Minutes from the May 5 Membership Meeting
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 Isaac Parson who was killed in the line of Duty in 1914.
GUESTS:
Ray then addressed the membership in attendance and spoke in regards to the payroll check fiasco. Ray advised that he was impressed with the assistance from the HPFCU. Ray then introduced Interim Chief Montalvo and Chief Provost who wanted to give an appreciation award. Interim Chief Montalvo then spoke and stated the HPFCU went way above and beyond to assist our officers during this trying issue. Interim Chief Montalvo then presented Ayn Talley from the HPFCU the award.
Ray then introduced Michael Neely President of Houston Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. Mr. Neely was there to present the Lynn Clooney award. The recipient of this year’s award was Suzanne Hollifield who accepted the award. Mr. Neely then thanked her family (Mother and Father) and her partner for attending.
Ray then introduced Mickey Washington to the membership. Mr. Washington is now part of the Thumbs Up Inititave and was speaking to the kids in the community. Mr. Washington was pleased to be a part of this program.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officer J. Huckabee and would be receiving this month’s award for the patrol officer of the month. Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra then presented the Officer’s the award.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray advised the membership that Lauren Avila of the Special Victims family Violence Unit would receive the Investigator of the month award. Sgt. Dukes presented the award to the investigator 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 members that the runoff election day will be Tuesday, May 25th and the early voting is May 16-20th.
Ray then advised the members that the Garcia Project (Ram Garcia) would be held on May 15-22 and to see Jeff Wagner for questions. Ray then introduced Jim Dutton from the Du West Company. Mr. Dutton asked the Membership for volunteer help for the remodeling of Officer Garcia’s home. He advised the contractors are donating their time but labor was needed.
Ray then informed the membership that the annual Stars and Stripes golf tournament was cancelled on April 28th due to the weather conditions. The tournament will now be on June 1st and if any member needed additional information they could contact Captain Freeman.
Ray informed the membership that Officer Richard Martin’s name was reveled at the Austin Memorial and Tyler was present at the ceremony.
Ray then reminded the membership that May 1st is the New Year: less than $2 for employee, $6 for employee/kids, $7 for employee/spouse, $12 for family. Plus increase $5 specialist, $50 increase in deductible for year, $100 for ER visits.
Ray advised the membership that Chief of Police position is still searching for the permanent person. Ray advised he believed the interviews would be starting soon and was looking forward to the announcement.
Ray gave an update regarding the body cameras advising they have not had any issues at this time and is still moving forward to supplying every station. Central had received their cameras and were actively using them.
Ray then informed the membership that if some “turds” that are in prison have an active Facebook page, there is policies in place at TDCJ, which prohibits it. If a suspect has an outside person still actively using the “turds” page, an officer can contact Andy Kahan to have the page deactivated.
Ray mentioned to the membership that the cookout at Midwest was a success and the next one will be at Clearlake on May 25th. Ray thanked Bobby and James for their help at the cookout.
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.
Rat then told the membership that the pay raises for this year would be on July 2nd and you should see the raise on the paycheck received on July 22nd.
Ray then told the membership that the killer of Gary Gryder was not released from the mental hospital and will spend another year at Rusk Hospital. Judge M. Jackson made the ruling despite the Physicians stating he was doing well. She will be up for reelection and she is a Judge the HPOU will get behind.
Ray advised the membership that there is a blood donation for Galveston Police Officer Christopher Sanders. Ray asked if anyone is interested in donating to let him know for the donation locations.
Ray then told the membership in attendance that Officer Robles was having another Shields of Christ event June 9th-12th. Ray stated if you needed additional information to contact Officer Robles and pointed him out in the audience.
Ray also told the membership that the Spark Energy Flyer for discounts and the flyers can be located in the hall.
Ray then advised that Roy McDonald with the HPROA was at the meeting for any retirees who wanted to join the organization.
Ray then advised of an appreciation lunch for officer sponsored by Prison Break Tattoos. It would be held on May 17 from 11-3 at 4720 Washington. Any and all were encouraged to attend and if you attended you did not have to get a tattoo.
Ray then informed the membership about the Texas Wild Game Cook-off, which would be in June. Any information could be obtained from Bill Booth.
Ray then stated that on this Saturday (May 7th) there would be a benefit and a presentation for Jason Cisneros. Jason was a hopeful candidate to become a police officer. He observed a citizen being robbed and attempted to assist. During the robbery, Jason was killed. The benefit was going to be at the Fitness Connection at 7098 Bissonnet.
REMINDERS
Ray encouraged any member not contributing to PAC to do so. Ray advised there would be many battles in the legislature in upcoming years and the PAC money helps our cause.
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 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 $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 June 2nd.
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
Tom Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Luis Menendez Sierra seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary