MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
March 5, 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 10:32 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- David Marino, President
- Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
- Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
- Trustee James Coburn – Battalion 1
- Trustee Juan Albarran, Battalion 3
- Trustee Chris Hart – Battalion 4
- Trustee Tim Larson – Battalion 6
- Trustee Gary Matsubara – Battalion 7
- Trustee Doak Smith – Battalion 9
- Trustee John Jacobsen – Battalion 13
- Trustee Steven Domanski – Battalion 15
- Trustee Francisco Hernandez – Battalion 17
- Trustee Kurt Stabel – Headquarters 2
- Trustee David Lowe – Pension 1
- Trustee Tom Stires – Pension 2
- Controller – Todd Layfer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
- Trustee Gene Bednarchik – Battalion 2 (Excused)
- Trustee Mark Akahoshi, Battalion 5 (Excused)
- Trustee David Peters – Battalion 10 (Excused)
- Trustee Chris Stine – Battalion 11 (Excused)
- Trustee Michael Overholser – Battalion 14 (Excused)
- Trustee Dennis Mendenhall – Battalion 18 (Excused)
- Trustee David Ortiz – Headquarters 1 (Excused)
- David Ned Smith – Executive Director (Excused)
GUESTS:
- Barry Hedberg
- Warren Braun
- James Dolan
INVOCATION
Warren Braun led the invocation.
GUEST SPEAKER
James Dolan addressed the Board on the topic of confidentiality when corresponding through email. He proposed to offer his assistance in developing a written policy to provide guidelines and procedures on appropriate email notifications when concerning business of the L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association. He stated that once completed, he would have the Board as well as an attorney review for legalities. He felt that this policy would minimize having members whom never served on this Board from trying to run the Board through the use of emails, including election material. He also stated that any email derived from this Association should not be used in any manner of thought or purpose pertaining to this Board or its functions. David Marino thanked James Dolan for attending the meeting and for his volunteered efforts. He informed James that he would work with him on developing such a policy and would send him the current Policy Manual as well as a copy of the current By-laws.
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 February 5, 2009. Gary Matsubara so moved. Tim Larson 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 February 5, 2009.
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 264,630.96. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $264,630.96.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the professional fees in the amount of $11,260.99. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in the amount of $11,260.99.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve the revised Travel Policy. There was discussion regarding verbiage of meal expenses when traveling with a spouse. The Board agreed to approve the travel policy with the amended changes. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the revised Travel Policy with the amendments.
The committee recommends and I so move to continue with past practice of LAFRA being neutral during election process and not endorsing any candidate in the Grapevine. He stated that each candidate is entitled to a 200 word narrative. The Board had no objection to the recommendation of the Administrative Committee.
Chairman Jacobson announced that we will be having a special election for the vacant Pension III position. He mentioned that April 30th will be the deadline for candidates to submit their intent and narrative for the Grapevine. He stated that the ballots will be mailed out on June 5th with a deadline of June 30th for ballots to be returned to the mail box. He indicated that they will swear-in the new Trustee at the July 8th Board meeting.
The committee recommends and I so move to purchase three new Mac computers and software at $12,396 for the Grapevine staff and Web Administrator. Jacobsen informed the Board that $9,000 of that expense had already been included in the 2009 budget. Chris Hart mentioned that the new computers and software will also be used for the website, medical, WODF and other office needs. There was no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to purchase three new Mac computers and software at $12,396 for the Grapevine staff and Web Administrator.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Todd Layfer informed that the Harrington Group, the auditors, are finalizing the annual audit. He indicated that they will schedule an Audit Committee meeting the week of April 6th to discuss the findings of the audit.
VICE-PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Robert Steinbacher referred to the upcoming conferences and suggested that those going to any of them should get with him on room reservations and air flights. He encouraged the new Trustees to attend the annual IFEBP Conference in November.
2) Robert Steinbacher referred to funerals and their process of payment and reimbursements. He indicated that currently, when a member passes, the family is responsible to upfront the money for the services, then they would be reimbursed by the City. David Marino indicated that they are hoping that the Union will address that issue in the M.O.U. so that the Relief Association could submit receipts and get reimbursed. James Coburn stated that the Relief Association provides a $4,500 Death Benefit and anything else should be considered as advancement.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Kurt Stabel addressed the Board and mentioned that he had met with Nancy Norton, from Cohen & Steers and discussed the economy and the turmoil with the market. He mentioned that they have had another 30% sell-off in REITs since the beginning of the year.
Kurt mentioned that he was is on the Deferred Comp Board for the City and indicated that he spoke with Mike Perez about possible problems with the Pension system if it becomes drastically under funded. He indicated that the City may have to make up the difference and suggested that everyone keep an eye on the issue because it affects their pension.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
David Lowe 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.
ACTIVE
MEMBER APPLICANTS COMING ON PLAN EFFECTIVE DATE
- Farrell, Peter Self 4/1/09
- Finger, David Finger, Stella Mae (Dtr.) 1/23/09
- Garcia, Eric Scott Garcia, Piper Lily (Dtr.) 12/6/08
- Hardaway, Anthony William Hardaway, Kassidi Taneil (Dtr.) 1/27/09
- Perelli-Minetti, Joshua Perelli-Minetti, Leigh-Ann M. (Spouse) 2/20/09
- Reddy, Michael Reddy, Brent (Son) 2/19/09
- Wong, Jonathan Jason Wong, Lyla Eden (Dtr.) 1/27/09
Rookies
MEMBER APPLICANTS COMING ON PLAN EFFECTIVE DATE
- Beaston, Lacey Self 2/17/09
- Bringhurst, William S Self 2/17/09
- Bristol, Michael Paul Self 2/17/09
- Brown, Kairi Self 2/17/09
- Brown, Dominique D. (Son) 2/17/09
- Brown, Journey Paige (Dtr.) 2/17/09
- Brown, Monica (Spouse) 2/17/09
- Camarlinghi, Rocky Self 2/17/09
- Cope, Milo Self 2/17/09
- Cope, Erika (Spouse) 2/17/09
- Correy, Michael N. Self 2/17/09
- Cruz, Hector Becerra Self 2/17/09
- Cummings, Aaron J. Self 2/17/09
- Curry, Elisabeth Self 2/17/09
- Green, Kevin Matthew Jr. Self 2/17/09
- Hajjar, Austin M. Self 2/17/09
- Hill, Celeste Marie Self 2/17/09
- Johnson, Matthew Peter Self 2/17/09
- Keelin, Scott Patrick Self 2/17/09
- Laterreur, Ryan Charles Self 2/17/09
- Lee, Lawrence Soo Self 2/17/09
- Lombard, Shannon P. Self 2/17/09
- Mendoza, Joshua Matthew Self 2/17/09
- McDonald, Jeffrey Scott Self 2/17/09
- Newman, Preston Thomas Self 2/17/09
- Nguyen, Julian Self 2/17/09
- Prindle, Andrew Jeremiah Self 2/17/09
- Raviol, Joseph A. Self 2/17/09
- Rice, Keith Preston Self 2/17/09
- Rice, Keith Preston (Son) 2/17/09
- Rice, Walachi M. (Son) 2/17/09
- Richards, Nicolette Self 2/17/09
- Rodriguez, Nestor A. Self 2/17/09
- Roupoli, Aaron D. Self 2/17/09
- Saavedra, Paul Self 2/17/09
- Saavedra, Tiffany (Spouse) 2/17/09
- Saez, Jebeoiah Caleb Self 2/17/09
- Spriggs, Stephen James Self 2/17/09
- Smith, Joel Arthur Self 2/17/09
- Smith, Karley A. 2/17/09
- Speakman, Banjamin A. Self 2/17/09
- Speakman, Lily (Dtr.) 2/17/09
- Studenka, Craig Ryan Self 2/17/09
- Thomas, Adrian Self 2/17/09
- Mondok, Beverly (Spouse) 2/17/09
- Thyfault, Christopher J. Self 2/17/09
- Thyfault, Dyane (Spouse) 2/17/09
- Thyfault, Johnny (Son) 2/17/09
- Torrez, David Michael Self 2/17/09
- Tubbs, Anthony Leonard Jr. Self 2/17/09
- Van Norden, Douglas M. Self 2/17/09
- Weireter, Cody Joseph Self 2/17/09
- Williame, Kenneth B. Self 2/17/09
- Worcester, Warren Bunham IV Self 2/17/09
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the Medco Health Solution claims and Admin fees in the amount of $429,007.63. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the Medco Health Solutions claims and Admin fees in the amount of $429,007.63.
David Marino informed the Board that open enrollment will take place from April 1st through April 30th. He indicated that they will be sending out the material by the end of March.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman James Coburn presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay:
Sick and Injury benefits for active and retired members in the amount of $34,715.45,
Estate Planning benefits in the amount of $3,600
Relief Death benefits in the amount of $22,500,
Life & Accident withdrawals in the amount of $2,082.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.
MEMORIALS
Ronald A. Lang
William J. King
Darwin J. Nielsen
Joseph C. Schaller
Ernest F. Peterson
James Coburn read the names of members who recently passed and asked for a moment of silence from the Board.
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Chairman James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $19,256.96 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $19,256.96 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Donations to WODFF for February 2009
- BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- UNITED WAY, INC.
- ROBERT J MUNOA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- KATHLEEN M. THORWEGEN IN RECOGNITION OF FIRE STATION 74 FOR A JOB WELL DONE
- LAVERNE O. HOWELL IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND WILLIAM B. HOWELL
- ROBERT V FICKETT IN MEMORY OF HAL BORDNER
- JULIE APODACA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- RUTH L. CLARKE IN GRATITUDE FOR CHAPLIN JONES
- UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY IN MEMORY OF NED SHAFER
- HARRY A. PETERSON IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- RODNEY WILMOT IN MEMORY OF MY WIFE SUSAN WILMOT
- ENRIQUE MERCADO IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- GERALD M. PAIZ IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- MARK B. STAFFORD IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- MYRA L INGLEY IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- BRIAN K. HISHINUMA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- KAREN WALLER IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- ROGER G. GILLIS IN MEMORY OF LINDA DE FEO
- LAWRENCE D. BURGER
- ARLENE KEMPER IN MEMORY OF NED SHAFER
- DONNA M. MILLER IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND LARRY G. MILLER
- BETTY V. LARSON
- DARLENE A. BARLOW IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND MAX L. BARLOW
- FUMIKO HUMBERD IN HONOR OF MY HUSBAND JOHN L. HUMBERD, JR. ON HIS BIRTHDAY FEB 1ST
- PHILIP J MACBRIDE IN MEMORY OF JOE SCHALLER A VERY SPECIAL GUY
- DENNIS L MENDENHALL IN MEMORY OF RICHARD ANDERSON
- JOHN J. ADAMS IN MEMORY OF BILL BLAIR
- BUFFIE MEGUGORAC IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED UNCLE NED W. SHAFER
- CHERYL L. AUGUSTINE IN MEMORY OF HAL BORDNER
- GAIL A. GALLANT IN HONOR OF JIM FERGUSON
- GAIL A. GALLANT IN MEMORY OF HAL BORDNER
- MARY A. BORDNER IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND HAL BORDNER
- BETTY WEBBER IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND DEFOREST B. WEBBER
- RONALD E. WORDEN IN MEMORY OF ROBERT HENDERSON
- ANONYMOUS DONATION IN MEMORY OF ROBERT E. HENDERSON
- DAVID W. PERKINS IN MEMORY OF ALFRED A. D’ALESSANDRO
- JOANN R. GROSSMAN IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- KAREN WALLER IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JOHN FEDELE IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- FRANCISCO J. MORALES IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JACQUELINE M. SWITZLER IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- KURT A. WYRICK IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JANINE B. BAILEY IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- DONALD J. PAONE IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- KEVIN L. WILLIS IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- FERNANDO DELGADO IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- MARK B. STAFFORD IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- KIMBERLY KOCAYA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- MARK LANGFELDER IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JOHN J. ADAMS IN MEMORY OF BOB HENDERSON
- MAC TREASURE IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- TERENCE DEPACKH IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- ALBERTO ROS, JR. IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- FIRE STATION NO. 109 FROM OUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND
- BRUCE E. GALIEN IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JEREMY DORROUGH IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- AYERS ELECTRIC IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- ALBERTO ROS, JR. IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- ALEX PADILLA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- RALPH N. NELMAN IN MEMORY OF MY DEAR WIFE JEAN NELMAN
- JOSEPH D STEFANO IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- RAY L. LA FONTAINE IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- BETTY J. HANLEY IN MEMORY OF RONALD LANGE
- KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN IN MEMORY OF LINDA DEFEO
- PAULA BLACKSTOCK IN MEMORY OF SYKA PICKEREL
- ROBERT K. YOUNG IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER WILLIE YOUNG
- PAULA L MORTON IN MEMORY OF GERALD B. RICHARDSON
- LYNDA E. THOMPSON IN LOVING MEMORY OF BETTY JANE WEAVER
- KENNETH P. WILLAHAN
- JOHN W POTTER IN MEMORY OF ROBERT E. HENDERSON
- JUNE M. THOMPSON IN MEMORY OF ROY ALVIN WALTERS
- VICTORIA BREITENSTEIN IN MEMORY OF BETTY WEAVER
- ROGER ALVARADO IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- MARK LANGFELDER IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- ENRIGUE DUQUE IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JENIECE M ROBERSON IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- JULIA BALADNIS IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- LORENE L HOLDSWORTH IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN ROBERT H. RILEY
- RAY L. LA FONTAINE IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- THOMAS E WAGNER IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- CHESTER B. PORT IN MEMORY OF CAPT. OTIS KIRKMAN
- MARIE D. SHAFER
- BARNYARD SIGN AND DECALS IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- CYNTHIA A. CAMPBELL IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- DAVID C. MEDINA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- CHARLOTTE C. NAUER IN MEMORY OF BETTY WEAVER
- DORIS W PERRY IN MEMORY OF NED SHAFER
- VICTORIA JACOBS IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- S. CAROL ONO IN MEMORY OF JOHN LAWRENCE
- ARTHUR LEAL IN MEMORY OF BOB HENDERSON
- DON R. BEAVER IN MEMORY OF BOB HENDERSON
- SANDRA DUNNING IN MEMORY OF JAMES MAGRUDER
- NEIL SMITH IN MEMORY OF JAMES MAGRUDER
- DEAN LANGE IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH SCHALLER
- BRIAN K. HISHINUMA IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- DENISE ALVARADO IN SUPPORT OF BUZZARD BAITS ANNUAL RIDE
- AMELIA BEAUGARD
- PAUL PONCE
- CANDICE NONINI IN MEMORY OF ADELINE MARY ANN HOGLUND
- DEDE WALSER IN MEMORY OF ADELINE MARY ANN HOGLUND
- JESSE FRANCO
- JOHN S. HOLLOWAY IN MEMORY OF CURTIS F. HOLLOWAY
- ARTHUR LEAL
The committee recommends and I so move to assist;
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with $200 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with $400 per month with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with $1,500 per month with a six month review for living expenses,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with $400 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with $750 per month with a six month review,
A widow with $500 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with $1,400 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
A widow with medical premiums with a six month review,
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the above assistance as stated.
EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS
Chairman James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to advance:
A retired member $3,000 per month with a six month review for physical therapy and in-home care,
A member $1,097 for out of pocket expenses,
A spouse on a reversed mortgage of $3,000 per month with a six month review,
A spouse $500 per month plus medical premiums with a six month review.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve emergency advancements as stated.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) David Marino referred to an injured member and his status. He indicated that there is an issue with Worker’s Comp. and how there is limited amount of specialists who handle workers comp claims.
2) David Marino informed the Board that he was holding a luncheon on March 10th for past Presidents, past Trustees and some past UFLAC officers. His objective was to discuss everything that has been accomplished and the goals for 2009. He also indicated that it may help defuse some of the confusion and miscommunication out in the field.
SECRETARY REPORT
Andrew Kuljis informed that he and Todd Layfer had visited Farmer & Ridley, attorneys for LAFRA, to determine their inventory on LAFRA Trusts. He indicated that they will develop a tracking system to allow more control and readily available.
GRAPEVINE COMMITTEE REPORT
Chris Hart provided an update on the website development and mentioned that they continue to seek a qualified individual for the Web Administrator position. He asked the Trustees to encourage members to submit articles for the Battalion News.
SETTING DATES
1) Firefighter of the Year Luncheon – March 12th
2) IFEBP Healthcare Management Conference – March 30 – 31
3) IFEBP Investment Institute – April 26 – 29
4) Medco Conference (Florida) – May 12 – 15
5) Hope For Firefighters – June 4th
6) LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament – July 27th
7) IFEBP 55th Annual Employee Benefits Conference – November 8th – 11th
8) Open House November 21st
9) Relief Holiday Party – December 5th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Glenn Wilkinson – March 18th LAPD Academy
2) Frank K. Comfort – March 27th Downtown Marriott
3) John “Min” Lee – April 7th Odyssey Restaurant (Kuljis)
4) Craig Fletcher – April 15th Sagebrush Cantina, Calabasas (Doak Smith)
5) Mark Villasenor – April 28th El Cariso Golf Course
6) Mark Khitikian – April 30th Taix Restaurant (Lowe)
7) Tim Wilson – April 30th Sagebrush Cantina, Calabasas (Steinbacher)
8) Arthur “Doug” Moore – May 12th Ports O’Call Restaurant (Kuljis)
9) Richard Markota – May 21st Odyssey Restaurant
10) Reginald Williams & Delano Roberts – May 27th Kyoto Grand Hotel
11) Terry S. Cooper – May 30th Dave’s Garage
ADJOURNMENT
David Marino entertained a motion to adjourn in the memory of Robert Henderson. Gary Matsubara so moved. David Lowe seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn in the memory of Robert Henderson. The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:19am.
David Marino, President