DRAFT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION

A regular meeting of the State Employees Retirement Commission (the "Commission") was held on January 19, 2017, 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
• Sandra Fae Brown Brewton, Trustee
• Michael Carey, Trustee
• Charles Casella, Trustee
• Robert D. Coffey, Trustee
• Richard M. Cosgrove, Trustee
• Lisa Grasso Egan, Trustee
• Paul Fortier, Trustee
• Steven Greatorex, Trustee
• Sal Luciano, Trustee
• Laila Mandour, Trustee
• Ronald McLellan, Trustee
• Claude Poulin, Trustee
• Angel Quiros, Trustee
• Martha Carlson, Deputy Comptroller, Ex Officio Member
• Deborah Spalding, CIO, Office of the State Treasurer, Ex Officio Member

The following members of the Commission were absent:

• Matthew Hart, Municipal Liaison

Also present were:

• Brenda Halpin, Director, Retirement Services Division
• Michael Rose, General Counsel to the Commission Ford Harrison
• Cindy Cieslak, General Counsel to the Commission Ford Harrison
• Bruce Barth, Robinson & Cole (called in)
• Natalie Braswell, General Counsel to the Comptroller
• Colin Newman, Office of the State Comptroller
• Karen Nolen, Office of Policy and Management
• Amanda Alfonso, Executive Assistant, Retirement Services Division
• Kishorsinh Solanki, Office of the State Comptroller
• Edward Koebel- Cavanaugh Macdonald Consulting, LLC.
• Attorney John L. Coughlin, representing Sheila Colson
• Angela Diaz, SERS Member
• Sheila Colson, SERS Member
• Ralph Efird, Post Reporting
  

A. Call to Order
Chairman Adomeit called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

B. Chairman's Report:
There was no chairman's report.

C. Division Director's Report

The December 2016 retirement payroll totaled 127 which included 113 regular retirements, 9 Hybrid retirements and 5 disability retirements.

The January 2017 retirement payroll closed yesterday totaling 251 which included 218 regular retirements, 16 Voluntary Pending, 9 Hybrid retirements and 8 disability retirements.

For the ARP to Hybrid transfers there are a total of 1,913 with 434 retirees and 1,466 transfers, 4 prospective and 9 waivers. We continue to work through the backlog of transfers with 574 remaining to be completed.

Pending Disability Applications as of December 31, 2016

FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Respectively

Attached is document outlining the breakdown of the backlog of service retirements.

Deputy Comptroller Carlson gave an overview of the pension module's progress. The division continues to complete 1000 audits a month. Some of the audits require a manual audit because the reason code is not automated. The code for vested rights is currently in test. A decision was made to remove the 2500 disability retirements from the backlog and change the name to pending since the disability retirements are not technically in the backlog because they are constantly being looked at. MERS went live on the payroll in February and the MERS calculator is on track to go live in April.

D. New Matters

1. Request Commission Approval of the December 15, 2016 Minutes.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the December 15, 2016 minutes.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There was discussion.
iii. Mr. Casella pointed out that item 13 on the December minutes needed to add the word Probate.
iv. The Commission voted unanimously, with that change, in favor to approve the December 15, 2016 minutes.

 

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

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex 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's Per Diem and Travel Expenses.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee's Per Diem and Travel Expense.
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 Per Diem and Travel Expenses.

 

4. Request Commission Approval of the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee?s Meeting Per Diem and Travel Expenses Reimbursement for the January 5, 2017 Actuarial Subcommittee.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the Union Trustee?s Meeting Per Diem and Travel Expenses Reimbursement for the January 5, 2017 Actuarial Subcommittee.
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 Union Trustee's Meeting Per Diem and Travel Expenses Reimbursement for the January 5, 2017 Actuarial Subcommittee.

 

5. Request Commission Acceptance of the December 2016 Billing from Robinson and Cole.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the billing from Robinson and Cole.
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 December 2016 billing from Robinson and Cole.

 

6. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of December 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of December 2016.
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 2016.

 

7. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of December 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of December 2016.
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 2016.

8. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve Connecticut State Employees System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2016.
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 Connecticut State Employees System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of December 2016.

 

9. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of December 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of December 2016.
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 Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of December 2016.

 

10. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Retirements.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements.
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.

 

11. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirement Application Denials.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirement Application Denials.
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 by the Medical Examining Board of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirement Application Denials.

12. Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period November 11, 2016 Through December 8, 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period November 11, 2016 Through December 8, 2016.
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 11, 2016 Through December 8, 2016.

 

13. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept The State Employees Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to accept the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the State Employees Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.
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 Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the State Employees Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

14. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept The Connecticut Judges, Family Support Magistrates And Compensation Commissioners? Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to accept of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the Connecticut Judges, Family Support Magistrates and Compensation Commissioners' Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.
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 of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept The Connecticut Judges, Family Support Magistrates And Compensation Commissioners' Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

 

15. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept The Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to accept of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.
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 Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

 

16. Request Commission Acceptance Of The Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept The Connecticut Policemen And Firemen Survivors' Benefit Fund Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to accept of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the Connecticut Policemen and Firemen Survivors' Benefit Fund Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.
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 Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Accept the Connecticut Policemen and Firemen Survivors? Benefit Fund Valuation Report Prepared As Of June 30, 2016.

17. Request Commission Approval of the Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee To Exercise One Year Contract Extensions For The Actuarial Contracts For All Retirement Plans Under The Purview of the State Employees Retirement Commission.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to accept Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Exercise One Year Contract Extensions for the Actuarial Contracts for All Retirement Plans under the Purview of the State Employees Retirement Commission.
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 Recommendation of the Actuarial Subcommittee to Exercise One Year Contract Extensions for the Actuarial Contracts for All Retirement Plans under the Purview of the State Employees Retirement Commission.

 

18. Request Received From Sheila Colson For The Commission To Review And Reconsider Its February 18, 2016 Denial Of Her Request That Her Application For Service Connected Disability Retirement Go Back Before The Medical Examining Board.

i. At 9:28, Attorney John Coughlin started to explain why Ms. Colson should go back in front of the MEB.
ii. Mr. McLellan moved, seconded by Ms. Mandour to table Ms. Colson?s motion and refer it to counsel to determine if there was a procedural error.
iii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion.
iv. Ms. Brown-Brewton, Mr. Luciano and Mr. Cosgrove voted against it.
v. The majority of the Commission voted to table Ms. Colson?s motion and refer it to counsel to determine if there was a procedural error.

 

19. Nancy Pine- Request for Reconsideration as To Her Petition for Reversal of the MEB ? Discussion and Possible Action.

i. Ms. Pine's attorney requested a continuance. The hearing has been tabled until March 16, 2017.

 

20. Request Received From Angela Diaz That The Commission Review And Reconsider Its August 18, 2016 Denial Of Her Request That The Retroactive Payment Of Her Disability Retirement Benefit Be Retroactive To Her June 1, 2011 Date Of Retirement.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to discuss Ms. Diaz?s matter in executive session.
ii. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
iii. The Commission voted unanimously to discuss Ms. Diaz's matter in executive session.
iv. When the Commission came out of executive session at 10:49. Mr. Carey moved, seconded by Ms. Mandour to deny Ms. Diaz and instruct the division to advise Ms. Diaz of her further rights to appeal.

 

21. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirement Application Denials. Tabled From The December 2016.

i. Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirement Application Denials. Tabled From The December 2016
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 of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirement Application Denials. Tabled From The December 2016.

Executive Session

Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to go into executive session at 10:51 a.m. Ms. Halpin, Mr. Newman, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Rose and Attorney Cieslak were invited by the Commission to stay for executive session.

1. Conn. Gen. Stat. ?5-192b - written legal opinion ? discussion and possible action.
2. 415/401(a)(17) determination letter - written legal opinion - update and discussion.
3. Palladino inquiry regarding SAG Award - written legal opinion - update and discussion.
4. Compilations of CMERS and other plans - written legal opinion - discussion and possible action.
5. Proposed amendment to CMERS legislation - written legal opinion - discussion and possible action.
6. CMERS inquiry from Retirement Services Division regarding housing authorities - written legal opinion - discussion and possible action.
7. Diaz - written legal opinion - discussion and possible action.
8. Leavens - written legal opinion - discussion and possible action.
9. Walenski - pending litigation - update.
10. Thompson - pending litigation - update.
11. Carter - pending claim - update.
12. Krawiec - pending litigation - update.
13. Bouchard - pending litigation - update.
14. Phillips - pending claim - update.
15. Maturo - pending litigation - update.
16. Pine - written legal opinion - update and possible action.

Public Session

i. At 11:53, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to update the actuarial calculation for Tier I and table the rest of the discussions for item 1. All voted in favor.
ii. At 11:54, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to allow the continuation of plan documents for CMERS and other plans that do not have plan documents for item 4. All voted in favor.
iii. At 11:55, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to discuss with the Governor?s staff and Legislative leaders to propose an amendment to the CMERS legislation in regards to item 5. All voted in favor.
iv. At 11:57, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to allow the division to utilize the legal opinion for item 6 to determine if the housing authority is separate from the town.

Tabled Items

1. Nancy Pine- Request for Reconsideration as to Her Petition for Reversal of the MEB ? Discussion and Possible Action. Tabled until the March 16, 2017

 

Adjournment

With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Greatorex to adjourn at 12:01 p.m. The Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

Respectfully Submitted by:

__________________________________
Peter Adomeit, Chairman

___________________________________
Prepared by Brenda K. Halpin
Director Retirement Service Division
 

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