MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 2011 MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR THE
 HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS’ UNION

OPENING

Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer

BUSINESS

Gary Blankinship called the meeting to order. 

The meeting was dedicated to Officer George Garza Rojas who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday January 28, 1976.     

AWARDS

Gary Blankinship presented a check for the one month dues assessment to Mrs. Alisha Will.

BUSINESS
Captain Fremin spoke about Operation Support Our Troops which will host a golf tournament on 10/27/11 at the Kingwood Country Club.  It will support ATO and the PTSD foundation. 
 
Captain Fremin also announced Operation Military Salute which will be held on 11/4/11 at Second Baptist Church from 2-4 pm.  Several distinguished military personnel and celebrities will take part in the event.  There are complimentary tickets for police officers and Captain Fremin encouraged all to attend.

Elections - The sign-up for elections ended at 10:00 am on 10/6/11.  Gary Blankinship announced the names for the candidates in each position.  Voting starts on Monday, 10/10/11 and ends on 10/31/11.  Voting will be held online.

Gary Blankinship also showed the members the proposal for the law enforcement memorial which will be built at Brookside cemetery.

Gary Blankinship introduced Sgt Laura Spires and thanked her for the work she did on the benefit for Officer Jason Roy.  She still has raffle tickets available for an AR-15. 

Pink HPD T-shirts were being sold for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  One for $15 or two for $25.

Dr. Elaine Bernard, of the Harvard Labor and Worklife program, will speak at the November meeting. Gary Blankinship encouraged all members to attend the meeting to learn about the national movement against collective bargaining. 
Ray Hunt advised the membership that all incumbents for the upcoming City Council races have been endorsed by PAC with the exception of CM J. Jones.  Ray Hunt advised the members of the importance of PAC. 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Paul Ogden made a motion to accept the 70 new, active members and the seven retired members (see attached list).  Steve Burrell seconded the motion.  The motion was passed by a majority

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Ray Hunt recognized Officer Catherine Chapman and Officer Bobby Kessler for their work in helping to fight the recent fires.  Both were awarded gift certificates for C&G supply. 

Mark Clark talked to the members about the importance of fighting to retain defined benefit pensions for retirees, active officers and those yet to be hired.  He also encouraged members to join PAC. 

Ray Hunt addressed the membership in regard to the problems with CIGNA insurance.  The union is looking into the possibility of HIPPA violations with the upcoming "phone counseling" being required by CIGNA. 

Those members that did not complete the assessment properly are now being given until October 11, 2011 to complete the form. 

The HPOU is also looking into federal funds that were given to the City to help offset the cost of insurance for retirees. 

Any "coaching" required by CIGNA should be completed on an on-duty basis. 

Gary Blankinship gave an update on the Ohio FOP and their fight to save their collective bargaining rights.  He advised the members that the HPOU is assisting in that fight. 

The first Vice-President of the Houston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association presented Gary Blankinship with a check for $300 for the ATO on behalf of Officer Jason Roy. Gary Blankinship thanked the organization for all of the work they do on behalf of police officers.

Ray Hunt handed out door prizes which were gift certificates to C&G Supply and Haunted Houses. 

Gary Blankinship presented a check to Officer Vic Hung (CRU) for Officer Jason Roy in the amount of $49,069.14.  The money was raised as result of the recent benefit held for Officer Roy to help in his recovery. 

ADJOURNMENT

Joe Gamaldi made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Steve Burrell seconded the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership.

Minutes prepared by: Dana Hitzman, Assistant Secretary

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