03/09/2023 Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
e
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 9, 2023
9:00 AM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Pension Advisory Committee
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
Rollcall
Present 7 - Chair Nathan Hightower, Committee Member Christopher Kakalow,
Committee Member David Sowers, Committee Member Gregory
Record, Committee Member Lina Teixeira, Committee Member
Mark Bunker, and Committee Member Frank Hibbard
Also Present— David Margolis — City Attorney, Billie Kirkpatrick— Human Resources
Director, Nicole Sprague — Deputy City Clerk
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 January 12, 2023 Pension Advisory Committee meeting as
submitted in written summation.
Member Bunker moved to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2023
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 Pension Eligibility Date
Adrian Christian,Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 01/03/2023
Andre Stanley, Solid Waste Equipment Operator,Solid Waste 01/03/2023
Andre Turner, Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities 01/03/2023
Brendan West, Fleet Mechanic, General Services 01/03/2023
Dylan Mayeux, Sr. Real Estate Coordinator, Economic Development 01/03/2023
Eric Goehring, Traffic Signal Technician, Public Works 01/03/2023
Madison Booth, Police Telecommunicator, Police Department 01/03/2023
Marque Chestine, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste 01/03/2023
Monica Pummer, Police Records Specialist, Police Department 01/03/2023
Philopateer Hanna, Sr. Engineering Specialist, Public Works 01/03/2023
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
Scotty Hougham, Fleet Mechanic, General Services 01/03/2023
Carl Giardino, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/14/2023
Michael McCafferty, Custodial Worker, Parks & Recreation 01/14/2023
Olsi Sumulla, Parking, Facility & Security Aide, Marine & Aviation 01/14/2023
Alice Kelly, Development Review Technician, Planning & Development 01/17/2023
Alvin Pinero, Police Telecom municator, Police Department 01/17/2023
Austin Repko, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 01/17/2023
Brian Solka, Management Analyst, Police Department 01/17/2023
Caridas Burchfield, Compliance Coordinator, Public Utilities 01/17/2023
Christopher Elliott, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/17/2023
Erika Escamilla, Neighborhood Coordinator, Office of Innovation 01/17/2023
Fufuoa Vang, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/17/2023
John Riedle, Plumber, General Services 01/17/2023
Kaitlyn Klein, Police Telecom municator, Police Department 01/17/2023
Kim Rizzo, Personnel/Payroll Technician, Parks & Recreation 01/17/2023
Marissa Myers, Police Telecom municator, Police Department 01/17/2023
Matthew Hocalar, Skilled Tradesworker, Parks & Recreation 01/17/2023
Matthew Peacock, Police Telecom municator, Police Department 01/17/2023
Philip Philebaum, Meter Reader, Finance/UCS 01/17/2023
Robert Kasmer, Real Estate Services Coordinator,Public Works 01/17/2023
Rocco Russo, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/17/2023
Thomas Heath, Lead Engineering Specialist, Public Works 01/17/2023
Zaccheus Jammer, Library Assistant, Library 01/17/2023
Brian Palmese, Fleet Mechanic, General Services 01/30/2023
Edmundo Chirinos, Fleet Mechanic, General Services 01/30/2023
Gregory Art, Parking Attendant, Public Works/Parking 01/30/2023
Jamyn Brown, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste 01/30/2023
Jordan Bailey, Police Officer, Police Department 01/30/2023
Jose Deleon, Police Officer, Police Department 01/30/2023
Lane Lightfoot, Police Officer, Police Department 01/30/2023
Miguel Marcos, Tree Trimmer, Public Works 01/30/2023
Timothy Lovely, Police Officer, Police Department 01/30/2023
Abraham Adger, Waste Water Treatment Plant Oper, TrPublic Utilities 02/13/2023
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
Adrian Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Senior Engineering Specialist, Public Utilities 02/13/2023
Anthony Stamatoplos, Librarian, Library 02/13/2023
Courtney Gwyn, Risk Management Specialist, Finance/Risk 02/13/2023
David Spielvogel, Recreation Coordinator, Parks & Recreation 02/13/2023
Domingo Vega, Streets & Sidewalks Technician, Public Works 02/13/2023
Frank Ciafone, WWTP Operator A, Public Utilities 02/13/2023
Jamie Gaubatz, Senior Accountant, Public Works 02/13/2023
Jerome Dennis, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste 02/13/2023
Kerry Vash, Librarian -FT, Library 02/13/2023
Raymond Johnson, Utilities Electronics Technician, Public Utilities 02/13/2023
Troy Schermer, Customer Service Representative, Finance/UCS 02/13/2023
Member Hibbard 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 James Benwell, Public
Works Department, Christopher Johnson, Fire Department and Antonio Notardonato,
General Services Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of
the Employees' Pension Plan.
James Benwell, CAD & GIS Technician, Public Works Department, was
employed by the City on May 20, 2013, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. Mr. Benwell terminated from City employment on
November 4, 2022.
Christopher Johnson, Fire Medic/LT, Fire Department, was employed by
the City on October 12, 2009, and his pension service credit is effective on that
date. Mr. Johnson terminated from City employment on February 1, 2023.
Antonio Notardonato, Fleet Mechanic Supervisor, General Services
Department, was employed by the City on March 12, 2012 and his pension
service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Notardonato terminated from City
employment on November 29, 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 month
following the month in which the employee normally would have been eligible
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
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. For non-hazardous duty employees hired on or
after the effective date of this restatement, a member shall be eligible for
retirement following the earlier of the date on which a participant has reached
the age of sixty (60) years and completed twenty-five (25) years of credited
service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of sixty-five
(65) years and completed ten (10) years of credited service. Mr. Benwell will
meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in August
of 2046. Mr. Notardonato will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin
collecting a pension in August of 2030.
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.
Johnson will meet the hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in
November of 2029
Member Sowers moved to recommend approval of the following
request of employees James Benwell, Public Works Department,
Christopher Johnson, Fire Department, and Antonio Notardonato,
General Services 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 James Atherholt, Parks and
Recreation Department, William Brown, Parks and Recreation Department, Kevin
Boaden, Fire Department, Catherine Borden, Public Utilities Department, Michael
Dellavolpe, Fire Department, William Fry, Fire Department, Robert Furman, Police
Department, Jay Gibson, Public Works Department, Deborah Lemon, Parks and
Recreation Department, Steven McKinney, Solid Waste Department, Terri Ralat, Solid
Waste Department, Edward Schultz, Fire Department, Michael Whittaker, Public
Works Department, Steven Wilensky, Fire Department and Julie Wykoff, Library
Department for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the
Employees' Pension Plan.
James Atherholt. Recreation Center Manager, Parks and Recreation
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
Department, was employed by the City on December 14, 1992, and his
pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective
March 1, 2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $70,604.32 over the
past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Atherholt's
selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately
$58,663.80 annually.
William Brown, Senior Parks Service Technician, Parks and Recreation
Department, was employed by the City on April 28, 1986, and his pension
service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective March 1,
2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $47,707.07 over the past five
years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Brown's selection of
the Single Life Annuity with the 10% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will
be approximately $42,936.48 annually.
Kevin Boaden, Firefighter/Driver Operator, Fire Department, was employed
by the City on April 17, 2000, and his pension service credit is effective on that
date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2023.Based on an average salary of
approximately $109,140.15 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. Boaden's selection of the Joint and Survivor Annuity with
the 20% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $54,691.32
annually.
Catherine Borden, Wstwtr Trtmnt Plant Oper Chief, Public Utilities
Department, was employed by the City on November 15, 1993, and her
pension service credit is effective on June 23, 2006. Her pension will be
effective February 1, 2023. Based on an average salary of approximately
$78,645.85 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions
and Ms. Borden's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be
approximately $35,769.60 annually.
Michael Dellavolpe, Firefighter/Driver Operator, Fire Department, was
employed by the City on March 10, 2003, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2023. Based on an
average salary of approximately $87,818.16 over the past five years, the formula
for computing regular pensions and Mr. Dellavolpe's selection of the Single Life
Annuity with the 20% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately
$38,940.02 annually.
William Fry, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Department, was employed by the City on
August 7, 1995, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His
pension will be effective February 1, 2023. Based on an average salary of
approximately $108,381.34 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. Fry's selection of the 50% Joint and Survivor Annuity with
the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $57,782.76
annually.
Robert Furman, Police Sergeant, Police Department, was employed by the
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
City on July 20, 1998, and his pension service credit is effective on that date.
His pension will be effective March 1, 2023. Based on an average salary of
approximately $120,152.86 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. Furman's selection of the Joint and Survivor Annuity, this
pension benefit will be approximately $81,274.32 annually.
Jay Gibson, Traffic Sign & Marketing Technician, Public Works
Department, was employed by the City on February 1, 1999, and his pension
service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective February 1,
2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $46,205.72 over the past five
years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Gibson' s selection
of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $30,485.16
annually.
Deborah Lemon, Senior Recreation Leader, Parks and Recreation
Department, was employed by the City on April 15, 2002, and her pension
service credit is effective on March 22, 2003. Her pension will be effective
March 1, 2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $38,812.02 over the
past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Lemon's
selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately
$21,269.52 annually.
Steven McKinney, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste
Department, was employed by the City on March 22, 1993, and his pension
service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective April 1,
2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $55,460.88 over the past five
years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. McKinney's
selection of the 10 Year Certain and Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be
approximately $45,484.80 annually.
Terri Ralat, Solid Waste Operations Supervisor, Solid Waste Department,
was employed by the City on June 10, 1996, and her pension service credit is
effective on that date. Her pension will be effective February 1, 2023. Based on an
average salary of approximately $57,901.00 over the past five years, the formula
for computing regular pensions and Ms. Ralat's selection of the Single Life Annuity
with the 10% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately
$38,083.32 annually.
Edward Schultz, Fire Inspector II, Fire Department, was employed by the
City on June 26, 2006, and his pension service credit is effective on that date.
His pension will be effective July 1, 2023. Based on an average salary of
approximately $96,707.52 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. Schultz's selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor
Annuity, this pension benefit will be
approximately $43,464.12 annually.
Michael Whittaker, Traffic Sign Technician, Public Works Department,
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
was employed by the City on January 8, 1996, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2023. Based on an
average salary of approximately $60,845.67 over the past five years, the formula
for computing regular pensions and Mr. Whittaker's selection of the Single Life
Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $45,270.84 annually
Steven Wilensky, Firefighter/Driver Operator, Fire Department, was
employed by the City on March 10, 2003, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. His pension will be effective March 1, 2023. Based on an
average salary of approximately $80,953.44 over the past five years, the formula
for computing regular pensions and Mr. Wilensky's selection of the 50% Joint and
Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be
approximately $30,466.08 annually.
Julie Wykoff, Library Assistant, Library Department, was employed by the
City on October 11, 1999, and her pension service credit is effective on that
date. Her pension will be effective February 1, 2023. Based on an average salary
of approximately $35,332.37 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Ms. Wykoff's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension
benefit will be approximately $22,617.60
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. For non-hazardous duty employees hired on or
after the effective date of this restatement, a member shall be eligible for
retirement following the earlier of the date on which a participant has reached
the age of sixty (60) years and completed twenty-five (25) years of credited
service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of sixty-five
(65) years and completed ten (10) years of credited service. Mr. Atherholt, Mr.
Brown, Ms. Borden, Mr. Gibson, Ms. Lemon, Mr. McKinney, Ms. Ralat, Mr.
Whittaker and Ms. Wykoff have 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.
Boaden, Mr. Dellavolpe, Mr. Fry, Mr. Furman, Mr. Schultz, and Mr. Wilensky
has met the hazardous duty criteria.
Member Hibbard moved to recommend approval of the following
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City of Clearwater
Pension Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes March 9, 2023
request of James Atherholt, Parks and Recreation Department, William
Brown, Parks and Recreation Department, Kevin Boaden, Fire
Department, Catherine Borden, Public Utilities Department, Michael
Dellavolpe, Fire Department, William Fry, Fire Department, Robert
Furman, Police Department, Jay Gibson, Public Works Department,
Deborah Lemon, Parks and Recreation Department, Steven McKinney,
Solid Waste Department, Terri Ralat, Solid Waste Department, Edward
Schultz, Fire Department, Michael Whittaker, Public Works Department,
Steven Wilensky, Fire Department, and July Wykoff, Library
Department, for a regular pension as provided in Sections 2.416 and
2.424 of the Employees' Pension Plan. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4.4 Appoint Ellen Ayo, Kyle Mueller, John Klinefelter, Greg Bowen and Denise Balog to
serve as the PAC Election Committee with John Klinefelter serving as Chairman.
(employee only item)
Member Sowers moved to appoint Ellen Ayo, Kyle Mueller, John
Klinefelter, Greg Bowen and Denise Balog to serve as the PAC
Election Committee with John Klinefelter serving as Chair. The
motion was duly seconded.
5. Director's Report: None.
6. Board Members to be Heard: None.
7 Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 a.m.
Chair, Pension A
Attest:
Board Reporter
City of Clearwater
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isory Committee