Minutes - 01/30/2012 - Firefighter's Pension Fund BoardMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OAK BROOK FIREFIGHTERS' PENSION FUND
JANUARY 30, 2012
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Oak Brook Firefighters' Pension Fund was held
on January 30, 2012 at 9:OOAM at the Butler Government Center, West Wing Training Room
located at 1200 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 pursuant to notice, a copy of which is
attached to their minutes.
CALL TO ORDER BY PRESIDING OFFICER
President Michael Erickson called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call the following answered:
Present: President Michael Erickson, Secretary John Fagan, Trustee /Treasurer Sharon
Dangles, Trustee Mark Fleishman, Trustee Timothy Schlindwein
Absent: none
Also Present: David Russell of Investment Performance Services, LLC, Robert Thompson and
James Hrabak of MB Financial, Becky Davis of Lauterbach & Amen, LLP (L &A),
Village Trustee Jerry Wolin and Timothy W. Sharpe, Actuary (via conference call
later in the meeting)
PUBLIC COMMENT — none at this time
APPROVAL OF THE PRIOR MEETING MINUTES
a. October 26, 2011 regular meeting minutes: The Board reviewed the prior meeting minutes as
presented in the board meeting packet. A motion by Fagan to approve the October 26, 2011
minutes as presented, second by Dangles. Motion unanimously carried by voice vote.
b. Six month review of closed meetine minutes: The Board agreed that there are no closed
meeting minutes to review.
CONSENT AGENDA
The Board reviewed and discussed the fourth quarter 2011 disbursements Consent Agenda and
follow up detail as presented in the board meeting packet. A motion by Schlindwein to approve
the Consent Agenda stating the grand total of Net Payroll Payouts and Vendor Payouts for
October, November and December 2011 of $503,211.60, second by Dangles. Roll Call Vote:
Erickson — yes, Fagan — yes, Schtindwein — yes, Fleishman — yes, Dangles — yes. Motion
unanimously carried.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE SERVICES
a. Review portfolio quarterly performance: Russell distributed copies of the 12/31/2011 Master
Consulting Report performance analysis for the Board's review and discussion. Russell
reviewed the 12/31/2011 report, stating the Fund was up 5.4% for the quarter (up 2.8% YTD)
with a total market value of $22,164,116. Portfolio growth from investment earnings for 2011
was $1,256,834. Asset allocations as of the 12/31/2011 report were: Total domestic equity
34.5 %, total international equity 13.8 %, total fixed income 48.4% and total cash 3.2 %. Russell
commented on the market indicating that most managers stayed away from the European
markets due to their volatility. West Core Select was a disappointment, but felt that as the
economy recovers, so will they. A quarterly compliance report was added to the performance
report stating the Funds' compliance with the Illinois statutes and any recommendations. The
12/31/2011 quarterly compliance report recommendation was to amend the investment policy to
reflect allocation to mid -cap equity. The Illinois predatory lending letters have been submitted.
Allocations showed only a small amount of market movement off target allocations — no
changes needed at this time. Russell indicated that possible investment policy changes would be
discussed by June /July. The Board discussed the differences between the beginning and end of
year totals stated in the investments reporting versus the L &A 12/31/2011 financial report;
Davis and Russell will look into this and follow up at the next meeting. MB advisor, Hrabak
stated that the difference is usually found to be in accrued interest. MB Financial distributed
their 12/31/11 fixed income performance report and reviewed it with the Board. The total fund
was up 0.95% for the quarter (up 7.23% YTD); change due to investments was $102,401,
ending market value of $10,732,622. Discussion regarding the portfolio's underperformance to
the benchmark (blended index) which varied only slightly.
b. Discussion on the pros and cons of corporate bonds, strategies for fixed income: The Board
discussed considering short term corporate bonds and taking advantage of the opportunity to
buy low and capture more of the downside, duration will continue to be monitored. Russell
distributed a handout stating corporate bond issues and characteristics; strategy is to remain very
conservative with a 5% shift to corporate bonds.
Mr. Wolin excused himself and left the meeting at 10:38 AM
MB stated that no changes will be made drastically; the shift would take place over a 3 to 6
month period, only as the market allows and is prudent. The Board discussed the benchmarks
and requested a formal presentation of strategies to compare /contrast the yields, MB and IPS
will present more data to be considered at the next meeting.
Hrabak, Thompson and Russell were excused and left the meeting and the Board took a break at
11:04 AM
The Board reconvened at 11:16 AM
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Rules and Regulations: The Board discussed a handout from Secretary Fagan reviewing
Media/Outside Organization Relations, which included suggestions from IPS advisor, David
Russell. Due to time constraints the Board agreed to discuss this item further at the next regular
meeting - TABLED until the next regular meeting.
b. Actuarial Services 04/30/2012: The Board held a general discussion about the actuarial
assumptions and then placed the conference call to Tim Sharpe.
Tim Sharpe joined the meeting via conference call at 11:25 AM
Sharpe reviewed the assumptions with the Board and discussed the PUC (Projected Unit Credit)
method versus EAN (Entry Age Normal) method and the investment rate of return; historical
yields were discussed: 5 year was 3.94 %, 10 year was 5.21% and the previous decade (I 990's)
was 8 to 10 %. The Board discussed checking on the availability of more information going
back 20 years.
With no further questions from the Board, Tim Sharpe was excused and the conference call ended at
12:14 PM. ,
The Board continued discussion on the recommended assumptions. A motion by Schlindwein
to authorize direction to Tim Sharpe to reduce the investment return assumption to
6.5 %, use the EAN method not PUC, a 30 year, 100% funding amortization and a salary
assumption of 3.75 %, second by Fleishman. Roll Call Vote: Erickson — yes, Fagan — yes,
Schlindwein — yes, Fleishman — yes, Dangles — no. Motion carried with 4 — yes and 1— no.
Dangles indicated that she would communicate this information to Tim Sharpe on behalf of
the Board.
RFP for Actuarial Services: The Board discussed the RFP for actuarial services going forward.
The Board agreed to utilize IPS' RFP and submit to vendors. Dangles stated that she would
review and provide vendor options to be discussed at the next special meeting - TABLED until
the next meeting.
c. Municipal Compliance Report: The Board agreed to defer is item - TABLED until the next
regular meeting.
d. Trustee Training Summary: The Board reviewed the training summary as presented in the
Board meeting packet. Erickson and Schlindwein were given options to complete their 2011
training.
e. Affidavits of Continued Eligibility: Davis reported all pensioner affidavits were received and
100% compliant.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Treasurer's Report - Asset Summary of the Fund: The Board reviewed the Asset Summary as
distributed. Dangles reviewed the 12/31/2011 Asset Summary with the Board; reporting the
total assets market value of $21,705,020 was up $131,977 for the quarter. Total fixed income
market value of $10,984,487 and equity funds market value of $10,720,533. Asset Allocations:
fixed income 50.61 % and Equity 49.39 %. Target allocations are: fixed income 50 %, equity
50 %. A motion by Schlindwein to accept the 12/31/2011 Treasurer's Asset Summary
report, second by Fagan. Motion unanimously carried by voice vote.
b. Active member file maintenance updates: Secretary Fagan indicated that all active member files
are up -to -date.
c. Kyle Matousek: The Board discussed latest hire, Kyle Matousek, date of hire on 07/07/2010;
acceptance into the Fund was not previously recorded in the minutes. A motion by Fagan to
accept Kyle Matousek's application into the Oak Brook Firefighters' Pension Fund
effective his date of hire, July 7, 2010, pending verification that he has submitted his
completed application and documents to the Pension fund, second by Erickson. Motion
unanimously carried by voice vote.
d. 2012 COLA benefit increases: The Board reviewed the 2012 COLA benefit increases as
presented in the board meeting packet. A motion by Fleishman to approve the 2012 COLA
benefit increases as presented and calculated by L &A, second by Schlindwein. Roll Call
Vote: Erickson — yes, Fagan — yes, Schlindwein — yes, Fleishman — abstained, Dangles —
yes. Motion unanimously carried.
e. Elections — active member: The Board noted that John Fagan's term is expiring, so elections
will need to be held for this position. The Board directed Davis to provide the nomination letter
stating Board member duties and training requirements and to submit the letter and nomination
form to President Erickson to distribute to the active members. Fagan stated that he would be
interested in serving another term if nominated.
f. Elections — retired member: The Board noted that Mark Fleishman's term is expiring, so
elections will need to be held for this position. The Board directed Davis to provide the
nomination letter stating Board member duties and training requirements and to send out the
letter and nomination form to the retired members. Fleishman stated that he would be interested
in serving another term if nominated.
g. Appointed member terms expiring_ The Board noted that Sharon Dangles and Tim Schlindwein
have expiring terms; Dangles stated that Donna Bettin is already addressing this topic and will
be sure to request staggered terms. Both Dangles and Schlindwein are willing to serve another
term.
h. Trustee Binders: Davis distributed trustee binders to all Board members and briefly reviewed
the contents with the Board. Board members will maintain the binder as long as they serve on
the Board of Trustees and will pass on the binder when the time comes that a new member
replaces their currently held position.
INFORMATION & UPDATES
a. Open Meetings Act (OMA ) training requirements: The Board discussed the new requirement,
as of 01/01/2012, stating all current Board members must complete OMA training within 1 year
(by 01/01/2013) and any new members must complete the training within 90 days of election to
the Board. Davis provided information about this topic in the board meeting packet and will
email the link to all Board members for their convenience.
b. Statements of Economic Interest: The Board was reminded that these statements will be coming
out and to be sure to complete them prior to the due date.
CLOSED SESSION — none needed
** The Board noted an item for discussion at the 02/29/12 special meeting will be Fiduciary
Liability Insurance renewal 04 /30/2011 - 2012 **
ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Schlindwein to adjourn the meeting at 1:35 PM, second by Dangles. Motion
unanimously carried by voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Attest: Michael Erickson, President
John Fagan, Secretary
Minutes prepared by Pension Services Administrator, Becky Davis
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