02/02/2026 Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 2, 2026
1 :00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Pension Trustees
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair Bruce Rector, Trustee Ryan Cotton, Trustee Michael Mannino,
Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Daniel Slaughter—Assistant City
Manager, Al Battle —Assistant City Manager, David Margolis — City
Attorney, 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.
1. Call to Order— Chair Rector
The meeting was called to order at 1:01 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the December 1, 2025 Pension Trustees meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve the minutes of the December 1,
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 the new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan as listed.
Name/Job Classification/Department Pension
Eligibility Date
Keaton Anderson, Water Distribution Operator Trainee, Public Utilities 11/03/2025
Dennis Burnham, Solid Waste Equip. Oper., Solid Waste & Recycling 11/03/2025
Drew Corazza, Building Inspector I, Planning & Development 11/03/2025
Brandon Witt, Solid Waste Equip. Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling 11/03/2025
Gary Bisner, Skilled Tradesworker I, General Services 11/17/2025
Marilyn Browne, CRA Specialist, Community Redevelopment Agency 11/17/2025
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
rMichhae�I:Dkeffe�lice,
h Cowan, Police Property Clerk, Police Department 11/17/2025
ater Distribution Operator Trainee, Public Utilities11/17/2025
min Fernandez, Library Assistant I, Library 11/17/2025
on McGee, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste & Recycling 11/17/2025
Kyree Sellman, Neighborhoods Coordinator, Public Communications 11/17/2025
Gage Wilson, Parks Service Technician I, Public Utilities 11/17/2025
Joyelan Hmielewski, Public Info Coordinator I, Public Communications 12/01/2025
Andrew Hobbs, Code Inspector I, Planning & Development 12/01/2025
Miyah McClaney, Emergency Management Specialist, Fire Department 12/01/2025
Nikolai Lotov, Licensed Electrician, General Services 12/15/2025
Jacob Marra, Customer Service Rep I, Planning & Development 12/15/2025
LaDavion Martinez, Stormwater Technician I, Public Works 12/15/2025
Leila Reardon, Recreation Leader I, Parks & Recreation 12/15/2025
Raul Rivera, Solid Waste Serv. Supervisor II, Solid Waste & Recycling 12/15/2025
Christian Sutton, Solid Waste Worker I, Solid Waste &Recycling 12/15/2025
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve 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 Reynold Choo-Chew, Parks and Recreation
Department, Brian Dort, General Services Department, Keith McReynolds, Parks and
Recreation Department, and Sean Witherspoon, Police Department to vest their pension
as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees' Pension Plan.
Reynold Choo-Chew, Division Controller, Parks & Recreation Department, was
employed by the City on March 10, 2014, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. Mr. Choo-Chew terminated from city employment on
November 21, 2025.
Brian Dort, Licensed Electrician, General Services Department, was employed
by the City on November 13, 2007, and his pension service credit is effective on
that date. Mr. Dort terminated from city employment on July 30, 2025.
Keith McReynolds, Rec Facilities Supp. Custodian, Parks & Recreation
Department, was employed by the City on May 15, 2017, and his pension
service credit is effective on that date. Mr. McReynolds terminated from city
employment on November 12, 2025.
Sean Witherspoon, Police Service Technician, Police Department, was
employed by the City on July 19, 2010, and his pension service credit is
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
effective on that date. Mr. Witherspoon terminated from city employment on
November 19, 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. Choo-Chew will meet the
non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in May of 2029. Mr.
Dort will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in
March of 2033. Mr. McReynolds will meet the non-hazardous duty criteria and
begin collecting a pension in May of 2027. Mr. Witherspoon will meet the
non-hazardous duty criteria and begin collecting a pension in August of 2030.
Section 2.416 provides for normal retirement eligibility for hazardous duty
employees, a member shall be eligible for retirement following the earlier of the
date on which the participant has completed 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.
Trustee Mannino moved to approve the following request of
employees Reynold Choo-Chew, Parks and Recreation Department,
Brian Dort, General Services Department, Keith McReynolds, Parks
and Recreation Department, and Sean Witherspoon, Police
Department to vest their pension as provided by Section 2.419 of
the Employees' Pension Plan. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
4.3 Approve the following request of Nathan Ballouz, Fire Department, Thelma Catio, Parks
and Recreation Department, David Derrick, Police Department, Darrell Ford, Public
Works Department, Shawn Lawrentz, Fire Department, John Llauget, Parks and
Recreation Department, Frank McCormick, Solid Waste and Recycling Department,
Jennifer Pauley, Fire Department, Mark Plyler, Gas Department, John Savage, Fire
Department, Brian Schonborn, Fire Department, and Chris VanOpdorp, Fire Department
for a regular pension as provided by Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees'
Pension Plan.
Nathan Ballouz, Firefighter, Fire Department, was employed by the City on May
16, 1994, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension
will be effective January 1, 2026. Based on an average salary of approximately
$111,318.42 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular
pensions and Mr. Ballouz's selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this
pension benefit will be approximately $95,304.36 annually.
Thelma Catio, Recreation Leader II, Parks & Recreation Department, was
employed by the City on April 3,1995, and her pension service credit is effective
on December 17, 2001. Her pension will be effective March 1, 2026. Based on
an average salary of approximately $54,129.24 over the past five years, the
formula for computing regular pensions and Ms. Catio's selection of the Single
Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $36,018.84 annually.
David Derrick, Police Officer, 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, 2026.
Based on an average salary of approximately $111,356.69 over the past five
years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Derricks's selection
of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately
$83,690.88 annually.
Darrell Ford, Streets & Sidewalks Supervisor, Public Works Department, was
employed by the City on September 16, 1996, and his pension service credit is
effective on that date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2026. Based on
an average salary of approximately $70,195.68 over the past five years, the
formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Ford's selection of the 100%
Joint & Survivor Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $48,768.00
annually.
Shawn Lawrentz, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Department, was employed by the City
on October 31, 2005, and his pension service credit is effective on that date.
His pension will be effective January 1, 2026. Based on an average salary of
approximately $143,357.53 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. Lawrentz's selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor
Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be
approximately $54,232.92 annually.
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
John Llauget, Recreation Supervisor, Parks & Recreation Department, was
employed by the City on December 23, 1985, and his pension service credit is
effective on September 14, 1987. His pension will be effective January 1, 2026.
Based on an average salary of approximately $71,273.59 over the past five
years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. Llauget's selection of
the Single Life Annuity, this pension benefit will be approximately $71,273.64
annually.
Frank McCormick, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Solid Waste & Recycling
Department, was employed by the City on December 15, 2003, and his pension
service credit is effective on that date. His pension will be effective October 1,
2025. Based on an average salary of approximately $56,025.00 over the past
five years, the formula for computing regular pensions and Mr. McCormick's
selection of the Single Life Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension
benefit will be approximately $23,471.88 annually.
Jennifer Pauley, Fire Medic Lieutenant, Fire Department, was employed by the
City on May 7, 2001, and her pension service credit is effective on that date.
Her pension will be effective February 1, 2026. Based on an average salary of
approximately $141,770.18 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Ms. Pauley's selection of the 50% Joint & Survivor Annuity
with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately
$68,431.68 annually.
Mark Plyler, Gas Systems Specialist, Gas Department, was employed by the
City on May 28, 1996, and his pension service credit is effective on that date.
His pension will be effective June 1, 2026. Based on an average salary of
approximately $78,540.89 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. Plyer's selection of the Single Life Annuity, this
pension benefit will be approximately $64,808.28 annually.
John Savage, Firefighter, Fire Department, was employed by the City on March
10, 2003, and his pension service credit is effective on that date. His pension
will be effective February 1, 2026. Based on an average salary of approximately
$98,913.57 over the past five years, the formula for computing regular pensions
and Mr. Savage's selection of the 100% Joint & Survivor Annuity with the 30%
partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately $41,054.76 annually.
Brian Schonborn, Fire District Commander, Fire Department, was employed by
the City on December 12, 1994, and his pension service credit is effective on
that date. His pension will be effective February 1, 2026. Based on an average
salary of approximately $138,637.86 over the past five years, the formula for
computing regular pensions and Mr. Schonborn's selection of the 100% Joint &
Survivor Annuity with the 30% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be
approximately $81,687.12 annually.
Chris VanOpdorp, Driver-Operator, Fire Department, was employed by the City
on October 31, 2005, and his pension service credit is effective on that date.
His pension will be effective January 1, 2026. Based on an average salary of
approximately $99,304.46 over the past five years, the formula for computing
regular pensions and Mr. VanOpdorp's selection of the Joint & Survivor Annuity
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
with the 10% partial lump sum, this pension benefit will be approximately
$49,456.20 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. Ms. Catio, Mr. Ford, Mr. Llauget, Mr.
McCormick, and Mr. Plyler 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. Ballouz, Mr. Derrick, Mr.
Lawrentz, Ms. Pauley, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schonborn, and Mr. VanOpdorp have
met the hazardous duty criteria.
Trustee Cotton moved to approve the following request of Nathan
Ballouz, Fire Department, Thelma Catio, Parks and Recreation
Department, David Derrick, Police Department, Darrell Ford, Public
Works Department, Shawn Lawrentz, Fire Department, John
Llauget, Parks and Recreation Department, Frank McCormick, Solid
Waste and Recycling Department, Jennifer Pauley, Fire Department,
Mark Plyler, Gas Department, John Savage, Fire Department, Brian
Schonborn, Fire Department, and Chris VanOpdorp, Fire
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.
5. Director's Report - None.
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City of Clearwater
Pension Trustees
6. Adjourn
Attest
City Clerk
City of Clearwater
Meeting Minutes February 2, 2026
The meeting adjourned at 2:07p.m.
C.�
Ca
Chair
Employees' ension Plan Trustees
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