CITY OF KNOXVILLE PENSION BOARD

MINUTES

August 12, 2004

8:15 A.M.

917B E. 5TH AVENUE

 

 

 

 

 

The regular meeting of the City of Knoxville Pension Board was held in the Pension Board Conference Room, 917 E. 5th Avenue at 8:15 a.m. on August 12, 2004.

 

Present were:  Mayor Bill Haslam, Mr. Kent Bates, Mr. Scott Calloway, Ms. Brenda Hankins, Mr. Buddy Harrell, Mr. Christopher Kinney, Ms. Carol Mahler, Ms. Barbara Pelot, Attorney C.C. “Bud” Gilbert and Mr. Michael Cherry.

 

Also present:  Mr. Dan Holmes, Summit Strategies; Mr. Carl Zangardi, Enhanced Investment Technologies (INTECH); Mr. Christopher B. Cowie, Silchester International Investors; Mr. Fred Hunter, retired Fire Department, Plan F member; Mr. Norman Rickman, Knoxville Police Department Officer and Police Benevolence Association representative.

 

CALL TO ORDER:

            Mr. Bates presided and called the meeting to order at 8:17 a.m.

 

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR July 8, 2004

Motion:  Mr. Harrell made a motion to approve the July 8, 2004 meeting minutes.  Mr. Kinney seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

APPROVAL OF REVISED AGENDA:  Exhibit 1

 

            The Revised Agenda was adopted without objection.

 

CONTRACTS:

            Principal Financial Group

 

Mr. Cherry and Attorney Gilbert updated the Board on the contract with Principal Financial Group, the new real estate money manager.  Attorney Gilbert was reviewing some sample “side agreement” letters other public pension plans have used to determine if numerous required provisions of our standard money manager agreement may be incorporated into a final agreement with Principal. Mr. Gilbert advised the Board that an agreement would be with the Principal Life Insurance Company rather than the Principal Real Estate Group which acts as a sub-advisor to the life insurance company. Mr. Gilbert had requested Mr. Holmes to assist in gathering financial information on the life insurance company. In addition Mr. Holmes will discuss with Principal the exact legal status of our funds in the case of a bankruptcy filing by the insurance company.

           

            State Street Contract

 

Mr. Cherry advised the Board that the contract with the Board’s present trustee, State Street, will expire December 31, 2004.  Mr. Cherry has spoken with Mr. Holmes and his firm is in the process of finalizing a Request for Proposal document to forward to various custodian firms. The proposed schedule is to have responses back and reviewed by the end of September.  Mr. Kinney requested that a spreadsheet be presented to the Board at that time, listing the various candidates and their services and fees.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: 

 

            RREEF Fund Transfer

 

Mr. Cherry informed the Board that the final demand letter from RREEF had been received for a transfer of $2,200,000.00 to be made on August 16, 2004.  This completes the funding of our initial commitment for $25,000,000.

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS:  None

 

ATTORNEY COMMENTS: 

 

Re-employment of Retired Member – Administrative Rules - Exhibit 2

 

Attorney Gilbert distributed to the Board handouts of proposed rules for calculating pension benefits for reemployed retirees with changes that resulted from discussions with the actuary, Alan Pennington. 

 

Mayor Haslam arrived at 8:39 a.m. and presided

 

Ms. Mahler requested the rules be modified to insure anyone who is disabled in the line of duty during the reemployment would be eligible to receive the higher of the disability benefit or the original benefit increased by any subsequent increases during the reemployment period. After a lengthy discussion of the proposed rules by the Board the following motion was made:

 

Motion:  Mr. Calloway made a motion to adopt the policy for calculating benefits for reemployed retirees as presented with the addition of a provision for calculating disability benefits which Attorney Gilbert would prepare.  Ms. Pelot seconded the motion.  The motion passed with a majority vote of 4 to 3.  Mr. Bates, Mr. Harrell and Mr. Kinney voted no.


 

ENROLLMENTS:

 

The following General Government employees have filed applications to become members of the Plan G1 pension system.

 

            Joseph Bailey

            Robert D. Becker

            Janet C. McGaha

            Marilyn L. Roddy

            Christopher Woodhull

 

Motion:  Ms. Mahler made a motion to approve these applications for enrollment in the Plan G1 pension system.  Ms. Pelot seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

WITHDRAWALS:

The following employee(s) have filed applications to withdraw employee pension contributions plus 4% interest and the supplemental retirement account as applicable in Plan G Option 1.

 

Harry Backhurst, General Government Plan G-1 – Non-vested

Matt B. Black, General Government Plan G-1 – Non-vested

James W. Cox, General Government Plan G-1 – Non-vested

Sophia Dardy, General Government Plan G-1 – Non-vested

Clarence Flemmings, General Government Plan G-1 – Non-vested

Michael A. Greene, General Government Plan G-2 – Vested

Clinton Wade Ketron, General Government Plan G-1 - Vested

Steven E. Roberts, General Government Plan G-1 –Vested (supplemental retirement account only)

Marie Sims, General Government Plan G-1 – Non-vested

Derek H. Weller, Police Department Plan C – Vested

Nathaniel L. Young, Police Department Plan C - Vested

 

Motion:  Mr. Harrell made a motion to approve these applications for withdrawal of employee contributions.  Mr. Bates seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

           

APPEALS:  None

 

Mr. Kinney left at 9:25 a.m.

 

RETIREMENTS:

 

APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT:  PLAN A

CHARTER SECTION 1360.12

 

            David E. Thomas, Schools Non-Certified                          Option B-11

                                                                                                            10 Years Certain & Life

            Date of birth, March 18, 1938:  66 years of age

            Total credited service:  39 years (City & County combined)

            Average base earnings for 3 years, $400.00 x .88% = $3.52

            Average excess earnings for 3 years, $3,402.73 x 1.76% = $59.89

            making a total of $62.69 benefit per year of service.  $63.41 x 39 =

            $2,472.99.  Total benefit

              1,164.56    minus County benefit =

  1,308.43    Mr. Thomas chose Option B-11 – 10 years certain & life to Linda & Carla Thomas.  $1,308.43 x .9359 =

            $1,224.56 pension effective August 1, 2004.

 

Motion:  Ms. Hankins made a motion to approve this application for retirement payable under Option B-11.  Ms. Mahler seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

            Charlenia E. Wilson, Schools Certified                              No Option

            Date of birth, March 30, 1042:  62 years of age

            Total City credited service:  20 years 8 months

            Total County credited service:  17 years

            Total credited service:  37 years 8 months

            Last date of employment with City:  June 1987

            Last date of employment with County:  June 2004

            Average base earnings for 4 years, $400.00 x 75% = $3.00

            Average excess earnings for 4 years, $1,551.61 x 1.50% = $23.27

            making a total of $26.27 benefit per year of service.  $26.27 x 20.6667 =

            $542.91 pension effective July 1, 2004

 

            The City benefit payment is determined using City only salaries and City Service time.

            The City benefit does not include any County service.

            The total amount of the combined City & County benefit is $2,125.91.

 

Motion:  Ms. Hankins made a motion to approve this application for retirement.   Ms. Mahler seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR EARLY RETIREMENT:  PLAN A

CHARTER SECTION 1360.17

 

            Martha S. Bibee, Schools Certified                                    No Option

Date of birth, October 22, 1944:  59 years of age

Total City credited service:  21 years

Total County credited service:  17 years

Total credited service:  38 years

Last date of employment with City:  June 1987

Last date of employment with County:  May 2004

Average base earnings for 4 years, $400.00 x 75% = $3.00

Average excess earnings for 4 years, $1,378.12 x 1.50% = $20.67

Making a total of $23.67 benefit per year of service.  $23.67 x 21 =

$497.07 x ER Factor .8250 =

$410.08 pension effective June 1, 2004.

 

The City benefit payment is determined using City only salaries and City service time. 

The City benefit does not include any County service.

The total amount of the combined City and County benefit is $1,573.45.

 

25 years required for Early retirement.  Supreme Court ruling entitles retiree to combine City & County credited service.

 

Motion:  Mr. Harrell made a motion to approve this application for early retirement.  Ms. Hankins seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

John W. Stooksbury, Schools Certified                              Option A-6

                                                                                                100% without reinstatement

Date of birth, January 28, 1949:  55 years of age

Total City credited service:  13 years

Total County credited service:  16 years 7 months

Total credited service:  29 years 7 months

Last date of employment with City:  June 1987

Last date of employment with County:  December 2003

Average base earnings for 4 years, $400.00 x 75% = $3.00

Average excess earnings for 4 years, $2,271.86 x 1.50% = $34.08

making a total of $37.08 benefit per year of service.  $37.08 x 13 =

$482.04 x ER Factor .5726 =

$276.02.  Mr. Stooksbury chose Option A-6 – 100% without reinstatement to Cynthia Sue Stooksbury, spouse.  $276.02 x .8548 =

$235.94 pension effective August 1, 2004.

 

The City benefit payment is determined using City only salaries and City service time. 

The City benefit does not include any County service.

The total amount of the combined City and County benefit is $1,505.76.

 

25 years required for Early retirement.  Supreme Court ruling entitles retiree to combine City & County credited service.

 

Motion:  Mr. Harrell made a motion to approve this application for early retirement payable under Option A-6.  Ms. Hankins seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR DEFERRED RETIREMENT:  PLAN A

CHARTER SECTION 1360.28

 

            Martha M. Young, Schools Certified                                   No Option

            Date of birth, July 9, 1942:  62 years of age

            Total City credited service:  11 years 3 months

            Total County credited service:  11 years

            Total credited service:  22 years 3 months

            Last date of employment with City:  June 1987

            Last date of employment with County:  June 1998

            Average base earnings for 4 years, $400.00 x 75% = $3.00

            Average excess earnings for 4 years, $1,250.42 x 1.50% = $18.76

            making a total of $21.76 benefit per year of service.  $21.76 x 11.25000 =

$244.80 pension effective August 1, 2004

           

            The City benefit payment is determined using City only salaries and City service time.

            The City benefit does not include any County service.

            The total amount of the combined City and County benefit is $1,010.82

.

Motion:  Ms. Hankins made a motion to approve this application for a deferred retirement.  Mr. Bates seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE DELAYED RETIREMENT OPTION PROGRAM (DROP): PURSUANT TO CHARTER SECTION 1371.8 – PLAN G2.  The following employee has chosen a Delayed Retirement Option and will receive a one-time payment of the accumulated monthly benefits on termination of employment with the City of Knoxville.

 

            Karen R. Day, General Government                                   Option A-8

                                                                                                            75% with reinstatement

            Date of birth, November 12, 1951:  52 years of age

            Total credited service:  27 years 10 months

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest – 12 month periods, $6,893.91 x 2.1% =

$144.77 x 27.83333 = $4,029.43.  Ms. Day chose Option A-8 – 75% with reinstatement to Jerry W. Day, spouse.  $4,029.43 x .9191 =

            $3,703.45 pension effective August 1, 2004.

            DROP complete July 31, 2006.

 

Motion:  Ms. Mahler made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-8.  Mr. Bates seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR MILITARY SERVICE:  CHARTER SECTION 1390.20(B)  

 

Robert G. Russell, Jr., Fire Department – Uniformed:  August 4, 2004 – August 22, 2004

 

Motion:  Mr. Harrell made a motion to approve this application for leave of absence for military service.  Mr. Bates seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPROVAL OF INVOICES FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:   

           

Bryan, Pendleton, Swats & McAllister – Actuary (June)     1,648.00      

Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley – Attorney (July)                1,740.00            

State Street – Trustee (June 2004)                                                  3,531.52                                            

State Street – Custodial ( May 2004)                                             17,171.30                                        

Calamos Asset Management – money manager             49,554.00

Deutsche Asset Management – money manager             36,472.70

STW Fixed Income – money manager                                           39,999.83

TCW Asset Management – money manager                                97,679.25

Sterling Johnston – money manager                                              74,349.49

UBS Global Asset Management – money manager                     36,223.93

 

Mr. Cherry, Executive Director, has reviewed the bills and certifies that they are consistent with the services provided and are within the budgeted figures of the FY 2004 financial plan.

 

Motion:  Mr. Bates made a motion to pay these invoices.  Mr. Harrell seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

OTHER:  None

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

 

Mr. Fred Hunter, a retired, Fire Department Plan F member addressed the Board to voice his concerns that the 2004 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) had not been calculated properly.  Mr. Cherry, after having explained the calculation to Mr. Hunter on previous occasions, tried to detail for the Board and Mr. Hunter the calculation.  Mr. Cherry will prepare an additional spreadsheet showing his benefits the past two years and for 2005 and forward to Mr. Hunter.

 

Mayor Haslam called a recess at 9:37 a.m. and Mr. Bates called the meeting back to order at 9:48 a.m.

           

Mayor Haslam and Ms. Pelot left at 9:38 a.m. and Mr. Bates presided again.

 

INVESTMENT MATTERS:

 

            Assets Listing – Exhibit 3

 

Mr. Cherry distributed to the Board a Quick View of Market Value of Assets for July 2004 and calendar year 2004.

 

            INTECH Money Manager Review

 

Carl Zangardi of Enhanced Investment Technologies (INTECH) made a presentation and distributed a written report.  A copy of the report is on file in the Pension Office.

 

            Silchester Money Manager Review

 

Christopher Cowie of Silchester International Investors made a presentation and distributed a written report.  A copy of the report is on file in the Pension Office.

 

Dan Holmes – Summit Strategies

 

Mr. Holmes made a presentation of the 2nd Quarter 2004 Performance Report. Mr. Holmes also distributed a Hedge Fund Review document which will discussed by the Board at a future meeting.  Copies of his reports are on file in the Pension Office.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

            There being no further business, the following motion was made:

 

Motion:  Mr. Harrell made a motion to adjourn the meeting at _____ a.m.  Scott Callaway seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

 

_________________________

Chair

 

__________________________

Date

 

 

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