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DRAFT
TEQUESTA PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' PENSION TRUST FUND
REGULAR QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES
February 1.2010
I. Call To Order and Roll Call
A regular quarterly meeting of the Tequesta Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust
Fund Board of Trustees was held at the Tequesta Village Hall, 345 Tequesta
Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on February 1, 2010. The meeting was called to order
at 8:02 a.m. A roll call was taken by Recording Secretary Betty Laur. In
attendance at the meeting were: Chair Ed Sabin, Secretary Frank D'Ambra,
Board Member Ray Giblin, Board Member David Cooper, and Board Member
Robert Young. Also in attendance were Attorney Bonni Jensen, Pension
Coordinator Lori McWilliams who arrived at 8:14 a.m., Senior Accountant Monica
Rahim, Recording Secretary Betty Laur, Tony Brown of Rockwood Capital
Advisors, Dan Johnson and Tyler Grumbles with Bogdahn Consulting, LLC., and
Steve Palmquist of Gabriel Roeder Smith and Company. Finance Director
JoAnn Forsythe attended on behalf of management.
II. Swearing In of Member Ed Sabin
Chair Ed Sabin announced this item would be delayed until Pension Coordinator
McWilliams had arrived.
III. Approval of Agenda
MOTION:
Board Member Cooper made a motion to approve the amended agenda
dated January 29, 2010 with "Secretary David Cooper" changed to
"Secretary Frank D'Ambra" and "Board Member Frank D'Ambra" changed
to "Board Member David Cooper". Board Member Young seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
IV. Approval of Minutes
1. Tequesta Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust Fund Board of
Trustees Quarterly Meeting Minutes -November 2, 2009
AND
Tequesta Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust Fund Board of
Trustees Workshop Meeting Minutes -January 22, 2010
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Board of Trustees of Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust Fund
February 1, 2010 2
MOTION:
Board Member Young made a motion to accept the minutes of November 2,
2009 and January 22, 2010 as submitted. Secretary D'Ambra seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
V. PRESENTATIONS
2. Presentation by Investment Manager
Tony Brown, Rockwood Capital Advisors, provided handouts and addressed
questions raised by the board at their November quarterly meeting and the
January workshop meeting. The question as to Rockwood's style and the
manner in which they managed assets was addressed. Mr. Brown advised the
style was known as relative price cycle, a combination of quantitative analysis
and fundamental analysis-about 80% of it was quantitative (using technology to
go through their screening process), and 20% at the end of that process where
they looked at each input in the quantitative process. Mr. Brown explained there
were two primary drivers in the market-investor psychology and the
fundamentals of the company. In using relative price cycle, focus was primarily
on movement of the price. In order for a security to become a part of their
universe it must have seven years of price history. Going back to 1972 their
research had proven over and over that a security had an 18 to 24-month cycle,
up, down, sideways and back through the cycle. Their research had determined
there were five positive phases. Initially when they ran their process they were
looking for securities which had started an upward trend, and securities which
had reached their peak. This was not an anticipatory process, but was a
confirmation process. They waited until a security showed it was clearly on an
upward trend before they would consider purchasing it. This process allowed
them to recognize mistakes early and get those securities out of the portfolio,
watch securities to see if those began to reverse themselves, and see when a
security began to move positively up-these were labeled "A" and were
candidates for inclusion in the portfolio. The first week of each month they
immediately sold any "D" rated securities-those had typically underperformed
the market by 4.2%. Mr. Brown clarified in response to questions from Chair
Sabin that a security purchased as an "A" and sold as a "D" would have a 1
return. Mr. Brown confirmed all their portfolios used the same process except
20-25 which had restrictions from investment policies or State or municipal
statutes.
Mr. Brown explained their company had an investment portion and a research
portion, and several huge multinational corporations, including Bank of New York
and Bank of America, purchased their research. Each month they provided
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February 1, 2010 3
Rockwood with securities to run through their process for them-as they ran
these securities through their process they included them in their universe so that
they became possible candidates for their clients' portfolios as well.
Mr. Brown explained that by selling off the "D" securities at the beginning of each
month they minimized the impact of the down side and over time, over they last
two decades they had underperformed only three times. They ended up with a
40-stock portfolio, new accounts were purchased at 2-1/2%and were fully
invested at all times. Secretary D'Ambra questioned if 2-1/2% was normal
weighting, what was the range on weighting for on the portfolio. Mr. Rockwood
gave an example of a stock purchased at 2-1/2% which went to 5%; they cut it
back to 2-1/2%, it went back to 5%, they cut it to 2-1/2% again, and then sold it
as a "D". This occurred over a 36-month period. Mr. Brown explained that when
purchasing a security the sector also needed to show an upward trend.
Secretary D'Ambra asked how they would perform if the market stayed where it
was for the next year and making money depended on picking specific stocks.
Mr. Brown responded it normally took them 3-6 months to change from one
theme to another, and looking back in the past one could see how they had
performed well in down markets, but this time had been completely different and
it had taken them longer to change themes, and they now believed the market
would move forward. Secretary D'Ambra expressed concern that the expiration
of tax cuts would take purchasing power out of the private sector, causing the
market to be flat for the next year. Mr. Brown commented they looked at their
process every day for opportunities to take advantage of, and there would
continue to be pullbacks for a period of time but companies had reduced costs
dramatically so they were not going to get caught in a similar situation, and they
now saw a positive scenario playing out. If that did not happen, they would go
with that using their process. Secretary D'Ambra felt in addition to numbers, to
choose superior stocks, the managers of companies and suppliers should be
contacted. Mr. Brown stated they did not do that because there was a huge
amount of distrust as to whether they would be hearing the truth, and their
process had told them in the past when something was wrong. Their process
included growth and value, so they were not tied to one style and they moved
between them. Even in down periods, "D" stocks were sold each month and
replaced. Mr. Brown reviewed the rest of his handout items, and stressed they
were looking at performing long-term rather than just quarter to quarter. Chair
Sabin asked that the long-term information be updated to show only the period
they had been managing the Village of Tequesta. The final handout was the
Global Investment Performance Standards put out by AMIR (The Association for
Investment Management and Research) which provided certification for
investment managers, which they used for calculations. Mr. Brown reported
Rockwood had just received a very good audit from the SEC, with the biggest
thing they found being an ADD form incorrectly filled out.
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Secretary D'Ambra had asked for a calendar year chart in addition to the fiscal
year chart, which would require some programming changes. Secretary
D'Ambra asked if the composite numbers would be identical or different from just
Tequesta's numbers. Mr. Brown responded differences in his numbers and
Bogdahn's numbers generally would be from a cash flow perspective, but it
should not be a big difference. Chair Sabin clarified the type of difference being
discussed was less than '/2 of 1 %. In response to a question from the audience,
Mr. Brown advised the total portfolio was up approximately $106,000 for the year.
The next question was if the Village gave his company $300,000 what would
happen, to which Mr. Brown responded it would immediately go into the Village's
account and begin making money in a short-term vehicle. Mr. Johnson of
Bogdahn indicated for that amount a plan would be discussed and it would be
invested within 30 days.
Mr. Brown confirmed Secretary D'Ambra's comment that using Rockwood's
process, the Board should expect the portfolio performance to be that in an
upward market it might under perform a bit but in a down market it should out
perform. In an upward market they captured about 70%; in a down market about
20%.
Mr. Brown reviewed his quarterly report booklet, which showed 4th quarter total
fund return of 3.2%. Secretary D'Ambra suggested converting gains to cash to
prevent losses over the next year. Mr. Brown advised they must follow the
investment guidelines and their style was to remain fully invested unless directed
by the Board to hold more cash. Discussion ensued. Secretary D'Ambra
expressed his concern that based on answers to previous questions he would
have expected higher returns for the quarter. Mr. Brown responded financials
accounted for the lower returns.
Secretary D'Ambra requested sold stocks show the price acquired and price
sold.
Mr. Brown reviewed bond performance and called for questions from the Board.
Secretary D'Ambra noted if interest rates went up ARM rates would increase at
maturities over the next couple of years; Mr. Brown indicated they were aware
that both residential and large commercial real estate loans would need to be
refinanced and were watching that closely.
Chair Sabin advised the Board had held a special meeting and had discussed
the rate of return, and asked for Mr. Brown's input. Mr. Brown recommended
lowering the assumed rate of return. Chair Sabin reported that pending Village
Council approval the international portion of the portfolio would be increased from
10% to 25% and asked if the portfolio had suffered from the 10% limitation. Mr.
Brown responded it had not been a problem. Chair Sabin commented the
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investment guidelines required 40% in fixed income-Mr. Brown advised it had
been 36.7% at the end of December, 2009. TIPS were discussed-Mr. Brown
advised they had experience with TIPS and could purchase them, but they were
not in the benchmark.
Attorney Jensen noted there was one scrutinized company in the portfolio; Mr.
Brown indicated it would be removed.
Mr. Brown left at this point in the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
3. Presentation by Monitor
Dan Johnson, Bogdahn Consulting, LLC, introduced Tyler Grumbles from their
office, and advised there was no cost if the Board wished his firm to attend a
workshop meeting at any time. Mr. Johnson distributed a final report for the
quarter ending December 31, 2009, and provided an overview. Mr. Johnson
discussed the assumed rate of return and indicated although he would be more
comfortable with a lower rate than 8%, if it were kept at 8% the Village could still
contribute more without being told they had to contribute more. Secretary
D'Ambra pointed out the 8% return in the actuarial report was net return;
therefore, he felt it would be prudent to lower it to possibly 7-1/2%. Mr. Johnson
responded the manager could be terminated to save investment management
fees, put the money in an index fund, and get 9.6%, but the hope was that the
investment manager had been paid to outperform that index by a margin above
their fee. Steve Palmquist made the point that looking just at the expected
return was not appropriate when considering the rate of return, but you must also
look at the probability of beating the return over an extended period of time, and
this fund's net over an extended period of time was well below 50%. The annual
rate of return was net of investment expenses (custodian, investment manager,
and consultant); other plan expenses were added into the normal cost of the plan
each year paid by the Village. Discussion ensued regarding risk/return. Mr.
Johnson explained that Mr. Palmquist's job was to make sure the fund had a very
prudent actuarial valuation, and agreed that lowering the assumption from 8% to
7.75% or 7.5% made it more realistic to achieve, and there were many ways to
look at what the assumption should be. The Board was asked to remember that
this rate was a budgetary tool. Mr. Johnson announced Inflation data had been
included in the quarterly report, and reviewed the information. The portfolio was
reported to be in line with the 60/40 target index and the stocks, bonds, and cash
asset classes. There had been $156,000 return on investment-3.09%. Over
the past 3 years Rockwood had done well, but over just the past year they had
not done so well. This fund had lacked a dedicated component to international,
which had helped many other funds. Back in May, the State of Florida had
allowed Public Safety funds to increase international investments from 10% to
25%. Mr. Johnson clarified the total portfolio compared the Tequesta Public
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Safety Officers against other similar plans of similar moderate risk tolerance;
other plans did have an international component, an asset class that had
outperformed in 2009, so one reason the total portfolio was in the 94th percentile
was this fund did not have that, and if there had been dedicated international
equity it could have helped the total portfolio return. Rockwood had been in the
74th percentile for the quarter comparing their stock portfolio to other stock
managers, and were 7% behind the benchmark S&P 500 index. Mr. Johnson
commented the investment manager needed to exceed the benchmark,
essentially they had been paid to be 7% behind for the one-year period. Mr.
Johnson advised he would discuss the rationality that drove their poor
performance. Secretary D'Ambra expressed concern regarding poor numbers in
the past, and commented since the Board now understood their process and
what the expectations were, it came down to how well they were executing it.
Mr. Johnson concluded the quarterly report, noting Rockwood had overweighted
financials and had picked poor stocks in health care.
Mr. Johnson distributed the attribution report, and commented on Rockwood's
process of waiting for a theme to emerge and be shown as a leader, then move
the stocks with positive momentum. A contrarian would have done the opposite,
buying stocks that had been beaten up. Over the one-year period those sold off
the most bounced back the most, but that was not Rockwood's procedure. Over
three years earnings had been -5.22% against the index at -5.6%, and since May
1, 2005 when they began working with this portfolio, 1.7%, index 1.33%. The
fixed income portion of the portfolio had done okay and over the one year period
had beat the benchmark 5.91 %. Mr. Johnson did not recommend selling bonds
to hold cash, because if bond values dropped they still paid the original amount
of interest. Secretary D'Ambra suggested holding cash for one year, and
possibly earning only 1 %-1-1 /2%, then reinvesting to avoid capital losses.
Finance Director Forsythe indicated she was looking to Bogdahn to let the Board
know how Rockwood was doing. Mr. Johnson advised it would be putting a lot of
responsibility on the board to make a decision such as to sell bonds in order to
hold cash in hopes there would be inflation. Secretary D'Ambra felt there was
greater risk in not acting and wanted to look at the risk of acting versus not
acting. Discussion ensued. Mr. Johnson recommended letting the investment
manager make the investment decisions. Attorney Jensen advised the board
had hired the investment manager to make those kinds of decisions and if the
Board had questions about Rockwood's ability to make decisions going forward,
they needed to ask Mr. Johnson to give them other choices for fixed income.
Board Member Cooper asked where Rockwood was right now, using a grade of
A through F. Mr. Johnson responded on bonds B-, on stocks C-. Board
Member Cooper commented over and over they were being told
underperformance, and he did not understand the C-. Board Member Young
commented he was not seeing significant gains against the index, but losses
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February 1, 2010 7
against the index were significant. Mr. Johnson discussed data over athree-
yeartime frame, explaining how Rockwood could be okay but be graded a C-.
Chair Sabin clarified with Mr. Johnson that if there were a dedicated 25%
international component, there would be a dedicated international investment
manager to handle that. Chair Sabin inquired as to the status of the amendment
to be presented to the Village Council and was told if it were approved by Council
on first and second readings it would be effective on March 11. Chair Sabin
asked if Mr. Johnson had recommendations for dedicated international
investment managers to give the Board today. Mr. Johnson advised they were
waiting on the ordinance to be passed so that the investment policy could be
changed and then they could move forward. Not having an international
component did not excuse Rockwood's poor stock and bond performance, and
the Board could use Vanguard 500 index fund for free. Mr. Johnson talked
about adding more risk to the portfolio and pointed out Rockwood's investments
were less risky; however, performance had been poor. Board Member Cooper
indicated he was not comfortable with them.
Mr. Johnson distributed a 3-page handout review of Rockwood. Bogdahn's
research team had reinerated that Rockwood had a thematic opportunistic
strategy and ran numbers that confirmed they were really buying on the uptrend
and not buying stocks on the downtrend. The market had not been in their favor
because they did not buy companies that were sold off the most. Their research
department was still comfortable with this strategy for portfolios that could deal
with the risk that there might be periods when the market favored more
contrarian investors rather than thematic investors, and over longer periods of
time they would do better. Bogdahn's research department recommended
pairing the thematic strategy with an index fund or other active manager to
remove some of the risk. The research team's recommendation was to take
25%-50% of the portfolio and placing it in Vanguard 500 index fund to reduce
costs and bring the tracking area closer to the target index.
Secretary D'Ambra expressed his concern with staying with a strategy that would
trade sideways and not make money and possibly the Board should look at other
investment alternatives. Chair Sabin commented by the next meeting there
might be a new investment policy that would allow a 25% international
component. Mr. Johnson advised he wanted the Board to make a decision they
felt Rockwood would do better based on Mr. Brown's information, or if a change
was needed. If they underperformed next quarter that would be four quarters of
under performance. Chair Sabin asked how to address the international-
should they get an investment manager who also dealt in international. Mr.
Johnson recommended if the portfolio had a dedicated international component
that there be a dedicated international manager.
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Mr. Johnson advised the investment policy statement could not be adopted until
the Village had approved the pending ordinance. The investment policy was
being changed from 60% to the S&P 500 and 40% to Barclays Intermediate
Government Credit to 50% domestic equity, 10% international equity, and 40%
government credit and TIPS could be a part of the portfolio as well as part of the
target index if added. Since 10% of the portfolio was only approximately
$500,000, the most effective way of investing that would be with mutual funds,
and a handout described options and historical comparisons for that type of
investment. Mr. Johnson recommended if the ordinance were adopted that
10% of the portfolio be placed with a dedicated international manager. This
would be a good way to add risk to the current portfolio without an additional bill
to pay because the cost was imbedded in the mutual fund. He described how
active management would be able to choose the most advantageous
international investments.
Secretary D'Ambra expressed his opinion that the Board should notify Rockwood
they were on probation. Mr. Johnson advised that meant to be careful because
they might get a termination notice any day, and the quick solution could be to
place the funds into the Vanguard 500 mutual fund, which would not cost much.
Attorney Jensen advised that formal probation was not necessary for termination.
Mr. Johnson advised Rockwood was on his watch list and had been on his
personal radar for awhile. Board Member Cooper asked why that had not been
communicated to the Board. Mr. Johnson responded their performance had
been discussed at length at the last meeting. Board Member Young asked what
probation would mean since they would not be changing their strategy, to which
Mr. Johnson responded it meant the Board had a lot of concerns and might need
to evaluate other options. Secretary D'Ambra commented probation would mean
termination was probably likely, and he was not so concerned with their strategy
as the execution of their strategy, and talked about placing them on probation
and taking some time to review other options. Board Member Cooper
commented he could tell Mr. Johnson was not happy to bring this bad news, but
felt it should have been brought up long ago, and although it had been discussed
previously he had not gotten the feeling that he was getting today. Chair Sabin
suggested probation to formalize the feelings of the Board, possibly
characterizing what that meant, put words into action by diversifying and leaving
the manager in place by utilizing a mutual fund or some other means, or initiate
the process through Bogdahn to review proposals from other investment
managers. Board Member Giblin favored placing them on probation. Mr.
Johnson advised he could bring alternatives to the next meeting and present the
different management style-growth, value, etc. Chair Sabin recalled when he
had joined the Board there had been a growth manager who did well for several
years, but the market had changed so that growth had not been the right strategy
in the market at that time, and Rockwood had come in with their strategy which
allows them to invest more freely as the market demands. He wanted the Board
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.Board of Trustees of Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust Fund
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to be aware of that history if they decided to look at other investment managers
and know that some were more limited than what they had had. They would
want more open selection with the next investment manager, if that route were
chosen. Board Member Cooper asked when enough was enough, and
suggested placing them on probation now and have Mr. Johnson make a
presentation at the May meeting of investment companies comparing their
performances to Rockwood. Secretary D'Ambra preferred not to wait until May,
but to have a special meeting before then, so the Board would be prepared to act
in May.
MOTION:
Secretary D'Ambra made a motion to place Rockwood Capital Advisors on
formal notice they were on probation and instruct Bogdahn Consulting to
proceed to look at other investment alternatives and other investment managers,
and have amid-quarterly meeting to review those recommendations. Board
Member Giblin seconded the motion, which passed by unanimous 5-O vote.
Mr. Johnson asked the Board to submit any items they would like him to cover at
the next meeting.
Mr. Johnson passed out handouts and reviewed the impact of adjustable rate
mortgages to the economy in 2010 and 2011 and adjustable rate mortgage
resets and recasts, and also an overview of TIPS.
Chair Sabin requested that Pension Coordinator McWilliams schedule a meeting
after second reading of the ordinance so that in addition to investment
management options, alternatives could be discussed in regard to the new
investment policy statement. Board Member Cooper asked that Mr. Johnson's
presentation include the costs to current clients of each management company
presented for plans of similar size to this one.
Mr. Grumbles left at this point in the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
4. Presentation of Public Safety Actuarial Valuation Report of
10/1 /09
Steve Palmquist of Gabriel Roeder Smith and Company, noted the Board had
already reviewed the 10/1/09 report at a previous meeting. Mr. Palmquist
provided information on smoothing which was used to reduce fluctuations in the
cost of the plan, and clarified the new funding method would allow gains and
losses to be paid off over a fixed 20-year period. Secretary D'Ambra noted there
was a minimum amount of contribution, but more could be put in, and asked if
the Board wanted to consider lowering the assumed contribution rate from 8% to
7-1/2%. Chair Sabin asked if that could be estimated without going through an
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Board of Trustees of Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust Fund
February 1, 2010 10
evaluation so that the Board could recommend to the Village that they increase
the contribution by a specific amount now since the Board would likely want to
lower the rate to 7-1/2% in two years. Mr. Palmquist advised figure would be
$80,000 to $90,000.
MOTION:
Secretary D'Ambra made a motion to make a recommendation to the Village
Council to lower the investment return assumption rate to 7-1/2% and
recommend the corresponding increase in the contribution rate of 4%. Attorney
Jensen clarified the assumption was not actually being changed at this point, the
Board wished to notify the Village they were looking to do that for the next
valuation, but they wanted Mr. Palmquist to provide them with some calculations
so that the Village could be aware of the potential impact on the contribution, and
a recommendation that they increase their contribution. Secretary D'Ambra
agreed that was the motion. Board Member Young seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
It was further clarified that this motion would be a minimum recommendation that
the Village consider putting in an additional $80,000 - $90,000 which would be
the equivalent of lowering the assumed rate from 8% to 7-1/2%.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. Discussion of TIPS -Discussion of updates
Chair Sabin announced that this item had been previously covered.
6. Status on amendments to pension plan
Attorney Bonni Jensen reported first reading was anticipated for this month and
second reading in March on the amendments in the pension plan, and asked for
direction as to whether to attend the meeting. Vice Mayor Paterno, who was
present in the audience, recommended the Village Manager make that decision.
7. Update regarding IRS Determination Letter
Attorney Bonni Jensen reported there were no updates since the special
meeting.
VII. STANDING REPORTS (INFORMATION ITEMS)
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Board of Trustees of Public Safety Officers' Pension Trust Fund
February 1, 2010 11
8. New applicants for participation in Pension Plan
None
9. Request for withdrawal of contributions (employees
terminating employment with Village of Tequesta) -Ratification
of withdrawals made since the last meeting on 2 signature
basis:
None
10. Terminated Employees who have not taken their contributions
None
11. Revenue and Expenditure Report
There were no questions from the Board regarding the informational items.
VIII. PAYMENTS TO BE RATIFIED (PAYMENTS MADE SINCE LAST
MEETING)
12. Business Services Connection, Inc.
Office Work for weeks ended 10/16/09 through
01/01/10 $ 1,605.60
Hanson, Perry 8~ Jensen, P.A.
Services through 11/15/09 2,770.05
Business Services Connection, Inc.
Preparation of 11/2109 quarterly meeting minutes 356.80
FPPTA
2010 Dues 600.00
IX. PAYMENTS TO BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED
13. Perry & Jensen, LLC.
Services through 12/15/09 269.25
Bogdahn Consulting, LLC
Fee for Quarter ending 9/30/09 3,750.00
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February 1, 2010 12
Rockwood Capital Advisors, LLC
Fee for Quarter ending 9/30/09 6,425.22
Gabriel Roeder Smith and Company
Actuarial Services thru 11/20/09 7,433.00
Business Services Connection, Inc.
Prepare Minutes of Workshop Meeting - 01/22/10 231.92
MOTION:
Secretary D'Ambra made a motion to approve the ratified payments and
payments for payment as presented. Board Member Giblin seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous 5-0 vote.
X. BUDGET REPORT
14. Quarterly Budget Report Expenditures
There were no questions from the Board; therefore, the quarterly budget report
expenditures were received and filed.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
15. Review of Sunshine Law
Attorney Bonni Jensen reviewed the sunshine law as it affected the Board of
trustees, covering open meetings law, public records law, and financial
disclosure. Some highlights of the presentation were a-mail communication was
public record, and the first report was covered but responses would need to go
through administrative personnel. Meetings must be open to the public except
for shade meetings, where attorney-client discussion for strategy or settlement
for pending litigation could be discussed. The Board could always email Attorney
Jensen, Village staff members and consultants, but not each other. Meeting
notices must allow time for those who wished to attend to do so. For special
meetings at least 24-hour notice was required. Inspections, meetings at
restaurants, facilities that discriminated or restricted access, and out-of-town
meetings were discussed. Meetings could be conduced by electronic media, but
a quorum must be physically present. Three votes were required of this Board
in order to pass a motion. In-depth coverage of the ethics law was included, and
fiduciary standards were also explained.
16. IRS Mileage Rate
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Attorney Bonni Jensen advised the IRS mileage rate was now 50¢ and the
supporting material was self explanatory.
17. Discussion of 3~d Party Administrator
Pension Coordinator McWilliams explained the Village Manager had given the
Village Clerk's office additional duties and had asked Pension Coordinator
McWilliams to speak to each of the pension boards about a third party
administrator. The time had come where there were going to be some retirees in
both plans and some DROP participants. There was a need for an expert in that
field, and being Pension Coordinator did not make her an expert, and now might
be the time to consider that.
Attorney Jensen indicated she thought Pension Coordinator McWilliams was just
bringing this up at this point to see if the Board was interested in moving in that
direction, and advised there were a few businesses who provided third party
administrative services in the State of Florida. There were also some individual
people who provided services, but she did not know the extent to which there
would be people who were interested in expanding the business they had.
Attorney Jansen advised she worked with two companies and several of the
funds had individual people who worked for them. She commented this fund was
probably not big enough at this point to look for somebody to work with them
individually; this fund would not have enough business. Secretary D'Ambra
commented the key would be identifying firms that might consider it, their
strengths, resources, and experience, and other clients they were working for.
Board Member Young asked what process would be used. Attorney Jensen
responded it could be advertised in a local publication, in a national publication,
and she would send it to those she knew who provided those services here in
Florida.
Pension Coordinator Lori McWilliams asked if the Board was interested in
moving forward with a third party administrator and taking steps to find out the
costs associated to do an RFP process. Board Member Cooper requested
more information be provided and that this be tabled to the next meeting. Chair
Sabin asked that Pension Coordinator McWilliams come back to the meeting with
more information-responsibilities and duties, scope of work, and a couple of
different individuals and businesses and who they worked with and their costs, as
well as other information. Consensus was that with that general outline they
would have material for discussion. Pension Coordinator McWilliams
commented this had obviously been added onto the agenda at the last minute
since the Village Manager had just discussed it with heron Friday.
XII. ANY OTHER MATTERS
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Secretary D'Ambra advised he was running for a seat on the Village Council and
if elected he would like to continue on the pension board with the Village
Council's approval. He considered the role of pension board member and the
role of council member as two very distinct functions, but would only pursue
holding both offices if the members of this Board felt comfortable with his ability
to function independently in both roles and do his best on both. Chair Sabin
commented that years ago a member of the Council had been on the Board and
it had seemed to work well. Board Member Cooper brought up that there had
been a proposal before Council to add approximately $300,000 to the pension
fund and expressed concern that if a member of Council were also on the
pension Board, that could be perceived as a conflict. Secretary D'Ambra
commented he thought he could separate the two functions but looked to the
trustees for their input. Board Member Giblin expressed concern that as a
Council member he would be looking out for budgetary concerns and as a
trustee was supposed to look out for the plan people, and he saw that as a
conflict. Attorney Jensen noted this position would be appointed by the Village
Council.
At this point in the meeting item II. Swearing In of Member Ed Sabin, took
place, with Pension Coordinator McWilliams swearing in Ed Sabin.
Secretary D'Ambra distributed handouts, which he indicated would be
appropriate for the special meeting.
XIII. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
There was no communication from citizens.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Laur
Recording Secretary