Membership Meeting Minutes November 3
OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Dustin Nelson from the Fellowship of Champions.
MEETING DEDICATION
Randy Upton then read the meeting dedication for Officer David Michael Healy who was killed in the line of Duty in 1994.
GUESTS:
Ray then addressed the membership in attendance and introduced Steve Benavidez to present a check from VFW Vets in the amount of $1,000 to the HPD foundation, Charlene Floyd, to purchase bulletproof vests for Officers.
Ray also introduced Mike Sullivan who was in attendance and Steve Marino who were representing Sherriff Ron Hickman.
Ray introduced Harris County Judge candidates Kelli Johnson 178th, Maria Jackson 339th
Ray then allowed Public Affairs to speak of the commemorative badges for the Super Bowl. The membership was told they could purchase the badges for their rank but they could not be worn.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officer Charles Overstreet from North Division is this months Officer of the month and was presented his award by Luis Menendez-Sierra.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
No investigator of the month this 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 addressed the Pension issue with the membership. Ray advised the membership that the HPOU does not negotiate pension benefits. Ray said that he applauded the Pension Board for being proactive in making changes that are necessary to have the Pension survive. Ray believed there would be “tweaks” to the original proposal so he would wait on the final bill.
Ray advised the membership of the election results. He advised that all the incumbants won their positions and the constitutional amendment failed.
Ray informed the membership that the general elections are next Tuesday and encouraged all members to vote
Ray advised the membership that the Lt. Governor is proposing a Bill for body armor for all Police, and a property tax exemption for spouses of fallen officers.
Ray then informed the membership that there was an issue with the lights going off during the Sgt. exam and a grading issue with the Lt. exam also. Ray advised that the issues were resolved.
Ray advised the membership that Chief of Police position is still not filled and he expected an announcement in December.
Ray introduced Zach Becker, Trey Coleman and Mike Newsome who are running for Pension board positions. Ray afforded each candidate two minutes to speak to the members in attendance.
Ray advised the membership that the Let’s Pray Texas was a success.
Ray advised the membership that the Kubosh Christmas Party at Kim Son and all members were invited.
Ray advised the membership that the Cookouts will resume on November 16th at North Station.
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 then reminded the membership that when he says you receive $800 that is before tax. The incentive money is taxed.
Ray reminded the membership that the HPOU Picnic would be held on November 12th at the Houston Farm and Ranch from 2pm till 10pm. Ray advised that tickets are available today at the meeting or at the front desk.
Ray reminded the membership to complete their health assessment for themselves and covered spouse.
Ray advised the membership that the blue cards from Cigna are in the mail and that 88% of spouses and 71% of employees have not completed health screenings as of October 31st.
REMINDERS
Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.
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 then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with PHH mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
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 that there have been 3 suicides this year.
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.
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 $65 compared to the ER visit of $400. 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.
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 December 1st.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes. Ray then announced that he had a special door prize to be given out.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Chad Crawford seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary