez, Thomas Hardin, and Bob or Aaron.
Joe informed the membership that one more spot was still available to attend the National Law Enforcement Retreat being hosted by Billy Graham Ministries at the Horseshoe Bay Resort from March 19-21, 2018. If interested contact Ray Hunt or Joe Gamaldi.
Joe reminded Officers to take the physical agility test. If passed, Officers who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 receive $800 dollars and those hired after that date receive 40 PD hours. The fiscal year will end on June 30, 2018.
Joe advised the membership the cookout at South Gessner was successful and that the next cookout will be taking place at the Midwest station on March 22, 2018 from 11:30am-11:00pm.
Joe advised the membership to help share information by following him on Twitter (@JoeGamaldi) or the HPOU (@HPOUTX).
Joe informed the membership that a Blood Drive was being held on the 4th floor today from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Joe informed the membership that the HPD boxing event benefiting ATO was a huge success.
Joe informed the membership that the 8th annual Stars and Stripes Golf Tournament benefiting ATO will be taking place on April 19, 2018 at 10:00am at the Clubs of Kingwood. Contact Doug Griffith for more information.
Joe informed the membership that if you need a will 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.
Doug Griffith announced the raffle winners for the AR-15.
The next meeting will be on April 5, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
Doug Griffith made the motion to approve Daryl Henderson as a new member, Rhonda seconds the motion, motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Luis Menendez made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Doug seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary