Retirement Division January 18, 2018 Minutes of Meeting State Employees Retirement Commission

DRAFT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION

A regular meeting of the State Employees Retirement Commission (the "Commission") was held on January 18, 2018 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 9:08 a.m.

Chairman's Report

There was no chairman's report.

Division Director's Report
Disability Retirements

Pending Disability Applications as of    11/2017    12/2017    1/2018
Pending Applications    416    384    373
Applications preliminary reviewed    168    156    140
Applications waiting for documentation    248    228    233
Applications scheduled    67   68  92
Total Pending    483    452    465
 
Number of Applications Received    9    11    6
Number of Applications on the Agenda    19    18    21
Number of Application Approved    9    10    15
24-Month Review Cases
On the list for 24-Month Review (Past and Future)    294    288    238
Collecting SSD    60    60    35
Part of the Backlog    24    22    0
Not Collecting SSD    234    228    203
Part of the Backlog    160    164    112
MEB Scheduled    24    27    7
 
ARP to Hybrid Retirements
Retirees    0    0    0
Prospective    0    0    0
Transfer    5    5    5
Waiver    0    0    0
Total    5    5    5
 
Audited and sent invoices    4    42    11
Total Outstanding to be audited    522    485    476
 
Retirees       508    509
Prospective       5    5
Transfer       1473    1478
Waiver          9    9
Total       1995    2001
 
Retirements Processed

99 

94

164

Regular79 77 144
Voluntary Pending 5 2 7
New Disability 7 5 7
Disability Finalized 8 7 6

Mr. Herrington said that the Division continues to make progress and work on getting rid of the backlog. The Division is also focusing on the SAG award.

Deputy Comptroller Carlson gave an update on the pension module. She reported that for all intents and purposes the backlog is gone. She introduced Mr. Piechowicz and thanked him for his hard work and leadership of the Audit unit. She reported the calculator continues to stabilize now that funding has been approved to supplement the knowledge transfer.

New Matters

1. Request Commission Approval of the December 21, 2017 minutes.
i. At 9:13 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Cosgrove to approve the December 21, 2017 minutes.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There was discussion.
iii. Mr. Casella inquired regarding the date that was given about extending the contract with Rose Kallor for legal services. It was decided that the minutes should be amended so that the date would be stricken from the minutes.
iv. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the December 21, 2017 minutes as amended.

2. Request Commission Approval of the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman?s Per Diem Expenses.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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 2018 Invoices from Ford & Harrison.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the billing from Ford & Harrison.
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 January 2018 billing from Ford & Harrison.
 
5. Request Commission Acceptance of the January 2018 Billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the 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 State Employees Retirement Commission January 2018 billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.
 
6. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
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 2017.
 
7. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
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 December 2017.
 
8. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
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 2017.
 
9. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
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 December 2017.
 
10. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of December 2017.
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 2017.
 
11. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Preretirement Death Benefit for the Month of December 2017.
i. At 9:15 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to approve the Municipal Retirement System Preretirement Death Benefit for the Month of December 2017.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There was discussion.
iii. Mr. Casella inquired about a MERS Annuitant?s age.
iv. At 9:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey to table the Municipal Retirement System Preretirement Death Benefit for the Month of December 2017 until the next meeting.
v. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
vi. The Commission voted unanimously to table the Municipal Retirement System Preretirement Death Benefit for the month of December 2017 until the next meeting.

12. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Acceptance of Continued Entitlement.
i. At 9:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Carey to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Acceptance of Continued Entitlement.
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 Acceptance of Continued Entitlement.
 
13. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Denial of Continued Entitlement.
i. At 9:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Carey to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Denial of Continued Entitlement.
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 Denial of Continued Entitlement.
 
14. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Denied by the Medical Examining Board.
i. At 9:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Carey 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.
 
15. Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System Retirements for January 2018.
i. At 9:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Carey to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System Retirements for January 2018.
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 Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System Retirements for January 2018.
 
16. Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period November 10, 2017 Through December 7, 2017.
i. At 9:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Poulin to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period November 10, 2017 Through December 7, 2017.
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 10, 2017 Through December 7, 2017.
 
17. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations of its Subcommittee on Hazardous Duty Service Credit rendered on December 21, 2017.
i. At 9:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Mandour to accept the Recommendations of its Subcommittee on Hazardous Duty Service Credit rendered on December 21, 2017.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion.
iii. Mr. Luciano commented that the committee met and discussed the reclassification of hazardous duty positions after the specifications of the positions were amended.
iv. The Chairman called for a vote.
v. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the Recommendations of its Subcommittee on Hazardous Duty Service Credit rendered on December 21, 2017
 

Executive Session

  1. SAG Award Update - written legal opinion - discussion.
  2. Professor Kay Petition for Declaratory Ruling - written legal opinion - discussion and possible action.
  3. Howard Austin request for reconsideration of MEB decision - written legal opinion - discussion.
  4. Thompson - pending litigation - discussion.
  5. Carol Walenski - pending litigation - discussion.
  6. David Carter - pending litigation - discussion.
  7. Bouchard - pending litigation - discussion.
  8. Ronald Johnson - pending claim - discussion.

At 9:18 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to suspend the regular meeting and go into executive session for the purpose of discussing item 1. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 1.

At 9:38 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Casella 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 Mr. Casella to go into executive session to discuss Item 2. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 2.

At 9:40 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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. Grasso Egan to go into executive session to discuss Item 3. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 3.

At 9:42 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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. Grasso Egan to go into executive session to discuss Item 4. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 4.

At 9:43 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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. Grasso Egan to go into executive session to discuss Item 5. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 5.

At 9:44 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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 9:45 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey to go into executive session to discuss Item 6. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 6.

At 9:46 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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 9:47 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to go into executive session to discuss Item 7. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 7.

At 9:47 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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 9:47 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to go into executive session to discuss Item8. Attorney Barth (via phone), 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 for Item 8.

At 9:54 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan 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

At 9:55 a.m., Mr. Carey moved, seconded by Mr. Luciano to accept the Kay declaratory ruling and instruct counsel to proceed accordingly. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. All voted in favor.

At 9:55 a.m., Mr. Carey moved, seconded by Mr. Luciano to have the Commission advise the Division to work with the agency employers to alert the employees that were hired on or after July 31, 2017 and were erroneously placed in Tier III that they are in Tier IV and that they may make an election to ARP within a certain timeframe or otherwise remain in Tier IV. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. All voted in favor.

At 9:58 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Grasso Egan to amend the agenda and add the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System Roll Forward Actuarial Valuation Report prepared as of June 30, 2017. The Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote. All voted in favor.

At 9:58 a.m., Mr. Poulin moved, seconded by Mr. Casella to accept the recommendations of the Actuarial Subcommittee regarding the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System Roll Forward Actuarial Valuation Report prepared as of June 30, 2017. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There was a brief discussion concerning what was contained within the report. Thereafter, the Chairman called for a vote. All voted in favor.

Adjournment

With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Casella to adjourn at 10:02 a.m. The Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

 

Respectfully Submitted by:
__________________________________
Peter Adomeit, Chairman

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Prepared by John Herrington
Director Retirement Service Division

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