State Employees Retirement Commission Meeting Minutes November 15, 2018

DRAFT
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT COMMISSION

A regular meeting of the State Employees Retirement Commission (the "Commission") was held on December 20, 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 10:09 a.m. 

Chairman's Report 

There was no Chairman Report. 

Division Director's Report 

December was higher than what the Division expected but it was relatively low comparably. This month the Division focused on the SAG transfers. The Division continues to finalize all the figures. 

Division Director's Report

Disability Retirements
Pending Disability Applications as of  9/2018 10/2018 11/2018 12/2018
Pending Applications 268 261 249 209
Applications preliminary reviewed 73 74 71 50
Applications waiting for documentation  195 187 178 159
Applications scheduled 181 187 167 202
Total Pending 449 448 416 411
         
Number of Applications Received  26 29 22 13
Number of Applications on the Agenda 25 27 27 24
Number of Application Approved 15 22 20 13
         
24-Month Review Cases
On the list for 24-Month Review (Past and Future) 226 193 228 242
Collecting SSD 38 38 62 63
Part of the Backlog 5 6 15 19
Not Collecting SSD 188 155 166 179
Part of the Backlog 109 94 78 98
MEB Scheduled 42 19 29 27
         
Retirements in Audit
Retirements Processed  179 181 116 134
Regular  151 143 89 102
Voluntary Pending  10 11 9 11
New Disability 11 14 8 6
Disability Finalized 7 13 10 15
SAG Transfers 1610
        (as of 12/20/18)

i. At 10:14, Mr. Luciano 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 Judges, Family Support Magistrates, and Compensation Commissioners 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 report of the actuary on the valuation prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Judges, Family Support Magistrates, and Compensation Commissioners Retirement System.

New Matters

1. Request Commission Approval of the November 15, 2018 minutes.
i. At 10:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve November 15, 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 November 15, 2018 minutes.

2. Request Commission Approval of the State Employees Retirement Commission Chairman's Per Diem Expenses.
i. At 10:14, 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 10:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the State Employees Retirement Commission Union Trustee's Per Diem and Travel Expenses.
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 December 2018 Billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.
i. At 10:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 December 2018 billing from Robinson and Cole for Federal Tax Matters.

5. Request Commission Acceptance of the December 2018 Billing from Robinson and Cole for CMERS.
i. At 10:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the 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 State Employees Retirement Commission December 2018 billing from Robinson and Cole for CMERS.

6. Request Commission Acceptance of Invoices from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of November.
i. At 10:14, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Invoices from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of November.
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 Invoices from Rose Kallor rendered for the month of November.
7. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of November 2018.
i. At 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Service Retirements for the Month of November 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 November 2018.

8. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of November 2018.
i. At 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Connecticut State Employees Retirement System Voluntary Pending Retirements for the Month of November 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 November 2018.

9. Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of November 2018.
i. At 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Disability Retirements for the Month of November 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 November 2018.
10.  Request Commission Approval of the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of November 2018.
i. At 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Connecticut State Employees System Retroactive Retirements for the Month of November 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 Retroactive Retirements for the Month of November 2018.

11.  Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of November 2018.
i. At 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Municipal Retirement System Retirements for the Month of November 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 November 2018.
12.  Request Commission Approval of the Municipal Retirement System Disability Retirements Approved by the Medical Examining Board.
i. At 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 10:15, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton 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 Approval of the Judges, Family Support Magistrates and Compensation Commissioners Retirement System for December 2018.
i. At 10:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to approve the Judges, Family Support Magistrates and Compensation Commissioners Retirement System for December 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 Judges, Family Support Magistrates and Compensation Commissioners Retirement System for December 2018.

15.  Request Commission Approval of the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay Period October 12, 2018 Through November 8, 2018.
i.   At 10:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown- Brewton to approve the Probate Judges and Employees Retirement Fund Personnel Expenses for the Pay October 12, 2018 Through November 8, 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 October 12, 2018 Through November 8, 2018.

16.  Request Commission Acceptance of the Report of the Actuary on the Valuation Prepared as of June 30, 2018 on the Connecticut Judges, Family Support Magistrates, and Compensation Commissioners Retirement System.
i. At 10:16, Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown-Brewton to discuss the findings of the actuarial subcommittee as it relates to the CMERS Experience Investigation for the Five- Year Period Ending June 30, 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 discuss the findings of the actuarial subcommittee as it relates to the CMERS Experience Investigation for the Five- Year Period Ending June 30, 2017.
iv. John Garrett provided a presentation regarding the findings of the actuarial subcommittee as it relates to the CMERS Experience Investigation for the Five- Year Period Ending June 30, 2017.
v. At 10:17, Mr. Poulin, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to accept the report and recommendation of the actuarial subcommittee regarding CMERS contributions.
vi. Chairman asked if there was any discussion. There being no discussion he called for a vote.
vii. The Commission voted unanimously in favor to accept the report and recommendation of the actuarial subcommittee regarding CMERS contributions.

Executive Session - Discussion and Possible Action

  1. Equity Refunds - written legal opinion.
  2. ARP Plan Document Amendment - written legal opinion.
  3. Summary Plan Descriptions - written legal opinion.
  4. Sharon Belliveau  - written legal opinion.
  5. B.J. Comerford - written legal opinion.
  6. Jeremy Wiganowske - pending litigation/pending claim.
  7. Carol Walenski - pending litigation.
  8. Town of Thompson - pending litigation.
  9. Ronald Johnson - pending litigation/pending claim.
  10. Gary Soracchi - pending litigation.
  11. James Rizzio - pending litigation.
  12. David Carter - pending litigation.
  13. Richard Kay - pending litigation.
  14. FOI Request from Attorney Mara re: Dr. Carver and Dr. Nanda - written legal opinion.
  15. Written legal opinion regarding amortization of liability as it relates to the CMERS Experience Investigation for the Five- Year Period Ending June 30, 2017.

At 10:19 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 15. Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Garrett, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 15.

At 10:55 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 10:55 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 1.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 10:57 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier 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 10:57 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 2.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 10:57 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier 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 10:58 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Fortier to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 3.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 10:59 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 10:59 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 4.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:01 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 11:01 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 5.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:04 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 11:04 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 6.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:05 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey 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 11:05 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 7.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:06 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 11:06 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 8.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:07 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey 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 11:08 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 9.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:09 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 11:09 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 10.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:10 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey 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 11:10 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 11.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:11 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey 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 11:12 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 12.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 11:12 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey 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 11:12 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Mr. Coffey to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 13.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 13.

At 11:12 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 11:12 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to go into executive session for purposes of discussing Item 14.  Attorney Barth (via phone), Attorney Cieslak, John Herrington, Attorney Rose, 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 14.

At 11:15 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

At 11:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to deny Ms. Belliveau's request, on reconsideration, to transfer her SERS membership from Tier II to Tier I consistent with the recommendation of the Legal and Personnel 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 11:16 a.m., Mr. Luciano moved, seconded by Ms. Brown Brewton to deny Mr. Comerford's request, on reconsideration, for a recalculation of the cost of his purchase of prior municipal service consistent with the recommendation of the Legal and Personnel 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 11:17 a.m., Ms. Buffkin moved, seconded by Mr. Casella to approve the ARP amendment. 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 11:17 a.m.  The Commission voted unanimously to adjourn. 

 

Respectfully Submitted by:

 

__________________________________
Peter Adomeit, Chairman

 

___________________________________
Prepared by John Herrington
Director Retirement Service Division

 

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