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 Charles Coates who was killed in the line of Duty in 1983.

 

GUESTS:

Ray then addressed the membership in attendance then introduced Jessica and Laura from Mike Sullivan’s office. Ray introduced Chief Charles McClelland, Jr. who addressed the membership. The Chief thanked the men and women of the Houston Police Department for being the most professional department in the nation. Ray then presented the Chief a watch from the HPOU.

Ray then introduced Montgomery County Fair Queen, Savannah Martin. She thanked the HPOU for the sponsorship in her quest to become the Montgomery County Fair Queen. She advised the membership she had made some small blue hands with words or encouragement to police officers. She advised she would be passing them out to anyone who wanted one at the meeting.

Ray also introduced Sarah Santiago from Doctors Council of Texas. She then informed the membership the importance of using the service to eliminate the workers compensation problems.

Chris Daniel from the Harris County Clerks office was in attendance and was currently running for his position. Ran advised Chris that the HPOU had met today and chose to endorse him again.

Then ran had Officer Dorton from the N.E. Tact come to the stage to introduce a citizen who was instrumental to locating the suspect who shot Officer Rhodes. The citizen was met with a standing ovation from the officers in attendance. Ray then presented the citizen with a gift card to show our appreciation.

 

PATROL OF THE MONTH

Ray then advised the membership that Officers Carr from Northeast would be receiving this month’s award for the patrol officer of the month. Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra then presented Officer Carr with his award.

 

INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH

Ray advised the membership that Officer’s R. Klementich and T. Colbert of the Homicide Division were to receive the Investigator of the month award. Sgt. Rhodes presented the awards to the investigators of the month.

 

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 advised the membership that the Pension Rumors are NOT true and the idea that he would work to end the Pension is ridiculous. Ray advised the membership that if they had any questions feel free to call.

Ray then told the membership that the Let’s Pray Houston event was a success. Ray stated there were more than fifty people who walked from the Union to City Hall to pray. Ray was very impressed with Mayor Turner for his comments in regards to prayer. Ray thanked Doug Griffith for his efforts in setting this event up.

Ray told the membership that the calendars were mailed and there are more at the front desk. Ray advised that the membership to please mark out the computer services help desk number because the number in the book was to an individual’s personal number. The correct number for the help desk is 713-247-8500. Ray advised that all the phone numbers in the HPOU App are correct.

Ray advised the membership the Mayor announced there is a nationwide search for a new Police Chief.

Ray mentioned to the membership that Aurelia Weems Tax Services will be open Monday and Thursdays 9am -2pm. Ray advised she does give a 25% discount to officers.

Ray reminded the membership of the next step in discounted insurance. Ray advised Only B, C and D are available until March 12^th. Ray encouraged the membership to pick their path and get this done to get the discounted insurance rates.

Ray then told the membership Councilwomen Brenda Stardig was hosting the Ms. Wheelchair Pageant this Saturday (February 6 at 1730) and was looking for volunteers in class A uniform to escort the young ladies across the stage. Ray advised that Police and Fire would be assisting in the event.

Ray mentioned to the membership that the cookout at Kingwood was a success and the next one will be held at the South Gessner Station on February 17th.

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 advised there were roughly 456 more spots available to collect the cash incentive. Ray then reminded the membership that when he says you receive $800 that is before tax. The incentive money is taxed.

Ray mentioned to the membership that the Radio earpieces will be handed out in 2 weeks and there would be times that wearing the earpiece would be required.

Ray mentioned to the membership that NYPD was in contract discussions and had an arbitrator negotiating the contract. Ray stated that after five years of no contract, New York secured a two-year contract 1%, 1% and the paid arbitrator got $115,000.

Ray advised the membership that there is a Civilianization Study, which is being conducted; But Ray advised this was JUST a study.

Ray advised the membership that Family Assistance has asked that we URGE YOU TO COMPLETE A WILL AND POD. Ray advised not having a will causes problems when an Officer dies and there is no directive on where to distribute their assets. Ray stated that the pension office would do the will for free.

Ray informed the membership that the Scholarships deadline is on Friday, February 26^th 4pm. Ray also reminded the deadline is firm and there will be no exceptions. The scholarship application form can be downloaded at hpou.org and can also be found in the Badge and Gun.

Ray then advised the membership of the AAPOL Golf Tournament, which would be February 21^st. Any Officer who was interested should contact Officer Robinson at (281) 788-6507.

 

REMINDERS

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 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 and in addition he has .223 ammo.

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 $60 compared to the ER visit of $300. 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 because the Chief is now monitoring from his desk.

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 March 3^rd.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

NEW MEMBERS

Ray then advised the membership of reinstatement for Al Pitts. The first motion for the new members made by Paul Ogden and the second by Ray Hunt. The motion carried.

 

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Robert Brieding seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

 

Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary