05/12/2022 Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 12, 2022
9:00 AM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Pension Advisory Committee
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair Nathan Hightower, Vice Chair Greg Newland, Committee Member
April Eversole, Committee Member Mark Bunker, and Committee
Member Lina Teixeira
Absent 2 - Committee Member Frank Hibbard, Committee Member Gregory Record
Also Present - Jennifer Poirrier— Human Resources Director, Patricia O. Sullivan —
Board Reporter
1. Call To Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Main Library.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve minutes of March 10, 2022 Pension Advisory Committee meeting as submitted
in written summation.
Member Eversole moved to approve minutes of March 10, 2022
Pension Advisory Committee meeting as submitted in written
summation. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda: None.
4. New Business Items
4.1 Recommend approval of the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed.
Name, Job Classification, & Department/Division Pension Eligibility Date
Margnelli, John, Police Officer, Police Department 04/11/2022
Green, Tabitha, Library Assistant, Library 04/11/2022
Droncheff, Richard, Gas Technician, Gas System 02/28/2022
Huberty, Cory, Gas Technician, Gas System 03/28/2022
Day, Sawyer. Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 02/27/2022
Havenstein, Rhett, Gas Technician, Gas System 02/28/2022
Larock, Jared, Fleet Mechanic, General Services — Fleet 02/28/2022
Patricio-Charrez, Gregorio, Streets & Sidewalks Tech, Parks & Recreation 02/28/2022
Ross, Calleigh, Recreation Specialist, Parks & Recreation 02/28/2022
Sapp, Rayshawn, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling 02/28/2022
Sawyer, Hunter, Skilled Tradesworker, Parks & Recreation 02/28/2022
Wingfield. Markise, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling 02/28/2022
Alcani, Mirela, Sampling Technician, Public Utilities 03/14/2022
Knoblock, Brian, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator B, Public Utilities 03/14/2022
Krukowski, Kyle, Recreation Leader, Parks & Recreation 03/14/2022
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
Riley, Jacorrie, Wastewater Collections Technician, Public Utilities 03/14/2022
Yin, Yue, Sustainability Specialist, City Manager 03/14/2022
Buzzell, Brandon, Parking Enforcement Specialist, Engineering - Parking 03/14/2022
Brislin, Gail, Police Records Specialist, Police Department 03/14/2022
Fackler, Ashley, Police Records Specialist, Police Department 03/14/2022
Arnold, Mitchell, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 03/28/2022
Castillo, Edward, Tree Trimmer, Parks & Recreation 03/28/2022
Dodson, Deanthony, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 03/28/2022
Hall, Jeremy, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 03/28/2022
Lowe, Andrew, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 03/28/2022
Serricchio, John, Custodial Worker, Marine &Aviation 03/28/2022
Tinajero Pena, Israel, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, Public Utilities 03/28/2022
Adam, Melinda, Development Review Technician, Planning & Development 03/28/2022
Fulton, Derrick, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 04/11/2022
Lassiter, Eric, Wastewater Collections Technician, Public Utilities 04/11/2022
Reed, Robert, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling 04/11/2022
Danielson, Sheamus, Custodial Worker, Marine & Aviation 04/11/2022
Berry, Caroline, Survey Assistant, Engineering 04/11/2022
Distel, Eric, Parking, Facility & Security Aide, Engineering - Parking 04/09/2022
Craig, Rachel, Police Telecom municator, Police Department 04/11/2022
Wrona, Aaron, Development Review Technician, Planning & Development 04/11/2022
Mcgowan, Sean, Customer Service Representative, Utility Customer Service 04/11/2022
Cembrale, Donald, Police Telecom municator, Police Department 04/11/2022
Member Newland moved to recommend approval of the new hires
for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.2 Recommend approval of the following request of employees Leroy Bostick, Solid Waste
& Recycling Department and Julie Phillips, Planning and Development Department to
vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees' Pension Plan.
Leroy Bostick, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling
Department, was employed by the City on September 28, 2009, and began
participating in the Pension Plan on that date. Mr. Bostick terminated from
City employment on March 2, 2022.
Julie Phillips, Inspector Specialist, Planning and Development
Department, was employed by the City on August 21, 1995, and began
participating in the Pension Plan on that date. Ms. Phillips terminated from
City employment on March 25, 2022.
The Employees' Pension Plan provides that should an employee cease to
be an employee of the City of Clearwater or change status from full-time to
part-time after completing ten or more years of creditable service (pension
participation), such employee shall acquire a vested interest in the
retirement benefits. Vested pension payments commence on the first of the
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
month following the month in which the employee normally would have been
eligible for retirement.
Section 2.416 provides for normal retirement eligibility for non-hazardous
duty employees hired prior to the effective date of this reinstatement
(1/1/13), a member shall be eligible for retirement following the earlier of the
date on which a participant has reached the age of fifty-five (55) years and
completed twenty (20) years of credited service; the date on which a
participant has reached age sixty-five (65) years and completed ten (10)
years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed
thirty (30) years of service regardless of age. Mr. Bostick will meet the
non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in October 2029.
Ms. Phillips will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a
pension in November 2022.
Member Teixeira moved to recommend approval of the following
request of employees Leroy Bostick, Solid Waste & Recycling
Department and Julie Phillips, Planning and Development
Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of
the Employees' Pension Plan. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
4.3 Recommend approval of the following request of employees Robert Ackerman, Planning
and Development Department, Sabrina Chute, Information Technology Department,
Glenn Daniel, Public Utilities Department, Jose Fernandez, Fire Department, Peter
Lopez, Fire Department, Eugene Nyland, Information Technology Department, Louis
Pirman, Gas Department, Katie Rosa, Solid Waste & Recycling Department, Jeffrey
Rosenbaum, General Services Department, and Todd Still, Public Utilities Department
for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees'
Pension Plan.
Robert Ackerman, Building Construction Inspector, Planning and
Development Department, was employed by the City on July 19, 1999, and
his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be
effective July 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of approximately
$63,751.39 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular
pensions and Mr. Ackerman's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this
pension benefit will be approximately $40,089.90 annually.
Sabrina Chute, Information Technology Manager, Information
Technology Department, was employed by the City on December 12,
1988, and her pension service credit is effective on October 8, 1989. Her
pension will be effective May 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of
approximately $90,916.73 over the past five years, the formula for
computing regular pensions and Ms. Chute's selection of the 100% Joint and
Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $74,336.76
annually.
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
Glenn Daniel, Water Reclaim & Wastewater Collection Manager, Public
Utilities Department, was employed by the City on December 9, 1985, and
his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be
effective May 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of approximately
$89,343.64 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular
pensions and Mr. Daniel's selection of the 50% Joint and Survivor Annuity,
this pension benefit will be approximately $84,099.48 annually.
Jose Fernandez, Firefighter/Driver-Operator, Fire Department, was
employed by the City on March 21, 2005, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. His pension will be effective April 1, 2022. Based on
an average salary of approximately $81,559.63 over the past five years, the
formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Fernandez's selection of the
Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately
$38,658.00 annually.
Peter Lopez, Firefighter, Fire Department, was employed by the City on
May 18, 1992, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His
pension will be effective April 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of
approximately $92,596.88 over the past five years, the formula for
computing regular pensions and Mr. Lopez's selection of the 100% Joint and
Survivor Annuity with a 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be
approximately $51,707.88 annually
Eugene Nyland, Network Engineer, Information Technology
Department, was employed by the City on October 27, 1997, and his
pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective
April 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of approximately $71,866.06 over
the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr.
Nyland's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be
approximately $48,150.72 annually.
Louis Pirman, Senior Gas Technician, Gas Department, was employed
by the City on October 25, 1999, and his pension service credit is effective
on that date. His pension will be effective May 1, 2022. Based on an average
salary of approximately $43,959.67 over the past five years, the formula for
computing regular pensions and Mr. Pirman's selection of the Single Life
Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $27,193.32 annually.
Katie Rosa, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste and
Recycling Department, was employed by the City on February 26, 2001,
and her pension service credit is effective on April 9, 2001. Her pension will
be effective May 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of approximately
$41,988.60 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular
pensions and Ms. Rosa's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension
benefit will be approximately $24,315.72 annually.
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
Jeffrey Rosenbaum, Building and Maintenance Supervisor, General
Service Department, was employed by the City on October 19, 1987, and
his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be
effective May 1, 2022. Based on an average salary of approximately
$64,960.48 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular
pensions and Mr. Rosenbaum's selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor
Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $60,385.08 annually.
Todd Still, Water Distribution Foreman, Public Utilities Department, was
employed by the City on November 30, 1987, and his pension service credit
is effective on that date. His pension will be effective May 1, 2022. Based on
an average salary of approximately $62,265.43 over the past five years, the
formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Still's selection of the 50%
Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately
$54,529.68 annually.
Section 2.416 provides for normal retirement eligibility for non-hazardous
duty employees hired prior to the effective date of this reinstatement
(1/1/13), a member shall be eligible for retirement following the earlier of the
date on which a participant has reached the age of fifty-five (55) years and
completed twenty (20) years of credited service; the date on which a
participant has reached age sixty-five (65) years and completed ten (10)
years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed
thirty (30) years of service regardless of age. Mr. Ackerman, Ms. Chute, Mr.
Daniel, Mr. Nyland, Mr. Pirman, Ms. Rosa, Mr. Rosenbaum, and Mr. Still
have all met the non-hazardous duty criteria.
Section 2.416 provides for normal retirement eligibility for hazardous duty
employees, a member shall be eligible for retirement following the earlier of
the date on which the participant has completed twenty (20) years of
credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has
reached fifty-five (55) years and completed ten (10) years of credited
service. Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Lopez have met the hazardous duty criteria
Member Bunker moved to recommend approval of the following
request of employees Robert Ackerman, Planning and Development
Department, Sabrina Chute, Information Technology Department,
Glenn Daniel, Public Utilities Department, Jose Fernandez, Fire
Department, Peter Lopez, Fire Department, Eugene Nyland, Information
Technology Department, Louis Pirman, Gas Department, Katie Rosa,
Solid Waste & Recycling Department, Jeffrey Rosenbaum, General
Services Department, and Todd Still, Public Utilities Department for a
regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the
Employees' Pension Plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
4.4 Election of Officers
Member Eversole moved to nominate Nathan Hightower as Chair. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Teixeira moved to nominate Greg Newland as Vice Chair. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Eversole moved to reappoint Nathan Hightower as Chair
and Greg Newland as Vice Chair. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
5. Old Business Items: None.
6. Director's Report
Human Resources Director Jennifer Poirrier said former Firefighter-EMT
Sarah Happs was receiving a disability pension from the City related to a
back injury. Ms. Happs proactively reached out to the Pension Advisory
Committee questioning if the PAC would take issue with her disability
pension if she worked as a nurse in a hospital Emergency Room. Ms. Happs
continues to be treated for her injury. She started employment and is in
orientation. According to an April functional capacity evaluation, Ms. Happs
was unable to work as a firefighter. Her Workers' Comp evaluation in 2022
indicated no change to her disability.
Discussion ensued regarding the physical requirements of nursing and
possible Committee actions.
Ms. Eversole moved to refer Sarah Happs to an Independent Medical
Exam to determine if her disability continues to prevent her from
working as a firefighter/EMT. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Ms. Poirrier reviewed current disability applications. A job-connected
application for a general employee was ready for hearing. A second
application may be ready to hear in July. The time frame for the third
application has not been determined.
Discussion ensued. It was recommended the Committee hear only one
application at a meeting and schedule a Special meeting in June to hear
the first case.
Mr. Poirrier will confirm if a hearing can be scheduled for June 9 at 9:00 a.m.
and forward the packet to members once the date is confirmed.
7. Board Members to be Heard
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee
8. Adjourn
Attest: Chair, Pension Adsory Committee
Board Rep) -
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2022
Member Newland welcomed Member Teixeira to the Committee. He
reported his last meeting will be in September prior to his retirement.
Chair Hightower said the Committee's recent approval of a disability pension
was unusual as the IME (Independent Medical Exam) report did not support
the Committee's decision. He encouraged the Committee to amend the PAC
Policies and Approval Manual to require formal hearings when IME reports
do not support disability pensions. He said the Committee always could
make exceptions to its policies. He requested guidance from Attorney for the
Committee Stuart Kaufman and the City Attorney.
The City Attorney supported formal hearings for all disability applications
unless the Pension Fund's advocate and applicant's attorney stipulate that a
hearing is unnecessary. He said informal hearings for disability applications
were uncommon as disability cases address complicated issues. Even if an
IME report is supportive of a disability application, a different perspective
could come to light during depositions or when IME doctors and applicants
testify under oath at hearings and answer Committee questions.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m.
City of Clearwater
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