MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
July 1, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
President Juan Albarran called the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 10:02 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Juan Albarran, President
Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee James Coburn
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Steven Domanski
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
Trustee David Lowe – Pension
Todd Layfer – Executive Director
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee Chris Hart (Excused)
Trustee Tyler Tomich (Excused)
Trustee Doak Smith (Excused)
Trustee David Ortiz (Excused)
Trustee Craig White (Excused)
Trustee Gene Bednarchik (Excused)
Trustee Francisco Hernandez (Excused)
Trustee Barry Hedberg – Pension (Excused)
GUESTS:
Bob Olsen, L.A. Retired Fire & Police
Lee Kebler, L.A. Retired Fire & Police
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Tim Larson led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minute s of the Board of Trustees meeting held June 3, 2015. David Lowe so moved. Tim Larson seconded. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes and Board actions of the Board of Trustees held June 3, 2015.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Juan Albarran provided an update on the building construction project and indicated that we are going through the “punch list” to get outstanding issues resolved. He also reported that the Admin Committee approved funds for the outside building signage. He indicated that he, Todd and Dan Stein will meet to discuss the change in work orders and budgeting.
2) Juan Albarran informed that we have a meeting schedule with the Pension Dept. on July 9th to discuss Medicare subsidy issues.
3) Juan Albarran referred to the Annual IFEBP Conference and informed the Board that he will be making a selection on which Trustees will attend. He said that he would inform them by the next committee meeting on July 15th.
4) Tim Larson reported on the Wendy Cummings memorial service and indicated that it was a very nice service and was well attended.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
Bob Steinbacher referred to the Colorado Springs Memorial and indicated that Matthew McKnight will be placed on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial wall.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ S REPORT
1) Todd Layfer reported on Hope for Firefighters and indicated that they are still gathering all the expenses for the event and should have a final tally soon. He asked Trustees to give any feedback to help improve next year’s event.
2) Todd Layfer informed that he, Bob Steinbacher and Becky Valverde met with the insurance broker on June 22nd. He indicated that the overall insurance premiums have been reduced by 21% compared to the last couple of years. He stated that the two main drivers for the decrease were the workers comp. modifier as well as no longer needing the builder’s risk insurance. He reported that all other coverages and deductibles remain the same as the prior year.
3) Todd Layfer informed that the City Controller’s office sent a request for information on the LAFRA Medical Plan. He indicated that they are looking to determine what our costs are and what is offered in terms of coverage.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Domanski reported that Garth Flint will be at the next Board meeting to review the 2 nd Quarter investments.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Jeff Cawdrey presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $1,737,756.71. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $1,737,756.71.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to $6K for the purchase of a new document scanner. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $6K for the purchase of a new document scanner.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve up to $15K for the outside building signage. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $15K for the outside building signage.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the new insurance renewal premiums. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the new insurance renewal premiums.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Bob Steinbacher presented the following motion.
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 $18,617.09
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of $3,950,
The Life & Accident Withdrawals in the amount of $4,668, The Life & Accident Death Benefits in the amount of $36,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $63,000
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
William D. Czernek
Charles H. Harvey
Lars H. Nelson
Eldon W. Pearcy
Herbert H. Heath
Vernon C. Samworth
Clyde Ralston II
Charles W. Anderson
John W. Galvin
Albert Rea
Roy Armstrong
Kenneth B. Willmore
Brian B. Berenger
Duane V. White
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $12,763.01 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $12,763.01 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.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Over-the-Line Tournament – September 8th
2) Colorado Springs Fallen Firefighter Memorial – September 19th
3) LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament – September 21st
4) LAFD Fallen Firefighter Memorial (FS 27) – October 10th
5) IFEBP Annual Conference (Hawaii) – November 8th – 11th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Robert Scott – July 15th Frank Hotchkins Memorial Center
2) Brian Allen – July 19th Fire Station #80
3) Craig Fujimoto – July 25th Fire Station 49
4) Bobby Lopez – July 25th 6131 Peridot Ave.
5) Robert Martinez – August 12th Fire Station 88
6) Sheldon G. McKowan – August 17th The Odyssey Restaurant
7) Mark Kleckner – August 19th Disabled American Veterans #73
ADJOURNMENT
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to adjourn. Steve Domaski so moved. Tim Larson seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:16 a.m.
Juan Albarran, President