MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
April 10, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
President David Marino called the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 11:08 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- David Marino, President
- Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
- Andrew Kuljis, Secretary-Treasurer
- Trustee James Coburn – Battalion 1
- Trustee Juan Albarran, Battalion 3
- Trustee Chris Hart – Battalion 4
- Trustee Gary Matsubara – Battalion 5
- Trustee Tim Larson – Battalion 6
- Trustee Gene Bednarchik – Battalion 7
- Trustee Doak Smith – Battalion 9
- Trustee David Peters – Battalion 10
- Trustee John Jacobsen – Battalion 11
- Trustee Michael Overholser – Battalion 14
- Trustee Francisco Hernandez – Battalion 17
- Trustee Dennis Mendenhall – Battalion 18
- Trustee David Ortiz – Headquarters 1
- Trustee Kurt Stabel – Headquarters 2
- Trustee Warren Braun – Pension 1
- Trustee Tom Stires – Pension 2
- Trustee Robert Henderson – Pension 3
- Executive Director – David Ned Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT:
- Trustee William Dunn – Battalion 2 (Excused)
- Trustee Chris Stine – Battalion 13 (Excused)
- Trustee Glen Prine – Battalion 15 (Excused)
GUEST PRESENT:
- Rebecca Macciaro
INVOCATION
Trustee Warren Braun led the invocation and read the Firefighter’s Prayer.
INTRODUCTION
Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Kuljis announced that Bob Henderson had won the election for the Pension 3 Trustee Position. He also mentioned that David Marino and Robert Steinbacher were unopposed and dually elected President and Vice-President.
Trustee David Peters motioned to ratify the results of the election. Trustee Chris Hart seconded the motion. On the question, there was an objection. Fifteen voted in favor of the motion, two voted opposed.
Motion carried to ratify the results of the election.
Bob Henderson recited the Oath of Office administered by Secretary-Treasure Kuljis and accepted his position on the Board of Trustees.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
President David Marino entertained a motion to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes from the Meeting of the Board of Trustees held on March 13, 2008. Trustee
Warren Braun so moved. Trustee David Peters seconded the motion. There were no discussions or objections.
Motion carried to approve and dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held March 13, 2008.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) President Marino wanted to ensure that all Trustees signed the Code of Conduct. He also wanted to confirm that every Trustee had signed the Business Association Agreement to comply with HIPAA guidelines.
President Marino entertained a motion to enter into Executive Session. Trustee Gary Matsubara so moved. Trustee David Peters seconded the motion. There was no discussion or objections.
Board entered into Executive Session at 11:18a.m.
Board adjourned from Executive Session at 12:05p.m.
A member addressed the board in regards to his suspension. The Board approved unanimously to take action against said member to render the Association whole.
President Marino entertained a motion to approve Mark Akahoshi as the Battalion 5 Trustee. Trustee Warren Braun so moved. Trustee David Peters seconded the motion. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve Mark Akahoshi as the Battalion 5 Trustee.
Mark Akahoshi recited the Oath of Office administered by Secretary-Treasure Kuljis and accepted his position on the Board of Trustees.
2) President Marino addressed Brent Lovrien’s funeral stating that it was a display of honor, for a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty. The Fire Department did a respectful and traditional service to Brent.
Tom Dowling’s funeral and the Hawaiian Barbeque celebrating his life showed great respect on who Tom Dowling truly is. A special thanks to all the Fire Stations that assisted with the barbeque and the work done on the entire Dowling home.
He thanked all that were involved and for the support given. He also mentioned that the casket for Brent was 100% donated by JFC Casket Manufacturers. We also thank Rose Hills for their tremendous donation for their services. Additional, Mike Barger, Orange County Fire Captain, donated buttons for Brent Lovrien and Tom Dowling.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) Vice President Steinbacher mentioned that the Kings Care Foundation had presented a check for $10,000 to the WODFF at a game Saturday night. He also mentioned that they have a verbal agreement with them that they would participate in the LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament.
2) Vice President Steinbacher referred to the Medco conference in Florida and confirmed that travel arrangements had been made. He mentioned that he and Trustee Kurt Stabel were attending the Wharton Investment conference in Philadelphia. He asked for those interested in attending the IFEBP Conference in November to be held in San Antonio, TX to contact him.
3) Vice President Steinbacher mentioned the Wills and Living Trust assistance benefit of $600. He stated that only about 18% of the members that have taken advantage of the Estate Planning Benefit. He mentioned that he would produce a letter to encourage members to update or establish a living trust.
SECRETARY-TREASURERS REPORT
Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Kuljis provided the Member Statistics report for the month of May. He also mentioned that the election went well and that he would settle business with California Elections.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Executive Director David Smith provided a Development and Marketing update and mentioned that Marlene was doing a fabulous job. He indicated that she facilitated the $10,000 donation from the Kings Organization, the establishment of several new sponsors for the Golf Tournament and approximately $1,500 donation from the Clippers and is bringing in new sources of low labor intensive funding and great publicity.
2) David Smith indicated they were making significant progress in the accounting area and interviewing for an Accounting Manager.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman David Peters presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $716,306.03. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $716,306.03.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the professional fees in the amount of $5,076.14. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in the amount of $5,076.14.
The committee recommends and I so move to purchase two spots on the King’s Golf Tournament for a total of $800. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to purchase two spots for the King’s Golf Tournament for a total of $800.
Board entered into Executive Session at 12:23p.m.
Board adjourned from Executive Session at 12:50p.m.
President Marino stated that while in executive session the board approved performance bonuses for three employees.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Trustee Doak Smith presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Sick and Injury benefits for active and retired members in the amount of $39,340.02. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Sick and Injury benefits in the amount of $29,962.64.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Estate Planning benefits in the amount of $9,800. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Estate Planning benefits in the amount of $9,800.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Relief Death benefits in the amount of $36,000. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Relief Death benefits in the amount of $36,000.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Life & Accident benefits in the amount of $12,000. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Life & Accident benefits in the amount of $12,000.
MEMORIALS
ELVIN D. POE
CLAYTON L. TUSCHER
SAM CHERNOW
HOWARD F. CHAPMAN
BRIAN N. INGS
MANUAL B. CARTER
BRENT A. LOVRIEN
THOMAS F. DOWLING
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Trustee Doak Smith presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $24,073.61 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $24,073.61 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
- JEFF ISENBERG in gratitude for the funeral and arrangements for Brent A. Lovrien
- BARRY SEARS video equipment at the funeral services for Brent Lovrien
- JIMMY SPARKS in gratitude for the vault door from 2900 Temple a piece of LAFRA history
- VENTURA COUNTY FIREMENS CHARITY in memory of Brent Lovrien
- BRIAN E. STIRES in memory of Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien
- STEVE BERKERY on behalf of the Stires Family
- LOS ANGELES POLICE COMMAND from the 2008 Dad’s & Kids Camping Trip
- OLIVIA F. HOSPE in memory of Brent Lovrien
- LORRAINE B. SHEPPARD in memory of my husband Louis Hospe
- ROSE KEMPER in memory of Natalie Hancock widow of Jimmy Hancock and Dorothy Kahler Smith mother of Gary Kahler m
- ROSE KEMPER in appreciation for Anthony “Tony” Guzman
- CADET PORTER in memory of Brent Lovrien
- CHULA VISTA FIRE FIGHTERS The Fire Service’s Heritage, is the strongest there is, and we, Battalion 29 are proud to support it
- WOODLAND HILLS WOMEN’S CLUB in support of Brent Lovrien
- HIROYUKI TAGA
- Tim Tietjen in memory of Brent Lovrien
- ELLIOT KAYE in memory of Brother Brent Lovrien
- JEFF A. SILVER in gratitude for the firefighters and paramedics assistance during a health emergency in August 2007
- JOSEPH VERRILL in gratitude for the firefighters work
- KURT CORRAL in memory of Firefighter Brent Lovrien
- HERBIE SIROTA in memory of Brent Lovrien
- VERMONT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL on behalf of Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien
- MARIA RIGGS
- DAVID G. BAYLESS as a token of my respect and admiration for your organization
- GORDON JENSEN in memory of my dear wife Betty Bayless we were married over 65 years she will be really missed
- CBCC OF REDDING INC in memory of Dorothy M. Holloway wife of Curtis F. Holloway, mother of Sparkie Holloway OCD “A” Plat
- JOHN H. HEILMAN in memory of Dottie Holloway
- ANN D. SHABTAY in memory of Ray Farrell
- JERRY KLEIN in gratitude for all firemen especially the men of Fire Stations 60, 28, 86 and 102 for all their ef
- MIKE DENNIS in memory of Brent Lovrien
- HARRIET C. FEATHER in memory of Brent Lovrien
- GAIL GIBSON KELLY in honor of all Firefighters Past and Present
- JOSEPH A. TEIJEIRA in memory of Brent Lovrien
- JOSEPH A. TEIJEIRA in memory of Brent Lovrien
- JULIET BOBAK in honor of Tony Guzman
- DENNIS MENDENHALL In gratitude on behalf of Brent A. Lovrien from a very thankful Westchester family. Thank you for g
- DENNIS MENDENHALL in memory of Tom Dowling
- MARYANN Z. MC CLAUREY in memory of Brent Lovrien
- NEDRA M. SOOS
- BOBBY MCCLELLAN &. JANE BRAC in memory of a beautiful lady Dottie Holloway
- JOHN L. PECEL in memory of Sam Chernow
- ARIF ALIKHAN in memory of Tom Dowling
- LINDA GARDNER
- SUSAN PETERSON in memory of Nellie Dillon mother of Deni Garrett
- KIKU WILLIAMS
- FIRE STATION #14 in gratitude for the Firefighters of Fire Station #95
- MARIE D. SHAFER from our Fire Extinguisher Fund
- JACK T. SPERNOW
- MICHAEL CANTRILL in memory of Edith Cramer who passed away March 13, 2008
- BRENT BLACKMAN in memory of Brent A. Lovrien we live in Westchester and are grateful for his bravery while we mourn
- WANDA B. HODGE in memory of Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien
- RAE L. FLYNN in memory of Brent Lovrien
- HOWARD R. DUNFORD in memory of Brent Lovrien
- K. REGINA MCHALE in memory of Dick Coleman a friend of over sixty years
- JACK A. BENNETT in memory of Tom Dowling
- WILLIAM R. MILLER in memory of a special Firefighter – Benjamin Ruckel
- FREDERICK D. CRAMER in memory of Dorothy Holloway
- S. HALE SMITH in memory of Edith Cramer
- NATALIE BARTON in memory of Mrs. Dorothy Holloway
- ELLEN FAUSTINE-BARNETT in memory of Brent Lovrien
- MAPLE L. PATTON in memory of Brent A. Lovrien
- VERNA V. IONATA in memory of Brent Lovrien
- JOHN W. RICHARDSON in memory of my long time friend Betty Andrew
- JOHN McKINNEY in memory of Brent Lovrien
- CATHERINE M. NAEGLE in memory of Betty Bayless
- FRANK F. TENERELLI in memory of two dear friends Marge Moehlman and Edith Cramer. Marge taught my daughter all about h
- HEATHER RYAN in memory of Robert E. Radke
- MARY ADAMS in memory of Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien
- DENNIS HERNANDEZ in memory of Brent Lovrien
- EDGAR SAENZ on behalf of Brent Lovrien
- DENNY SCHNEIDER in memory of Brent Lovrien
- CYNTHIA HENCH in memory of Brent Lovrien
- NOEL MOLLOY in memory of Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien
- CAROL KNEE on behalf of Brent Lovrien
- KRISTEN WONG in memory of Brent Lovrien
- GEORGE H. EVINGER in memory of Brent A. Lovrien
- ALLEN D. LOWENSTEIN in memory of Edith Sammartano
- KENNETH M. BROWN in memory Brent Lovrien
- JEANNIE JENNISON-TIERNEY in memory of Dorothy Holloway
- RAQUEL BRACCO in memory of Dorothy Holloway
- ANTHONY GRADY in memory of Ernie (Ernest) Castillo a wonderful friend and neighbor he will be missed!!
- GERALD JONES
- STEPHEN COOKE
- ROBERT RIDLEY
The committee recommends and I so move to assist two orphans with medical premiums with a six month review. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to assist two orphans with medical premiums with a six month review.
The committee recommends and I so move to assist a widow with medical premiums with a six month review. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to assist a widow with medical premiums with a six month review.
The committee recommends and I so move to assist a widow with $1,200 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to assist a widow with $1,200 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review.
The committee recommends and I so move to assist a member with $2,000. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to assist a member with $2,000.
EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS
Trustee Doak Smith presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to advance a member $26,819.09. Trustee Dennis Mendenhall mentioned that there was discussion on this situation in the Medical Committee and we are determining if they would be able to further assist. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to advance a member $26,819.09.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Michael Overholser presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the Applications to the Medical Plan. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the Applications to the Medical Plan.
MEDICAL APPLICATIONS TO THE FIRE MEDICAL PLAN
ACTIVE
MEMBER APPLICANTS COMING ON PLAN EFFECTIVE DATE
- Fazeli, Benjamin P. Fazeli, Matthew C. (Son) 3/3/08
- Moore, Justin Garrett Casillas, Roseanna (Dom. Partner) 4/1/08
- Rice, Eric Walker Rice, Connor Wallace (Son) 3/17/08
- Sanchez, Jose Rafael Sanchez, Felix Santiago (Son) 3/18/08
RETIRED
- Eliot, Edward Eliot, Juang Chang (Spouse) 6/1/08
- Stanis, William D. Stanis, Rebecca M. (Spouse) 5/1/08
- Gunn, Benjamin C. (Step Son) 5/1/08
1) Chairman Michael Overholser referred to the new Medical I.D. Cards for members in California. He stated that the cards will be a little easier to read and will have a watermark of a badge. He also stated that the Group number and member I.D. numbers will remain the same. He indicated that the Plan Handlers Inc. name will be changed to HealthSCOPE and Blue Cross of America will be changed to Anthem Blue Cross. He stated that those members living outside California will receive a card from Beech Street. He indicated that the new I.D. cards are scheduled to be sent out this year.
2) Chairman Michael Overholser mentioned the DME and indicated there was a revised DME Policy and Flow Chart for the Trustees approved by the Medical Committee. He mentioned that the revised policy states that Medical will cover up to $2,500 per member per year (if member is enrolled in Relief Medical). Non-medical plan members that qualify for DME will continue to be funded by the WODFF. He mentioned that the policy tightens the definition of which dependents are eligible without having to apply for committee’s approval. He also indicated that the policy for medical will now pick up $2,500 per member per year which will reduce the burden on WODFF.
3) Chairman Overholser mentioned that in order to promote a wellness program for the members, they have acquired an agreement with 24 Hour Fitness on reduced rates for members of the Relief Association. He indicated that there was no cost to the Relief Association and that the wellness program would hopefully reduce medical costs in the future.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Chairman Kurt Stabel mentioned that he and Vice President Steinbacher had met with the management team of Brandes Investment Partners in San Diego and reviewed the portfolio and their strategies.
David Smith mentioned that they have now created the Building Fund with Union Bank and have spoken with Garth Flint on moving cash out of Mellon Bank and into the investment accounts. Garth Flint recommended moving the cash over slowly because of the current stock market volatility.
Chairman Kurt Stabel mentioned that they were going to work on another allocation plan with Garth and will report back next month. He indicated they will include alternatives investments and as well as having cash be part of the asset allocation plan.
Brandes/Columbia International Value Fund
On March 25th 2008 Investment Committee members Robert Steinbacher and Kurt Stabel along with LAFRA’s investment consultant Garth Flint, met with Richard Keller, Lisa Goodman and Lawrence Taylor from Brandes along with a representative from Bank of America to discuss Brandes’ history, review LAFRA’s portfolio, and review individual stock selection and industry analysis. The representative from Bank of America gave a more detailed overview of the relationship between Bank of America and Brandes.
The issue of Brandes’ recent performance was brought up and Lawrence discussed the current difficult operating environment in the equity markets and additional difficulty being faced by value managers. The firm’s stock selection style is strongly value based, as the firm looks for stocks that are trading a discount to a company’s intrinsic value. The firm has made large bets on Japan where the firm perceives many company’s stocks are oversold and will recover sharply in the coming years. The firm sees continued weakness in the U.S. economy and credit markets in the coming months.
A couple of questions were posed to Lawrence regarding the firm’s equity research process and specifically addressed one stock in LAFRA’s portfolio and the answers given by Brandes employees were below expectations. This issue has been discussed with LAFRA’s investment consultant who will attempt to improve transparency and reporting from Brandes in the future.
BY-LAWS COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Warren Braun reminded Trustees that the deadline was approaching to submit changes or new by-laws (by July Board meeting). He indicated that all committee members should have received a copy of our attorney Ridley’s report on by-laws. He mentioned that much of Ridley’s input consisted of word editing.
GRAPEVINE COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Chris Hart asked the Board for their opinion on the new printing quality of the Grapevine. He indicated that the new printer had printed April’s issue and stated that it would save about $800 per month.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Chairman David Ortiz mentioned that Hope For Firefighters event coming up June 5th and mentioned they are still looking for volunteers for booths. Trustee Juan Albarran indicated that they needed Trustee volunteers to escort members of the Health Department.
SCHOLARSHIP REPORT
David Smith mentioned that they have nine applicants for the Scholarship Program who will be participating with the essay contest on April 26th.
NEW BUSINESS
1) David Smith indicated that Marlene had received an email from the Orange County Association of Credit Unions that wants to hold a fundraiser and split the proceeds between the Fire Family Foundation and the WODFF. He indicated that they have produced a flyer that will be placed in the Orange County Credit Unions that contains the photos of the two firefighters involved in the DWP incident. He asked for the Board’s concurrence to allow them to include the WODFF as one of the beneficiaries of this event. President Marino stated that they would need to get permission to include one of the member’s photo on the flyer.
2) Trustee Doak Smith indicated he was approached by a member about a memorial at Lake Havasu for Brent Lovrien. He indicated that the member has stated that Brent had spent a lot of time at Lake Havasu and felt that it would be nice to have a memorial plaque and bench at a tribute site in memory of Brent. He indicated that the member asked if the Relief Association would pay for the memorial. He mentioned that so far the total cost for the memorial is $1,214.
Trustee Michael Overholser motioned to approve $1,214 for the memorial for Brent Lovrien. Trustee Gene Bednarchik seconded the motion. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $1,214 for the memorial for Brent Lovrien.
SETTING DATES
1) Lane Kemper Softball Memorial Tournament – May 7th
2) Grass Valley Reunion – May 12th – 18th 2008
3) Hope for Firefighters – June 5th
4) Fire Hogs Run – June 7th
5) LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament – July 28th
6) Chili Cook Off – November 22, 2008 (7:00a.m. – 2:00p.m)
7) Holiday Hoorah Dinner Dance – December 13th Biltmore Hotel
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Gregory King – April 11, 2008 The Proud Bird Restaurant
2) Isaac Burks – April 16, 2008 Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (Andy)
3) Joe Flores – April, 25, 2008 Gladstones 4 Fish (Smith)
4) Rex Miller, Al Wobig, Rick Camarena, Sam Mundt – April 26th Fire Station 114
5) Bob Haffner & Gary Sauck – June 13, 2008 John Christman’s Home
6) Steve Montiel – June 21, 2008 TBA (Larson)
7) Larry McAndress – June 25, 2008 Ports O’Call Berth 76
8) Robert Kilpatrick – June 27, 2008 Knollwood Country Club (Marino)
ADJOURNMENT
President David Marino entertained a motion to adjourn in the memory of Brent A. Lovrien and Thomas F. Dowling. Trustee David Peters so moved. Trustee Warren Braun seconded the motion. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn in the memory of Brent A. Lovrien and Thomas F. Dowling.
The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 2:30p.m.
David Marino, President