MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
June 3, 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 8:52 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Juan Albarran, President
Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee James Coburn
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Francisco Hernandez
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
Trustee Chris Hart
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Doak Smith
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Steven Domanski
Trustee Barry Hedberg – Pension
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
Trustee David Lowe – Pension
Todd Layfer – Executive Director
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee Joe Vigil (Excused)
Trustee David Ortiz (Excused)
Trustee Craig White (Excused)
GUESTS:
David Wagner, Grapevine Editor
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Tim Larson led the invocation. Steve Berkery led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held May 6, 2015. David Lowe so moved. Gene Bednarchik 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 May 6, 2015.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Tim Larson reported on the LAFRA Pechanga Reunion and indicated that it was well attended. He also mentioned that they sold $2,400 in Golf Ball Drop tickets. Juan Albarran thanked Tim Larson and Steve Domanski for their hard work with organizing the event. He asked for the Board’s approval to place a $100 deposit for next year’s event.
2) Juan Albarran provided an update on the 7470 building move and indicated that we are still in the process of unpacking and organizing. He asked that if Trustees see any issues that may need attention to send Kevin an email. He informed the Board that the staff will be using key cards to enter the building for security purposes.
3) Jim Dolan reported that the L.A. Firefighters Association had an election and that they elected a new Executive Board. He reported that George James is the new President, Robert Cordobes is the Vice President, Bryan Geiger as Secretary. He reported that he will remain as the Treasurer.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
Bob Steinbacher reported on the upcoming conferences and Trustee attendance.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
Rick Godinez presented each of the Scholarship Program winners with their awards and congratulated them on their efforts and for participating in the LAFRA Scholarship Program. He also acknowledged the Scholarship Committee and thanked them for their hard work.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) Todd Layfer reported on Hope for Firefighters and the Lane Kemper Softball Tournament. He indicated that they are still tallying up all the money collected from that day.
2) Todd Layfer reported that the Medical Plan has added 135 bodies during open enrollment and indicated that 16 have left the plan.
3) Todd Layfer and Liberty Unciano presented the first quarter financials for the Board’s review. Liberty reported on the main revenue sources, benefits paid to members and contributions and indicated that overall, they remain on target with the budget. Todd Layfer reported on the Operating Expenses and indicated that they are tracking favorably. He reported that the professional fees are running on target as expected.
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 $1,472,423.86. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $1,472,423.86.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve a $100 deposit for the LAFRA Pechanga Reunion in 2016. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve a $100 deposit for the LAFRA Pechanga Reunion in 2016.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
David Peters 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.
David Peters informed that the Anthem Live Health Online program is moving forward and will launch July 1, 2015. He indicated that they are finalizing the communication materials for the members.
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 $33,529.52
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of $6,794.94,
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $9,000
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
Frank P. Wells
Robert C. Wing
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $2,296.58 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $2,296.58 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.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
The committee recommends and I so move to advance funds for both active and retired members. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to advance funds for both active and retired members.
GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT
Chris Hart indicated that he received questions about the lack of social media postings. He requested that they discuss the issue in the Administrative Committee.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Hope for Firefighters – June 4th
2) Fahrenheit 911 @ FS 88 June 6th
3) Farewell to Fire Station 15th – June 7th
4) Fire Hogs Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride – June 13th
5) Get-Together For all LAFD Retired – June 18th Old Fire Station 27
6) Colorado Springs Fallen Firefighter Memorial – September 19th
7) LAFD Memorial FS 27 – October 10th
8) Sacramento Firefighter Memorial – October 17
9) IFEBP Annual Conference (Hawaii) – November 8th – 11th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Albert Luna – June 20th The Trump Homes
2) Tim Traurig – June 26th Odyssey Restaurant
3) Craig Fujimoto – July 25th Fire Station 49
ADJOURNMENT
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to adjourn. David Lowe so moved. Tim Larson seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Juan Albarran, President