MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
January 8, 2009
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 10:20 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- David Marino, President
- Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
- Trustee James Coburn – Battalion 1
- Trustee Gene Bednarchik – Battalion 2
- Trustee Juan Albarran, Battalion 3
- Trustee Chris Hart – Battalion 4
- Trustee Mark Akahoshi, Battalion 5
- Trustee Tim Larson – Battalion 6
- Trustee Gary Matsubara – Battalion 7
- Trustee Doak Smith – Battalion 9
- Trustee David Peters – Battalion 10
- Trustee Chris Stine – Battalion 11
- Trustee John Jacobsen – Battalion 13
- Trustee Michael Overholser – Battalion 14
- Trustee Glen Prine – Battalion 15
- Trustee Dennis Mendenhall – Battalion 18
- 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
- Controller – Todd Layfer
NEW TRUSTEES:
- David Lowe, Pension 1 Elect
- Steven Domanski, Battalion 15 Elect
MEMBERS ABSENT:
- Trustee Francisco Hernandez – Battalion 17 (Excused)
- Trustee David Ortiz – Headquarters 1 (Excused)
- Andrew Kuljis, Secretary-Treasurer (Excused)
INVOCATION
Trustee Warren Braun led the invocation.
OATH OF OFFICE
David Marino presented both Warren Braun and Glen Prine with a gift to show appreciation for their dedication and support as a Trustee to the L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association and Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Robert Steinbacher proceeded in giving David Lowe and Steven Domanski the Oath of Office for their new Trustee positions. He then gave the Oath of Office for all “odd numbered” Trustee positions, James Coburn, Batt 1, Juan Albarran, Batt 3, Mark Akahoshi Batt 5, Gene Bednarchik Batt 7, Doak Smith, Batt 9, Gary Matsubara Batt 11, Chris Stine Batt 13, Steven and Robert Henderson Pension 3 (Frank Hernandez Batt 17 and David Ortiz HQ 1 absent).
David Marino administered the Oath of Office for Vice President Robert Steinbacher and then Robert Steinbacher administered the Oath of office to David Marino for the position of President.
Dennis Mendenhall nominated John Jacobsen to the position of President Pro-tem. David Peters seconded the nomination. David Marino announced that John Jacobsen has accepted his nomination of President Pro-tem. There were no objections.
Motion carried to appoint John Jacobsen as the LAFRA President Pro-tem.
David Marino reviewed the 2009 committee assignments with the Trustees.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
David Marino entertained a motion to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held December 8, 2008. Gene Bednarchik so moved. David Peters 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 December 8, 2008.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) David Smith reminded the Board that at the Strategic Planning meeting they had discussed the use of DVD’s and how it could be a way to get fire stations more involved in LAFRA events. As a result, the Marketing Department prepared a DVD for distribution to all fire stations to publicize the upcoming Firefighter’s Night at a Clippers game.
Marlene presented a marketing DVD to the Board displaying an announcement from the Clippers Girls about the Firefighter night on March 2nd at the Staples Center. Firefighters get discounted tickets and the proceeds go to the WODFF.
David Smith stated that the plan was to make 120 copies of the DVD at a total cost of $180 and send to all fire stations and other work locations. Marlene was able to utilize her contacts in filming and editing this DVD. In the future we will need to pay for these functions. Doak Smith asked if it would be possible to have a President’s message on future DVD’s to publicize multiple events on one DVD. It was agreed to prepare about four DVD’s this year with each lasting no more than five minutes and including multiple topics. It was suggested that the use of a firefighter talking be minimized to increase the chance of holding interest.
2) David Smith informed the Board that they have signed the contract with Ciplex for development of the new website and will meet with them on January 15th to initiate the project.
3) David Smith mentioned there is to be an Administrative Committee meeting after Board today to discuss the budget. He stated that the budget draft is fully balanced with reasonable projections on revenue and realistic projections on expenditures. He mentioned they would bring the final budget to the full Board at the next meeting for approval.
VICE-PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Robert Steinbacher reported to the Board on his experiences with IOD Pensions and funerals while acting as President in the office.
2) He referred to the educational classes for the year and asked for those Trustees interested in signing up. He mentioned the Washington Legislative Update in Washington D.C. May 18 – 20, and indicated that they will discuss Healthcare reform for self funded plans. He mentioned the Investment Institute seminar being held in New Orleans April 27 – April 29.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman John Jacobsen presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $379,207.64. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $379,207.64.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the professional fees in the amount of $4,014.85. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in the amount of $4,014.85.
The committee recommends and I so move to enter into contract with Lakeside Golf Country Club for the LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament. It was noted that the Special Events Committee and Marketing Dept. would research alternate locations for 2010. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to enter into contract with Lakeside Golf Country Club for the LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament.
The committee recommends and I so move to send up to four members of the Investment Committee to New York to continue with our due diligence and to visit three investment managers. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to send up to four members of the Investment Committee to New York to meet with three investment managers.
The committee recommends and I so move to give up to $1,000 for the Fire Chiefs’ Line-up to be spent on refreshments and lunch. He stated that the President and Vice President would attend (if approved) the luncheon. Some Trustees asked if the luncheon was open for others to attend. David Marino suggested tabling the motion until further information was obtained.
Motion tabled.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the contract for an additional 17 flag boxes at $140 each with the same vendor as the previous 100 flag boxes, Daniel Marino. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the contract for an additional 17 boxes at $140 each.
The committee recommends and I so move to adopt a one-year employment contract with the Association Secretary. He stated that it would be an agreement between the LAFRA Board and the Secretary. David Marino stated that it would force the Board to review the contract in one year and take appropriate actions with pay scale and include a performance evaluation. James Coburn suggested placing verbiage in the contract that states that the Secretary serves at the discretion of the Board. David Smith stated that if it is the Board’s desire to keeping the Secretary as an “at will” employee with an annual review date set, that the agreement should be written in that manner. David Marino stated that the Secretary first needed to accept the appointment. He also stated that he would change the verbiage to state a date of review verses a contract. He also stated that he wanted to offer the Secretary an increase of pay by moving him to the next step firefighter. John Jacobsen stated that the Administrative Committee will review and change the verbiage and bring back to Board with the exception of the Secretary’s pay increase. David Marino stated that it would not change anything as far as the Secretary’s duties or responsibilities and suggested approving an increase to the Secretary’s salary to the next step. There were no objections to offering the Secretary the next Step in pay scale.
Motion carried to offer the Secretary a one-year agreement with a performance review in one year and an increase to the next Step in the Firefighter pay scale.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Kurt Stabel informed the board interest rates are extremely low, both internationally and in the U.S. The activities of the Federal Government and Treasury have hopefully taken hold and will start to calm the financial markets. He reported that the ten-year Treasury has come down to about 2% which is a 40 to 50 year low. Usually the ten year treasury is something you want to keep your eye on for mortgage rates and other long term rates. Mortgage rates are also at 40 or 50 year lows.
He reported on PIMCO and stated that they have been selected to be one of the three bond managers to administer the “TARP” program for the federal government. He stated that 2009 should be a good year for the PIMCO Total Return Fund in which we have a sizable percentage of our investments.
Members from the investment committee will be traveling to New York and visiting LAFRA’s money mangers to review existing holdings. We will speak to Cohen & Steers about the potential for an investment in REITs.
He also mentioned that Dave Wagner has approached him on writing a monthly article for the Grapevine and Kurt asked Trustees for suggestions and/or topics.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman David Peters presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the applications to the Medical Plan. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept the applications to the Medical Plan.
David Peters informed that the Medical Committee has approved the following CPAP policy in that: CPAP devices will be provided once per life-time per member covered by the LAFRA Medical Plan and two supplies per member per year. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the new CPAP policy for LARA Medical Plan members.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman James Coburn 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 $31,746.05. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Sick and Injury benefits in the amount of $31,746.05.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Estate Planning benefits in the amount of $7,425. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Estate Planning benefits in the amount of $7,425.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Relief Death benefits in the amount of $31,500. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Relief Death benefits in the amount of $31,500.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Life & Accident Death benefits in the amount of $24,000. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Life & Accident Death benefits in the amount of $24,000.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Life & Accident withdrawals in the amount of $2,838. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Life & Accident withdrawals in the amount of $2,838.
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Chairman James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $53,229.44 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $53,229.44 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Donations to WODFF for December 2008
- LOS ANGELES FIRE HOGS FOUNDATION
- ROBERTO BENAVIDEZ MATCHING GIFT FROM “THE CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES CHARITABLE FOUNDATION” PER MARY KOPPES
- DONALD C. HICKMAN
- THERESA P KOENIG IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND ROBERT L. KOENIG
- DAWNA M GRAY IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM DUNN
- ROBB GREENSPAN IN HONOR OF ALL FIREFIGHTERS WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED AND GIVEN THEIR LIVES WHILE PROTECTING OUR CITY
- GREG RICE
- ANONYMOUS DONATION IN MEMORY OF BELOVED FRIENDS WHO ARE NO LONGER WITH US
- JOHN J. NICHOLSON – TRUSTEE
- PAT LONCARIC (1) S/E HOSPITAL BED, (1) OB TABLE, (1) SHAVERCHAIR, (2) TRAPEZE, AND (2) COMMODES
- JAMES MORROW OF (1) JET 2 ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR
- ANTHONY J. ALVES (1) ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR
- HARLAN R WOOD
- CATHERINE M DEVINE IN MEMORY OF ANDY (BILL DEVINE)
- ANOYMOUS DONATION
- TERRY MORGAN (1) BONE STIMULATOR
- BRUCE DODD IN MEMORY OF CLAUDE CREASEY
- MARLENE D. SMITH IN HONOR OF R.J. DAVIS LAST AT FS-90 1935-2005
- B. JEAN NOLAN IN MEMORY OF JOHN NOLAN
- CARLEE KIRKMAN TO THANK ANDY KULJIS, LAFRA AND CHAPLAIN GREG GIBSON, LAFD FOR THEIR HELP IN HONORING CAPTAIN OTIS F
- DORY JONES IN MEMORY OF RUSSELL B. WECK SR
- ANONYMOUS DONATION
- ANONYMOUS DONATION IN MEMORY OF ALL THE “GOOD GUYS GONE” SIGNED THE TOOTH FAIRY
- BILLY D CHRISTIAN
- LIZA A RASSNER IN MEMORY OF OTIS F. KIRKMAN
- DRILL TOWER-81 FROM THE CLASS OF 08-01
- DORY JONES IN MEMORY OF HAROLD BORDNER
- DOLORES E THOMAS IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND GROVER L. THOMAS
- VALERIE BARNES-CLARK IN MEMORY OF WILLY DUNN
- UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY LOCAL 112 IN MEMORY OF WILLIE DUNN
- TERRI KIRKMAN IN MEMORY OF OTIS F. KIRKMAN FROM THE WELLS FARGO EMPLOYEES
- RALPH E. DAVIS IN GRATITUDE TO THE RELIEF FOR ALL OUR ASSISTANCE OVER THE YEARS
- PATRICIA R. HOLTBY IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER-IN-LAW DEL WINTER
- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY’S UNITED WAY
- DENNIS L MENDENHALL IN MEMORY OF WILLIE DUNN
- FUMIKO HUMBRED IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND JOHN AND OTHERS
- MARCIA H BREWER IN MEMORY OF RUSS MCMENAMIN
- SHELBY A. MATCHAN
- HENRY W. HEAD IN MEMORY OF GROVER THOMAS
- IONE CRUMPACKER IN GRATITUDE FOR THE WORK OF LAFRA
- ROBERT A MOORE IN MEMORY OF YOUR BELOVED WIFE KATHLEEN
- DORIS TUCKER IN MEMORY OF ARNOLD E. TUCKER
- WILLIAM SULLIVAN IN MEMORY OF DICK DENNING
- JOHN NASH IN MEMORY OF LARRY MILLER
- MICHAEL DULA IN MEMORY OF JOHN E. LAWRENCE
- KAREN BELL
- DENNIS L MENDENHALL IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- BETTIE M CLARK IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND GREG CLARK
- CITY OF ARTESIA IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN GUYOVICH’S FATHER
- VERGIE ALLEN IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN JOHN E. LAWRENCE
- JOHN J. ADAMS IN MEMORY OF MY GOOD FRIEND JOHN LAWRENCE
- CHARLOTTE RUDDICK IN MEMORY OF J. SLADE DELANEY
- RICHARD L. WATTERS IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- RICHARD L. WATTERS IN MEMORY OF ROBERT COFFMAN
- DANIELA W DECCA IN MEMORY OF OTIS F. KIRKMAN
- WILMIRTH BRIGGS IN GRATITUDE TO FIRE STATION #28
- FIRE STATION NO. 27 FROM OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND
- LINDA D AZZOLINA
- FIRE STATION NO. 38 FROM OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND
- MARILYN OSTBY IN MEMORY OF GORDON OSTBY LAFD 1946-1969
- BETTE I JONES IN MEMORY OF HAROLD BORDNER
- RITA BREY IN MEMORY OF DEL WINTER
- JERRIE A. GOVE IN MEMORY OF RICHARD DENNING, SR. FATHER OF MY DEAR FRIEND RICK DENNING, JR.
- RONALD JOHNSON OF (1) FRONT WHEELED WALKER AND (1) SET OF ADULT CRUTCHES
- ROBERT R. HENDRICKS IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN JOHN LAWRENCE
- JUDY FIELDS IN MEMORY OF JOHN E. LAWRENCE
- MARIE D. SHAFER
- DAVID FORD IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- GRADY L BONDS IN MEMORY OF SYKA PICKEREL A WOMAN OF VALOR
- FIRE STATION NO. 52 FROM OUR EXTINGUISHER FUND
- FIRE STATION NO. 82 FROM OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND
- FIRE STATION NO. 35 FROM OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND
- FIRE STATION NO. 76 FROM OUR EXTINGUISHER FUND
- FIRE STATION NO. 41 FROM OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND
- MARIE D SHAFER
- GILBERT L MAGA IN MEMORY OF OTIS KIRKMAN
- DON R BEAVER IN MEMORY OF JIM FRANCIS
- MALEN W. JACOBS IN HONOR OF JOHN HUGHES, DICK MCGUIRE & JIM FRANCIS GOOD GUYS WHO MADE COMING TO WORK FUN
- JEAN A FREY IN HONOR OF CAPT.(RETIRED) RICK HALLORAN
- MARGARET E. MARK IN MEMORY OF J. SLADE DELANEY
- MICHAEL C HIPPLE IN GRATITUDE TO OUR “HERO’S”
- ETTA P. HULETT` IN MEMORY OF OTIS KIRKMAN ONE OF THE “GOOD GUYS”
- JACK LUNISTRA IN MEMORY OF OTIS F. KIRKMAN
- JUDI BEST IN MEMORY OF LARRY MILLER
- MALEN JACOBS IN MEMORY OF LARRY MILLER
- CHRISTOPHER SHAW IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- CHRISTOPHER SHAW IN MEMORY OF LARRY MILLER
- DAVID G. BAYLESS IN MEMORY OF LOUISE BRAUN WIFE OF WARREN BRAUN
- FLOYD MCDONALD IN MEMORY OF OTIS KIRKMAN
- THOMAS J. STEWART IN MEMORY OF OTIS F. KIRKMAN
- ROBERT GRIFFIN
- WALTER DREHER IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- MATTHEW MONROY
There were no assistance claims to report.
EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS
Chairman James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to advance:
A member with $9,364 for back mortgage
A member with $917.26 per month with a six month review for medical premiums
A member with $1,000 for funeral expenses
A member with $2,000 for back mortgage
A member with $4,430 per month with a loan pending pension
A retired member with $4,900 for a hearing aid
A surviving spouse with $1,730
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve emergency advancements as stated.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Doak Smith referred his report to David Smith.
David Smith informed the Board that the Audit Committee will have a pre-audit planning meeting with the new auditors on January 13, 2009. In this meeting the auditors will layout how they will perform the audit and the schedule. He also mentioned that they will start the merchandize inventory for the Dalmatians store on Saturday and will reopen the store on Wednesday. The auditor will verify that the process is appropriate and will spot check the accuracy.
Todd Layfer informed the Board that 1099 forms will be sent out by the end of January.
GRAPEVINE COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Chris Hart informed the Board that it costs about $20,000 per month to print the Grapevine. He stated that they print about 64 pages and are roughly saving $2,500 per month with the current printer compared to the previous one. He mentioned that they are trying to come up with ways to save money and increase advertising while maintaining the current magazine structure. He also indicated that they are looking into having the Grapevine available on the new website.
SETTING DATES
1) Buzzard Bait Ride – January 16th – 18th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Jan Bernard – January 10th Valencia Summit Clubhouse – David Lowe attending
2) Benjamin “Benny” Gonzalez – February 27th Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown
ADJOURNMENT
David Marino entertained a motion to adjourn in the memory of John Lawrence. Gary Matsubara so moved. David Peters seconded the motion. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn in the memory of Captain John Lawrence.
The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:42am.
David Marino, President