October 4 Membership Meeting Minutes
OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Officer John Wesley Suttle who was killed in the Line of Duty.
GUESTS
Dan Crenshaw running for Congress in 2nd Congressional District, Houston Police Family Support Unit, PACA-Bruce Stewart/Barry Curtis, HPOPS-Terry Bratton, Medwin, Domestic Violence Unit-Medwin Wallace.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Crowder and Officer Linton from the Northeast Crime Suppression Team were presented as Officers of the month.
Detective Moises Zamora from the Narcotics Division was presented as Investigator of the month.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Joe informed the membership that the treasurer’s reports were on the tables.
Joe reminded the membership that meeting minutes are available on HPOU.org.
COMMUNICATIONS
Joe informed the membership that the contract passed by a membership vote of 96%. Joe thanked everyone that worked the polls and answered questions. Joe gave a special thanks to the negotiating team.
Joe updated the membership on the fire fighter pay parity bill; pay parity would cost approximately $98 million dollars a year and over $300 million dollars the first three years. Joe urged the membership to get involved and spread information by sharing the HPOU’s Facebook and Twitter posts. Joe showed the membership the commercial that will be airing on television. For more information visit AgainstPropB.com.
Joe informed the membership that the Chief has approved No Shave November. Officers who choose to participate will donate $50 dollars to a local cancer research foundation, beards must be neatly trimmed.
Joe informed the membership that John Barnes, the retired HPD Officer shot in the Santa Fe High School shooting, informed him that he was saved by another Officer who placed a tourniquet on him. Joe reminded the membership how important it is to carry a tourniquet on their gun belt.
Joe informed the membership that class 239 is at full capacity with 75 cadets, 375 cadets have been authorized for the year. Joe reminded the membership to help recruit for upcoming academy classes. Joe stated that the HPOU will be setting up a recruiting incentive by entering names of police trainee mentors into a drawing, one winner will be selected per academy class and will win $2,000 dollars. Anyone interested in joining HPD can text JOINHPD797979 to receive recruiting information.
Joe reminded the membership that the upcoming Union Elections for even numbered positions closed on October 4th at 10:00am. Elections will run from October 5th to October 19th. Members can vote online at HPOU.ORG-Votenet.
Joe informed the membership that the body camera committee has passed a new body camera update. Officers will now press the body camera button twice to turn it off, this feature will help Officers ensure their camera is on.
Joe informed the membership that a Finance Class for Officers will be held at the Union on Thursday November 8th from 11:00am-1:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00 pm. Food will be provided.
Joe reminded the membership that if they would like to join the FOP to fill out forms located at the front desk or third floor.
Joe reminded the membership to immediately advise him if a story needs the narrative to be positively controlled.
Joe advised the membership to help share information by following him on Twitter (@JoeGamaldi) or following and retweeting the HPOU (@HPOUTX).
Joe reminded the membership that city emails are considered open records. Be cautious with the information and content you share on city emails.
Joe informed the membership that the Sherriff’s Department is having difficulties entering misdemeanor warrants in a timely manner. If an Officer has an important misdemeanor warrant they need entered they can call 713-274-5045.
Joe informed the membership that the District Attorney’s Office wants Officers to give them information on violent criminals at the front end of the case so that they can make an impact.
Joe informed the membership that the Family Picnic will be on Saturday November 3, 2018 at the Oil Ranch from 10:00am-03:00pm.
Joe informed the Board that the Shields of Christ Retreat will be from November 29th-Decemeber 2nd. Get with Officer Robles (832-584-1671) for more information.
Joe informed the membership that HPD breast cancer awareness hats will be available on September 9th, they have been approved for wear with uniforms. All proceeds will go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Joe reminded the membership that Coptober Fest, an ATO fundraiser, will be held at the Union Hall on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 11:30am-07:00pm.
Joe reminded Officers to take the physical agility test. If passed, Officers who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 receive $800 dollars and those hired after that date receive 40 PD hours.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout will be on Thursday October 18th at the Northwest station.
Joe reminded the membership to please wear their vests.
Joe informed the membership that if they need a personal injury attorney to contact Williams/Khirker law firm.
Joe advised the membership that if they need a will done to contact Fulton Broemer who will make you one for free.
REMINDERS
Joe reminded the membership to download the HPOU application which is now available through Google play and the Apple store.
Joe advised the membership that HOPA the peer support group is live at 832-200-3499.
Joe advised officers that if they know of anyone who needs assistance to please encourage them to contact HOPA.
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.
The next meeting will be on November 1, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
All of Class 236. Doug made a motion to accept Class 236, Rebecca Dallas seconds the motion, Motion passed.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Joe Castaneda seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary