HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Fireman's Relief and Pension Board - 12/07/1993 i
FIREMEN'S RELIEF AND PENSION BOARD
DECEMBER 7, 1993
Boardmembers Present: Houser, Berg, Tilley, Iacober
Other Present: Chief Administrative Officer McCarthy, City Attorney
Lubovich, Acting Finance Director Miller, and Field Auditor
Huntington
It was determined that, in the absence of the Mayor, Berg would act as Chairman.
Approval of Minutes
Tilley moved that the minutes of November 2, 1993, be accepted. Berg seconded and the
motion carried.
Board Bylaws
Lubovich noted that he has incorporated the changes discussed at the last meeting into the
bylaws, and that he has made additional changes, which he outlined as follows:
He reformatted Section 2 and changed Section 2.3 to read "an active or retired
firefighter covered by the Firemen's Relief and Pension Act of 1955, hire prior
to March 1, 1970."
Under Section 3, the word "elected" was changed to "selected", as previously
discussed, and he added the words "who shall serve as an alternate in the event
of an absence of one of the regularly elected members".
Under Section 3.2.A, he added "in the membership of a firefighter or retired
firefighter's seat, the members shall, in the same manner, elect a successor" and
deleted "the selected firefighter alternate shall assume the vacated seat until the
vacated seat's term expires. If an alternate is not available, an election shall be
held to elect a firefighter..." He pointed out that the alternate does not sit in in
the case of a vacancy, only in the case of an absence.
Section 3.2.0 was changed from "A" Chairperson to "The" Chairperson.
In Section 4.2 regarding public attendance, he added the words "All meetings of
the Board shall be open to the public", as discussed at the last meeting.
Section 4.3 was reformatted and split into A and B, although the wording remains
the same. It was decided to change the word "would" to "shall", to read
"Investment and payment decisions shall be submitted for consideration and
verification at the next Firemen's Pension and Relief Board Meeting."
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Section 4 in order to be consistent with State law:
.3.0 was rewritten as follows,
C. Information Relating to Firefighter Member Claims -
Medical evaluation reports and other similar documents and
records relating to specific members shall not be distributed
to the public or media and in the event specific requests are
made for such reports, documents and records pursuant to
Chapter 42.17 RCW (Public Disclosure Law), legal counsel
shall determine whether or not such document is exempt
from disclosure and if not, whether a court injunction
should be sought to enjoin such distribution pursuant to
Chapter 42.17 RCW.
Lubovich explained that each time a request for records is made, legal counsel should review
the request and determine whether or not it meets the criteria of an exemption, rather than
automatically withholding the information. He pointed out that there are time frames and
penalties for not responding promptly. Tilley agreed that legal counsel should have the
opportunity to review the request, but that the Board should make the determination whether to
release the records. Lubovich pointed out that the response must be made within five days.
Tilley suggested that the attorney respond within 5 days, but that commitment of the document
should be to the Board. Lubovich pointed out that the Board can only act when it is together
as a Board, and that because of the time frame, there is not always time to wait for a Board
meeting. Lubovich noted that the Mayor, Finance person, or Committee Chair could make the
decision and noted that the request would have to be reviewed in public. Houser noted that the
Mayor is not always in attendance at meetings to make the decision. Berg noted that medical
claims are being handled by the LEOFF Board, that there is no one retired under this system
for medical benefits, and the chances of receiving a request are very slim. It was decided to
approve the bylaws at this time and make any amendments later.
Lubovich noted that in Section 5.0, the line saying the effective date of the policy is January 1,
1994, was removed because Section 6.0 states that it is in effect immediately.
HOUSER MOVED to approve the bylaws and make amendments later. Tilley seconded and the
motion carried.
Report on Collection of Orndorff Overpayment
Miller distributed copies of a letter to Mr. Orndorff and asked for approval to mail it out. Tilley
moved to accept the letter and send it out by regular and certified mail. Berg seconded and the
motion carried.
November Financial Transactions
Miller noted that retiree payments were made in the amount of$13,387.85. She added that$500
was paid to the widow of Glenn Webster. She said that in the future they will provide
investment interest received and investments made. Tilley moved to accept the report into the
record. Houser seconded and the motion carried.
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Actuarial Studv
Tilley asked when an actuarial study would be done, as discussed in a previous meeting. Miller
noted that there are funds in the budget, and she will make the request. She said the same
company as before will probably be used, and the study will most likely be done in the first
quarter of the year. Berg noted that this Board had recently approved the study. Houser asked
to see a copy of the contract or cost figures at the next meeting.
Other Business
Berg noted receipt of a letter from John Henkel requesting a breakdown on his reimbursement
and the time period it covers. Berg explained that a copy of the worksheet had been sent to
Henkel in response to his request.
The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
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Brenda Jacobei
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