MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
December 2, 2010
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 11:17 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- David Marino, President
- John Jacobsen, Vice President
- Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
- Trustee Jeff Cawdrey – Battalion 1
- Trustee Gene Bednarchik – Battalion 2
- Trustee Juan Albarran, Battalion 3
- Trustee James Coburn – Battalion 4
- Trustee Mark Akahoshi, Battalion 5
- Trustee Robert Steinbacher – Battalion 7
- Trustee Doak Smith – Battalion 9
- Trustee David Peters – Battalion 10
- Trustee Gary Matsubara – Battalion 11
- Trustee Craig White – Battalion 12
- Trustee Chris Stine – Battalion 13
- Trustee Michael Overholser – Battalion 14
- Trustee Steven Domanski – Battalion 15
- Trustee Francisco Hernandez – Battalion 17
- Trustee Chris Hart – Battalion 18
- Trustee David Ortiz – Headquarters 1
- Trustee Kurt Stabel – Headquarters 2
- Trustee David Lowe – Pension 1
- Trustee Barry Hedberg – Pension 2
- Trustee Ralph Brownell – Pension 3
- David Ned Smith – Executive Director
- Controller – Todd Layfer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
- Trustee Tim Larson – Battalion 6 (Excused)
GUEST:
- Jim Dolan, Asst. Secretary
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
David Ortiz led the invocation.
RATIFICATIONS OF MINUTES
David Marino entertained a motion to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held November 4, 2010. David Peters so moved. Jeff Cawdrey seconded the motion. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held November 4, 2010.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) David Marino honored Ralph Brownell with a gift from the Board of Trustees to show appreciation for his many years of dedication and service to the Association. He announced that Ralph Brownell was retiring as Trustee and stated that it would be his last meeting. Ralph Brownell thanked the Board for the acknowledgement and indicated that he has enjoyed the camaraderie.
2) John Jacobsen presented David Marino with a Firefighter’s Axe to show the Board’s appreciation for his service as President from 2008 – 2010. He also presented David with a gift certificate.
3) David Marino referred to the Scholarship Program and asked that the Board officially name one of the scholarships after Dennis Mendenhall. David Lowe so moved. Gary Matsubara seconded. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to name one of the scholarships after Dennis Mendenhall.
4) David Marino stated that because no two members ran for any of the Trustee positions, they had a White Ballot election. He asked that the Board approve the White Ballot election. Gene Bednarchik so moved. Craig White seconded. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify the White Ballot election.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) John Jacobsen requested that each Board member pick up a copy of the calendars that showed the 2011 Board and Committee meeting schedule.
2) Jacobsen informed that he attended a Fire & Police Pension benefits meeting and indicated that we are still in negotiations for the M.O.U. agreement with the Pension Board. He indicated that they may reach an agreement by the end of the year.
3) Jacobsen mentioned that the Board needs to decide on whether or not to have a member appreciation event in 2011. He stated that they have nothing schedule as of to date and potential venues get booked early. He asked if any members had ideas for an event. Several ideas were mentioned, but no consensus was reached.
4) Jacobsen mentioned that there have been talks of a potential Grass Valley event on a much smaller scale than the past. He indicated that we would not be the primary developer of the event, but will rely on those in the area to coordinate the planning. Juan Albarran indicated that the target dates are May 2 through May 7. He stated that LAFRA’s involvement would be to provide the funds for the event at no more than $10K. He also indicated that this event is a great experience and provides opportunity to communicate with members.
Juan Albarran motioned to approve up to $10K in seed money for the Grass Valley event. Craig White seconded. Juan indicated that he is in contract with Vince Cardinale, who lives in Grass Valley and is coordinating the potential event. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $10K in seed money for the Grass Valley event.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) Juan Carlos Sanchez and David Vienna addressed the Board and presented the new L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association application for smart phones. David Vienna indicated that the application was available through a download, indicated that he would give the Trustees directions on how to do so. He mentioned that the current application was a rough draft, and asked for feedback. The cost of the application for the Association is $25 per month.
2) David Smith informed that they had hired a new employee, Megan Herek, for the Dalmatian store. He mentioned that she will be a part-time employee. He also mentioned that Ed Hartman has resigned from his position after 23 years. He indicated that they would fill the position with a part-time temporary employee while they evaluate the needs of the department and job description.
3) David Smith asked the Trustees to mark their calendar for the Strategic Plan Session scheduled for March 29th and 30th. He also indicated that he will facilitate the session instead of using an outside consultant.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Robert Steinbacher presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $976,530.34. $530K for Kaiser pass through. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $976,530.34.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the professional fees in the amount of $93,591.88. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in the amount of $93,591.88.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the 1% employee year-end bonus. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the 1% employee year-end bonus.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to $5K in seed money for the Buzzard Bait Ride. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $5K in seed money for the Buzzard Bait Ride.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to $20K for the Strategic Planning Session. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $20K for the Strategic Planning Session.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve spending up to $78K to update all office computers and software, excluding the Grapevine Macintosh computers. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve spending up to $78K to update all office computers and software excluding the Grapevine Macintosh computers.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to $5K in seed money for the Hook & Ladder Enduro. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $5K in seed money for the Hook & Ladder Enduro.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to $2K for HIPPA compliance privacy training for all affected LAFRA employees. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $2K for privacy training for all affected LAFRA employees.
Executive Session
The Board entered into Executive session at 11:58am.
The Board adjourned from Executive session at 12:15pm.
The Board discussed two personnel issues in Executive Session. One of the items was approving converting Jody Houser’s part-time position to full time. Her title is On-line Sales and Marketing Specialist.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
David Peters presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept some of the applications to the Medical Plan. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all but one application to the Medical Plan.
The committee recommends and I so move to change the structure for emergency medical co-pays and co-insurance for those admitted to the hospital through the emergency room to align as those related to an injury. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to change the structure for emergency medical co-pays and co-insurance for those admitted to the hospital through the emergency room to align as those related to injury
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the HSB contract through 2012. He mentioned that there will be a deduction in the rate they charge us effective January 1, 2011. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the HSB contract through 2012.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to four Trustees to attend the Washington Legislative Update. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to four Trustees to attend the Washington Legislative Update.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to two Trustees to attend the IFEBP update in San Antonio, TX. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to two Trustees to attend the IFEBP update in San Antonio, TX.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to four Trustees to attend the Medco Drug Trend conference in May. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to four Trustees to attend the Medco Drug Trend conference in May.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to four Trustees to attend the Medco Drug Trend conference in October. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to four Trustees to attend the Medco Drug Trend conference in October.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Juan Albarran presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of $27,549.60,
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of $10,930,
The Life & Accident Withdrawals in the amount of $2,712,
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $31,500.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Juan Albarran presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $5,325 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $5,325 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Donations to WODFF for November 2010
- SHIRLEY ROOK IN GRATITUDE FOR THE WORK OF LAFRA
- DAVID R AND GERALDINE MISCH FOUNDATION
- CONNIE A TIDWELL IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND CONNIE A. TIDWELL
- HARRIET MAY IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND CARL “REX” MAY
- WOODLAND HILLS WOMAN’S CLUB, INC.
- JULIE A MARSH IN HONOR OF HOWARD “RED” DUNFORD’S 85TH BIRTHDAY ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010
- MANUEL LOUIS IN HONOR OF FIRE STATION 112
- ANNE M MATHEUS IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND THOMAS V. MATHEUS WHO PASSED AWAY DECEMBER 17, 2000
- WILLIAM M. APPERSON IN MEMORY OF BILLY GLENN, FRED TEN NAPEL AND BILL SANDERSON
- ROBERT O DUNCAN IN MEMORY OF DICK ENGEL SR.
- CAROL A DOLL IN REMEMBRANCE OF MY HUSBAND CAPT. GEORGE W. DOLL 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH
- BRIAN BRADY IN MEMORY OF BATTALION CHIEF GARY L. CLARK
- JOHN VERDONE IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED GRANDSON PRIMO JOHN VERDONE
- STANLEY GOTTLIEB
- JULIANA J PATRON
- BETTY V LARSON
- SHIRLEY E HOFFMAN IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND AND YOUR FATHER JAMES A.S. HOFFMAN
- STANLEY GOTTLIEB
- JAKE S DUKES IN MEMORY OF THOMAS J. BARON
- ROBERT RILEY IN MEMORY OF GALE ANDERSON
- CHARLOTTE V OUTCALT IN MEMORY OF RICHARD ENGEL
- MARILYN OSTBY IN MEMORY OF GORDON OSTBY
- JOSEPHINE ORCUTT
- JACK VAN EATON IN MEMORY OF SAM ORTEGA
- MARJORIE MURO IN MEMORY OF SAM ORTEGA
- PATRICIA J CERVANTES IN MEMORY OF BILL COLLIER
- ANN M NIX IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL “BILL” COLLIER
- MARIE ADAMSON IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL W. COLLIER
- JANET E DUNSCOMB IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL W. COLLIER
- TERESA L CLARKE IN MEMORY OF BILL COLLIER
- ANONYMOUS DONATION
- JOHN W POTTER IN MEMORY OF SERVANDO “SAM” ORTEGA
- GARY A YOUNG IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL COLLIER
- SOFIA PASTORE IN MEMORY OF BILL COLLIER
- WILLIAM BAILEY
- JOHN S GOLDHAMMER IN HONOR OF RETIRED FIREFIGHTER’S HOWARD DUNFORD’S 85TH BIRTHDAY
- WILLIAM C ROBINSON IN MEMORY OF PHIL DONAHER
- ANTOINETTE LUZ IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL W. COLLIER
- SANDRA A BUSTILLOS IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL “BILL” COLLIER
- DOROTHY RUBINO IN MEMORY OF GALE ANDERSON
- JAMES E GILLUM FROM THE “BREAKFAST GANG”
- DANIEL W. ARNOLD
The committee recommends and I so move to approve assistance applications to two retirees and eight surviving spouses with a six month review. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the assistance applications as stated.
EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS
Juan Albarran presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve emergency advancements for four active members totaling $20K. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve emergency advancements for four active members.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve emergency advancement for one retired member for $10K. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the emergency advancement for one retired member for $10K.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve emergency advancements for two surviving spouses. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve emergency advancements for two surviving spouses.
MEMORIALS
Dick A. Engel
William C. Sanderson
Edward A. Rivas
Donald C. Hickman
Herman V. Schuler
Hugh L. Pickett
Phillip A. Donaher
Juan Albarran read the names of members who recently passed and asked for a moment of silence from the Board.
SECRETARY REPORT
Andy Kuljis reported that he and Jim Dolan have been using their new Death Notice system and entering the data. He indicated that the new system simplifies the process and decreases the amount of time to complete.
STORE/GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT
Chris Hart referred to the online LAFDGear store and informed that they will begin to phase out the Dalmatian name. He asked the Trustees to go online and look at the format of the Grapevine as the committee is evaluating changing the format. He mentioned that the printer of the Grapevine continues to provide good service as well as competitive pricing. He referred to the website and stated that he will begin to receive a monthly performance report showing the number visits and how many of them are first time visitors.
INVESTMENT REPORT
Kurt Stabel referred to their recent attendance at the IFEBP conference and mentioned that most managers felt that the economy has bottomed out and we should start to see a recovery heading into 2011. He stated that it appears that City budgets will continue to suffer for at least a couple more years and unfortunately LAFRA’s membership may feel the effect.
Kurt referred to the building issue and indicated that he reviewed current rental costs for our building and compiled a comparison to purchasing a building. His comparison showed that it would be less costly to purchase a building rather than pour money into a lease. Net-net a substantial savings could be gained on an annual basis with the purchase of a headquarters for LAFRA versus where we are currently located. This would also protect the association from future lease increase which is a real possibility in the future. He stated that he felt that the commercial property market may have bottomed in the office segment and suggested pushing forward and looking into purchasing building.
SCHOLARSHIP REPORT
Doak Smith informed that beginning January 1st, the scholarship applications would be available online. He stated that they will not send letters to the membership.
ADJOURNMENT
David Marino entertained a motion to adjourn. David Lowe so moved. Michael Overholser seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn.
The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:38pm.
David Marino, President