MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 7, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
President Bob Steinbacher called the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 10:15a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bob Steinbacher, President
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
Trustee Jim Duffy
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Henry Gasbarri
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee Mike Sailhamer
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Kenneth Breskin
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Gayle Sonoda
Trustee Danny Wu
Trustee Steve Domanski – Pension
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
Todd Layfer – Executive Director
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Doak Smith – Pension
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Richard Moody
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Craig White led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion to ratify and approve the Board Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2018. Steve Berkery so moved. Rick Godinez seconded. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the Board Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2018.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) Bob Steinbacher presented plaques to Loan Tran and Ana Salazar for their 20 plus years of service to LAFRA.
2) Bob Steinbacher referred to the Open House and indicated that it was a success in which Craig White and Bruce Galien were this year’s honorees.
3) Bob Steinbacher provided an updated on the Pension Department status and the contract negotiations which were agreed upon.
4) Bob Steinbacher informed the Board of the L.A. Retired Fire & Police Association Annual Holiday Celebration on December 8th at the Sportsmen’s Lodge.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the Election and indicated that they will be counting ballots at the LAFRA office on November 29th. He indicated that they need to clarify the process of the election when voting for Retirees.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Garth Flint and Mike Breller of Beacon Pointe Advisors presented the 2018 3rd Quarter Investments for LAFRA.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) Todd Layfer informed the Board that he is currently working with the City on the Employer Mandate reporting for healthcare.
2) Todd Layfer reported on the Open Enrollment and indicated that the LAFRA Plan received 66 new members and 7 termed.
3) Todd Layfer presented the 6-month 2018 LAFRA financials for the Board’s review.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $979,480.29. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $979,480.29.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve $7,000 in start-up funds for the Buzzard Bait Ride. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $7,000 in start-up funds for the Buzzard Bait Ride.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre 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.
The committee recommends and I so move to approve all the medical bills totaling $771,484.98. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve all the medical bills totaling $771,484.98.
The committee recommends and I so move to send all initial disabled dependent appeals for dependents over the age threshold not considered a permanent disability or considered disabled by Medicare to MRIoA for review. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to send all initial disabled dependent appeals for dependents over the age threshold not considered a permanent disability or considered disabled by Medicare to MRIoA for review.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of $29,105.08
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of $3,575
The Life & Accident Death Withdrawal in the amount of $3,069
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $45,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members who recently passed and asked for a moment of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Freeman K. Dierlam
Norman M. Schultz
Ray L. Merriett
William Plumlee
Nicholas S. Baumgartner
Forrest K. Weaver
Gregory L. Meliota
Ronald C. Derby
Wallace B. Hasha
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $19,474.54 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $19,474.54 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 COMMITTEE REPORT
Danny Wu indicated that Dave Wagner was going to place a “To Do” list in the Grapevine at the beginning of the year to remind members of their wellness benefit, task plan, payroll deductions, updating their beneficiaries, long-term care with the LAFRA Medical Plan and retirement planning.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Rick Godinez provided an update on the Marketing & Development efforts with the Eternal Flame Society and the receiving of a soft pledge from an anonymous donor. He indicated that they are working on teams for the L.A. Marathon and have raised $8,000 for the WODFF.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Buzzard Bait Ride – January 18 – 20
2) Hook & Ladder – March 16th
3) St. Baldrick’s – March 30th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Andrew P. Fox – Wednesday, November 7th C @ The Odyssey Restaurant (White)
2) Jack Fry – Saturday, February 9th B @ Torrance Redondo Beach Marriott (Godinez)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board entered into Executive Session at 11:47 a.m.
The Board adjourned from Executive Session at 12:20 p.m.
Member updates were discussed during Executive Session. No actions were taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion to adjourn. John Jacobsen so moved. Frank Aguirre seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:21 p.m.
Bob Steinbacher, President