State Employees Retirement Commission Meeting Minutes October 18, 2018

DRAFT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION

 

A regular meeting of the State Employees Retirement Commission (the �Commission�) was held on October 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 9:06 a.m.

Chairman's Report

The chairman introduced the newest trustee, Janet Andrews.  He also advised that he is in the process of planning the holiday party, which will take place following the Commission' s meeting in November, December or January.

Division Director's Report

October was not a high month we suspect it was because August was a high retirement month. There are 8000 people that are eligible for the SAG transfer. Mr. Herrington told the Commission that the Hartford Housing Authority is providing the information, which will in turn be provided to the actuaries so that the cost can be calculated to enroll employees who were not previously enrolled into MERS. 

Division Director's Report

Disability Retirements

Pending Disability Applications as of 7/2018 8/2018 9/2018 10/2018
Pending Applications 289 273 268 261
Applications preliminary reviewed 62 65 73 74
Applications waiting for documentation 227 208 195 187
Applications scheduled 156 163 181 187
Total Pending 445 436 449 448
         
Number of Applications Received 20 10 26 29
Number of Applications on the Agenda 16 28 25 27
Number of Application Approved 14 22 15 22
         
24-Month Review Cases
On the list for 24-Month Review (Past and Future) 244 261 226 193
Collecting SSD 59 59 38 38
Part of the Backlog 22 29 5 6
Not Collecting SSD 185 202 188 155
Part of the Backlog 101 120 109 94
MEB Scheduled 36 60 42 19
         
Retirements in Audit
Retirements Processed 133 254 179 181
Regular 109 224 151 143
Voluntary Pending  6 8 10 11
New Disability 6 11 11 14
Disability Finalized 12 11 7 13

 

New Matters

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

  1. At 9:08, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the September 20, 2018 minutes.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the September 20, 2018 minutes.

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

  1. At 9:08, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman' s Per Diem Expenses.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. 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.

  1. At 9:09, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee' s Per Diem and Travel Expense.
  2. Mr. Poulin abstained.
  3. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  4. 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 October 2018 Billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.

  1. At 9:09, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the Billing from Robinson & Cole for Federal Tax Matters.ii Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  2. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the Billing from Robinson & Cole for Federal Tax Matters. 

5 Request Commission Acceptance from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of September.

  1. At 9:09, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the Invoices from Rose Kallor.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the Invoices from Rose Kallor.

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

  1. At 9:10, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of September 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of September 2018.

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

  1. At 9:10, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of August 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of September 2018.

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

  1. At 9:10, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of September 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of September 2018.

9 Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of September 2018

  1. At 9:10, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of September 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of September 2018.

10. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Preretirement Death Benefit for the Month of September 2018

  1. At 9:10, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Preretirement Death Benefit for the Month of September 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Preretirement Death Benefit for the Month of September 2018.

11. Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of September 2018.

  1. At 9:10, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the September 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the month of September 2018.

12. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement and Investigation Approvals.

  1. At 9:11, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement and Investigation Approvals.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement and Investigation Approvals.

13. Request Commission Acceptance of the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement and Investigation Tabled and Denials.

  1. At 9:11, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement and Investigation Tabled and Denials.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion chairman called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the Recommendations by the Medical Examining Board for the Continued Entitlement and Investigation Tabled and Denials.

14. Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System Retirements for October 2018

  1. At 9:12, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System Retirements for October 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement System Retirements for October 2018.

15. Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period August 3, 2018 through September 13, 2018.

  1. At 9:12, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period August 3, 2018 through September 13, 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period August 3, 2018 through September 13, 2018.

16. Request Commission Approval of the Recommendations from the Purchasing and Other Related Matters Subcommittee Meeting held on September 26, 2018.

  1. At 9:12, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Recommendations from the Purchasing and Other Related Matters Subcommittee Meeting held on September 26, 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Recommendations from the Purchasing and Other Related Matters Subcommittee Meeting held on September 26, 2018.

17. Request Commission Approval of the Recommendations from the Hazardous Duty Subcommittee Meeting held on September 20, 2018.

  1. At 9:12, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to approve the Recommendations from the Hazardous Duty Subcommittee Meeting held on September 20, 2018.
  2. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
  3. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to approve the Recommendations from the Hazardous Duty Subcommittee Meeting held on September 20, 2018.

 

Executive Session - discussion and possible action

  1. Determination letter and VCP status - written legal opinion.
  2. Equity refunds - written legal opinion.
  3. Joseph Etim - pending claim.
  4. Catherine Crandle - pending claim/written legal opinion.
  5. Jeremy Wiganowske - pending litigation.
  6. David Carter - pending litigation.
  7. Richard Kay - pending litigation.
  8. Town of Thompson - pending litigation.
  9. Carol Walenski - pending litigation.
  10. Ronald Johnson - pending litigation.
  11. Gary Soracchi - pending litigation.
  12. James Rizzio - pending litigation.

 

At 9:14 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 1.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:16 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 9:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 2.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:16 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 9:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 3.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:17 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 9:17 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 4.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:21 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 9:21 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 5.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:23 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 9:23 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 6.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:24 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 9:24 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 7.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:24 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 9:24 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 8.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:26 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 9:26 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 9.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:27 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 9:27 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 10.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:28 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.

At 9:28 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 11.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 9:28 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.

At 9:29 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 12.  Attorney Barth, Attorney Braswell, Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Colin Newman, 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 12.

At 9:30 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 matters discussed in executive session. 

Adjournment

 

With no further business before the Commission, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Quiros to adjourn at 9:30 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, Retirement Services Division Director

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