09-20-1991
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f1tWAY, 8t:P'JEM.BER. 20, 1991
8:00 A.rt.
A Special Meeting of the Firemen's Pension Board was called to
Order by Chairman Ben Wagner on Friday, September 20, 1991 at 8:00
A.M. in the Conference Room of City Hall.
ROLL CALL: Members present were: Lt. Larry Carson, Mr. Al
Gilbert, Firefighter Bill Finch and Chairman Ben Wagner. Mr.
Robert Morin was absent. Firefighter Finch acted as Recording
Secretary.
Chairman Wagner stated as he was unable to attend the last
meeting, he felt someone who was able to attend the September 16
Meeting at the Library should fill them in on what needed to be
done.
MINUTES: Mr. Gilbert stated they should approve the Minutes and
follow regular meeting procedure. The Minutes of the August 12,
1991 Regular Meeting were submitted for approval. Lt. Carson
moved to approve the Minutes as read. Mr. Gilbert seconded.
Motion CARRIED 4-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Wagner asked if there was any old business. Mr. Gilbert
stated the school for the Pension Board was coming up the next
week.
Mr. Gilbert asked if there was any information regarding the
checkbook. Chairman Wagner stated he talked to the City Manager
and was told the Board is Bonded under a City Blanket Bond and
that copies would be provided to the Board. He stated the City
Manager told him there were seven people authorized to sign on the
account and any two of those people could cash a check. Chairman
Wagner stated seven people sounded like too many people with
access on the account. He had asked who could sign and was told
the Mayor, Acting Mayor, City Manager, Acting City Manager, City
Clerk, Acting City Clerk, and one Councilman. Chairman Wagner
stated he told the City Manager that right now the Board is
functioning as the Trustees because we don't have a money manager
and there is no way the Board can be responsible for the money if
they don't know where the money is. He stated there needed to be
a Board Member's signature on that account and get rid of all of
the other people. Chairman Wagner stated Mr. Munoz stated the
Board couldn't have access to the account as it was City money.
Chairman Wagner stated he told Mr. Munoz that it was not his money
it was the Firefighter's Pension Members' money. He stated he
told Mr. Munoz it would be straightened out when the Board hired
an attorney. Chairman Wagner stated Mr. Munoz stated the Board
didn't need an attorney; the City Attorney could take care of it.
Chairman Wagner stated he told Mr. Munoz the City Attorney would
handle the City's side of the business, and the Board's attorney
would handle it's business. He stated this is where the meeting
ended. Lt. Carson stated after the Minutes of the last meeting
came out, Mr. Munoz called him and said there was no way the Board
could have the checking account.
Lt. Carson showed him Chapter 175 which states the Trustees shall
have the authority. . . .. He stated Mr. Munoz said it would be a
learning process for all of them.
Firefighter Finch asked if they were getting paid mileage for the
Seminar that was coming up. Mr. Gilbert stated to put it in after
they come back.
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Firemen's Pension Board Special Meeting
9/2/91 Page 2
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NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Gilbert stated they did not have a quorum for the September
16, 1991 meeting that was to be before joint meeting with the
Police Pension Board so they did not have a meeting. He stated
Mr. Sugarman gave his presentation to the Police Pension Board and
three of the Firemen's Pension Board were present. He stated they
got a lot of information on how to run the Pension Board. Mr.
Gilbert stated Mr. Sugarman would guide them, but that he does not
run the Pension Board; the Pension Board runs him. Mr. Gilbert
stated as far as hiring people as money managers, counselors, etc.
Mr. Sugarman would not have anything to do with it. He stated
whatever the Board decides on, Mr. Sugarman would advise them as
to whether it is legal and if it is a good move. Mr. Gilbert
stated there were a lot of questions from the Police Department.
Mr. Gilbert moved for discussion that Edgewater Firemen's Pension
Board hire Mr. Robert Sugarman from Miami to represent the Pension
Board. Lt. Carson seconded. Lt. Carson stated Mr. Sugarman
seemed a personable person who didn't try to talk over your head
and he answered questions in laYman's terms. Chairman Wagner
stated if both the Police Pension and Firemen's Pension retained
the same lawyer it would be a benefit as far as their dealings
with the City. Motion CARRIED 4-0.
Mr. Gilbert stated there was another Pension Seminar to go to.
Lt. Carson stated it was the 23rd Annual Police Officers' and
Firefighters' Pension Administrators' Conference sponsored by the
Department of Insurance on October 16 & 17, 1991 in Orlando. He
stated the cost for the room was $49 and the Conference was free.
Mr. Gilbert moved the whole Board attend the Conference. Lt.
Carson seconded. Motion CARRIED 4-0. Mr. Gilbert asked if he
should go ahead and make the reservations. Chairman Wagner stated
if there was no objection, Mr. Gilbert should go ahead. Mr.
Gilbert asked if the wives were going or if they should get two
rooms. Chairman Wagner stated to reserve five rooms as it was
easier to cancel than it is to get more rooms later.
Mr. Gilbert ask a letter be written to Mr. Sugarman informing him
that the Board had voted to hire him. Mr. Gilbert stated Mr.
Sugarman did not require a retainer fee, he billed for services
rendered. Chairman Wagner stated Mr. Sugarman does work for the
New Smyrna Beach Firefighters on an as need basis and his billing
is not unreasonable. Chairman Wagner stated he feels they have
made a big step forward in the ability of the Board to function in
the manner to which they should, not only in hiring an attorney,
but also in attending the Seminars so they do know where they
stand. He stated hopefully the Board could get off the ground and
function as one of the better organized Boards that is around.
Lt. Carson stated with the guidance the Board Rhould be receiving
it should be a strong and well organized Board. Firefighter Finch
asked if a letter should be written to the Police Pension Board
informing them of the Board's decision to hire Mr. Sugarman. Mr.
Gilbert stated it would be a good gesture.
Chairman Wagner stated he had an item to bring up for the next
meeting. He stated he wanted to discuss the duties of the
Chairman of the Board.
There being no more new business to discuss Lt. Carson moved to
adjourn. Mr. Gilbert seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 A.M.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Lisa R. Warren
Recording Secretary
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