Membership Meeting Minutes for February 5
OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and begins the meeting in prayer by Chaplin M. Montgomery.
MEETING DEDICATION
The meeting was dedicated to Officer Henry William who died in the line of duty on February 8, 1886. Officer Tim Whitaker read the dedication.
INVESTIGATOR OF THE MONTH
Lt. Ernest Garcia presented the investigator award of the month to Officer Horacio Pineda from Robbery. Patrol Officer of the month is Chris Weiche and was presented by Luis Menendez-Sierra.
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 they could contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.
Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Ray informed the Membership that the contract is complete and waiting on a copy for everyone to look at. In addition it will available online. Voting will be at the HPOU on Monday at 5pm and you must bring your police ID to vote. Voting ends on Friday at 5pm.
Ray advised the memberships that the scholarships application can be obtained from the front desk, badge and gun, or HPOU.org. Ray advised that the deadline for the scholarship application is Friday Feb. 27th at 4 pm. Ray reminded the membership that this deadline is final and there are no exceptions.
Ray advised that our annual Health Assessment was due by November 14, 2014. Ray advised you would have to get the 500pts by March 31st. Ray stated there were uploading issues regarding well visits and they should be corrected by Feb.6th.
Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler and Tim has AR-15s in stock, at cost, and also there is .223 ammo available.
Ray advised the membership that there will be new furniture in the down room and that is thanks to Lt. David Simmons who secured the bid from gallery Furniture.
Ray advised the members that the cookout at Midwest was a success. Ray stated the next cook out will be at HPOU for Central, SO and Travis on Feb. 18th noon till midnight.
Ray informed the membership that the Calendar now has photos and information about our outside/conflict case attorneys.
Ray asked Doug Griffith to talk about Stars and stripes tournament. Doug Griffith advised the members that this is the 5th annual Stars and Stripes tournament. The tournament will be on April 30th 10am at the Clubs at Kingwood. If interested contact Capt. Freeman.
Ray advised that Aurelia Weems had her office set up and she was available to assist in doing taxes for members. Ray advised the office was here at the Union building.
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 advised the membership that the Badge and gun is going public and the email to receive it is Badgeandgun@hpou.org If you have a family or friend who lives in the City of Houston and wants to receive the Badge and Gun, please send an email.
Ray advised the membership that there would be Support HPD shirts for sale. Ray advised that the shirts would be sold for $5 each and could be shipped for a total of $10.
Ray reminded the membership that the Contract Grievance for the Sgt exam is still ongoing and should be heard on February 11th at 611 Walker in the basement.
Ray reminded the membership that Twindom is here today for any officer who wanted to purchase a replica of themselves.
Ray advised the membership that Mid-American Lending rep. Mickey Keyes was here for any officer. Ray advised that Mickey Keyes would donate $100 for each loan closed, to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Ray advised that J.G. Garza, who is a current board member, would be retiring on the 27th of this month. Ray also advised that Capt. Rick Bounds also would be retiring.
REMINDERS
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.
National First Responders Day – In honor of Sean Collier, MIT officer killed by the Boston Bombers, his brother is starting a movement to create a national first responders day. Please go to www.change.org/firstresponders and sign the petition.
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.
Next Union Meeting will be on March 5th.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Gary Hicks made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Rick Bounds seconded the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary