DRAFT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION

A regular meeting of the State Employees Retirement Commission (the �Commission�) was held on January 17, 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: 

• Peter Adomeit, Chairman
• Janet Andrews, Trustee
• Michael Bailey, Trustee
• Karen Buffkin, Trustee
• Michael Carey, Trustee
• Charles Casella, Trustee
• Robert D. Coffey, Trustee
• Sandra Fae Brown Brewton, Trustee
• Paul Fortier, Trustee
• Ronald McLellan, Trustee
• Karen Nolen, Trustee
• Claude Poulin, Trustee
• Sal Luciano, Trustee
• Martha Carlson, Deputy Comptroller & Interim Director of Retirement Services, Ex Officio Member
• Laurie Martin, Ex Officio Member

The following members of the Commission were absent:

• Angel Quiros, Trustee

Also present were:

• Amanda Alfonso, Retirement Services Division
• Bruce Barth, Robinson & Cole
• Natalie Braswell, Office of the State Comptroller
• Cindy Cieslak, General Counsel to the Commission
• Rose Kallor Ralph Effrid, Post Reporting
• John Garrett, Cavanaugh Macdonald
• John Herrington, Retirement Services Division
• Colin Newman, Retirement Services Division
• Michael Rose, General Counsel to the Commission Rose Kallor
• Alisha Sullivan, Robinson & Cole

Call to Order 

Chairman Adomeit called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. 

Chairman's Report 

The chairman has established a RFP Committee for a Commission counsel and Commission tax council. The RFP Committee will consist of members of the Legal and Personnel subcommittee. 

Division Director's Report 

Last month was a challenging month for the Division with dealing with the SAG election period and simultaneously having a higher number of retirements. The Division has sent approximately 1600 ARP to Hybrid transfers to Cavanaugh McDonald to calculate the cost. The Division can now focus our priorities elsewhere. One priority is creating Summary Plan Descriptions for each Tier especially for Tier 4. We also plan on working on updating the website during this year. We will also turn our efforts to the Disability unit working through their hearings and case load. 

Division Director's Report

Disability Retirements

i.At 9:14, Mr. Casella moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to amend the agenda to include the Report of the Actuary on the Valuation Prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Municipal 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 in favor to amend the agenda to include the Report of the Actuary on the Valuation Prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System.

i. At 9:14, Mr. Casella moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to amend the agenda to include a Request for Commission Acceptance of the January 2019 Billing from Rose Kallor.

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 amend the agenda to include a Request for Commission Acceptance of the January 2019 Billing from Rose Kallor.

New Matters

1. Request Commission Approval of the December 20, 2018 minutes.

i. At 9:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the December 20, 2018 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 December 20, 2018 minutes.

2. Request Commission Approval of the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman�s Per Diem Expenses.

i. At 9:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve 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 approve 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 9:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve 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 approve the January 2019 billing from Robinson and Cole for CMERS.

6. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of December 2018. 

i. At 9:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of December 2018.
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 December 2018.

7. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2018. 

i. At 9:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2018.
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 December 2018.

8. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of December 2018.

i. At 9:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of December 2018.
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 December 2018.

9. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of December 2018.

i. At 9:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of December 2018.
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 December 2018.

10.  Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Approved by the Medical Examining Board.

i. At 9:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier 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.

11.  Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Denied by the Medical Examining Board.

i. At 9:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier 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.

12.  Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut Probate, Judges and Employees Retirement System.

i. At 9:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier 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.

13.  Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period November 9, 2018 Through December 6, 2018.

i.   At 9:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period November 9, 2018 Through December 6, 2018.
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 November 9, 2018 Through December 6, 2018.

14.  Request Commission Approval of the Recommendations from the Subcommittee on Purchase of Service and Related Matters meeting held on December 27, 2018.

i. At 9:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to approve the Recommendations from the Subcommittee on Purchase of Service and Related Matters meeting held on December 27, 2018.
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 Recommendations from the Subcommittee on Purchase of Service and Related Matters meeting held on December 27, 2018.

15.  Claim Received from Robert Martineau that the Commission Review and Reconsider its April 19, 2018 Denial of his Untimely Request to Purchase his Period of Prior Military Service from June 18, 1974 to June 17, 1977 beyond One Year from his Date of Hire. (Appearance is scheduled at 9:30 a.m.)

i. At 9:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to table Mr. Martineau�s hearing until May.
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 table Mr. Matineau�s hearing until May.

16.  Request Commission Acceptance of the Report of the Actuary on the Valuation Prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System.

i. At 9:16, Mr. Poulin moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to accept the Report of the Actuary on the Valuation Prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted in favor to accept the Report of the Actuary on the Valuation Prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System.  Mr. Casella voted against the motion.

17.  Request Commission Acceptance of the January 2019 Billing from Rose Kallor.

i. At 9:17, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to accept the January 2019 Billing from Rose Kallor.

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 Rose Kallor.

Executive Session - Discussion and Possible Action

1. Interest crediting - written legal opinion.
2. Jeremy Wiganowske - pending claim.
3.  Carol Walenski � pending litigation.
4.  Town of Thompson - pending litigation.
5.  Ronald Johnson - pending litigation.
6.  Gary Soracchi - pending litigation.
7.  James Rizzio - pending litigation.
8.  David Carter - pending litigation.
9.  Richard Kay - pending litigation.
10.  Commission practice regarding informal hearings - written legal opinion
11.  Crandle - pending litigation

At 9:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to suspend the regular meeting and go into executive session for the purposes of discussing Item 1. Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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.

At 9:35 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Buffkin 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 9:35 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Buffkin to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 2.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:37 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:37 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 3.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:38 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:38 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 4.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:38 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:39 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 5.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:39 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:40 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 6.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:40 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:40 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 7.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:41 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:41 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 8.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:42 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:42 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 9.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:43 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:43 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 10.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:48 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 9:48 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 11.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, 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 9:49 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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.

Public Session

18.  Request Received from Gary Fredericks that the Commission Review and Reconsider its July 19, 2018 Denial of his Request to Transfer his Retirement Plan Membership from Tier II to Tier I. (Appearance is scheduled at 10:00a.m.)

i. At 9:51, Mr. Fredrick�s made a statement to the Commission.  He would like to transfer to Tier 1 and was denied by the Purchasing Subcommittee. Mr. Fredericks also answered questions presented by the Trustees.

ii. At 10:08, Mr. Casella moved, seconded by Mr. Poulin to refer the matter to the legal counsel for consideration and review and have counsel report back to the Retirement Commission.

iii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There was a brief discussion.

iv. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to refer the matter to the legal counsel for consideration and review and have counsel report back to the Retirement Commission.

At 10:09, Ms. Buffkin moved, seconded by Mr. Casella to instruct the Division to implement provisions of the SEBAC agreement and statutes regarding crediting of interest for employees that are not vested in SERS but have left state service. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.  The Commission voted unanimously in favor. 

At 10:11, Ms. Buffkin moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to refer the potential overpayments regarding crediting of interest to the Overpayments and Regulations subcommittee. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.  The Commission voted unanimously in favor. 

At 10:15, Mr. Carey moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton that when requests for reconsideration are made, the Division bring it to the Legal and Personnel subcommittee for screening to determine if there is any new information and if it should be referred to the full Commission.  The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.  The Commission voted unanimously in favor.

Adjournment

With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to adjourn at 10:15 a.m.  The Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

Respectfully Submitted by: 

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Peter Adomeit, Chairman

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Prepared by John Herrington
Director Retirement Service Division

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