November 5 Membership Meeting Minutes
OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer. Ray asked the members to please keep Silvia Tran and Jason Tran’s Family in their prayers since Jason passed away during the week from a heart condition.
MEETING DEDICATION
The meeting was dedicated to Officer Frank Kellogg killed in the line of Duty in 1955.
GUESTS:
Ray addressed the membership in attendance and then introduced Senator John Whitmier to speak. Senator Whitmire addressed the membership and spoke about Mayoral candidate Sylvester Turner. Senator Whitmire stated he fully endorsed Turner for Mayor of the City of Houston. He then introduced Sylvester Turner to the membership. Turner then spoke to the membership in regards to his recent election. Turner had made the runoff with Bill King and was asking that the HPOU continue to support him in his campaign.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray announced to the membership that Officer C. Dorton out of NorthEast Patrol was presented with the award of Officer of the month by Sgt. Luis Menendez-Sierra.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray advised the members that Delinda Compton Mayes assigned to Special Victims Division and was presented the award of Investigator of the Month by Sgt. Jacinda Gunter.
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 about the election results and stated the runoff will be December 12th. Ray encouraged all members who were eligible to vote in the election to do so.
Ray then reminded the membership of the HPOU/TPT picnic which would be on November 14th at the Farm and Ranch Club. Ray reminded the membership that this was a location change and encouraged all to attend.
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, if they wished, this company and they would refer them to doctors who understood the workers compensation issues. Ray stated that workers compensation issues are still a large problem and the HPOU is constantly working on these issues. Ray advised that the phone number for the Doctors Council of Texas was found on the HPOU app under Workers Comp Help.
Ray announced the results for the HPOU runoff election. Ray advised the membership that Ken Nealy had defeated Mary Young and would be the new Director #2 come January.
Ray advised the membership that there are giveaways, which would be at the back of the Hall. Ray advised these items are left over from events, which were at the HPOU, and any items left were free to anyone who wished to take them. Ray advised there were Pray for Police signs, hand sanitizer, pencils, pens and hats.
Ray told the membership that the Santikos Theaters- Santikos Palladim and Santikos Silverado would provide free tickets to officers till Nov 30th. 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 the Four Seasons Hotel Downtown at 1300 Lamar would have a free buffet for uniformed officers on Thanksgiving Day. Ray advised if you were working and wanted to eat you could do so but this wasn’t an event that you bring the family instead of cooking.
Ray advised the membership that the Health Assessment was due on Oct. 31st and you should receive an orange confirmation card in the mail. Ray advised the next step is to manage your health and pick a path.
Ray mentioned to the membership that the cookout at North East was a success and the next one will be held at the Eastside Station on Nov. 18th.
Ray continued to stress the need for all officers to contribute to PAC. Ray told the membership that Bobby Kessler had gotten 15 people sign up for PAC after the last meeting and that will bring in an additional $165 a month for the PAC fund.
Ray updated the membership about the body cameras and advised there are some serious issues we are being faced with. Ray stated the HPOU was meeting with the Mayor and the City attempting to find a resolution in regards to the policy and vendor selection.
Ray mentioned to the membership that there would be a drawing school Wednesday Nov. 11th with a French Artist who was coming to Houston. Ray advised this class was available to the first six officers to sign up.
Ray advised the membership that Family Assistance has asked that we URGE YOU TO COMPLETE A WILL AND POD. Ray advised not having a Will causes problems when an Officer dies and there is no directive on where to distribute their assets. Ray stated that the pension office would do the will for free.
Ray updated the membership on sleeves for tattoos. Ray advised that Officers would be allowed to wear a navy blue sleeve but would have to wear them on both arms to be uniform.
Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.
Ray advised the membership there are free HBU football tickets available if interested.
Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.
Ray then told the members that Second Baptist Church would have special services for Police Officers on Sunday Nov. 15th at any of their 6 campuses. Ray encouraged any officer who would like to attend to do so.
Ray advised members that Mickey Keyes is now with PHH Mortgage and he still makes a donation to the ATO for any refinance or home loan completed.
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 the HPOU would be closed next Wednesday, November 11, for Veteran’s Day.
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 26th 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 December 3rd.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
None
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Jacinta Gunther made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Joe Gamaldi seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Nancy Jones Assistant Secretary