OPENING

Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a moment of silence for the victims in New York and Lance White (funeral will be held tomorrow at 1pm at the Church of Christ 2400 W. Bay Area Blvd Friendswood), then a prayer by Bishop Corey Davis.

 

MEETING DEDICATION

Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Florentino Munoz Garcia who was killed in the line of Duty in 1989.

 

GUESTS:

Joe Giambrone and Tom Coleman from Chicago Chapter of Brotherhood for the fallen (773-520-1404).  They presented a check for $13,000 that they raised through their Chapter.

Ray introduced Judge Melissa Antu for is running for election for the 185^th District Court.

Ken Cook then took the stage from Aspen University to share some information for college degrees and scholarship opportunities.

 

PATROL OF THE MONTH

Ray then advised the membership that Det. Orrellana from Special Victims and Capt. Angelo presented the award.

 

INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH

Ray also advised the Membership that Samuel Eyre would be the investigator of the month and Joe Gamaldi presented the award.

 

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 Membership of the election results and reminded the membership that the runoff for Director 17 Jason Alderete and Frances Dominguez will end tomorrow at noon.

Ray advised the Membership in regards to the Pension Bonds. Ray reminded the membership to continue to ask voters in Harris County to have their support.

Ray gave an update to the Membership that ATO payments and WAM payments had been sent out in two waves, and a third was being processed to be disbursed.

Ray then advised the Membership Cheryl Victorian is the newly appointed Assistant Chief.

Ray then advised that Board members Luis Menendez-Sierra and Terry Seagler were in Puerto Rico with numerous other officers from HPD to help with hurricane relief efforts.

Ray then advised the Membership there would be an air quality test before letting officers back to work at 61 Riesner.

Ray gave a big thank you to Lupe Tortillas and advised they had a great turn out. Ray gave a big thanks to Lupe Tortillas for the recent lunch and fundraiser for the ATO. Ray advised that the owner of Lupe Tortillas was at the location on the day of the event and told Ray that he would match any funds collected on the event. Ray advised the Board if they wanted to eat Mexican food to consider going to Lupe Tortillas.

Ray advised that the Membership that there would be a Korean luncheon on Nov 8^th at 11:30am at the HPOU.

Body camera update is very simple.  PLEASE TURN THEM ON!!!

Ray then advised that contract negotiations would begin in a few months, and if any Board member had a suggestion as to the contract, their suggestion should be emailed to Doug, Joe or Tom.

Ray advised the 911 Hero’s Run has been rescheduled to Saturday November 11, 2017.

Ray reminded Officers who pass the Physical Agility test who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 you get $800, and hired after that date get 40 hours of PD time.

Ray advised there would be Biometrics screening on the fourth floor of the HPOU today until 7pm. Ray advised is you don’t get your annual physical your encouraged to get this done to enter your numbers and receive your discounted insurance rates.

Ray also advised the Health Assessments are due by Feb. 2^nd.

Ray advised the prayer at the alter will be this Saturday at 9am.

Ray advised that that “We are stronger” movie will be free in December and more details will be released later. Tom Hayes has 2 tickets for this Saturday.

Ray then allowed the Chief of Police addressed the membership. The Chief congratulated the Houston Astros on their World Series victory and told the membership he was offered the plans for a celebration from LAPD but declined. He advised that HPD would do it with fewer Officers and do it better. The Chief then told the membership, in light of the tragedy in New York City, that officers should use common sense with potential suspects in motor vehicles. If a suspect was using his/her vehicle in an attempt to cause mass casualties, then the officer should use his judgment and some common sense in efforts to stop the threat.

 

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 Fairway mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.

Ray then advised the membership if they needed a Realtor to use Michael Bedner who advertises in the Badge and Gun.

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 7, 2017.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

NEW MEMBERS

None

 

DOOR PRIZES

Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Ken Nealy made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Doug Griffith seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership

 

Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary