02-17-2017 - Informal Disability Hearing - Martha MilesCITY OF EDGEWATER
POLICE OFFICERS' PENSION BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
INFORMAL DISABILITY HEARING - MARTHA MILES
City Hall Council Chambers
Friday, February 17, 2017 at 1:30PM
TRUSTEES PRESENT: Alexander Penalta
Timothy Webb
Lawrence Leaf
Larry Brinson
TRUSTEES ABSENT: David Arcieri
OTHERS PRESENT: Ken Harrison, Sugarman Susskind
Ferrell Jenne, Foster & Foster
Tonya Oliver, Bichler, Oliver, Longo, & Fox PLLC
Martha Miles, Disability Applicant
Gary Conroy, Council Member
John Tarr, Disability Applicant
Call to Order Alexander Penalta called the meeting to order at 1:32PM.
2. Roll Call - As reflected above.
Public Comment - None.
4. New Business
a. Informal disability hearing for Martha Miles.
i. Ken Harrison reminded the board to give Ferrell Jenne the flash drives
containing the medical records for destruction after the hearing had
concluded.
ii. Ken Harrison reviewed the disability process and the documents
collected.
iii. Ken Harrison reviewed the Independent Medical Exam (IME) report and
the questionnaire sent to the independent medical doctor. Ken
commented that a police officer must be able to perform all duties of an
officer.
iv. Tonya Oliver gave an overview of Martha Miles' employment history and
the incident that occurred. Tonya reviewed the PTSD counseling that
Martha Miles went through.
v. Ken Harrison reviewed the independent medical doctor's responses to
the questionnaire.
vi. Ken Harrison commented the IME stated that Martha Miles was and will
remain permanently unable to function as a police officer due to her
psychiatric limitations and her fear of further exposure to traumatic
events.
vii. Alexander Penalta asked what kind of doctor performed the IME. Ken
Harrison responded it was a psychiatrist.
viii. Ken Harrison mentioned there was a question on Martha Miles' date of
hire, due to a partial refund that was received. Ken commented that the
board's decision today was to grant or deny the In -Line -of -Duty (ILOD)
disability.
ix. Ken Harrison reviewed the procedures if the ILOD benefit was granted or
denied.
x. Alexander Penalta commented that he would rely on the experts and
doctors regarding the disability. Timothy Webb agreed.
xi. Timothy Webb asked if the suspect's suicide triggered Martha Miles'
PTSD. Tonya Oliver commented that this was correct.
The board approved the application for an In -Line -of -Duty Disability for Martha Miles upon
motion by Lawrence Leaf and second by Timothy Webb, motion carried 4-0.
Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 2:OOPM.
Next Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017.
R 1pectfull bmitted by:
Ferr II Jenn ,Pan Administrator
Approved by:
Alexander Penalta, Chairman
Date Approved By the Pension Board: MArh ad 1 a o F]