CITY OF KNOXVILLE PENSION BOARD

 MINUTES

Thursday – January 13, 2011

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 at 917 E. 5th Avenue at 8:15 a.m. on January 13, 2011.

 

Present were:   Ms. Barbara Pelot, Mr. Jack Banks, Mr. Greg Coker,  Mr. Jim Hutchens,  Mr. Stephen King, Mr. Larry Martin, Mr. Jim York, Mr. Michael Cherry and Attorney Bud Gilbert.  Mr. Martin attended as Mayor Brown’s designated representative as authorized by T.C.A. § 6-54-112 and the mayor’s letter of designation dated January 12, 2011.

 

Also present: Former Board Member and Fire Department employee - Mr. Joe Hackney; Former Board Member and General Government employee – Ms. Robin Shelton; Mr. Brent Johnson, General Government employee.

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

Ms. Pelot presided and called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS – CHAIR, VICE-CHAIR & SECRETARY FOR 2011

 

Motion:  Mr. King nominated Ms. Pelot as Chair of the Pension Board and then moved that nominations cease and she be elected by acclamation.  Mr. Martin seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously with Ms. Pelot abstaining on the vote.

 

Motion:  Mr. York nominated Mr. Coker as Vice-Chair of the Pension Board and then moved that nominations cease and he be elected by acclamation.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously with Mr. Coker abstaining on the vote.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin nominated Mr. York as Secretary of the Pension Board and then moved that nominations cease and he be elected by acclamation.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously with Mr. York abstaining on the vote.

 

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR December 9, 2010:

 

Mr. Hutchens made a motion to approve the December 9, 2010, meeting minutes.  Mr. Martin seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPROVAL OF REVISED AGENDA: - Exhibit 1

 

            The Revised Agenda was approved without objection.


OTHER:

 

RECOGNITION OF MR. JOE HACKNEY AND MS. ROBIN SHELTON FOR THEIR SERVICE ON THE PENSION BOARD:

 

Ms. Pelot presented Mr. Hackney and Ms. Shelton with plaques in appreciation of their service on the Pension Board. 

 

Mr. Coker left the meeting at 8:46 a.m.

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS:

 

General Government Seat B Election

 

Mr. Cherry advised the Board that Mr. Stephen King had been certified as elected, for the General Government – Seat B representative for the three year term beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. 

 

CONTRACTS: 

 

Mr. Cherry informed the Board that the contract with Real Assets Manager, Aether Investment Partners, had been completed as well as the first funding requirement.

In addition, Mr. Cherry advised that there had already been a distribution with a follow-up call for that same amount.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

 

            Scheduling Conflict – Stephen King

 

Motion:  Mr. King made a motion to reschedule the February and May Pension Board meetings from Thursday, February 10, 2011 to Friday, February 11, 2011 – 8:15 a.m. and from Thursday, May 12, 2011 to Friday, May 13, 2011 – 8:15 a.m.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

ATTORNEY COMMENTS:

 

2012 Suggested Charter Amendments – Exhibit 2

 

Attorney Gilbert distributed to and discussed with the Board a 2012 Suggested Charter Amendment listing for the 2012 referendum.

 

Mayor Elect Brown

 

Motion:  Mr. Hutchens made a motion to congratulate newly elected Mayor, Daniel T. Brown, and invite him to the Pension Board meetings.  Mr. King seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

Pension Study Task Force

 

Mr. Martin updated the Board about the Pension Study Task Force, to be formed, which was initially discussed at the December 2010 Pension Board meeting. Mr. Martin advised the need for the Board to elect a Pension Board member to serve on the Task Force.  Mr. York requested the election of a representative to the Task Force be deferred to the February meeting so that Mr. Coker could be in attendance.

 

Litigation Matters

 

Glenda Fields

Attorney Gilbert noted to the Board the agenda item regarding the Glenda Fields’ settled disability award and advised that no further action was required by the Board.

 

Stone Energy

Attorney Gilbert updated the Board about the Stone Energy Litigation, a class action suit regarding securities malfeasance that is now in the claims filing stage.

 

G1 Discussion

Attorney Gilbert updated the Board on the pending G1 employees’ litigation and noted that the City Law Department had withdrawn from the representation of the City of Knoxville’s interests on the case and had been replaced by Attorney Robert Watson.

 

WITHDRAWALS:

The following employees have filed an application to withdraw employee pension contributions plus 4% interest and the supplemental retirement account as applicable in Plan G Option 1.

 

James H. Boyd, III, Fire Dept. – Plan C, Non-vested

James K. Ray, General Govt. – Plan G2, Vested

Eric Roddy, Fire Dept. – Plan C, Non-vested

 

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

 

APPLICATION FOR NORMAL RETIREMENT:  PLAN G1

CHARTER SECTION 1360.12

 

            Mickey P. Mallonee, General Govt.                         Option C

                                                                                                            Cash Refund

            Date of birth, February 8, 1942:  68 years of age

            Total credited service:  10 years 11 months 29 days

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $6,845.01 x .0135 =

$92.41 x 10.99612 = $1,016.15.  Ms. Mallonee chose Option C – Cash Refund to Lisa Marie Foley and Mason Wade Foley.  $1,016.15 x .9027 =

$917.28 pension (defined benefit) effective January 1, 2011.

           

Ms. Mallonee chose to receive a one time lump sum payment of the supplemental retirement account applicable in Plan G1.               

 

Motion:  Mr. King made a motion to approve this application for Normal retirement payable under Option C.  Mr. York seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR NORMAL RETIREMENT:  PLAN A

CHARTER SECTION 1360.12

 

            Rebecca Cordell, Schools Certified                                   No Option

            Date of birth, October 5, 1948:  62 years of age

            Total City credited service:  9 years 6 months

            Total County credited service:  23 years 6 months

            Total credited service:  33 years

            Last date of employment with City:  June 1987

            Last date of employment with County:  December 2010

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

            Average excess earnings for 4 years, $1,203.90 x 1.50% = $18.06

            making a total of $21.06 benefit per year of service.  $21.06 x 9.50 =

            $200.07 pension effective January 1, 2011

 

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 $1,968.78.

 

Motion:  Mr. York made a motion to approve this application for Normal retirement.  Mr. King seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR EARLY RETIREMENT:  PLAN A

CHARTER SECTION 1360.17

 

            Allan Jones, Schools Certified                                            Option A-6

                                                                                                            100% without reinstatement

            Date of birth, October 1, 1950:  60 years of age

            Total City credited service:  15 years

            Total County credited service:  23 years 6 months

            Total credited service:  38 years 6 months

            Last date of employment with City:  June 1987

            Last date of employment with County:  December 2010

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

            Average excess earnings for 4 years, $1,654.95 x 1.50% = $24.82

            making a total of $27.82 benefit per year of service.  $27.82 x 15 =

$417.30 x ER Factor .8250 = $344.27.  Mr. Jones chose Option A-6 – 100% without reinstatement to Sherry V. Jones, spouse.  $344.27 x .8573 =      

$295.14 pension effective January 1, 2011

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 $2,648.39.

 

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

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for Early retirement payable under Option A-6.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

APPLICATION FOR INJURY IN LINE OF DUTY:  PLAN C – See Folder

CHARTER SECTION 1390.11

 

            Chyrl M. Spitzer, Police Dept. – Uniformed                       No Option

            Date of birth, December 14, 1974:  35 years of age

            Total credited service:  10 years 4 months 19 days

            $1,728.81 pension effective (to be determined).

 

Motion:  Mr. York made a motion to defer this application for Injury In Line of Duty retirement to the February meeting in order to obtain additional information.  Mr. King seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

            No Action Required – Approved in December 2010                                                             Glenda Fields, Police Dept. – Uniformed                            No Option

            Date of birth, November 10, 1952:  58 years of age

            Total credited service:  21 years 1 month

            $1,733.11 pension effective February 1, 2005

            Originally approved as Not In Line - $1,455.81.

 

APPLICATION FOR INJURY IN LINE OF DUTY:  PLAN G1 – See Folder

CHARTER SECTION 1360.22

 

            Kimberly S. Price, General Govt.                                        No Option      

            Date of birth, May 4, 1975:  35 years of age*

            Total credited service:  2 years 10 months 30 days actual service**

            *computed as if 62 years of age

            **computed as if worked until age 62 (30 years 11 months 28 days)

            $871.41 pension effective December 1, 2010.

(includes supplemental retirement account applicable in Plan G1, as an additional monthly annuity)

 

Motion:  Mr. York made a motion to defer this application for Injury In Line of Duty retirement to the February meeting in order to obtain additional information.  Mr. Martin 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 1390.22 – PLAN C.

The following employees have 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.

 

            William F. Baty, Fire Dept. - Uniformed                             Option A-9

                                                                                                            100% with reinstatement

            Date of birth, February 3, 1949:  61 years of age

            Total credited service:  37 years 2 months 24 days

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $4,935.37 x .025 =

$123.38 x 30 = $3,701.40.  Mr. Baty chose Option A-9 – 100% with reinstatement to Jaymi Lynn Wingeier Baty, spouse.  $3,701.40 x .8602 =

$3,183.94 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-9.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

            Stephen E. Clabough, Fire Dept. - Uniformed                  Option A-4

                                                                                                            50% without reinstatement

            Date of birth, November 24, 1950:  60 years of age

            Total credited service:  38 years 4 months 11 days

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $5,189.80 x .025 =

$129.75 x 30 = $3,892.50.  Mr. Clabough chose Option A-4 – 50% without reinstatement to Connie N. Clabough, spouse.  There is no reduction for A-4 – 50% Joint & Survivor option to a spouse in Plan C.

$3,892.50 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-4.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

            Larry E. Davis, Fire Dept. - Uniformed                               Option A-6

                                                                                                            100% without reinstatement

            Date of birth, November 5, 1946:  64 years of age

            Total credited service:  38 years 9 months 26 days

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $4,355.61 x .025 =

$108.89 x 30 = $3,266.70.  Mr. Davis chose Option A-6 – 100% without reinstatement to Rena S. Davis, spouse.  $3,266.70 x .8884 =

            $2,902.14 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-6.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

            John A. Nicely, Fire Dept. - Uniformed                               Option A-4

                                                                                                            50% without reinstatement

            Date of birth, January 7, 1943:  67 years of age

            Total credited service:  44 years

Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $5,588.67 x .025 =

$139.72 x 30 = $4,191.60.  Mr. Nicely chose Option A-4 – 50% without reinstatement to Susie S. Nicely, spouse.  There is no reduction for A-4 – 50% Joint & Survivor option to a spouse in Plan C.

$4,191.60 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-4.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

Russell Gene Sasscer, Police Dept. - Uniformed Option A-6

                                                                                                            100% without reinstatement

            Date of birth, July 28, 1955:  55 years of age

            Total credited service:  31 years 1 month 19 days

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $5,815.32 x .025 =

$145.38 x 30 = $4,361.40.  Mr. Sasscer chose Option A-6 – 100% without reinstatement to Debra Ann Sasscer, spouse.  $4,361.40 x .9222 =

$4,022.08 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-6.  Mr. Hutchens seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

Robert E. Stallings, Fire Dept. - Uniformed                       Option A-5

                                                                                                            75% without reinstatement

            Date of birth, February 15, 1951:  59 years of age

            Total credited service:  37 years 2 months 14 days

            Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $4,878.50 x .025 =

$121.96 x 30 = $3,658.80.  Mr. Stallings chose Option A-5 – 75% without reinstatement to Susan R. Stallings, spouse.  $3,658.80 x .9405 =

$3,441.10 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement payable under Option A-5.  Mr. Hutchens 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 G.

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.

            Doris J. Martin, General Government – Plan G2   No Option

            Date of birth, March 16, 1945:  65 years of age

            Total credited service:  20 years 5 months 2 days

             Average monthly salary for 2 highest 12 month periods, $5,786.05 x .021 =

$121.51 x 20.42215 =  

            $2,481.50 pension effective January 1, 2011.

            DROP complete December 31, 2012.

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to approve this application for DROP retirement.  Mr. King seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

Correction of Benefit

No Action Required – Drop Application Approved in December 2010                            Robert H. Polk, General Govt.

            Total credited service:  13 years 5 months 1 day (approved in December)

Should be:                    13 years 8 months 1 day (additional 3 months service for sick

                                          leave)

            $1,743.22 pension approved in December

            $1,776.06 corrected pension amount with sick leave service

           

APPROVAL OF INVOICES FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: 

           

Bryan, Pendleton, Swats & McAllister – Actuary (Nov 2010)        $10,472.00

Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley – Attorney (Stone Energy - Dec 2010)    740.00

Summit Strategies – Investment Consultant (4th Qtr – 2010)                      31,250.00    

State Street – Trustee (Nov – 2010)                                                                3,426.96

State Street – Custodial (September – 2010)                                               8,662.84

State Street – Custodial (October – 2010)                                                     8,398.32

State Street – Custodial (November – 2010)                                                 8,544.33

           

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 system’s financial plan.

 

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


INVESTMENT MATTERS:

 

Investment Committee Minutes

 

Mr. Cherry informed the full Board of the four Fixed Income Manager presentations given to the Investment Committee yesterday.

 

Motion:  Mr. Hutchens made a motion based upon the recommendation of the Investment Committee and Summit Strategies, to retain J.P. Morgan Asset Management to manage the Core Fixed Income portfolio for the pension system

subject to the review and recommendation of an investment management contract by Mr. Gilbert, and to authorize Mr. Cherry to sign such contract and proceed with all action necessary or convenient to properly effect this investment manager appointment and implement the investment management agreement, including without limitation the funding of the account upon advice and consultation with Dan Holmes of Summit Strategies.  Mr. King seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously by the members present.

 

Elect Investment Committee Member

 

Motion:  Mr. Hutchens made a motion to elect Mr. King as a replacement for Ms. Shelton, to the Investment Committee.  Mr. Martin seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

            4th Qtr 2010 Preliminary Flash Report

 

            Mr. Holmes gave to the Board a report of the 4th Qtr 2010 Preliminary Flash Report.

            Copies of his report are on file in the Pension Office.

 

OTHER:  None

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Motion:  Mr. Martin made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:24 a.m.  Mr. York seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously by the members present.

 

 

                                                                                    _________________________

                                                                                    Chair

 

 

                                                                                    _________________________

                                                                                    Date

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