Meeting called to order at 1402 hours.

Vice President Dean Jones led the Prayer.

Pledge of Allegiance made.

Secretary Kruger called roll:

Excused: Sheffield; Mathews; Humbel; Doyle; Walls; Finn; and Fowble.
Unexcused: Chris Long; Elie; Lloyd, and Braunstein.

 A motion was made by Brother Redmond to “Waive the Reading of the Minutes from the April 24, 2008, Board Meeting.”   Brother Gray seconded the motion.     Amendment made by Secretary Kruger:  The minutes should have read that a $50 donation would be made on behalf of the Cruise Line instead of a $5 donation.   There was no further discussion.  The vote was made.  The motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS:

* Memorial Service:  President Canales thanked everyone who came out and supported the service.  President Canales stated that the family members of the fallen heroes really appreciated everyone’s attendance.

* Off-Duty Parking Issues:  This involves the parking of off-duty cruisers at the Comfort Inn in Bowie.  A memorandum apparently was disseminated to officers who were parking at this establishment advising them to park their cruisers at an appropriate facility.  The Chief’s office was made aware of the parking issue and asked to provide some guidance regarding “appropriate” locations for officers to park their cruisers.  The Department is currently attempting to identify locations where officers may park their cruisers.  We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

* EPS Concerns:  EPS reports are occasionally being kicked back.  Officers should attempt to include, when possible, the medical history of the EPS.  This information, when possible, may be obtained from family members.  Further, officers should include details and personal observations, which led to the decision to EPS the subject.  Sister Rafftery is trying to ensure that the agency is meeting the criteria contained within the Memorandum of Agreement regarding EPS.  For any questions, Sister Rafferty’s number is 301-772-4725; she can also be reached through Departmental email.

* Contract:  As of this Board Meeting, the contract was favorably voted out of committee.  The contract now has to go before the County Council for a second reading.  Once the contract has been read for the second time, there shall be a public hearing scheduled within the next fourteen (14) business days.  Vice President Watson advised that we are not the only union that is working its way through this process.  The Prince George’s Police Civilian Employees, Fire Department, and P.G. Sheriff’s Civilians’ Unions are also going through the legislative process as well.  President Canales stated that he was interested in looking into ways to possibly update and expedite the process during upcoming contracts.  President Canales believes that the contract process, as a whole, is a labor issue, and not just an FOP matter.  This issue will be discussed at an upcoming Labor Coalition meeting to look at possible measures to address this issue.

* Promotional Test, Fields Group:  Vice President Watson advised that the Assessment Center dates have been set for:  June 14, 20, and 21.  During a meeting with Colonel Blow, Vice President Watson stressed that there needs to be better communication and that officers need to have advance notice of assessment center dates.

NEW BUSINESS:

* Interpreter Pay/Tech Pay:  The deadline for submissions is May 28, 2008.  President Canales handed out the packets to the Shop Stewards.  This deadline will not be extended, and if your paperwork is not in by the deadline, you will not be able to apply until the following year.
* An FOP 89 Audit has been completed and we passed with flying colors.
* Congratulations to all of the Valor Award recipients.
* FOP scholarship awards were also presented to several children of our officers.  Each recipient received a $500 scholarship from FOP Lodge 89.  Due to excess monies within the Prince George’s County Scholarship coffers, each recipient received an additional $500 from the fund.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Vince Canales:

* President Canales’ report was given throughout the meeting.

1st Vice President Dean Jones:

* FOP Memorial Cruise.  During last month’s Board meeting, flyers were disseminated.  We need everyone to participate and believe that this will be a great time.  You can also purchase a raffle ticket for a cruise for two.  See your Shop Steward if interested in purchasing a ticket.

* Memorial Service.  Thanks everyone for a strong turnout for the memorial service.

* Joint Appeals Board.  Thanks to everyone who participated in the FOP Joint Appeals Board.

* Handling of Incidents.  Thanks to all of the Shop Stewards.  They have stepped up and have taken care of several incidents.  Your support and efforts are appreciated.

* Brother Scott Campbell’s Trial.  Brother Campbell’s trial has been postponed until September, 2008.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

* Brother Keith Washington.  Brother Keith Washington will be sentenced on May 27, 2008.

* FOP 89’s Newsletter.  The newsletter will be going out every quarter.  Each board member is asked to participate.  We are seeking a short paragraph from each board member regarding anything of interest to members at their respective districts.  The deadline for submissions to the upcoming newsletter is June 2, 2008.

2nd Vice President Kerry Watson:

* Meeting with Colonel Blow.  He wanted to thank Colonel Blow for his assistance with the following matters:

* .40 Caliber Handguns.  The .40 caliber handguns have begun to be issued.  The General Orders Manual mandates that we have an off-duty holster.  The Department does not have off-duty holsters for this weapon in stock.  Colonel Blow advised that the Department stopped handing out off-duty holsters five years ago.  The Department is attempting to find out the particulars for the off-duty holster, including where it can be purchased, and the cost of the holster.

* Retention Committee.  A Retention Committee has been formed.  There are approximately 350 officers who are eligible for retirement.  Colonel Blow is interested in having discussions with these officers in order to look for ways to possibly retain them.
 
* EEOC Concerns.  EEOC concerns were discussed and one of the major problems is that the movement on these complaints has been extremely slow.  Colonel Blow is going to work on speeding these issues up.  If there are issues with delays in which a complaint has been filed and the complainant has followed the process, please notify President Canales so the FOP can ensure that the deadlines are being met.  Many times it is an accountability issue.  Sister Muldoon advised that she had taken a course, and there are strict time lines and if those time lines are not adhered to, the complainant can go outside of the agency.  Brother Redmond believes that when the guidelines are not adhered too it gives the perception that a double standard exists.  President Canales stated that everyone should be aware of these guidelines.  Copies of the guidelines for filing an EEOC complaint can be obtained on the Internet.  The FOP has copies of this information as well.

* Mentorship Program.  The Department, possibly with assistance from the FOP, is interested in developing a mentorship program for young officers.  As more information is available, we will keep the membership posted.

* Court Procedures.  The Department is concerned that officers are not attending court proceedings.  Brother Goodwin suggested that a scan card system be implemented to prove that officers are in fact attending court.  Vice President Watson advised that the Department is actively looking to make changes addressing court attendance.

* Military Liaison Issue.  We are very close to getting a military liaison.  Behind the scenes, it is a big issue and hopefully within the next several weeks there will be someone in place to handle our military families.

* Military Members’ Fundraiser.  The Cinco de Mayo party was a success.  Thanks to all who attended.

Secretary Pam Kruger:

* Nothing to report.

Treasurer Gene Mills:

*  A request was received for the U.D. Riders Association which is comprised of active and retired members of the United States Secret Service.  This organization will be holding a Hogs and Heroes Poker Run on September 20, 2008.  The members of the Riders Association will be placing a memorial dedication on the left sleeve of their poker run tee shirt for P.G. Officers James “Brian” Swart and Russell M. “Rusty” Claggett, who were murdered 30 years ago at the old Seat Pleasant Station.  This dedication marks the 30th Anniversary of their deaths.  Treasurer Mills made a Motion to donate $1,000 on behalf of Fallen Brothers Swart and Claggett to the U.D. Riders association.  Brother Pickering seconded the motion.   There was no discussion.  The Vote was made.  The Motion passed unanimously.

* Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Mills presented the Treasurer’s Report.  Copies were disseminated for the Board’s perusal.

NOTE:  A copy of the Treasurer’s Report is always available at the lodge for all
  Members’ perusal.

A Motion was made by Brother Harding to “Accept the Treasurer’s Report.”  Brother Nichols seconded the motion.  There was no discussion on the Treasurer’s Report.  The Vote was made.  The motion passed unanimously.
 
Parliamentarian Sheffield:

* Nothing to report.

State Trustee Gary Pickering:

* Conference events for the State FOP meeting in August have been posted on the website.  For more information, see attached flyer.

Membership Secretary Angelo Consoli:

 * Nothing to report.

Conductor Colleen Muldoon:

* Nothing to report.

Chaplain Scott Mathews:

 * Excused.

 * Vice President Jones read Chaplain Mathews report as follows:

“I did not want to let a month to go by without expressing my thanks to all who helped and/or attended this year’s FOP Lodge 89 Memorial Service.  I want to extend a special thanks to the members of the Executive Board and the FOP staff that were so helpful in getting this service ready.  I could not have done it without you.  The service was well attended and I believe the families and friends of our fallen brothers felt well-served and honored by the outpouring of love and respect that was displayed by the members of this organization.  This year we gave special recognition to the family members of our fallen brothers were in attendance.  It was a personally touching moment as we honored those wives, family members and friends that must live with the memory of the death of their loved one.  For these people, the loss of the 24 officers is not just something to remember each year during Police Memorial Week, but a constant pain that lives with them each day.  So, again, thank you to all for your help and attendance.  It means more to the families than you will ever know.”

* Chaplaincy Team.  I will be contacting those who have expressed an interest in being part of this team soon to attend a meeting at the lodge.  If anyone knows an officers who wants to be part of a team that would visit officers in the hospital, make a few telephone calls to those who are injured or to let our brothers and sisters who are going through difficult times know that they have not been forgotten, then please email me at smathews@co.pg.md.us or leave a message on my cell phone, 240-876-4174.

Sergeant-at-Arms Ron Humbel:

* Excused, no report.

Outer Guard Chris Smith:
 
* Nothing to report.

Inner Guard George Nichols:

* Nothing to report.

Historian Jeffrey Gray:

*  Nothing to report.

Immediate Past President Percy Alston:
 
 * Excused, no report.

Past President Rick Fulginiti:

* Excused.
* His report given by State Trustee Pickering.

Past President Bartlett:

 * Excused, no report.

SHOP STEWARDS’ REPORTS:

Hyattsville, Chris Long.

*          Unexcused, no report.
 
Bowie, Dave Redmond:

* District II has some computer issues.  Some of the members have older cruisers in which the County refuses to install a computer.  Brother Daily advised that the there are currently no computers to be disseminated.  Brother Daily also stated that there is allegedly a list of officers who are without computers in their cruisers.  The Department is currently trying to get computers out of deadlined vehicles and reassigning them as they become available.

* District II members wanted to know if some kind of joint training with the Bowie City Police and our officers could be conducted.  President Canales stated that he believes Bowie City Police Chief Perez has already reached out to the Department regarding this matter.

* Some concerns are continuing regarding the Clothing and Supply Section.  Supplies are not available for certain items, such as extra large shirts.  Additionally, cameras are no longer being issued.  Brother Consoli advised that this should be issued as it is a mandatory item.  Brother Consoli advised that many new officers were not issued mandated supplies.  President Canales requested that a list of officers’ names and missing supplies be forwarded to Vice President Watson so that he may look into this problem.
 
District III, Mike Smith:

 * Nothing to report.

Oxon Hill, Kenneth Doyle:

* Excused, no report.

Clinton, John Greever:

* On August 20, 2008, WPGC is going to play District V’s Softball Team for a benefit to support Brother Lightfoot.  WPGC has offered to donate food and prizes.  The time will be announced as soon as it has been determined.

* Brother Bodenhorn was involved in a Departmental shooting.  He is doing well.

Beltsville, William Gross:

* All of District VI’s detectives finally have computers at their desks.

* Congratulations to Brother Roberson, who will be retiring after 23 years of service.

OPR, Charles Walls:

* Excused, no report.

CID, Troy Harding:

* Wanted to thank the FOP for sponsoring a relay team for the Secret Service Pistol Team last week.

* Brother Michael Carlson retired last Tuesday and will reside in Kentucky.
 
ITS, Scott Finn:

* Excused, no report.

NED, Shawn Scarlata:

*   Nothing to report.

SOD, Mark Elie:

* Unexcused, no report.

Academy, Brian Fowble:

*  Excused, no report.

COMMITTEES:

Ways and Means, Colleen Muldoon.

 * Nothing to report.

Clubhouse, John Teletchea:

* He advised that he will email the softball schedule to all of the shop stewards so it can be posted at each station.

* Vice President Watson advised that Brother Teletchea should be called for rain-related delay information.

Uniform, Angelo Consoli:

* Nothing to report.

Legislative, Canales:

* The State FOP is currently working on the endorsement process for the up-coming Governor’s race.  A draft proposal will be presented for a vote at the State Conference in August.
* We are working on legislation for the upcoming 2009 legislative session.  The State FOP will again pursue the Hometown Heroes Act, which would give a pension deferment for retired officers, and statewide Lyme’s Disease Bill.  If there are any recommendations that the membership would like to see presented next session, please forward it to President Canales at the lodge.

Promotional, Kerry Watson and George Nichols:

*  The next Promotional Committee meeting is June 5, 2008.

* The Assessment Center portion of the test will be held at Suitland High School.  Vice President Watson advised that the official results of the written test should be mailed out by May 30, 2008.  Orientation packets should also be disseminated at the same time.

* The Fields Group stated that they felt the written portion of the test went extremely well.

Grievance, (not appointed as of yet):

 * Vacant.

Judicial, Jeffrey Gray:

* There is a district court judge who nolle prosequied a case even though the officer was on the sick log.  Brother Gray will be trying to meet with several judges to discuss this on-going issue.  Brother Gray’s number is 301-952-3977 and he is asking that any member who has a court-related problem to contact him.
 

Newsletter, Pam Kruger and Dean Jones:

* Deadline for newsletter is June 2, 2008.

Health and Safety, Sheffield:

* Excused; however, his written report stated, “I am continuing to monitor several safety concern issues:  The broken seatbelt from the Ford Crown Victoria and the fact that the Department appears to be leaning towards having several types of primary weapons available in patrol.”

Discipline Review, Lloyd:

* Unexcused, no report.

Pensions & Benefits, James Colandrea:

* Brother Colandrea has reached out to other local FOP lodges and has begun to compile information on retiree benefits and cost of living information.  President Canales stated the biggest issue is that we are trying to look at some different formulas as to how the retirees are getting raises.

Youth, Lisa Muhammad:

* As discussed during the April Board of Director’s meeting, Sister Muhammad is actively working on locating a couple of area schools for the FOP to work with this fall.  She has been in contact with the principal at Arrowhead Elementary School who seems receptive to the idea of working with the FOP.
 
 * Children’s Halloween Party.  The District II Explorer’s Post will provide their
  assistance with this event in October.
 

Minority/Women’s Affairs, Alex Braunstein:

 * Unexcused, no report.

By-laws, Sheffield:

* Excused, however his written report stated:  “I am in the final preparation of presenting a couple of by-law change requests to the Board.  I hope to present them for their first reading at our June 19th meeting.”

Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, Jones and Mathews:

* Nothing to report.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

Other Notable Mentions:

* Brother Lightfoot:  President Canales is proud of all those who have stepped up to help Brother Lightfoot during this time.  He wanted to especially recognize Lieutenant Awad and Sergeant Westfall for their support and all of the work they are doing to help Brother Lightfoot and his family.

* FOP Intern:  Thomas Creek was introduced to the Board as our FOP Intern for this summer.  His job will be converting all of our files at the FOP to a digital format.
 

* Problem with Commissioner:  Brother Chris Smith advised that they are still getting complaints about a certain commissioner.  Brother Chris Smith advised that he has the Head Commissioner’s information.  Brother Chris Smith advised that their unmarked units do not have pursuit packages in the vehicles; however, they are being tasked to perform pursuit-like tasks.  We are the only agency that does not have a pursuit package on our unmarked vehicles and believes that this is a safety issue.

* .40 Caliber Holsters:  Brother Mike Smith stated that Law Man Police Supply has holsters available for the newly issued .40 calibers.

* Staphylococcus Infection at District I:   District I reported that several members at the station were suffering from a staph infection.  The station was closed and decontaminated.  We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

* Cash part-time issues:  The Office of Law has recently handled several cases where officers are being questioned as to what form of payment they are receiving at part-time jobs.  The attorney’s have attempted to infer that officers may not be reporting all cash money income from part-time employment to the IRS.  If you work cash part-time, please accurately and properly report to the IRS.

* Cameras:  The utilization of the cameras by officers has protected many officers in civil complaints.  Officers should be reminded to use the cameras to his/her benefit for incidents, to include off-duty incidents.

EVENTS:

* May 31, 2008:  A Cigar Tasting, hosted by FOP Lodge 9, will be held at FOP Lodge 89 on May 31, 2008 from 1500-2100 hours.

* June 2, 2008:  Newsletter deadline June 2, 2008.

* June 3, 2008:  COPS Fundraiser will be held on June 3, 2008, at the Green Turtle in Laurel, Maryland.

* June 4, 2008:  Retired Brother Paul Evans attended the board meeting and wanted to thank everyone who purchased a Special Olympics shirt.  Brother Evans requested that anyone who is available participate in some way and support Special Olympics.  Summer Special Olympic Games will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Towson, Maryland.  Brother Evans advised that the Torch Run will be held on June 4, 2008, and begins at 1000 hours.
 
* June 13, 2008:  Beach Blast Party will be held on Friday, June 13.  A softball game will be held that day, prior to the party.

* June 14, 2008:  State Board Meeting on June 14, 2008 will be held at FOP Lodge 89.

* June 22, 2008:  COPS Ride will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, Maryland.

* July 11, 2008:  Retirement Party will be held on July 11, 2008, for Scott Mathews.

Brother Chris Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Brother Gray seconded the motion.  There was no discussion.  The vote was made.  The motion passed.  The meeting was adjourned at 15:50 hours.