12/10/2009
PENSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 10, 2009
Present: Nathan Hightower Chair
Tom Jensen Vice-Chair
John Schmalzbauer Committee Member
John Doran Committee Member/Councilmember
Paul Gibson Committee Member/Councilmember
Absent: Carlen Petersen Committee Member/Councilmember
Brian De Witt Committee Member
Also Present: Joe Roseto Human Resources Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 - Approval of Minutes
– November 12, 2009
Member Jensen moved to approve the minutes of the regular Pension Advisory
Committee meeting of November 12, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board
member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Employees to be Heard
– None.
4 – Action Items
:
a. Review and Action on Employee Requests for Regular Pensions
1. Terry Teunis, Police
2. Carol Schmidt, Police
Member Schmalbauer moved to recommend approval of the requests for regular
pensions for Terry Teunis and Carol Schmidt. The motion was duly seconded.
Concern was expressed that current rules are inappropriate and Mr. Teunis’ request
represents an ongoing problem; public safety staff boost their pension income by working
significant overtime hours just prior to retirement. It was noted that Mr. Teunis had been
promoted to Lieutenant in the last five years. Staff will report on the number of overtime hours
in Mr. Teunis’ retirement package.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
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b. Review and Action on Employee Requests to Vest Pensions:
1. Gina Henry, Parks & Recreation
Gina Henry, Parks & Recreation, has resigned her position after being employed by the
City for more than 10 years. She will qualify to receive her reduced pension beginning March 1,
2013.
2. Jon Marcin, Finance
Jon Marcin, Finance, has resigned his position after being employed by the City for more
than 10 years. He will qualify to receive his reduced pension beginning July 1, 2011.
Member Doran moved to recommend approval of the requests by Gina Henry and Jon
Marcin to vest their pensions. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
c. Approval of New Hires as Plan Members:
Member Jensen moved to accept the following employee into membership in the
Pension Plan:
Pension Eligible
Name, Job Class, & Dept./Div Hire Date Date
Scott Lipp, Park Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation10/26/09 10/26/09
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5 – Pending/New Business
: None.
6 – Director’s Report
Human Resources Director Joe Roseto invited PAC members to attend the December
14, 2009, Pension Trustees meeting when the Pension Attorney will report on pension plan
alternatives. Due to State requirements, amendments approved by the Police unions cannot be
scheduled for referendum until November 2010.
7 – Committee Members to be Heard:
Member Jensen said Congress had adopted a tax benefit in 2006, later approved by the
State, to allow public safety retirees to pay toward health insurance costs with pretax pension
benefits. Mr. Roseto said those retirees can claim the deduction on their tax return. Finance
Director Margie Simmons said staff continues to discuss the City’s ability to provide this optional
pretax benefit.
Member Schmalzbauer wished his best to retiree Carol Schmidt who had gone through
a tough rehabilitation following a serious accident.
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Committee members thanked retirees for their contributions to the City and wished all
Happy Holidays.
8 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
ti./Yll//1
Chair ~
Pension Advisory Committee
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Pension Advisory 2009-12-10
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