State Employees Retirement Commission Meeting Minutes February 21, 2019

DRAFT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION

 

A regular meeting of the State Employees Retirement Commission (the �Commission�) was held on February 21, 2019, in 7th Floor Conference Room at 55 Elm Street, Hartford Connecticut.  The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. and the following members of the Commission were present: 

The following members of the Commission were absent:

Also present were:

Call to Order 

Chairman Adomeit called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. 

Chairman's Report 

At 9:08 a.m., the Chairman provided his report. The Chairman discussed a proposal to appoint him as a member of certain subcommittees which may help establish a quorum for the meetings to proceed. 

At 9:11 a.m., Mr. Poulin moved, seconded by Ms. Nolen, to amend the agenda to add as Item 21, Commission Acceptance of the Connecticut Employees Retirement System GASB 67 & GASB 68 reporting as of June 30, 2018 and the Connecticut Judges, Family Support Magistrates and Compensation Commissioners Retirement System prepared as of June 30, 2018.  The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to amend the agenda as described. 

Division Director's Report 

At 9:11 a.m., Mr. Herrington provided the Division Director�s Report. The Division Director advised that the Retirement Services Division is working with the vendor to implement the provisions of the SEBAC Agreement requiring disability retirees to apply for social security disability benefits.  Additionally, the Division is working with Commission Tax Counsel on reviewing the Tier IV Summary Plan Description. 

Division Director's Report 

Disability Retirements 

Number of Applications Received  22 13 16 21
Number of Applications on the Agenda 27 24 25 27
Number of Application Approved 20 13 16 17
         
24-Month Review Cases
On the list for 24-Month Review (Past and Future) 228 242 256 251
Collecting SSD 62 63 63 83
Part of the Backlog 1 19 24 41
Not Collecting SSD 166 179 193 168
Part of the Backlog 78 98 99 90
MEB Scheduled 29 27 41 64
         
Retirements in Audit
Retirements Processed  116 134 210 225
Regular  89 102 184 191
Voluntary Pending  9 11 9 7
New Disability 8 6 9 10
Disability Finalized 10 15 8 17

 

New Matters

1. Request Commission Approval of the January 17, 2019 minutes.
i. At 9:18 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the January 17, 2019 minutes.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the January 17, 2019 minutes.

2. Request Commission Approval of the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman�s Per Diem Expenses
i. At 9:18 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman�s Per Diem Expenses.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman�s Per Diem Expenses.

3. Request Commission Approval of the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee Claude Poulin Per Diem and Travel Expenses.
i. At 9:18 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee�s Per Diem and Travel Expenses.
ii. Mr. Poulin abstained.
iii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iv. The Commission voted unanimously in favor, with Mr. Poulin abstaining, to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee�s Claude Poulin Per Diem and Travel Expenses.
4. Request Commission Acceptance of the January 2019 Billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the January 2019 billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the January 2019 billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.
5. Request Commission Acceptance of the January 2019 Billing from Robinson and Cole for CMERS.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the January 2019 billing from Robinson and Cole for CMERS.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the January 2019 billing from Robinson and Cole for CMERS.

6. Request Commission Acceptance of Invoices from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of January.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the invoices from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of January.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the invoices from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of January.

7. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of January 2019
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of January 2019.

8. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of January 2019. 
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of January 2019.

9. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of January 2019.

10. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of January 2019.

11. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of January 2019.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the month of January 2019.
12. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Approved by the Medical Examining Board.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Approved by the Medical Examining Board.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Approved by the Medical Examining Board.

13. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Denied by the Medical Examining Board.
i. At 9:19 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Denied by the Medical Examining Board.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Denied by the Medical Examining Board.
14. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement Denials.
i. At 9:22 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement Denials.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There was a brief discussion.  Mr. Carey inquired with respect to the procedure and status of the matter as it relates to the Medical Examining Board tabling Mr. Daniel Callaghan�s continued entitlement review. Mr. Newman advised as to the same.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement Denials.
15. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement Approvals.
i. At 9:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement Approvals.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement Approvals.
16. Request Commission Approval of the Retirement Services Division Request to Abandon the Disability Applications Due to Failure to Provide the Proper Documentation in the Time Allotted.
i. At 9:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Retirement Services Division Request to Abandon the Disability Applications Due to Failure to Provide the Proper Documentation in the Time Allotted.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Retirement Services Division Request to Abandon the Disability Applications Due to Failure to Provide the Proper Documentation in the Time Allotted.
17. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut Probate, Judges and Employees Retirement System.
i. At 9:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the Connecticut Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System.

18.  Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period December 7, 2018 Through January 3, 2019.
i. At 9:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Quiros to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period December 7, 2018 Through January 3, 2019.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period December 7, 2018 Through January 3, 2019.

21. Commission Acceptance of CMERS and judges/commissioners/magistrate GASB 67/68 reports.
i. At 9:23 a.m., Mr. Poulin moved, seconded by Quiros to accept the CMERS and judges/commissioners/magistrate GASB 67/68 reports.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the CMERS and judges/commissioners/magistrate GASB 67/68 reports.
19. A Petition for Declaratory Ruling has been made in Connection with the Retirement Commission�s February 15, 2018 Adoption of the Medical Examining Board�s Recommendation to Deny Jeremy Wiganowske�s Continued Entitlement to a Service Connected Disability Retirement. (Appearance is scheduled at 9:30 a.m.)
i. At 9:25 a.m., Ms. Winona Zimberlin appeared on behalf of Mr. Jeremy Wiganowske.
ii. Attorney Cieslak clarified that Attorney Zimberlin was here in connection with Mr. Wiganowske�s claim for payment of benefits between 2012 and 2017, and that the continued entitlement review was before the Medical Examining Board on Mr. Wiganowske�s request for reconsideration.
iii. Attorney Zimberlin presented Mr. Wiganowske�s claim for payment of benefits to the Commission. The trustees and Attorney Cieslak asked some questions to which Attorney Zimberlin responded.
iv. The matter was taken under advisement.

20. A Petition for Declaratory Ruling has been made in Connection with the Retirement Commission�s January 15, 2016 Adoption of the Medical Examining Board�s Recommendation to Deny William Dietrich�s Application for a Service Connected Disability Retirement. (Appearance at 10:00 a.m.)
i. At 9:36 a.m., Ms. Winona Zimberlin appeared on behalf of Mr. William Dietrich. Attorney Zimberlin presented Mr. Dietrich�s claim as it relates to the Medical Examining Board�s denial of a service connected disability retirement and whether the injury received by Mr. Dietrich was service connected. The trustees and Attorney Cieslak asked some questions to which Attorney Zimberlin responded.
ii. The matter was taken under advisement.

Executive Session - Discussion and Possible Action

  1. Jeremy Wiganowske - pending claim/written legal opinion.
  2.  William Dietrich - pending claim/written legal opinion.
  3. Catherine Crandle - pending litigation.
  4. Town of Thompson - pending litigation.
  5. Ronald Johnson - pending litigation.
  6. James Rizzio - pending litigation.
  7. David Carter - pending litigation.
  8. Richard Kay - pending litigation.
  9. Carol Walenski - pending litigation.
  10. Gary Soracchi - pending litigation.
  11. Summary plan descriptions update - written legal opinion.

At 9:41 a.m., Mr. McLellan moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to suspend the regular meeting and go into executive session for the purposes of discussing Item 1. Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 1. 

A fifteen minute break was taken in order to allow the court reporter to pack up his equipment and exit the meeting. 

At 10:02 a.m., Mr. Coffey moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:02 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 2.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 2. 

At 10:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 3.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 3. 

At 10:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 4.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 4. 

At 10:18 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:18 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 5.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 5. 

At 10:21 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:21 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 6.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 6. 

At 10:22 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:22 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 7.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 7. 

At 10:22 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:22 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 8.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 8. 

At 10:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 9.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 9. 

At 10:25 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:25 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 10.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 10. 

At 10:25 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

At 10:25 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 11.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, Attorney Rose and Attorney Sullivan were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to enter executive session to discuss Item 11. 

At 10:28 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to exit executive session. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. The Commission voted unanimously to exit executive session.

No motions were made regarding the items discussed in executive session.

Adjournment 

With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to adjourn at 10:28 a.m.  The Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

 

Submitted by: 

__________________________________
Peter Adomeit, Chairman

___________________________________
Prepared by John Herrington
Director Retirement Service Division

Return to Meetings, Agendas and Minutes Home Page
Return to Comptroller's Home Page