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11-08-2000 GENERAL EMPLOYEES PENSION BOARD MEETING WITH MEMBERSHIP November 8, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: The General Employees Pension Board meeting was called to order by Chairman Lichter in the Community Center, Wednesday, November 8, 2000 at 3:07 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members present: Judith Lichter, Jack Corder, Eric Bosse, Kathy Cornelius, and Mike Tenney Lisa Miller was absent. This meeting was attended by approximately forty -five plan participants. Also present were: Jack Ascherl, Consulting Agent of Record, Ken Hooper, City Manager, Michele Goins, Finance Director, Debby Sigler, Personnel Director and Donna Looney, Payroll Pension Specialist/ Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Chairman Lichter introduced Mrs. Sigler, who welcomed everyone and explained that the purpose of this meeting is to go over the proposed changes to the pension plan with all the members. The pension board members have been working on these changes from the input they have received from everyone, but before they make a recommendation to the City, you have this opportunity to ask questions and express your opinions concerning your pension. She stated that we will try to hold a general meeting like this once a year. Mr. Ascherl reviewed the current plan benefits and explained the proposed plan changes. He reviewed the cost of these changes. (These proposals and costs are in the attached report; copies were distributed to the membership) Mr. Ascherl answered several individual questions concerning the benefits, the proposed changes and how the particular employee will be affected. He also went over the cost to fund the plan with the current benefits, as well as, the increased cost to fund the changes. City Manager, Ken Hooper, addressed the membership. He stated that his recommendation to Council will be the same as he recommended for the Police and Fire. The City agreed to pay half the cost for their new benefits. According to the estimated costs this would mean the employees would have to pay approximately 2.5% of their salaries to cover their half. Board member, Jack Corder, stated they want everyone to speak up now, because the board will be voting on a recommendation at their next meeting. Board member, Eric Bosse, stated that each person needs to look at what they will contribute over the number of years they have and decide whether they will benefit from these changes. He also added that he wants everyone to understand what this means. After further discussion, Chairman Lichter asked for a show of hands from everyone who feels they want to contribute and a show of hands from those who would not want to. Most hands were held up showing a "yes" to contribute. No hands were held for "not" contributing. City Manager, Hooper, commented that it looks good for the board to recommend the changes. Mr. Ascherl explained that these changes would go into effect October 1, 2001 if they are approved by the City. The board members encouraged everyone to talk among their co- workers about this, because the board will probably call a special meeting soon to get the matter to the next step. ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Kathy Cornelius moved to adjourn, being seconded by Mr. Eric Bosse. Meeting adjourned 3:58 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Personnel Department