MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
January 9, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
President John Jacobsen called the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 10:05 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- John Jacobsen, President
- Juan Albarran, Vice President
- Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
- Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
- Trustee Gene Bednarchik
- Trustee Chris Hart
- Trustee James Coburn
- Trustee Rick Godinez
- Trustee Chris Stine
- Trustee Doak Smith
- Trustee Francisco Hernandez
- Trustee Robert Steinbacher
- Trustee Steven Domanski
- Trustee Steve Tufts
- Trustee Kurt Stabel
- Trustee David Ortiz
- Trustee David Lowe – Pension
- Trustee Barry Hedberg – Pension
- Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
- David Ned Smith – Executive Director
- Controller – Todd Layfer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
- Trustee Michael Overholser
- Trustee Mark Akahoshi (Excused)
- Trustee David Peters (Excused)
- Trustee Craig White (Excused)
GUEST:
- Jim Dolan, Asst. Secretary
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Chris Hart led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
John Jacobsen entertained a motion to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held December 5, 2012. David Ortiz so moved. Rick Godinez seconded. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees held December 5, 2012.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Jacobsen informed that he will be scheduling a separate Building Committee meeting to discuss their options and specific goals to move forward. He mentioned that the lease with the Credit Union expires in two years. Kurt Stabel indicated that after speaking with the realtor, they feel that the market is tight. He mentioned that he attended a real estate conference about two months ago and indicated that one of their topics was that if a building has been for sale and hasn’t sold, there’s a reason for it. Steve Domanski stated that the committee discussed a few areas; however they should consider the employees because of their day to day drive to the office.
2) Jacobsen asked Trustees to do their best and try to check their emails often and get back to the staff within a reasonable time. He indicated that the majority do respond rapidly, but some lack on responding. He also asked that they update their contact information if necessary.
3) Jacobsen asked Andy Kuljis to pass out the Oath of Office pledge forms for those Trustees in Group 1. Andy proceeded to swear-in those Trustees that were part of the Group 1 “White Ballot” election in November 2012.
4) Jacobsen referred to the FRITS update and indicated that the consultant doing the work is coming along quicker than what was anticipated. He mentioned that they have placed an RFP for the remainder of the work to ensure that they are meeting their fiduciary responsibility. David Smith indicated that he spoke with the consultant and he stated that it was going to cost a substantial amount of money and about two years to complete the work. Jacobsen indicated that it was work in progress and will bring back to the Board for a decision.
5) Jacobsen referred to the Member Benefit Summary sent to the members about 18 months ago and indicated that they received a lot of them back that needed to be updated. He suggested that they send another benefit summary because LAFRA has had some things changed or added such as the Long-term Care benefit.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
Juan Albarran referred to the LAFRA Reunion at the Pechanga RV Resort and indicated that they have 25 spots reserved. He also indicated that they have several rooms available at the Pechanga Hotel. He stated that they will place ads in the Grapevine and indicated that they have scheduled for May 29th through June 2nd. He stated that they are going to try and coordinate a golf tournament and wine tasting event. Jacobsen indicated that they will also try to include the LAFCU, Unum, Pensions and the LAFRA staff.
INVESTMENT REPORT
Robert Steinbacher stated that their investment meeting is still scheduled for February 11th. He mentioned that Garth Flint will report on February 6th Board to report on the 4th quarter investments for 2012.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) David Smith reported that Todd Layfer is currently working on the 2013 budget which will be presented first to the Administrative Committee, then to the February 6th Board meeting for approval.
2) David Smith reported on the website and stated that they have received all the final wireframes for the LAFRA.org website. He indicated that they have made a few changes and are working to finalize the project.
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 $762,893. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $762,893.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the professional fees in the amount of $26,976.03. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in the amount of $26,976.03.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Barry Hedberg presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the medical bills. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the medical bills.
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 all applications to the Medical Plan.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
James Coburn presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of $32,112.62
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of $4,800,
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $49,500.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.
James Coburn read the names of members who recently passed and asked for a moment of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Jack T. Sperow
Marvin N. Conley, Jr.
Remo J. Tersolo
Charles W. Porter
William M. Apperson
Walter M. Moore
George V. Guidera
Ronald C. Robey
Sisto Sedillos
Jerva D. Harris
William L. Hostetter
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $13,643.57 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $13,643.57 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the financial assistance applications for surviving spouses, active and retired members. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial assistance applications for surviving spouses, active and retired members.
EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS
James Coburn presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the emergency advancement applications for active and retired members. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the emergency advancement applications for active and retired members.
GRAPEVINE/WESBITE REPORT
Chris Hart mentioned that the Grapevine staff asked that the Trustees talk to members at their stations for possible Battalion writers.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Doak Smith informed that they will have an Audit Committee meeting on January 29th.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride – January 18 – 21
2) Hook & Ladder Enduro – March 23rd
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Michael Camello – January 25th Brookside Golf Club (Kuljis)
2) Tony Varela – January 31st Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center (Ortiz)
3) Henry J. Amparan – February 16th Fire Station 49 (Hedberg)
4) John L. Pecel – February 20th Sportsmen’s Lodge (Jacobsen)
5) Mike Brehm – February 23rd Ports O’Call Restaurant (Bednarchik)
6) Dave Wagner – February 24th LAFD Museum Old 27’s (Godinez)
7) Robert Barocas – February 27th Odyssey Restaurant (Steinbacher)
8) Roger Duke – March 5th The Odyssey Restaurant (White)
9) Rich Hernandez – March 8th LAFD Museum Old 27’s (Hedberg)
10) Alan Schatz – March 14th Saddle Ranch Chop House (Albarran)
11) Phil Weireter – March 15th Odyssey Restaurant (Ortiz)
12) Dean Stivason – April 13th San Pedro Elks Lodge #996 (Kuljis)
13) Roger Camunas – April 26th Quiet Cannon (Bednarchik)
ADJOURNMENT
John Jacobsen entertained a motion to adjourn. David Lowe so moved. Gene Bednarchik seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn.
The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:02 am.
John Jacobsen, President