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05/09/2024 Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 e Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 9, 2024 9:00 AM Main Library - Council Chambers Pension Advisory Committee 1 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 Roll Call Present 4 - Committee Member Christopher Kakalow, Committee Member David Sowers, Committee Member Juliet Marvenko, and Committee Member Chris Smaha Absent 3 - Chair Nathan Hightower, Committee Member Lina Teixeira, and Committee Member Ryan Cotton Also Present— David Margolis — City Attorney, Tiffany Makras - 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 January 11, 2024, Pension Advisory Committee meeting as submitted in written summation. Member Sowers moved to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2024 Pension Advisory Committee meeting as submitted in written summation. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2.2 Approve minutes of February 29, 2024 Pension Advisory Committee meeting as submitted in written summation. Member Sowers moved to approve the minutes of the February 29, 2024 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 Election of Chair and Vice Chair Member Sowers said he would serve as chair temporarily until Mr. Hightower's status on the Board is determined. Member Kakalow moved to appoint Member Sowers as temporary Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.2 Approve new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. Name Job Classification, Department, Pension Eligibility Date William Perdue Fleet Operations Trainer, General Services, 12/18/2023 Alyssa Allen Human Resources Analyst, Human Resources, 12/18/2023 Michelle Wannike Librarian, Library, 12/18/2023 2 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 Mark Still Code Inspector I, Planning & Development, 12/18/2023 Hezekiah Swann Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling,12/18/2023 Vincent Hollingsworth Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling, 12/18/2023 Sarah Davis Recreation Leader I, Parks & Recreation, 01/02/2024 Modesto Gonzalez Traffic Engineering Assistant, Public Works, 01/02/2024 Sam Wells Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities, 01/02/2024 Jim Fry Gas Operations Division Head, Gas, 01/02/2024 Patricia Peterson Librarian I, Library, 01/02/2024 Isabella Patton Library Assistant, Library, 01/02/2024 Samantha Reilly Engineering Specialist III, Public Works, 01/02/2024 Lloyd Gardner Industrial Electrician, Public Utilities, 01/02/2024 Kemar Bonner Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling, 01/02/2024 Jordan Phillips Stormwater Technician I, Public Works, 01/02/2024 Delaney Rose Librarian I, Library, 01/02/2024 Steven Alejandre-Mar Marine Facility Operator, Parks & Recreation, 01/02/2024 Gregory Perles, Parks Service Supervisor 11, Parks & Recreation, 01/02/2024 Jason Larson Police Telecom municator I, Police, 01/02/2024 Terrell Smith Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling, 01/08/2024 Raymond Dresch Engineering Specialist III, Public Works, 01/16/2024 Annabella Hullen Engineer 11, , Public Works, 01/16/2024 Darrell Perry Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling, 01/16/2024 Kenneth Scherer Water Plant Operator Trainee, Public Utilities, 01/16/2024 William Bridges Recreation Leader I, Parks & Recreation, 01/16/2024 Kayla Cowart Customer Service Rep I, Planning & Development, 01/16/2024 Sarah Crowell Librarian I, Library, 01/16/2024 Michael Alberty Utility Dispatcher I, Gas, 01/16/2024 Melissa Adams Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation, 01/16/2024 Dizzmond Kelly Meter Reader I, Finance & Budget, 01/16/2024 Casey O'Day Recreation Leader I, Parks & Recreation, 01/16/2024 Krista Akers Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation, 01/16/2024 Julie Quattrocki Customer Service Rep I, Utility Customer Service, 01/16/2024 Tracy Boone Payroll Technician I, Police, 01/16/2024 Christopher Corrales Police Cadet, Police, 01/16/2024 Peter Mullady Police Cadet, Police, 01/16/2024 Terry Winthrop Police Cadet, Police, 01/13/2024 Erin McHenry Police Cadet, Police, 01/13/2024 Madison Booth Police Cadet, Police, 01/13/2024 Kenneth Scherer Water Plant Operator Trainee, Public Utilities, 01/29/2024 Seanna White Crime Analyst I, Police, 01/29/2024 Scott Selover Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation, 01/29/2024 Donna Groce Accounting Technician I, Library, 01/29/2024 Deandre Lane Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation, 01/29/2024 Elizabeth Ponga Police Telecom municator I Police 01/29/2024 Anthony Medina Police Telecom municator I Police 01/29/2024 Brian Rautmann Parking, Facility & Security Aide, Public Works, 01/29/2024 Richard Hartman Transportation Planner, Planning & Development, 01/29/2024 3 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 Michael Gunnin Wastewater Collection Technician I, Public Utilities, 01/29/2024 Misty Autery Administrative Assistant, Public Utilities, 01/29/2024 William McCoy Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling, 01/29/2024 Member Kakalow moved to recommend approval of the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.3 Approve the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. Name Job Classification, Department, Pension Eligibility Date Brian Rautmann Parking, Fac & Sec Aide, Public Works, 02/10/2024 Michael Gunnin Wastewater Coll Tech I, Public Utilities, 02/12/2024 Briahna McCrary Customer Service Rep I, Utility Customer Service, 02/12/2024 William McCoy Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling, 02/12/2024 Taurus Brown Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling, 02/12/2024 Richard Hartman Transportation Planner, Planning & Development, 02/12/2024 Misty Autery Administrative Assistant, Public Utilities, 02/12/2024 Ben Joseph Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling, 02/26/2024 Stephen Smith Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling, 02/26/2024 Daniel Brown Wstwtr Trtmnt Plant Oper C, Public Utilities, 02/26/2024 Francisco Colon Water Distr Oper Trainee, Public Utilities, 02/26/2024 James Schwer Fleet Mechanic, General Services, 02/26/2024 Aaron Lombard Librarian I, Library, 02/26/2024 Jendi Solka Contracts & Procur Spec, General Services, 03/11/2024 Adarius Garland Solid Waste Equipment OperSolid Waste & Recycling 03/11/2024 Daoud Adoum Storeskeeper, Fire Department, 03/11/2024 Michael De Koter Cad & Gis Technician I, Public Works, 03/11/2024 Nicholas Spatafora Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation, 03/11/2024 Douglas Costello Parks Service Technician III, Parks & Recreation, 03/11/2024 Matthew Smith Parks Service Technician III, Parks & Recreation, 03/11/2024 Kailey Kinder Police Telecom municator I, Police Department, 03/11/2024 Sherrod Morgan Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling, 03/11/2024 Andrew Covington Parking, Fac & Sec Aide, Marine &Aviation, 03/11/2024 Brianne Defoe Accounting Tech II, Finance, 03/11/2024 Shanna Drake Police Officer, Police Department, 03/11/2024 Sidney Sora Police Officer, Police Department, 03/11/2024 Kayla Garcia Staff Assistant II, Econ Dev & Housing, 03/11/2024 Alba Horanlli Administrative Assistant, Planning & Development, 03/11/2024 Terrance Scott Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling 03/25/2024 Kaliq Campbell Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling, 03/25/2024 Jayshawn Daniels Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling, 03/25/2024 Nicholas Finch Cad & Gis Technician I, Public Works, 03/25/2024 4 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 Aram Papazian Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities, 03/25/2024 Roberto Perez Fleet Mechanic, General Services, 03/25/2024 Damarcus Sims Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling, 03/25/2024 Eugene Barone Utility Dispatcher I, Gas System, 03/25/2024 Taylor Jaberi Police Cadet, Police Department, 03/25/2024 Halil Yalcinkaya Police Cadet, Police Department, 03/25/2024 Nathaniel Koehler Police Cadet, Police Department, 03/25/2024 Stefan Pavlovic Police Cadet, Police Department, 03/25/2024 Emily Davis Compliance Coordinator, Public Utilities, 03/25/2024 Patrick Redmond Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling, 04/08/2024 Edward Pierce Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling, 04/08/2024 Johnie Singleton Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling, 04/08/2024 Lorenzo Marry Wastewater Trtmnt Plant Oper Trn, Public Utilities, 04/08/2024 Robin Boykins Accounting Tech I, Public Utilities, 04/08/2024 Joseph Albee Tree Trimmer, Public Works, 04/08/2024 Maria Nehring Accountant II, Finance, 04/08/2024 Olga Chavez Librarian I, Library, 04/08/2024 Julia Bodolay Administrative Assistant, Library, 04/08/2024 Neil Kummerer Fire Administrative Chief, Fire Department, 04/08/2024 Member Smaha moved to recommend approval of the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.4 Approve the following request of employees Jason Gray, Public Utilities Department, and Kevin Nurnberger, Planning and Development Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees' Pension Plan. Jason Gray, Water Distribution Supervisor I, Public Utilities Department, was employed by the City on November 18, 2002, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Gray terminated from City employment on February 2, 2024. Kevin Nurnberger, Senior Planner, Planning and Development Department, was employed by the City on October 18, 2010, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Nurnberger terminated from city employment on September 5, 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 5 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 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. Mr. Gray will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in December of 2032. Mr. Nurnberger will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in November 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. Member Smaha moved to recommend approval of the following request of employees Jason Gray, Public Utilities Department, and Kevin Nurnberger, 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. 4.5 Approve the following request of Eric Hannah, Solid Waste and Recycling Department, John Kevin Insco, Police Department, Joseph Ruhlin, Police Department, and Theroun Winston, Solid Waste and Recycling Department for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees' Pension Plan. Eric Hannah, Solid Waste Supervisor II, Solid Waste & Recycling Department, was employed by the City on September 13th, 1993, and his pension service credit is effective on January 10th, 1994. His pension will be effective May 1 st, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $64,536.60 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Hannah's selection of the Single Life Annuity this pension benefit will be approximately $53,725.80 annually. John Kevin Insco, Police Sergeant, Police Department, was employed by the City on September 24th, 1990, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective April 1, 2024. Based on an average salary 6 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 of approximately $117,750.98 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Insco's selection of the 66 2/3% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 20% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $87,553.56 annually. Joseph Ruhlin, Police Officer, Police Department, was employed by the City on October 5th, 1992, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective May 1 st, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $103,834.85 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Ruhlin's selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $88,416.12 annually. Theroun Winston, Solid Waste Worker, Solid Waste & Recycling Department, was employed by the City on August 2nd, 1999, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective April 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $41,311.05 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Winston's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $27,940.68 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. 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. Hannah and Mr. Winston 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. Insco and Mr. Ruhlin have met the hazardous duty criteria. Member Smaha moved to recommend approval of the following request of employees Eric Hannah, Solid Waste and Recycling Department, John Kevin Insco, Police Department, Joseph Ruhlin, Police Department, and Theroun Winston, Solid Waste and Recycling Department, for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees' Pension Plan. The motion was duly seconded 7 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 and carried unanimously. 4.6 Approve the following request of Stephen Avise, Fire Department, Heath Brenner, Fire Department, Regina Dewitt, City Attorney's Office, Randy Foltz, Public Utilities Department, John Garakop, Solid Waste and Recycling Department, Carol McAnally, Police Department, Howard McChesney, Information Technology Department, Christian Schuele, Fire Department, and Laurie Sullivan, Library Department for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees' Pension Plan. Stephen Avise, Firefighter/Driver-Operator, Fire Department, was employed by the City on February 9th, 2004, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective March 1 st, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $83,837.32 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Avise's selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $31,777.44 annually. Heath Brenner, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Department, was employed by the City on February 9th, 2004, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective March 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $126,735.92 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Brenner's selection of the 50% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $49,771.08 annually. Regina Dewitt, Legal Office Administrator, City Attorney's Office, was employed by the City on November 27th, 1995, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective April 1 st, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $92,521.59 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Dewitt's selection of the 75% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $66,199.32 annually. Randy Foltz, Utilities Maintenance Supervisor, Public Utilities Department, was employed by the City on October 30th, 1995, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective March 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $67,237.22 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Foltz's selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 10% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $38,775.84 annually. John Garakop, Welder/Manufacturer, Solid Waste & Recycling Department, was employed by the City on November 28, 2005, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective May 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $53,367.67 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Garakop's selection of the 75% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $22,553.04 annually Carol McAnally, Police Records Specialist, Police Department, was 8 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 employed by the City on May 11, 1998, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective March 1 st, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $42,372.93 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. McAnally's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $30,070.08 annually. Howard McChesney, Senior Network Engineer, Information Technology Department, was employed by the City on June 12th, 1995, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective April 1, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $100,113.33 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. McChesney's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $79,289.76 annually. Christian Schuele, Fire Inspector, Fire Department, was employed by the City on March 10th, 2003, 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 $100,034.61 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Schuele's selection of the Single Life Annuity with the 20% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $46,234.20 annually. Laurie Sullivan, Library Assistant, Library Department, was employed by the City on May 19th, 2003, and her pension service credit is effective on August 21 st, 2006. Her pension will be effective May1 st, 2024. Based on an average salary of approximately $34,957.88 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Sullivan's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $16,994.40 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. Dewitt, Mr. Foltz, Mr. Garakop, Ms. McAnally, Mr. McChesney, and Ms. Sullivan 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. Avise, 9 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 Mr. Brenner, and Mr. Schuele have met the hazardous duty criteria. Member Smaha moved to recommend approval of the following request of Stephan Avise, Fire Department, Heath Brenner, Fire Department, Regina Dewitt, City Attorney's Office, Randy Foltz, Public Utilities Department, John Garakop, Solid Waste and Recycling Department, Carol McAnally, Police Department, Howard McChesney, Information Technology Department, Christian Schuele, Fire Department, and Laurie Sullivan, Library 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. 4.7 Discussion of Firefighter Cancer Presumption Law The City Attorney said Florida Statutes was amended to create an inclusive presumption for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The law requires the pension fund to assume a firefighter diagnosed with cancer and becomes totally and permanently disabled, is occupational in nature. It is up to each pension plan to administer the benefit. He said the best way for Clearwater to properly administer the benefit is to incorporate it into the PAC manual. In response to a question, he said the statute says the benefit is for firefighters and fire inspectors. There was consensus to have the City Attorney provide revisions to the manual at the next meeting. 4.8 Discussion of Fire MOU Member Sowers suggested to move this discussion to the next meeting when more members will be in attendance. Member Smaha moved to continue Item 4.8 to the next meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.9 Informal hearing for Jeremy Jenkins request for job-connected disability pension The City Attorney said he received a request from the applicant's attorney to continue the hearing as there are additional records as it relates to the IME report to be submitted. Member Smaha moved to continue Item 4.9 to the next meeting. The 10 City of Clearwater Pension Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 9, 2024 motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. Old Business Items: None. 6. Director's Report: None. 7. Board Members to be Heard: None. 8. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. Attest: Board Reporter City of Clearwater 11