Loading...
08/18/2025Monday, August 18, 2025 1:00 PM City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Main Library - Council Chambers Pension Trustees Meeting Agenda August 18, 2025Pension Trustees Meeting Agenda 1. Call To Order 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the minutes of the June 2, 2025 Pension Trustees meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda 4. New Business Items 4.1 Legal services agreement relating to pension disability claims. 4.2 Approve pension plan administrative expenditures for fiscal year 2026 totaling not-to-exceed $443,800. 4.3 Approve Alan Ryan’s request for job-connected disability pension. 4.4 Approve Martin Vilimek’s request for job-connected disability pension. 4.5 Approve the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. 4.6 Approve the following request of employees Carlos Andres Cardenas, Planning and Development Department and Gail Shaloy, Finance Department, to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. 4.7 Approve the following request of Randy Barnoski, Public Utilities Department, Jeanne Blaettner, Finance Department, Jaime Cuervo-Garzon, General Services Department, Keith Farrington, General Services Department, and Natalia Illich-Hailey, Police Department for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. 5. Director's Report 6. Adjourn Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0145 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: MinutesIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 2.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the June 2, 2025 Pension Trustees meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 1 City of Clearwater City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Meeting Minutes Monday, June 2, 2025 1:00 PM Main Library - Council Chambers Pension Trustees Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 2 City of Clearwater Roll Call Present 4 - Trustee Ryan Cotton, Trustee Michael Mannino, Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira Absent 1 - Chair Bruce Rector Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier – City Manager, Daniel Slaughter – Assistant City Manager, David Margolis – City Attorney, Rosemarie Call – City Clerk, Nicole Sprague – Deputy City Clerk, and Tiffany Makras – Human Resources Director To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Unapproved 1. Call to Order – Chair Rector The meeting was called to order at 2:09 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the minutes of the April 14, 2025 Pension Trustees meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Trustee Mannino moved to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2025 Pension Trustees meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. 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 contract with the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(g) Legal, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The City of Clearwater Employees’ Pension Plan governs the payment of retirement benefits for City employees. In 2024, the City and labor unions agreed to a change in the disability process for members. Under the new process, the City Manager, after consideration of all relevant factors, may either enter a stipulated approval for an applicant’s disability retirement benefit or schedule an evidentiary hearing. If the City Manager enters into a stipulated approval, an agenda item shall be brought Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 3 City of Clearwater before the Pension Trustees confirming the stipulation. If the City Manager opts for an evidentiary hearing, the hearing shall be conducted by the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. The hearing officer shall review the application for a disability retirement, determine whether the claim meets the criteria for awarding a disability pension benefit, and issue a recommended order. The hearing officer shall then transmit the recommended order composed of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and disposition to the Pension Trustees. Due to the change in the disability process, this contract is needed to provide the City with the services of the hearing officers. The contract rate for services is $207.00 per hour plus expenses. The contract is for one year and renews automatically. The City Manager will execute the contract on behalf of the City. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funds are available in cost code 6467410-530100, Clearwater Employees’ Pension Plan, to fund this contract. Trustee Cotton moved to approve contract with the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(g) Legal, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.2 Approve the termination of fixed income money manager Manning and Napier and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Manning & Napier was hired as a large cap value money manager for the plan in December 2012. As of December 31, 2024, the market value of the plan’s investment in Manning & Napier’s large cap value product totaled $10.1 million, or 0.75% of the Plan’s total investment portfolio. Manning & Napier’s performance has declined in recent years, as detailed below. Over the past few years the committee has reduced the investment in Manning & Napier from in excess of $50 million to the current level of $10.1 million. The Pension Investment Committee unanimously recommended termination at their February 28, 2025, quarterly committee meeting. Performance versus benchmark index: Calendar 2024 Last 3 years Last 5 years Net of fees return 11.45% 5.70% 7.62% Benchmark index 14.37% 5.63% 8.68% Large Value percentile rank 75th 60th 81st Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 4 City of Clearwater Trustee Allbritton moved to approve the termination of fixed income money manager Manning and Napier and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.3 Approve Participation Agreement and Addendum with Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, for investment in the BNYM Newton NSL U.S. Dynamic Large Cap Value Fund, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. One of the plan’s large cap value money managers, Manning & Napier, has been recommended for termination by the pension plan’s pension investment committee. The City’s investment consultant, CapTrust Advisors, conducted a manager search for a replacement large cap value money manager. The pension investment committee reviewed the search results at the February 28, 2025, quarterly committee meeting and unanimously selected Newton Investment Management Group for recommendation to the Pension Trustees. The investment will be in Newton’s collective investment trust, BNYM Newton NSL U.S. Dynamic Large Cap Value Fund, for an initial investment of up to $50 million, or approximately 4% of the total plan investment portfolio. As December 31, 2024, the fund’s performance over the past five years has been as follows: Benchmark Performance Index Calendar 2024 16.95% 14.37% Last 3 years 11.32% 5.63% Last 5 years 14.16% 8.68% Investment manager fees will be 0.40% on all assets under management. The pension plan’s outside counsel, Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen and Levinson, has reviewed and approved the participation agreement and addendum for execution. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: 6467410-530100 $250,000 annually Trustee Mannino moved to approve Participation Agreement and Addendum with Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, for investment in the BNYM Newton NSL U.S. Dynamic Large Cap Value Fund, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 5 City of Clearwater same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.4 Accept the January 1, 2025 Annual Actuarial Valuation for the Employees’ Pension Plan. Per the actuarial valuation report dated January 1, 2025, a minimum City employer contribution of $8.34 million, or 7% of covered payroll, is required for fiscal year 2025. This is a decrease of approximately $7.9 million from the fiscal 2024 required contribution of $16.23 million, which represented 14.42% of covered payroll. This decrease is primarily due to the change in actuarial funding method from the Entry Age Normal Cost method to the Aggregate Cost Method. The actuarially required contribution was actually 6.15% of covered payroll ($7.3 million), however the minimum employer contribution per the pension ordinance is 7% of covered payroll. The breakout of the required contribution by group is as follows: Police $ 2,812,119 11.39% of covered payroll Fire $ 3,256,590 16.25% of covered payroll Non-public safety $ 2,269,743 3.05% of covered payroll Total $ 8,338,451 7.00% of covered payroll The calendar year 2024 investment return was 9.92%, versus an assumed rate of 6.50%. The five-year smoothed actuarial investment rate of return was 6.51% versus the 6.50% assumption. Calendar 2020 through 2024 investment returns were 15.12%, 12.90%, (-14.02%), 13.72%, and 9.92%, respectively. As stated above, the decrease in the required employer contribution is primarily due to the change in the funding method to the Aggregate Cost Method. Another significant assumption change was an update to the mortality assumptions used by the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Florida Statutes mandate that we use the mortality rates used in either of the last two published FRS valuation reports. We have elected to update to the mortality rates used in the July 1, 2024 FRS actuarial valuation. The change in the mortality assumption increased the required employer contribution by approximately $0.5 million. The plan experienced a net actuarial experience loss of $3.98 million for the year. The loss was primarily due to salary increases of 7.85% versus an expected increase of 5.74%; as well as mortality experience loss. Salary increases were impacted by additional FTE’s, promotions, and contractual salary increases. These losses were partially offset by investment returns in excess of the 6.5% assumption. This actuarial experience loss had no impact on the required employer `contribution but did decrease the funded ratio by approximately 0.4%. Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 6 City of Clearwater The plan’s funded ratio at January 1, 2025 was 110.02% (including the credit balance) versus 112.00% for the prior year. The actuarial value of assets exceeds the market value of assets by $12.4 million as of January 1, 2025. This difference will be a gradual “hit” to the plan over subsequent years, in the absence of offsetting gains. The plan’s credit balance, which reflects actual contributions in-excess of actuarially required contributions in prior years, increased from $38.14 million to $40.18 million during calendar 2024, primarily due to interest earned on the credit balance. This credit balance is available to subsidize volatile employer contribution requirements during future investment market downturns. Staff is recommending the annual use of the interest earnings on the credit balance (approx. $2.5 million) to reduce the required employer contribution for the foreseeable future, which would effectively maintain the credit balance at the current $40 million level. Gabriel Roeder Smith Actuary Pete Strong provided a PowerPoint presentation. Trustee Cotton moved to accept the January 1, 2025 Annual Actuarial Valuation for the Employees’ Pension Plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.5 Determine Trustees’ expected rate of return for pension plan investments for current year, each of the next several years, and for the long term thereafter, in accordance with Florida Statutes 112.661(9). Florida Statutes 112.661(9) requires an annual determination of expected rates of return by filed with the Florida Department of Management Services, with the plan’s sponsor, and with the consulting actuary. Staff is recommending the current plan investment rate of return assumptions of 6.5%, net of investment-related fees, as the expected annual rate of return for the current year; 6.5% for the next year; and 6.5% for all years thereafter. Trustee Allbritton moved to determine Trustees’ expected rate of return for pension plan investments for current year, each of the next several years, and for the long term thereafter, in accordance Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 7 City of Clearwater with Florida Statutes 112.661(9). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.6 Approve the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. Name/Job Classification/Department Pension Eligibility Date Tyler McKenna, Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities 12/30/2024 Petra Lara, Staff Assistant I, General Services 01/11/2025 Jay Albis, Police Officer, Police Department 01/13/2025 Joe Bay, Budget Analyst II, Finance Department 01/13/2025 Aly’ssa Brown, Police Officer, Police Department 01/13/2025 Daniel Copeland, Police Officer, Police Department 01/13/2025 Carlos Estrella, Police Officer, Police Department 01/13/2025 Benjamin Floyd, Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling 01/13/2025 Michael Gainer, Wastewater Treatment Plant Oper A, Public Utilities 01/13/2025 Edward Graham, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/13/2025 Daniel Hurd, Police Officer, Police Department 01/13/2025 Daniel Irwin, Police Officer, Police Department 01/13/2025 Kelsy Johnson, Recreation Specialist, Parks & Recreation 01/13/2025 Amanda Levicki, Police Service Tech, Police Department 01/13/2025 Megan McLaughlin, Executive Assistant, City Council 01/13/2025 Matthew Mulligan, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/13/2025 Justin Paulson, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/13/2025 Marissa Polencheck, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/13/2025 Patricio Tovar, Public Utilities Assistant Manager, Public Utilities 01/13/2025 Tommy Wright, Fleet Mechanic, General Services 01/13/2025 Daniel Zagone, Police Cadet, Police Department 01/13/2025 Devonte Hinton, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, Public Utilities 01/27/2025 Sheldon Kautz, Wastewater Treatment Plant Oper C, Public Utilities 01/27/2025 Marcus Mayfield, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling 01/27/2025 Ruben Rivera-Garcia, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling 01/27/2025 Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 8 City of Clearwater Aaron Shaw, Gas Technician I, Gas Department 01/27/2025 Jared Staudinger, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, Public Utilities 01/27/2025 Sarah Straker, Recreation Specialist, Parks & Recreation 01/27/2025 Daniel Terrell, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling 01/27/2025 Garret Chrissley, Human Resources Analyst I, Human Resources 02/10/2025 Dylan Dasopatis, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recyc. 02/10/2025 Welton Thomas, Solid Waste Service Supervisor II, Solid Waste & Recyc. 02/10/2025 Brian Ulbricht, CRA Specialist, Community Redevelopment Agency 02/10/2025 AND 4.7 Approve the following request of employees David Melton, Public Works Department and Kyle Vaughan, Public Works Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. David Melton, Stormwater/Heavy Equipment Operator, Public Works Department, was employed by the City on March 6, 2008, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Melton terminated from City employment on December 22, 2024. Kyle Vaughan, Engineering Specialist II, Public Works Department, was employed by the City on September 3, 2011, and his pension service credit is effective on January 16, 2012. Mr. Vaughan terminated from City employment on January 17, 2025. 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 55 years and completed 20 years of credited service; the date on which a participant has reached age 65 years and completed five years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed 30 years of service regardless of age. For non-hazardous duty employees hired on or after the effective date of this restatement, a member Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 9 City of Clearwater shall be eligible for retirement following the earlier of the date on which a participant has reached the age of 60 years and completed 25 years of credited service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of 65 years and completed five years of credited service. Mr. Melton will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in February of 2028. Mr. Vaughan will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in January of 2041. 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 20 years of credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has reached 55 years and completed 10 years of credited service. AND 4.8 Approve the following request of Perry Conzen, General Services Department, Nilda Espinosa, Planning & Development Department, Robert Orner, General Services Department, Maria Pita, Police Department, and Christian Zarra, Police Department, for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. Perry Conzen, Fleet Division Manager, General Services Department, was employed by the City on January 12, 2004, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective April 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $97,060.42 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Conzen’s selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $44,639.28 annually. Nilda Espinosa, Code Inspector I, Planning & Development Department, was employed by the City on May 8, 2000, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective February 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $55,602.10 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Espinosa’s selection of the 10 Year Certain and Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $34,734.36 annually. Robert Orner, Fleet Mechanic Supervisor, General Services Department, was employed by the City on September 24, 2012, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $63,846.74 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Orner’s selection of the 50% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $17,997.48 annually. Maria Pita, Police Officer, Police Department, was employed by the City on Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 10 City of Clearwater October 25, 2010, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective February 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $92,885.74 over the past five years, the formula for computing early retirement pensions and Ms. Pita’s selection of the 50% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $28,579.92 annually. Christian Zarra, Police Sergeant, Police Department, was employed by the City on July 21, 1997, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $147,006.17 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Zarra’s selection of the Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $78,380.52 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 55 years and completed 20 years of credited service; the date on which a participant has reached age 65 years and completed five years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed 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 60 years and completed 25 years of credited service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of 65 years and completed five years of credited service. Mr. Conzen, Ms. Espinosa, and Mr. Orner 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 20 years of credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has reached 55 years and completed ten years of credited service. Ms. Pita and Mr. Zarra have met the hazardous duty criteria. AND 4.9 Approve the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. Name/Job Classification/Department Pension Eligibility Date Jeffrey May, Skilled Tradesworker I, General Support Services 02/24/2025 Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 11 City of Clearwater Nathanael Tayman, Traffic Signal Tech I, Public Works 02/24/2025 Christopher Powell, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 02/24/2025 Andrew Vanderlick, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 02/24/2025 Roger Costello, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 02/24/2025 Robert Simpson, Public Info Coordinator I, Public Communications 02/24/2025 Terry Dawson, Solid Waste Equipment Oper, Solid Waste & Recycling 02/24/2025 Keyth Hooton, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 02/22/2025 Michael Deatherage, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 03/08/2025 Catherine Reese, Code Inspector I, Planning & Development 03/10/2025 Jeffrey Payne, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 03/10/2025 Michelle Mack, Contracts & Procurement Specialist, Public Utilities 03/10/2025 Spencer Fortmuller, Gas Tech Apprentice, Gas System 03/10/2025 John Turley, Gas Tech Apprentice, Gas System 03/10/2025 Dylan Whitaker, Gas Tech Apprentice, Gas System 03/10/2025 Madison Perry, Police Officer, Police Department 03/10/2025 Gregg Kunz, Gas System Specialist, Gas System 03/24/2025 Scott Davidson, Warehouse Supervisor, General Support Services 03/24/2025 Brian Cservak, Fleet Mechanic, General Support Services 03/24/2025 Leanne Hallam, Human Resources Analyst I, Human Resources 03/24/2025 Rhonda Hooks, Staff Assistant II, Information Technology 03/24/2025 Matthew Pego, Network Analyst I, Information Technology 03/24/2025 Alexis Schroepfer, Police Cadet, Police Department 03/24/2025 Amoy Nelson, Police Cadet, Police Department 03/24/2025 Genesis Rodriguez, Police Cadet, Police Department 03/24/2025 Dylan Flora, Police Cadet, Police Department 03/24/2025 Mason Spino, Police Cadet, Police Department 03/24/2025 Quinn Blauvelt, Survey Assistant I, Public Works 03/24/2025 Atley Acker, Survey Assistant I, Public Works 03/24/2025 Bradford Hardbarger, Solid Waste Equip.Oper, Solid Waste & Recyc. 03/24/2025 Jeffrey May, Skilled Tradesworker I, General Support Services 02/24/2025 AND 4.10 Approve the following request of employees Leviticus McKinnon, Parks and Recreation Department, Shirlene Spata, Police Department, and Miguel Tambucho, Fire Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. Leviticus McKinnon, Parks Service Technician II, Parks & Recreation Department, was employed by the City on April 22, 2013, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. McKinnon terminated from city employment on April 21, 2025. Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 12 City of Clearwater Shirlene Spata, Payroll Technician, Police Department, was employed by the City on October 6, 2014, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Ms. Spata terminated from city employment on April 2, 2025. Miguel Tambucho, Beach Lifeguard, Fire Department, was employed by the City on December 10, 2007, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Tambucho went to a part-time position January 27, 2024. 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 55 years and completed 20 years of credited service; the date on which a participant has reached age 65 years and completed five years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed 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 60 years and completed 25 years of credited service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of 65 years and completed five years of credited service. Mr. McKinnon will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in October of 2037. Ms. Spata will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in November of 2026. Mr. Tambucho will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in January of 2028. 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 20 years of credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has reached 55 years and completed ten years of credited service. AND 4.11 Approve the following request of Alfred Basore, Parks and Recreation Department, David Bell, Parks and Recreation Department, Matthew Daerr, Fire Department, Peter Gushee, Fire Department, Lawrence Labus, Parks and Recreation Department, Thomas Mahony, Public Works Department, Daniel O’Brien, Police Department, and Stephanie Sansom, Public Works Department for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 13 City of Clearwater Alfred Basore, Senior Parks Service Technician, Parks & Recreation Department, was employed by the City on November 8, 1999, and his pension service credit is effective on June 28, 2000. His pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $47,572.66 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Basore’s selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $32,499.12 annually. David Bell, Custodial Worker, Parks & Recreation Department, was employed by the City on March 25, 2002, and his pension service credit is effective on July 8, 2006. His pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $39,292.31 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Bell’s selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $16,835.76 annually. Matthew Daerr, Fire District Commander, Fire Department, was employed by the City on October 4, 1999, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $131,821.97 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Daerr’s selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $63,488.52 annually. Peter Gushee, Fire Training Officer, Fire Department, was employed by the City on February 9, 2004, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective June 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $114,712.27 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Gushee’s selection of the Single Life Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $47,466.00 annually. Lawrence Labus, Parks Service Technician III, Parks & Recreation Department, was employed by the City on April 14, 1981, and his pension service credit is effective on April 10, 1999. His pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $48,562.47 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Labus’ selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $34,722.12 annually. Thomas Mahony, City Surveyor/ GIS Division Manager, Public Works Department, was employed by the City on April 22, 1991, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $112,602.02 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Mahony’s selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $89,658.00 annually. Daniel O’Brien, Police Officer, Police Department, was employed by the City on October 4, 2004, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 14 City of Clearwater pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $104,696.23 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. O’ Brien’s selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $57,771.72 annually. Stephanie Sansom, Division Controller, Public Works Department, was employed by the City on March 25, 2002, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $85,493.04 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Sansom’s selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $54,185.40 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 55 years and completed 20 years of credited service; the date on which a participant has reached age 65 years and completed five years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed 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 60 years and completed 25 years of credited service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of 65 years and completed five years of credited service. Mr. Basore, Mr. Bell, Mr. Labus, Mr. Mahony, and Ms. Sansom 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 20 years of credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has reached 55 years and completed ten years of credited service. Mr. Daerr, Mr. Gushee, and Mr. O’Brien have met the hazardous duty criteria. Trustee Mannino moved to approve Items 4.6 through 4.11. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Draft Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Page 15 City of Clearwater 5. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 2:24 p.m. Chair Employees’ Pension Plan Trustees Attest City Clerk Draft Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0706 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Legal services agreement relating to pension disability claims. SUMMARY: Pursuant to recent negotiations with FOP and IAFF, the City has updated the process for resolving pension disability claims. The new process requires a legal evaluation of the merits of the application, which will be provided to the City Manager as a non-binding recommendation. The City’s long-time worker’s compensation attorney, Mark Hungate, has agreed to provide this service for the City. Assigning these cases to Mr. Hungate will promote efficiency because the vast majority of pension disability claims also dovetail with worker’s compensation. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funding for this agreement is available in cost code 6467410-530100 Professional Services, funded by the employee pension fund. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 1 LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is made on the ______ day of __________________, 2025 by and between the CITY OF CLEARWATER PENSION TRUSTEES (hereafter ‘TRUSTEES’) and the law firm of BANKER, LOPEZ, GASSLER P.A., 360 Central Avenue – Suite 700, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS the TRUSTEES wish to retain a law firm to serve as outside Counsel to evaluate, advise, and defend disability pension claims when requested by the City Manager or City Attorney. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows: SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED AS COUNSEL. Counsel is hereby authorized to provide services as described in this Agreement and for the professional fees described in this Agreement. SECTION 2. SCOPE OF SERVICES. Counsel hereby agrees to provide its professional services in connection with defense of pension claims as assigned by the Pension Advisory Committee. SECTION 3. PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR SERVICES. The City and Counsel agree to a rate of $300.00 per hour for legal services performed by Mark E. Hungate, Esq., or for other shareholder level attorneys within the firm, $200.00 per hour for legal services by associate attorneys, and $125.00 for paralegal services. The TRUSTEES and Counsel agree these rates automatically increase to $350.00 per hour for legal services performed by Mark E. Hungate, Esq., or for other shareholder level attorneys within the firm, $225.00 per hour for legal services by associate attorneys and $135.00 for paralegal services effective January 1, 2027. Otherwise, rates are subject to increase within the term of this agreement by mutual written agreement between Counsel and the TRUSTEES and it is agreed between the parties that a rate increase need not require execution of a new agreement. It is agreed that the hourly rate will be paid during attorneys’ travel time when travel is required during representation of the TRUSTEES under this agreement. SECTION 4. TERM. This Agreement will be effective from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. SECTION 5. COMPENSABLE EXPENSES. Reimbursement of expenses shall be made by the City to the firm for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as determined by the City Attorney, without markup, including but not limited to long distance calls and facsimiles, copying or reproducing documents, postage, court costs, parking costs and travel incurred by Counsel in performance of the duties hereunder. Travel and per diem costs as well as auto travel expenses shall not exceed that which is available to City of Clearwater employees. SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE. Counsel agrees to protect, defend, indemnity and hold the City and its officers, employees and agents free and harmless from and against any and all losses, penalties, damages, settlements, costs, charges, professional fees or other expenses or liabilities of every kind and character arising out of or due to any negligent act or omission of Counsel or its employees in connection with or arising directly or indirectly out of this Agreement and/or the 2 performance hereof. Without limiting its liability under this Agreement, Counsel shall procure and maintain during the life of this Agreement professional liability insurance in an amount in excess of $1,000,000. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement. SECTION 7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. It is understood by the TRUSTEES and Counsel that Counsel is not aware of any clients of the firm that currently present any conflict between the interests of the TRUSTEES and other clients of Counsel. If any potential conflict of interest arises during the time Counsel is representing the TRUSTEES, Counsel will promptly inform the City Attorney. The TRUSTEES are under no obligation to agree to permit the conflict representation. SECTION 8. CONSTRUCTION AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing duly entered into by the TRUSTEES and Counsel. SECTION 9. CANCELLATION OF AGREEMENT. The TRUSTEES or Counsel may cancel or terminate this Agreement upon Sixty (60) days advance written notice. In the event of cancellation, Counsel shall immediately cease work hereunder and shall be reimbursed for eligible and documented reimbursable fees and expenses incurred prior to the date of cancellation. Further, it is understood and agreed between the TRUSTEES and Counsel that Mark E. Hungate, Esquire, will be the lead attorney assigned by the firm to provide the services contained herein. The TRUSTEES in their absolute discretion may immediately terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the firm if the services of this attorney are unavailable to the TRUSTEES. SECTION 10. ATTORNEY’S FEES. In the event that either party seeks to enforce this Agreement through attorneys at law, then the parties agree that each party shall bear its own costs and attorney’s fees and that jurisdiction for such an action shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction in Pinellas County, Florida. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City, an authorized representative of the City of Clearwater Pension Trustees and outside Counsel have all executed this Agreement as of the date first written above. Countersigned: CITY OF CLEARWATER PENSION TRUSTEES ______________________________ By: _______________________________ The Honorable Bruce Rector Mayor Approved as to form: Attest: ______________________________ ______________________________________ David Margolis, Esq. Rosemarie Call City Attorney City Clerk BANKER LOPEZ GASSLER P.A. By: ________________________________ Mark E. Hungate, Esq. 3 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0744 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.2 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve pension plan administrative expenditures for fiscal year 2026 totaling not-to-exceed $443,800. SUMMARY: The Employees’ Pension Plan does not have a legally required budget. However, all expenditures must be approved by the Trustees. The following are routine administrative expenditures that staff is requesting approval of for administrative efficiency. The recommended expenditures for fiscal year 2026 reflect a $73,900, or 20.0%, increase over the approved fiscal 2025 expenditures. This net increase is primarily due to a $60,000 increase in the budget for pension attorney services, resulting from the new practice of using State special hearing officers for the review of disability claims. Training and travel are the estimated costs of pension training and related travel, including fiduciary training for the Trustees and Pension Advisory Committee (PAC) members. This is a not-to-exceed amount given uncertainty regarding the number of Trustees and PAC members that may elect to pursue training. Expenditures for physicals are per the pension ordinance requirement that new employees must pass a comprehensive physical exam to be accepted into the pension plan. Reimbursements to the General Fund and Central Insurance Fund are for the cost of oversight and administration of the Plan. The reimbursements are for services provided by Human Resources, Payroll, and Finance personnel, along with related operating expenditures. The firm of Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen and Levinson currently serves as the Plan’s pension attorneys, while the firm of Banker, Lopez, Gassler currently provides legal services for PAC disability pension claims. The pension plan has recently contracted with the State of Florida Division of Administrative Hearings to provide hearing officers for the review of disability pension applications and issuance of recommended orders. Annual attorney fees also include medical bills for medical services authorized by the PAC. Money manager, performance measurement consulting, custodial/safekeeping, and actuary fees (other than actuary hourly consulting and special projects) are all governed by contracts separately approved by the Trustees, and are not included in this agenda item total. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: 6467410-5xxxxx (various pension plan expenditure codes) STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Attract and retain top-quality personnel through the maintenance of a competitive compensation and benefits program. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Description FY 2026 FY 2025 Increase/ (Decrease) % Increase/ Decrease 543400 Printing & binding 600$ 600$ -$ 0.0% 542500 Postage 100 100 - 0.0% 557100 Memberships 400 400 - 0.0% 548000 Misc 100 100 - 0.0% 557300 Training 4,000 4,000 - 0.0% 547200 Travel expense 3,000 3,000 - 0.0% 521500 Physicals 57,500 52,100 5,400 10.4% 590200 Reimbursement to General Fund/Central Ins. Fund (Human Resources)54,200 55,000 (800) -1.5% 590200 Reimbursement to General Fund (Accounting & Finance)26,500 24,700 1,800 7.3% 590200 Reimbursement to General Fund (Payroll & IT)116,700 110,300 6,400 5.8% 530100 Pension attorney 150,000 90,000 60,000 66.7% 530100 Annual software license - GRS benefit calculator 2,700 2,600 100 3.8% 530100 Consulting fees - pension buy-backs and other 28,000 27,000 1,000 3.7% Totals 443,800$ 369,900$ 73,900$ 20.0% General Fund Reimbursement HR 34,800$ 36,500$ (1,700)$ -4.7% Acctg Finance 26,500 24,700 1,800 7.3%Payroll IT 116,700 110,300 6,400 5.8% General Fund Totals 178,000$ 171,500$ 6,500$ 3.8% Central Insurance Fund Reimbursement - HR 19,400$ 18,500$ 900$ 4.9% Combined General Fund and Central Insurance Fund HR 54,200$ 55,000$ (800)$ -1.5% Acctg Finance 26,500 24,700 1,800 7.3% Payroll IT 116,700 110,300 6,400 5.8%197,400$ 190,000$ 7,400$ 3.9% City of Clearwater Employees' Pension Plan Administrative Expenditures Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0753 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.3 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: . Approve Alan Ryan’s request for job-connected disability pension. SUMMARY: The City of Clearwater Employees’ Pension Plan governs the payment of retirement benefits for City employees. Employees may receive a disability retirement benefit if their claim meets the criteria as set forth in Clearwater Ordinance Section 2.418. In February of 2025, now-former employee Alan Ryan applied for a disability retirement benefit. In accordance with Section 2.418(8), the City Manager, after consideration of all relevant factors, recommends approval for Mr. Ryan’s disability retirement benefit. This agenda item seeks approval from the Pension Trustees for Mr. Ryan’s disability retirement benefit. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:N/A Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0754 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.4 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: . Approve Martin Vilimek’s request for job-connected disability pension. SUMMARY: The City of Clearwater Employees’ Pension Plan governs the payment of retirement benefits for City employees. Employees may receive a disability retirement benefit if their claim meets the criteria as set forth in Clearwater Ordinance Section 2.418. In March 2025, now-former employee Martin Vilimek applied for a disability retirement benefit. In accordance with Section 2.418(8), the City Manager, after consideration of all relevant factors, recommends approval for Mr. Vilimek’s disability retirement benefit. This agenda item seeks approval from the Pension Trustees for Mr. Vilimek’s disability retirement benefit. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0545 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 2 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.5 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. SUMMARY: Name/ Job Classification/ Department Pension Eligibility Date Bethany Walker, Beach Lifeguard I, Fire Department 04/05/2025 Tyler Baldwin, Skilled Tradesworker I, General Support Services 04/07/2025 Reid Ito, Code Inspector I, Planning & Development 04/07/2025 Tyrone McIntosh, Streets & Sidewalks Tech I, Public Works 04/07/2025 Kyle Murrell, Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities 04/07/2025 Joshua Doria, Beach Lifeguard I, Fire Department 04/19/2025 Milan Franko, Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities 04/21/2025 Andy Liz, Utilities Mechanic, Public Utilities 04/21/2025 Gregory Penney, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 04/21/2025 Ava Schmidt, Planner II, Planning & Development 04/21/2025 Damond Sears, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling 04/21/2025 Leand Skenderasi, Engineering Specialist III, Public Works 04/21/2025 Eric Truitt, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling 04/21/2025 Alexander Bennett, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 05/05/2025 Joshua Holloran, Payroll Tech I, Solid Waste & Recycling 05/05/2025 Nathaniel Jozefik, Engineering Specialist II, Public Works 05/05/2025 Alexis Moore, Wstwtr Trtment Plant Oper Trainee, Public Utilities 05/05/2025 James Spears, Parks Service Technician I, Parks & Recreation 05/05/2025 Reinaldo Hernandez Jr, CAD & GIS Technician II, Gas System 05/19/2025 Erica Moody, Payroll Tech I, Police Department 05/19/2025 Charles Stokes, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Wyatt Henry, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Kelloch Smith, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Chancellor Kelly, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Caroline Osburn, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Rami Serrai, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Dexter Humphreys, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Logan Short, Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 File Number: ID#25-0545 Raymond Ligon. Firefighter, Fire Department 06/02/2025 Tre Furious Sanders, Streets & Sidewalks Tech II, Public Works 06/02/2025 Brian Berg, Gas Technician II, Gas System 06/02/2025 Devin Cushnie, Water Distribution Trainee, Public Utilities 06/02/2025 Steven Tikkanen, Water Distribution Trainee, Public Utilities 06/02/2025 Zachary Smith, Development Review Tech II, Planning & Development 06/02/2025 Morgan Baldino, Pool Lifeguard, Parks & Recreation 06/02/2025 APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Interoffice Correspondence Sheet TO: Pension Advisory Committee FROM: Tiffany Makras, Human Resources Director SUBJECT: Recommendation for Acceptance into Pension Plan DATE: July 10, 2025 Subject/Recommendation: Recommend approval of the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed. Name Job Classification Department Pension Eligibility Date Bethany Walker Beach Lifeguard I Fire Department 04/05/2025 Tyler Baldwin Skilled Tradesworker I General Support Services 04/07/2025 Reid Ito Code Inspector I Planning & Development 04/07/2025 Tyrone McIntosh Streets & Sidewalks Tech I Public Works 04/07/2025 Kyle Murrell Utilities Mechanic Public Utilities 04/07/2025 Joshua Doria Beach Lifeguard I Fire Department 04/19/2025 Milan Franko Utilities Mechanic Public Utilities 04/21/2025 Andy Liz Utilities Mechanic Public Utilities 04/21/2025 Gregory Penney Parks Service Technician I Parks & Recreation 04/21/2025 Ava Schmidt Planner II Planning & Development 04/21/2025 Damond Sears Solid Waste Worker I Solid Waste & Recycling 04/21/2025 Leand Skenderasi Engineering Specialist III Public Works 04/21/2025 Eric Truitt Solid Waste Worker I Solid Waste & Recycling 04/21/2025 Alexander Bennett Parks Service Technician I Parks & Recreation 05/05/2025 Joshua Holloran Payroll Tech I Solid Waste & Recycling 05/05/2025 Nathaniel Jozefik Engineering Specialist II Public Works 05/05/2025 Alexis Moore Wstwtr Trtment Plant Oper Trainee Public Utilities 05/05/2025 James Spears Parks Service Technician I Parks & Recreation 05/05/2025 Reinaldo Hernandez Jr CAD & GIS Technician II Gas System 05/19/2025 Erica Moody Payroll Tech I Police Department 05/19/2025 Charles Stokes Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Wyatt Henry Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Kelloch Smith Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Chancellor Kelly Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Caroline Osburn Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Rami Serrai Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Dexter Humphreys Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Logan Short Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Raymond Ligon Firefighter Fire Department 06/02/2025 Tre Furious Sanders Streets & Sidewalks Tech II Public Works 06/02/2025 Brian Berg Gas Technician II Gas System 06/02/2025 Devin Cushnie Water Distribution Trainee Public Utilities 06/02/2025 Steven Tikkanen Water Distribution Trainee Public Utilities 06/02/2025 Zachary Smith Development Review Tech II Planning & Development 06/02/2025 Morgan Baldino Pool Lifeguard Parks & Recreation 06/02/2025 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0546 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 2 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.6 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the following request of employees Carlos Andres Cardenas, Planning and Development Department and Gail Shaloy, Finance Department, to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. SUMMARY: Carlos Andres Cardenas, Electrical Inspector, Planning & Development Department, was employed by the City on October 8, 2012, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. Mr. Cardenas terminated from City employment on March 7, 2025. Gail Shaloy, Accountant II, Finance Department, was employed by the City on October 1, 2018, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Ms. Shaloy terminated from City employment on May 30, 2025. 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 55 years and completed 20 years of credited service; the date on which a participant has reached age 65 years and completed five years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed 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 60 years and completed 25 years of credited service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of 65 years and completed five years of credited service. Mr. Cardenas will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in November of 2032. Ms. Shaloy will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension on February 1, 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 20 years of credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has reached 55 years and completed ten years of credited service. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 File Number: ID#25-0546 USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#25-0547 Agenda Date: 8/18/2025 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 2 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Pension Trustees Agenda Number: 4.7 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the following request of Randy Barnoski, Public Utilities Department, Jeanne Blaettner, Finance Department, Jaime Cuervo-Garzon, General Services Department, Keith Farrington, General Services Department, and Natalia Illich-Hailey, Police Department for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. SUMMARY: Randy Barnoski, Lead Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Public Utilities Department, was employed by the City on March 20, 1995, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective June 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $69,664.66 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr . Barnoski’s selection of the 75% Joint and Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $48,647.88 annually. Jeanne Blaettner, Accounting Technician II, Finance Department, was employed by the City on September 23, 2013, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective July 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $45,702.06 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Blaettner’ s selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $11,379.12 annually. Jaime Cuervo-Garzon, Skilled Tradesworker II, General Services Department, was employed by the City on July 12, 2004, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective August 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $51,181.39 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr . Cuervo-Garzon’s selection of the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $29,557.32 annually. Keith Farrington, Electrical Supervisor, General Services Department, was employed by the City on August 8, 2016, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective June 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $59,604.26 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Farrington’s selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $6,542.28 annually. Natalia Illich-Hailey, Police Major, Police Department, was employed by the City on November 1, 2004, and her pension service credit is effective on that date. Her pension will be effective May 1, 2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $145,997.82 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Illich-Hailey’s selection of the 100% Joint and Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025 File Number: ID#25-0547 approximately $56,710.80 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 55 years and completed 20 years of credited service; the date on which a participant has reached age 65 years and completed five years of credited service; or the date on which a member has completed 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 60 years and completed 25 years of credited service; or the date on which a participant has reached the age of 65 years and completed five years of credited service. Mr. Barnoski, Ms. Blaettner, Mr. Cuervo- Garzon, and Mr. Farrington 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 20 years of credited service regardless of age, or the date on which the participant has reached 55 years and completed ten years of credited service. Ms. Illich-Hailey has met the hazardous duty criteria. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 8/15/2025