Wednesday, April 14, 2021 @ 11:00 am

The April 2021 General Membership meeting of the Dallas Police Retired Officers Association took place at the Dallas Police Association, 1412 Griffin Street East, Dallas, TX 75215.

Present:

Secretary Kenneth Seguin

Treasurer Crista Walker

Director Boux Bland

Director Joe Richtsmeier

Director Dale Erves

Absent:

President David Elliston

Vice President Sally Lannom

Communications Director Carol Richtsmeier

DFR Advisor Larry William

  1. Secretary Seguin called the meeting to order at 11:09 am and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Director Dale Erves delivered the invocation.
  3. The minutes from the March 2021 meeting had been previously posted on the DPROA website.  A motion was made by member Robert Gutkowski to accept the minutes as posted; seconded by member Larry Eddington.  Motion carried by acclamation with none opposed.
  4. Secretary Seguin stated that the letter drafted by Vice President Lannom relating to educating legislators about the possible loss of qualified immunity under proposed legislation at the state and federal levels was electronically sent by President Elliston to 12 members of the Dallas Committee.  To date, he has received six replies acknowledging receipt.
  5. Secretary Seguin and Director Bland briefed the membership on HB 3375 which has been introduced by Representative Yvonne Davis.  The bill is coming up for a first hearing before Chairperson Raphael Anchia on Friday, April 16, 2021 in Austin.  The meeting is open for public attendance (with masks).  Lobbyist Randy Elliston has already spoken to Representative Davis, recognizing that the second component of the bill will cause fierce opposition from the DPFPS and other interested parties.  The two key components of the bill are:
  • It would allow survivors of police and fire pensioners to make application for emergency withdrawals from the DROP money converted into annuities;
  • It would allow pensioners to make a one-time lump sum withdrawal of DROP money (annuity).

Director Richtsmeier volunteered to go to Austin to represent DPROA while President Elliston and Director Bland both said they would try to attend depending on other existing commitments.

  1. Secretary Seguin advised that according to President Elliston, there was no new information on any progress of Mayor Eric Johnson’s pension committee with ideas on strengthening the pension fund.
  2. Secretary Seguin reported that President Elliston said attorney George Vie has completed his review of the deposition taken of Texas PRB Executive Director Anumeha Kumar.  Mr Vie is presently coordinating with the state’s attorney for a hearing date that would be mutually satisfactory.
  3. Secretary Seguin stated there was no new information on DPFPS move to try and get legislation allowing its staff members to become part of the Texas Municipal Retirement System.
  4. President Elliston has confirmed that the scheduled Zoom meeting between him, Vice President Lannom and Chief Eddie Garcia had been postponed until May 17, 2021.  One topic needing to be addressed is whether Chief Garcia would be agreeable to signing letters for retirees consistent with the provisions of LEOSA legislation and the Texas License to Carry law.  The membership was asked if there were any other topics they would like to add but none were given.  They were encouraged to submit ideas via email.
  5. Director Bland covered the content of the Ratliff Company’s April 13 lobbyist report.  In addition to the Representative Davis bill previously mentioned, SB 198 has been introduced by Senator Jane Nelson relating to the demonstration of weapons proficiency by qualified retired law enforcement officers.  If passed and signed into law, it will mean that a retired officer will not have to travel great distances to qualify annually at the agency which had employed him/her.
  6. Director Bland reminded the membership that the last day for retiree pistol qualifications was Friday, April 16.  Contact the Pistol Range for exact times.
  7. Treasurer Walker gave the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2021.  She stated total funds in the DPROA accounts amount to $845,964.63.  She also reported that an approximate total of 200 members in both Police and Fire have not yet paid their dues.  She mentioned that the annual D&O and Liability insurance payments were made in March.  The insurance fees, along with attorney fees and lobbyist fees were three of the largest expenses of the DPROA.  She added that 260 members were now using auto-deduction to pay their dues.
  8. Acknowledgement was given to Director Erves for having procured the two new DPROA gray and blue table banners.  One of them was displayed for this meeting at the board table.   They will be used at the upcoming BBQ in Canton, TX.
  9. Secretary Seguin reminded the membership of the upcoming three-day weekend (23-25 April) at Mill Creek Ranch Resort in Canton, TX for active and retired police.  A BBQ meal and music is scheduled for 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021.  It will be hosted by Spouses Behind the Badge and the DPA Double-6 BBQ Team.  DPROA will set up a table at this event for possible new member applications and apparel items.
  10. It was noted that the next board and general membership meetings are scheduled for May 12, 2021.  Member Linda Kindt mentioned that would be during the annual Police Memorial Week and there may be a conflict in using the DPA building.  President Elliston will be apprised and membership will be notified on any change in date.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 am.

//s//

Kenneth E. Seguin

Secretary