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Posted by Ray Hunt on Thursday September 1, 2011
Minutes of the September 1st, membership
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR THE
HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS' UNION
OPENING
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
BUSINESS
Gary Blankinship called the meeting to order. Ray Hunt made a motion to suspend the regular order of business. Marsha Todd seconded the motion. Motion passed by a majority.
The meeting was dedicated to Officer Edward D. Fitzgerald and Officer B. Phares who were killed in the line of duty by a robbery suspect. Officer Fitzgerald died the night of the incident on Saturday September 20, 1930. Officer Phares died 10 days later on September 30, 1930.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Gary Blankinship introduced NFL Hall of Famer, Elvin Bethea to the meeting and thanked him for always supporting the HPOU.
Ms. Ellen Cohen is running for City Council District C. She introduced herself to the members and stated that she served 18 years as head of the Houston Area Women's Center and on the TX legislature from 2007-2009. She stated, if elected, she will do her part to ensure that defined benefit pensions and meet and confer remain solid.
Ms. Lori Robinson is running for City Council At-Large position #5 against J. Jones. She believes the At-Large position should return to the purpose it was created for and work to collaborate with all organizations and City Departments. She has a regulatory background and her current work involves investigating Medicare fraud.
State Representative Carol Alvarado addressed the membership and asked for a moment of silence for the 112 HPD officers that have been lost in the line of duty. Representative Alvarado gave the members an update of the legislative session including information on the state budget and bills related to law enforcement.
Council Member Sullivan also addressed the membership and thanked the officers for their support. His area of responsibility covers Kingwood and Clearlake.
Gary Blankinship introduced Stephanie Abernathy. She presented a special recognition award to Assistant District Attorney Michelle Townsend for her work in the appeal cases on behalf of Officer Tim Abernathy.
Gary Blankinship notified the members that the wife of Officer Kevin Wills gave birth recently to a baby boy. The baby is currently in the NICU at TX Children's Hospital and the membership was asked for their prayers in support of the baby's recovery.
AWARDS
Sergeant Dave Houston presented the award for FTO of the month to Officer Virgil Garza from Eastside Division for July 2011.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
David Hayes made a motion to accept 13 new members (see attached list). Paul Ogden seconded the motion. The motion was passed by a majority
Ray Hunt made a motion to accept 8 retirees (see attached list) as new members. Joe Pyland seconded the motion. The motion was passed by a majority.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dennis Chenault presented the ATO foundation with a check for $1,500. The money was raised as a result of a charity motorcycle ride that took place on June 26, 2011.
Gary Blankinship stated that he attended the FOP and NAPO conventions and the main message at both of them was in regard to defending defined benefit pensions. Gary Blankinship played a video from the NAPO convention for the membership. The video was a message to Law Enforcement from Vice President Biden in regard to his commitment to defend defined benefit pensions and meet and confer for law enforcement.
Jacinda Gunter advised the membership that anyone interested in running for the HPOU board can sign up to run by visiting the 3rd floor of the union building between September 1, 2011 until 10:00am on October 6, 2011. The president, secretary, all odd numbered board positions and position #12 are all up for re-election.
Marsha Todd stated that the 911Heroes run is still in need of volunteers.
September 24, 2011 - A Blue Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral. Cardinal DiNardo will be in attendance and available for pictures.
September 11, 2011 - Champion Forest Baptist Church is honoring first responders at their 9:30 service.
September 23, 2011 - A BBQ benefit is being held at the HPOU for Officer Jason Roy.
Ray Hunt handed out door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Ray Hunt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Paul Ogden seconded the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Dana Hitzman, Assistant Secretary
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