OPENING

Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and began with a moment of silence for Deputy Goforth, then a prayer from Chaplin Monty Montgomery.

 

MEETING DEDICATION

The meeting was dedicated to Officer Richard Martin whose immediate family was in attendance.

 

GUESTS:

Ray then addressed the membership in attendance and pointed out Sheriff Ron Hickman. Ray then allowed Sherriff Hickman to address the membership in attendance. Sherriff Hickman thanked the HPOU for their continued support in the tragic moments after the death of Deputy Goforth. Hickman also thanked the officers in attendance for their dedication to policing in these tough times.

Ray then thanked other guests who were at the meeting such as Charlene Floyd, and Mike Sullivan. Ray then advised Mike Sullivan is not really a guest anymore since he is always in attendance. Ray thanked Mike again for his support and advised the membership that as soon as Mike found out of the death of Deputy Goforth, he went and removed his information from the HCAD public listings. Ray stated that two media outlets had already gone and searched for the Deputies’ information and located his address.

Ray then asked the membership to include Bishop Lewis, who is a good friend of the organization, in their prayers. Ray advised that just prior to the membership meeting, Bishop Lewis had suffered a stroke and was taken into the emergency room. Ray was unsure of the prognosis at the time of the meeting.

 

PATROL OF THE MONTH

Ray then advised the membership who was selected as the Officer of the month, and Officer Von Quintas was presented with the award by Sgt Luis Menendez-Sierra.

 

INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH

Ray advised the members that the Investigator of the Month is Marc Delacerda and will be presented by Sgt. Mark Newcomb.

 

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 told the membership about the HPOU elections and that the new election chairman would be Lt. Al Elizondo. Ray advised of the upcoming open positions, which would be up for election. Ray advised it was the President, Secretary and all the odd numbered Board positions. Positions #2 and #6 were also available since one was empty due to retirement and one was filled by appointment. Ray advised the membership they could sign up from now until 10am Oct. 1^st. Good luck to any officer of Sgt who decided to run for the Board.

Ray told the membership that the Union would like to vote to end NAPO affiliation effective in December. Ray then asked for a motion from the floor and received a motion from Steve Burrell. Ray then asked for a second, and Kwanski Nicols provided the second allowing the motion to come up for vote. The membership in attendance voted unanimously to end the affiliation for NAPO.

Ray then informed the membership of the Doctors Council of Texas flyers which were being passed around. Ray advised this organization was available to assist officers with workers compensation issues. Ray stated that if an officer gets injured, to contact them if they wished. The company would refer them to doctors who understood the workers compensation issues. Ray advised the City of Houston did not like this but the HFD and City Municipal Workers were already doing this and getting the proper treatment.

Ray then told the membership that Pray for Police Bands will be available after a press conference being held Tuesday September 8th. Ray encouraged officers to support this program and tag with the #P4P on Facebook and Twitter.

Ray told the membership that there would be a reward of $2500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for anti-police IMOJI. Ray explained the IMOJI was of a police officers head with a gun pointed towards it.

Ray mentioned to the membership of the SOSP changes, which were in the works. Ray advised with the changed, officers would be able to work for another officer up until the start time of the shift. There will no longer be a seventy-two hour restriction. Also supervisors were allowed to use SOSP when they had manpower issues. The final change was removing the restriction of only allowing an officer to work for someone twice. Ray advised officers should see this circular soon.

Ray told the membership that the Santikos Theaters- Santikos Palladim and Santikos Silverado would provide free tickets to officers from Sept 11- Nov 30^th. The officers would be required to show their police identification for their free ticket. The tickets were for the officers only and any additional guest would have to be paid by the guest.

Ray mentioned to the membership that Costco table has a free gift card when you sign up for their membership. Any interested officers should visit them at the table set up in the foyer.

Ray told the membership that the Funeral for Deputy Goforth would be held tomorrow. Ray encouraged any officer who would like to attend to do so. Ray also mentioned they were expecting large crowds and to adjust accordingly.

Ray mentioned to the membership that the cookout at South Central was a success and the next one will be held at the North West Station on Sept. 16^th.

Ray advised the membership that Corpus Christi has just ratified their new police contract. Ray expressed to the membership how good of a contract that we recently signed with our city. Ray advised that the voted on contract that Corpus just obtained netted their officers the following raises of 0%, 0%, 2%, and 2%. That was a total of 4% over the four years.

Ray mentioned to the membership that our PAC is the strongest in the state. Ray continued to encourage all who do not give to PAC to do so. Ray advised that it is due to our strong PAC that we are able to continue the political endeavors. Ray then mentioned retired Sergeant Cindy Clawson who recently gave Will Reiser a check for $500 to support our PAC.

Ray then mentioned to the membership that HPOU/TPT Picnic would be held Saturday, Nov. 14^th at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club. Ray advised that this is a location change from Tin Hall and if an officer showed up at Tin Hall expecting the Picnic there would be none.

Ray advised the membership that Family Assistance has asked that we urge you to complete a will. Ray advised not having a will causes problems when an officer dies. Ray stated that the pension office would do the will for free.

Ray then told the membership in attendance that if you are retired or in drop and would like to join the HPROA they could do so. The contact number for HPROA is (713) 802-2967.

Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is held on Monday and Thursdays.

Ray advised the membership that there has been some confusion in regards to the taking of in-service training. Ray stated that a recent circular seemed to make the times when you could take a class only in your birth quarter. Ray advised he spoke to Chief Vasquez, who has been working WITH the Union, that any officer could sign up before or during his birth quarter to complete his in-service. If an officer waited and attempted to sign up after, the officer may face discipline.

Ray stated the Badges and Bases 5&10K runs benefitting Police Foundation will be held on Oct 3rd. Ray encouraged all who were interested to attend.

Ray then reminded the membership of the Patrick Fagan Tennis Classic would be held on Sept 26^th and 27^th. Ray stated is you were a tennis player and interested to attend to do so.

Ray then reminded the membership that SeaWorld of San Antonio was still giving free tickets to officers plus 3 family members through Sept. 7^th.

Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones. Ray stated we have 1160 users and we want to continue to grow the use. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.

Ray then told the members that if they were looking for a mortgage or a refinance to contact Mickey Keys at Mid-American Mortgage. Ray stated for each loan closed, Mickey donates one hundred dollars to the Assist the Officer Foundation.

 

REMINDERS

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 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 reminded the members that all in-service and police memorial was now on duty as of February 26^th and forward.

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.

Next Union Meeting will be on October 1^st. Ray wished all members in attendance a Happy Labor Day.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

NEW MEMBERS

None

 

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Eric Fagan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Joe Gamaldi seconded the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

 

Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary