OPENING

Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and begins the meeting in prayer by Bishop Lewis.

SWEARING IN THE BOARD BY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR MIKE SULLIVAN

MEETING DEDICATION

The meeting was dedicated to Officer Rodney Johnson who died in the line of duty on September 21st 2006.  Officer Dough Griffith read the dedication.

INVESTIGATOR OF THE MONTH

Sgt. Meeler presented the awards to Sgt. Dillingham from Homicide, Officer Villareal from Homicide and Officer Medel from robbery.

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 HPOU is supporting the use of the body cameras. Ray then stated that we were not supporting the City using the current HPD budget to finance the cameras. Ray also stated that the Union would not support any camera system that required the Officer to manually download the body camera data/information.

Ray advised the membership current contract negotiations are on going at this time.

Ray advised the membership that Sgt. Bryan Klevens had wristbands made and will be handing them out, they read “Blue Lives Matter”. Ray advised the Union supported the bands and were provided the invoice and paid for them.

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 dead line for the scholarship application is Friday Feb. 27^th 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. Anyone who did not complete it will not get the discount. Ray advised you would have to get the Additional 250 pts. by March 31^st.

Ray stated to the membership that Financial Crimes arrested a city employee for using information to obtain credit. Ray does not believe any officer’s information was compromised.

Ray advised the memberships 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 members that a press conference was held on Dec 30 regarding riding two man units. Ray stated the blast email that went out regarding the New Years Eve threat against officers was sent verbatim from the MDI message. Ray thanked all the Captains who made units ride two man during the New Years Eve holiday. He then encouraged all Captains to continue allowing officers to ride two man if they desired. Senator John Whitmire heard about the threat and rode patrol that night from 2200-0200.

Ray advised members that there would be a $100 gift card once a month to people who call into KCOH and talk about a positive encounter between them and a Houston police officer. The encounter will be reviewed by the HPOU and the winner will be selected.

Ray advised the membership that there would be a cookout at Midwest station on Wed, Jan 21^st.

Ray advised the membership to check their paychecks. Ray advised several members have either been over paid or under paid. If you are underpaid or overpaid they will take the money back or reimburse.

Ray advised the membership that when officers volunteer for working the holidays they now have the choice of Holiday pay or comp.

Ray informed the membership that the Calendar is later than normal but they have been mailed. Ray advised any member who does not receive their calendar, that there will be some available at the front desk starting Monday.

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 that the new drug testing policy was out and there was no more escort needed. He then stated that if an Officer received a diluted sample, hair would be taken.

Ray advised that outside attorneys/conflict cases Carson Joaquim, Nicole Deborde, and Kim Parks, do a great job and will occasionally handle cases.

Ray advised the membership that the legislative session begins next week.

Ray advised the membership that the Badge and gun is going public and the website is Badgeandgun@hpou.org if you have a family of friend who lives in the City of Houston and wanted to receive the Badge and Gun.

Ray advised the membership that Phase II of RMS is in the works and responding to concerns

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 11^th.

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 the membership that they served 181 plates at the Christmas Day lunch and thanked Luis Menendez-Sierra and family members for spending their day assisting the officers.

 

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 January 8^th.

 

NEW BUSINESS

No new business.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

 

NEW MEMBERS

Ray requested a motion to accept all of Class 220 to become members of the HPOU. Joe Gamaldi made the motion with a second by Gary Hicks.

 

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Colton Peverill made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Joseph Castaneda seconded the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

 

Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary