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11/09/2023 Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 e Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 9, 2023 9:00 AM Main Library - Council Chambers Pension Advisory Committee 1 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 Rollcall Present 5 - Chair Nathan Hightower, Committee Member Christopher Kakalow, Committee Member David Sowers, Committee Member Lina Teixeira, and Committee Member Mark Bunker Absent 2 - Committee Member Gregory Record, and Committee Member Brian Aungst Sr. Also Present— David Margolis — City Attorney, Chrystal Ryals — Interim Human Resources Director, and Nicole Sprague — Deputy City Clerk 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Main Library. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve minutes of September 14th, 2023 Pension Advisory Committee meeting as submitted in written summation. Member Bunker moved to approve the minutes of the September 14, 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 Approve the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. Name, Job Classification, Department Pension Eligibility Date Balou Ross, Customer Service Representative, Utility Customer Service 08/28/2023 Jason Haynie, Utility Dispatcher, Gas 08/28/2023 Saviron Hipps, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 08/28/2023 Richard "Ricky"Allison, Parks Manager, Parks & Recreation 08/28/2023 Scott Cullen, Parking Enforcement Specialist, Public Works 08/28/2023 Kelly Yesair, Parking Citation Assistant, Public Works 08/28/2023 Kathryn Sharp-Hautajarvi, Parking, Fac & Sec Aide, Public Works 08/26/2023 Cedric McBride, Stormwater Technician, Public Works 08/28/2023 Keith Simpkins, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste 08/28/2023 Dayna Diskin, Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation 09/05/2023 Kelsy Johnson, Recreation Specialist, Parks & Recreation 09/11/2023 Jarrel Wade, Recreation Center Manger, Parks & Recreation 09/11/2023 Lindsey Dicicco, Accounting Technician, Public Utilities 09/11/2023 Clifford Cotton, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling 09/11/2023 Terrance Robinson, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling 09/11/2023 Jesse Ornduff, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling 09/11/2023 Robert Simon, Utility Dispatcher, Gas System 09/11/2023 2 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 Daniel Tobin, Police Cadet, Police Department 09/11/2023 Andrew Martin, Police Cadet, Police Department 09/11/2023 Mitchell Flanger, Police Cadet, Police Department 09/11/2023 Daniel Braniff, Police Cadet, Police Department 09/11/2023 Holly Ward, Police Cadet, Police Department 09/11/2023 William Broyles, Police Records Specialist, Police Department 09/23/2023 Lucy Cantrell, Meter Reader 09/23/2023 James Baker, Planner, Planning & Development 09/25/2023 Christopher Wiggins, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, Public Utilities 09/25/2023 Arlene Gomez-Rosario, Police Records Specialist, Police Department 09/25/2023 Tracy Ashley, Customer Service Representative, Utility Customer Service 09/25/2023 Zavion Rogers, Stormwater Technician, Public Works 09/25/2023 Dorothy Xanos, Customer Service Representative, Utility Customer Service 09/25/2023 Jessica Chueka, Customer Service Representative, Gas System 09/25/2023 Nicole Brodil, Customer Service Representative, Utility Customer Service 09/25/2023 Tara Swonger, Recreation Supervisor, Parks & Recreation 10/09/2023 Gregory Art, Parking Attendant, Public Works 10/09/2023 Reginald Grigley, Customer Service Representative, Utility Customer Service 10/09/2023 Mallory Fuchs, Development Review Technician, Planning & Development 10/09/2023 Brian Maske, Traffic Signal Technician, Public Works 10/09/2023 Danny Horne, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling 10/09/2023 Paul Williams, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling 10/09/2023 Jon Nardin, Building Inspector Technician, Planning & Development 10/09/2023 Jalen Jamison, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Nicole Warder, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Zachary Adkisson, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Justin Blocker, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Jacob Chellew, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Camilo Espinal, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Cameron Mills, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Cameron Snyder, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Adrian Zeqiri, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Jason Jones, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Cody Kerr, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Stephen Sudu, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Alex Sexton, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Michael Girton, Firefighter, Fire Department 10/09/2023 Member Sowers 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 Approve the following request of employees Ellen Crandall, Planning and Development Department, Freda Daniels, Human Resources Department, and Vasilios Tsanakaliotis, Public Utilities Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees' Pension Plan. Ellen Crandall, Planning Division Manager, Planning & Development Department, was employed by the City on December 7th, 2009, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Ms. Crandall terminated from 3 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 City employment on September 28th, 2023. Freda Daniels, Sr Human Resource Analyst, Human Resources Department, was employed by the City on July 7th, 2010, and her pension service credit is effective on July 4th, 2011. Ms. Daniels terminated from City employment on September 13th, 2023. Vasilio Tsanakaliotis, Water Plant Operator A, Public Utilities Department, was employed by the City on January 8th, 2007, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Tsanakaliotis terminated from City employment on October 13th, 2023. 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 five or more years (non-hazardous duty) and ten or more years (hazardous duty) 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 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. Ms. Crandall will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in January of 2040. Ms. Daniels will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in May of 2038. Mr. Tsanakaliotis will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in February of 2027. 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. Member Teixeira moved to recommend approval of the following request of employees Ellen Crandall, Planning and Development 4 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 Department, Freda Daniels, Human Resources Department, and Vasilio Tsanakaliotis, Public Utilities 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 Approve the following request of Anna "Paula" Chaplinsky, Library Department, Bradley Hamilton, Public Works Department, Melanie Kindred, Police Department, Ian Prior, Public Communications Department, and Sam Swinton, Planning and Development Department, for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees' Pension Plan. Anna "Paula" Chaplinsky, Administrative Assistant, Library Department, was employed by the City on September 28th, 1998, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective October 1 st, 2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $52,878.39 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Chaplinsky's selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $33,393.72 annually. Bradley Hamilton, Senior Engineering Specialist, Public Works Department, was employed by the City on August 26th, 2013, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $58,395.66 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Hamilton's selection of the 66 2/3% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $9,857.28 annually. Melanie Kindred, Police Office Specialist, Police Department, was employed by the City on February 11, 2002, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective November 1 st, 2023. Based on an average salary of approximately $44,366.49 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Kindred' selection of the Single Life Annuity with the 10% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $23,843.40 annually. Ian Prior, Multimedia Specialist, Public Communications Department, was employed by the City on March 27, 2002, and his pension service credit is effective on June 30th, 2003. His pension will be effective February 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $63,028.88 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Prior's selection of the 75% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $32,079.48 annually. Sam Swinton, Housing Inspector, Planning & Development Department, was employed by the City on December 2nd, 2002, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective December 1 st, 2023. 5 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 Based on an average salary of approximately $47,926.64 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Swinton's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $27,571.56 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. Ms. Chaplinsky, Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Kindred, Mr. Prior, and Mr. Swinton 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. has met the hazardous duty criteria. Member Sowers moved to recommend approval of the following request of Anna "Paula" Chaplinsky, Library Department, Bradley Hamilton, Public Works Department, Melanie Kindred, Police Department, Ian Prior, Public Communications Department, and Sam Swinton, Planning and Development 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. 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 and carried unanimously. 6 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 4.5 Informal hearing for Bradlee Starks request for job-connected disability pension The City Attorney reviewed Bradlee Starks'application for a job-connected disability and hearing requirements as detailed by Code. He said the applicant is claiming heart disease or aortic aneurysm. Florida law presumes that an officer diagnosed with heart disease or hypertension, acquired the condition in the line of duty, unless the condition is inherited. Bradlee Starks was hired by the city as a police officer in June 2006 and separated from city employment in September 2023. Member Bunker moved to accept into evidence the entire file, inclusive of the application, personnel file, interrogatories, medical records, and the Independent Medical Examiner (IME). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Starks said he was with the Police Department for 17 years and would have preferred to put in 20 years of service. He said he spent his career on midnight shifts and it took a physical toll on his body. Discussion ensued regarding the cause of the aneurysm and what factors contributed to it. It was said that a pre-employment physical would have picked up any pre-existing issues and that job related stress could have caused damage. A concern was expressed that there are congenital issues that need to be taken into consideration. Member Kakalow moved that Bradlee Starks met the requirements for a job-related disability pension as he was disabled by reason of injury suffered in the line of duty, such disability is likely to be continuous and permanent from a cause other than those listed as general disability exclusions, and he is unable, by reason of a medically determinable physical impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a police officer. The motion was duly seconded and carried with the following vote: Ayes 3 - Member Kakalow, Member Sowers, and Member Bunker Nays 2 - Chair Hightower and Member Teixeira Chair Hightower thanked Mr. Starks for his service. 4.6 Informal hearing for Douglas Kellin request for job-connected disability pension The City Attorney reviewed Douglas Kellin's application for a 7 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 job-connected disability and hearing requirements as detailed by Code. He said the applicant is claiming an orthopedic injury. Douglas Kellin was hired by the city as a fire fighter in October 2009 and separated from city employment in April 2023. Member Bunker moved to accept into evidence the entire file, inclusive of the application, personnel file, interrogatories, medical records, and the Independent Medical Examiner (IME). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Attorney Jason Fox, representing Douglas Kellin, said Mr. Kellin suffers from chronic neck pain due to herniated discs as a result of the repetitive physical requirements of his job. His last day worked was September 26, 2022. He said all the doctors and IME agree that Mr. Kellin is unable to fulfill the duty as a fire fighter. He said the medical reports indicate nerve root damage and myelopathy and surgery has been recommended. The IME believes Mr. Kellin is at maximum medical improvement if he does not have surgery. Mr. Kellin has been reluctant to have surgery as he has received different opinions on what type of procedure would be most beneficial and there is no guarantee of improvement. In response to questions, Mr. Fox said that when Mr. Kellin wanted to hold off on surgery to one of the doctors, the relationship turned negative. He said the report from that particular doctor is inconsistent with all the other documentation. Member Sowers moved that Douglas Kellin met the requirements for a job-related disability pension as he was disabled by reason of injury suffered in the line of duty, such disability is likely to be continuous and permanent from a cause other than those listed as general disability exclusions, and he is unable, by reason of a medically determinable physical impairment, to render useful and efficient service as a police officer. The motion was duly seconded and carried with the following vote: Ayes 3 - Member Kakalow, Member Sowers, and Member Bunker Nays 2 - Chair Hightower and Member Teixeira Chair Hightower thanked Mr. Kellin for his service. 5. Old Business Items Member Sowers reviewed information provided at the past two meetings and requested the PAC recommend an ordinance change to the Pension City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023 Trustees regarding off duty pensionable earnings. Interim Human Resources Director Chrystal Ryals provided a summary of actions taken by the IAFF and the City regarding the issue. The Chair requested information regarding the City's position on the issue as well as language for a motion, should the Committee decide to pursue the issue. 6. Director's Report Ms. Ryals said the new Human Resources Director is starting next Monday. 7. Board Members to be Heard Member Teixeira said she has the upmost respect for first responders. She said she does not question the validity of the disability pension claims but that she is acting on behalf of the taxpayers and must make sure there is no doubt in her mind when ruling on the applications. Chair Hightower said he has served on the Committee for 15 years and the Committee has always been fair when reviewing disability applications. He said he is proud with how the Committee has performed. 8. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Attest: ike a 4/39 WILLBoar Reporter City of Clearwater 9 Chair, Pensiondvisory Committee