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November 23, 2004 – Board Agenda

 

Closed Session – The Board will meet in Closed Session following Agenda Item 8.4

 

C1

Public Employment—Terms of Employment of new Chief Executive Officer

Public Session

1.

Call to Order

2.

Roll Call

3.

Approval of the Minutes

4.

Oral Communications

 

4.1

Oral Communications From the Board

 

4.2

Oral Communications From the Public

5.

Benefit & Actuarial Services

 

5.1

Adoption of Consent Calendar

 

5.2

Consideration of items removed from Consent Calendar

 

5.3

Introduction of June 30, 2004 Actuarial Valuation  

 

5.4

Introduction of 2004-2005 Fiscal Year Employer & Member Contribution Rates

6.

Investment Services

 

6.1

Acceptance of Monthly Portfolio Performance Report

 

6.2

Acceptance of Strategic Investment Solutions Quarterly Portfolio Performance Report

 

6.3

Approval of  Post US and Non-US Equity Portfolios Restructure Report

 

6.4

Approval of Futures Agreement – Goldman Sachs Asset Management

 

6.5

Review of Investment Management Agreement “Service to Other Clients” Language

 

6.6

Approval of Amendment to the Real Estate Section of SamCERA’s Investment Plan

7.

Board & Management Support Services

 

7.1

Acceptance of Monthly Financial Reports

 

7.2

Establishment of Audit Committee and its Charter

 

7.3

Acceptance of Auditor’s Report and Acceptance of SamCERA's Financial Statements

 

7.4

Acceptance of SamCERA’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report & Popular Annual Financial Report

 

7.5

Review, Revision & Reaffirmation Code of Fiduciary Conduct

 

7.6

Consideration and Action Regarding Approval of Change in December 28, 2004 Meeting Date [Addendum]  

8.

Approval or Acceptance of Reports

 

8.1

Chief Executive Officer's Report

 

8.2

Assistant Executive Officers’ Report

 

8.3

Investment & Finance Manager’s Report

 

8.4

County Counsel's Report

 

8.5

Report on Actions taken in Closed Session

9.

Adjournment

   

November 23, 2004 – Board Minutes

 

0411.1

Call to Order:  Mr. Bryan, Secretary, called the Public Session of the Board of Retirement to order at 1:00 pm, November 23, 2004 in SamCERA’s Board Room, Suite 125, 100 Marine Parkway, Redwood Shores.

Mr. Lewis, Vice Chair, assumed the role of Chair, upon his arrival at 1:05.

   

0411.2

Roll Call:  Mr. Bryan, Mr. Buffington, Ms. Colson (1:35), Mr. Hooley, Mr. Lewis (1:05), Ms. Stuart & Ms. Tashman.  Ms. Arnott was also in attendance.  Excused:  Mr. McMahon & Ms. Salas.  Staff:  Mr. McCausland, Mr. Hood, Mr. Clifton & Ms. Lamica.  Counsel:  Ms. Carlson.  Consultants:  Dr. Fracchia, Mr. Summer, Ms. Jadallah & Mr. Thomas.  Retirees: 2, County: 1.

   

0411.3

Approval of the Minutes:  Ms. Arnott submitted the following corrections to the Minutes:  0410.6.3:  “investors were taking cashing out of the fund.” & “…then asked Mr. Clifton on the composition…”  0410.6.6 ¶1:  “restructuring in a manner as closely as possible…”; 0410.6.6 ¶13:  “portfolio as closely as possible…”;  0410.6.12 ¶14:  “Mr. Ms. Salas then took up agenda item 6.4.”;  0410.7.1:  Mr. Clifton the then presented…” Ms. Tashman submitted corrections that were covered by Ms. Arnott’s.   Motion by Buffington, second by Stuart, carried unanimously to approve the Board Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2004 as corrected.

   

0411.4.1

Oral Communications From the Board:  None.

   

0411.4.2

Oral Communications From the Public:  None.

   

0411.5

Benefit & Actuarial Services

   

0411.5.1

Adoption of Consent CalendarMotion by Buffington, second by Hooley, carried unanimously to adopt the Consent Calendar, as submitted, as follows:

   
 

Disability Retirements:

   
 

The Board finds that Frank Dal Porto is unable to perform his duties as a Deputy Sheriff’s Sergeant, finds that his disability is Service-Connected and, GRANTS his application for a Service-Connected Disability.

The Board finds that Gloria Prado is unable to perform her duties as a Shelter Care Counselor, finds that her disability is Service-Connected and, GRANTS her application for a Service-Connected Disability.

The Board finds that Sylvia Domagalski is unable to perform her duties as a Clinical Nurse, finds that her disability is Nonservice-Connected and, GRANTS her application for a Nonservice-Connected disability.

   
 

Routine Actions taken by staff pursuant to the Board's Delegation of Authority and the Regulations of the Board of Retirement:

   
 

Service Retirements:

 

Jett, Regina

September 1, 2004

District Attorney’s Office

 

Hagle, Diana

September 18, 2004

Department of Social Services

 

Berliner, Gabie

October 16, 2004

Human Services Agency

 

Weeks, Arthur

November 6, 2004

Information Services Division

 

Weaver, Ronald

November 20, 2004

Parks Department

 

Wong, Eva

November 26, 2004 (From Plan 3)

Human Services Agency

   
 

Continuance of Benefits:

 

Giles, Loren

Beneficiary of Lillian

 

Santistevan, Richard

Beneficiary of Carleen

 

Berkeley, Pat

Beneficiary of Johnnie

 

Lee, Joan

Beneficiary of William

   
 

Deferred Retirements:

 

Bonard, Doris

G2 vested

   
 

Refunds For November 2004:

 

Grado, Kathy

QDRO

$19,814.24

 

Peng, Linda

G4 non vested

$1,583.19

 

Sandoval, Norma

G4 non vested

$907.35

 

Stewart, James

G4 non vested

$842.95

 

Total Refunds October 2004:

$23,147.73

   
 

Rollovers for October 2004

 

Adamson, Tom

QDRO

$5,100.23

 

Jensen, Richard

G4 non vested

$4,032.30

 

Rhee, Jeanne

G4 non vested

$9,213.85

 

Spencer, Barton

G4 non vested

$16,886.79

 

Thoreson, Rebecca

G4 non vested

$15,293.62

 

Total Rollovers October 2004:

$50,526.79

   

0411.5.2

Consideration of items removed from Consent Calendar:  None.

   

0411.5.3

Introduction of June 30, 2004 Actuarial Valuation:   Mr. McCausland noted that Mr. Summer’s valuation is modeled after an actuarial discipline developed by Howard Winklevoss, a maverick in the actuarial profession.  He noted that the model was a sound technique to model the system’s actuarial assets and liabilities and commended PPP’s utilization of this methodology.  Although the transition between actuaries this year has been quite troublesome, Mr. McCausland believes that future Valuations shall fair much better given the lessons learned this year.  Mr. Summer then presented his findings for SamCERA’s June 30, 2004 Actuarial Valuation.

Mr. Summer reviewed the time line and process of the Valuation.  After finally asking for and receiving individual test data from Mercer in early November, Mr. Summer indicated that it then became relatively straightforward for PPP to validate and adjust Mercer’s June 30, 2003 results.  PPP then moved forward with the preparation of the 2004 results with confidence.  In response to a question by Mr. Bryan, Mr. Summer indicated that, excluding next year’s experience study, subsequent valuations should be completed by the end of August.

Mr. Summer then gave a brief overview of the inconsistencies PPP found in Mercer’s methodology regarding salary assumptions, death benefits, and allocation problems with plan switches, in addition to several other issues.  He maintained, however, that the overall impact of these effects was less than a 2% shift in liabilities.  He stated that neither the staff nor auditors could have found these inconsistencies given the information available.  Mr. Lewis requested that Mr. Summer include the percentage shift of some of the main inconsistencies in his full Valuation report along with staff and Mercer’s response. 

Mr. McCausland stated that any transition would result in some differences but that this transition has served as an in-depth actuarial audit.  He believes that the Winklevoss’ methodology will refine SamCERA’s modeling of its actuarial assets and liabilities.  He recommended that the Board consider establishing a new 20-year amortization schedule for the unfunded actuarial liability when PPP completes SamCERA’s triennial experience study next year using the Winklevoss system.   

Mr. Summer reviewed the actuarial assumptions used in the Valuation.  In response to a question from Ms. Carlson regarding the irrevocable purchase agreements to switch plans still in progress, Mr. Summer indicated that PPP has a fairly good idea of that numerical data, however, is applying the underlying assumption that service is only switched upon completion of the full payment.  Ms. Tashman then asked him whether or not PPP’s fixes to Mercer’s inconsistencies would affect member contribution rates.  Mr. Summer stated that member contribution rates are not based on experience but through a special section of the 1937 Act and three important assumptions: (1) rate of return on investments, (2) salary increase assumptions and (3) post-retirement mortality rates.  In this year’s Valuation, there was a change in the inflation assumption, thereby changing the salary increase assumption.

Mr. Summer then presented his Valuation results.  He discussed the concept of the present value of projected benefits.  In response to a question from Ms. Carlson, he indicated that his Valuation reflects both rounds of benefit enhancements negotiated by the unions.  The valuation generated a decline in employer contribution rates for 2005 due to, in large extent, of the increase in the negotiated Member Cost Sharing rates.

In response to a “critical concern” raised by Mr. Bryan, regarding the requirement that the Probation Department pay for the actuarial liabilities associated with the switch of Probation employees from General to Safety, Mr. Summer stated that he will ensure that the accrued liability allocation will be shifted to the correct department, rather than be spread across every other department.

The Board then took up the agenda item addendum 7.6 concerning the consideration and action regarding a December meeting date in joint discussion of the current agenda item.   Ms. Colson reported that the Ad Hoc Audit Committee had recommended a special meeting in December to discuss the Audit and the Actuarial Valuation.  After extensive discussion, the Board agreed to defer the discussion on the Actuarial Valuation to the January Board meeting.  However, should any pertinent obstacles arise, the Ad Hoc Audit committee will hold a special meeting in early January to consider the issues.  All transmittals with Mercer, PPP and staff will be forwarded to the trustees to keep them informed of any developments.

   

0411.5.4

Introduction of 2004-2005 Fiscal Year Employer & Member Contribution Rates:  This agenda item has been deferred to the January Board meeting.

   

0411.6

Investment Services

   

0411.6.1

Acceptance of Monthly Portfolio Performance Report:  Mr. Clifton presented the monthly performance for the period ending October 31, 2004.  He reported that SamCERA’s Total Fund Return was 1.73%, exceeding the Policy Benchmark by 12 basis points.  He also indicated that October will be the final month with Bank of Ireland, as they will no longer be one of the Association’s managers.  Mr. Clifton then reported that, in its second month, the Alpha Tilts had an outstanding return of 2.49%.  Regarding year to date, he reported that the Total Plan is slightly behind the Policy Benchmark and further behind the actuarial assumption rate return.

   
 

Asset Class

Market Value

1-Month

1-year TTWRR

5-year TTWRR

 
  Domestic Equity

$768,390,461

1.96%

10.24%

0.66%

 
 

International Equity

        232,021,982

3.36%

16.89%

-0.10%

 
 

Total Equity

$1,000,412,443

2.28%

11.69%

0.18%

 
 

Fixed Income

455,954,434

0.77%

6.01%

7.65%

 
 

Real Estate Aggregate

52,643,479

0.00%

14.98%

10.69%

 
 

Cash Equivalents

3,515,317

0.18%

2.26%

3.53%

 
 

Total Fund

$1,512,525,674

1.73%

10.26%

3.86%

 
 

Benchmark

1.61%

10.23%

3.14%

 
 

Without objection, Mr. Lewis accepted the report. 

   

0411.6.2

Acceptance of Strategic Investment Solutions Quarterly Portfolio Performance Report:  Mr. Thomas, from SIS, noted that their report format will change in subsequent Board meetings, reflecting the transition from Deustche Bank to State Street’s platform.  He then performed a broad overview of the previous quarter.  He reported on the Fund’s investment performance, highlighting that lower risk and higher bond allocation proved more prudent for the quarter.  Mr. Thomas indicated that Deutsche Asset Management and INVESCO performed well, returning 3.4% and 7.4% respectively, while Bank of Ireland ranked in the bottom quartile among its peers, a large contributing factor to the Fund’s underperformance.  He also reported that September contained the initial funding of one of the Association’s new managers, the BGI Russell 1000 Alpha Tilts.  Ms. Jadallah stated that the appendix of SIS’ next report will provide a description of the Alpha Tilt strategy along with overviews of the other new managers.  In response to a question from Ms. Colson regarding the Fund’s comparatively higher risk and less return than the median, Mr. Thomas stated that, over the 5 year period, the Fund did not have active risk in small cap and international asset classes, which possessed very positive returns during that period.  He also indicated that other plans were more defensive during the significantly negative periods. 

Without objection, Mr. Lewis accepted the report. 

   

0411.6.3

Approval of Post US and Non-US Equity Portfolios Restructure Report:  Mr. Clifton presented the Post Transition Report for the US Small Cap and Non-US Equity Portfolios.  He provided an overview of the timeline of events and reported that, in aggregate, SamCERA reallocated approximately $400 million at a cost of roughly $2 million.  He indicated that both transitions performed very smoothly with a cost a little less than what BGI had projected.  In response to a question from Ms. Tashman, Mr. Clifton indicated that transition trading was completed for both asset classes in time for the post-election rally in early November.  Mr. Bryan commended staff on their performance and successful completion of the transition of assets.

Without objection, Mr. Lewis accepted the report.

   

0411.6.4

Approval of Futures Agreement – Goldman Sachs Asset Management:  Mr. Clifton reported that the Investment Committee had tabled this agenda item to the January meeting and requested that additional information be provided before recommending the approval of the Futures Agreement with Goldman Sachs.

   

0411.6.5

Review of Investment Management Agreement “Service to Other Clients” Language:  Mr. Clifton reported that staff and counsel will review manager Code of Ethics and other plans’ Investment Management Agreements in light of the Board’s concern over the language contained in the document regarding “Service to Other Clients”.  Staff will return with a revised version of SamCERA’s IMA sometime during the Spring.

   

0411.6.6

Approval of Amendment to the Real Estate Section of SamCERA’s Investment Plan:  Mr. Clifton presented the amendments made to the Real Estate Section of SamCERA’s Investment Plan.  He highlighted the change in terminology from “Collective” to “Commingled Fund” Vehicles and the changes made to Section 12.4, “Commingled Fund Vehicle Oversite”.

Motion by Hooley, second by Buffington, carried unanimously to approve the amendments made to the Real Estate Section of SamCERA’s Investment Plan as follows:   

   
 

12.0  Real Estate  Proposed

12.1  Investment Objectives: SamCERA has determined that over the long term, inclusion of equity real estate investments will enhance the risk/return characteristics of its portfolio investment.  Real estate investments occur in an inefficient market and will be designed to provide returns in excess of the industry benchmarks.  Active management, value creation and opportunistic strategies, as well as prudent use of third party debt, are approved methods of generating excess return.  A secondary objective will be to improve the diversification of the overall investment portfolio.

12.1.a: Completion of due diligence entails Staff, Consultant, and Counsel to review the investments structure and associated legal documents.

12.1.b: Investment structures will be monitored quarterly to evaluate investment performance and to ensure compliance with vehicle documents.

12.2  Real Estate Performance Objectives: The investment manager(s) retained by SamCERA shall be accountable for generating total time-weighted rates of return (TTWRR), net of fees, which equal or exceed, the NPI (“NCREIF Property Index”). 

12.3  Real Estate Guidelines:  The responsibility for real estate selection and purchase and sale decisions is delegated to the real estate manager(s) in Section 15.4, et seq.  The manager, however, shall adhere to the following investment guidelines covering (a) diversification, (b) quality, (c) restricted transactions, (d) leverage, (e) special conditions, (f) annual plan and (g) exemptions.

(a)        Diversification:

12.3.a.1:  The Board will employ a Commingled Fund Vehicles account investment structure.      

12.3.a.2:  The Commingled Fund Vehicle may not exceed a concentration of 40% (by value) in any single property type or 25% in any single metropolitan statistical area, determined as of the date of the acquisition of a property.

12.3.a.3:  Commingled Fund Vehicles shall be diversified as to region, property type, industry and economic base.

(b)        Quality:  All assets must be of institutional quality as evidenced by tax-exempt institutional investment in similar properties, high quality construction and design, a market with underlying fundamental strengths and a strong location.

(c)        Restricted Transactions:

12.3.c.1:  All transactions shall be consistent with the provisions of the Code of Fiduciary Conduct as set forth in Section 14 and the Delegation of Authority to Investment Managers as set forth in Section 15.4, et seq

12.3.c.2:  No properties shall be purchased outside of the boundaries of the United States.

12.3.c.3:  No single-purpose, specialized properties (e.g. hotels, medical facilities, land, etc.) shall be purchased unless the criteria are specified in the investment manager's contract.

(d)        Leverage:  The use of leverage is permitted only for the purpose of enhancing returns and is limited to no more than 30% of overall loan to value, with a target of 15% of the aggregate portfolio.

(e)        Special Conditions:

12.3.e.1:  The Commingled Fund Vehicles shall include specific provisions governing reporting, due diligence, property valuations, property management, insurance, unrelated business income tax and property specific environmental evaluations and environmental liabilities.

12.3.e.2:  No transaction shall be entered into that does not meet the unique compliance requirements outlined in the Collective Vehicle’s Private Placement Memorandum.

(f)        Exemptions:  The Commingled Fund Vehicle manager(s) must request prior written approval from the Board for permission to deviate from the provisions of these guidelines.

(g)        Annual Plan:  The Commingled Fund Vehicle manager(s) must provide the Board with a strategic review on an annual basis.  Some of the items to be provided in the annual plan include:  (1) Organizational Review, (2) Leasing Status, (3) Operating Income, (4) Distributed Income, (5) Operating Expenses,  (6) Capital Expenses,  (7) Fees, (8) Buy/Sell Analysis by Property and (9) Strategy for Coming Year.

12.4      Commingled Fund Vehicle Oversite:  The Board has determined that engagement is the best course to implement change. 

12.4.a.  Whenever possible, SamCERA’s Chief Executive Officer or delegate will secure a seat on the Commingled Fund Vehicle’s Advisory Committee and attend its meeting.      

12.4.b.  Whenever possible, SamCERA’s Chief Executive Officer or delegate will attend the Commingled Fund Vehicle’s annual meeting. 

   

0411.7

Board & Management Support Services

   

0411.7.1

Acceptance of Monthly Financial Reports:  Mr. Clifton presented the preliminary monthly financial report for the period ending October 31, 2004.  Ms. Colson requested that a percentage change column be added to the report.  In response to a question from Mr. Lewis, Mr. Clifton indicated that the negative values in Employer Prefunded Contributions are due to the amortizing of the pre-paid employer contributions over the full year.  He stated that SamCERA is transferring monthly amounts from the Employer Prefunded Contribution account to the actual Employer Contribution accounts.

Without objection, Mr. Lewis accepted the report.

   

0411.7.2

Establishment of Audit Committee and its Charter:  Ms. Colson reported that the members of the Ad Hoc Audit Committee had a very productive meeting with Mr. Summer and would be willing to meet as a standing committee on a quarterly or on an as-needed basis.  Mr. Clifton then reported that the resolution was based on the former Audit Committee charter with the addition of a new §6.  Motion by Bryan, second by Lewis, carried unanimously, to adopt Resolution 04-05-19, as follows:

   
 

Whereas, Section 17 of Article XVI of the Constitution of the State of California states that the retirement board of a public pension or retirement system shall have plenary authority and fiduciary responsibility for the investment of monies and administration of the system; &

Whereas, SamCERA is governed by the provisions of the County Employees' Retirement Law of 1937 of which Government Code §31520 vests the management of the Association in the Board; &

Whereas, the Board has adopted Regulations and Resolutions setting forth the policies of the Board; &

Whereas, the Board bears full fiduciary responsibility for assuring that its policies are implemented in faithful compliance with all applicable provisions of Federal and State Law: &

Whereas, the Investment & Finance Manager has recommended that the Board establish an Audit Committee to conduct periodic and systematic reviews of SamCERA's policies and procedures.  Therefore be it

Resolved that the Board hereby establishes a standing Audit Committee to perform the following functions:

1.  Selection of Auditor:  The Committee shall select and recommend the Auditor to the Board, for Board approval of the contract;

2.  Scope of Audit:  The Committee shall review, revise and approve the annual audit work plan submitted by the Auditor;

3.  Review of Audit:  The Committee shall monitor, review and comment on the work of the Auditor;

4.  Review of Internal Controls:  The Committee shall monitor the implementation of the Auditor's recommendations regarding SamCERA's Internal Controls; and

5.  Review of Actuarial Processes:  The Committee shall monitor all aspects of the Actuarial process, other than those matters specifically delegated to the Investment Committee, and make recommendations to the Board as appropriate;

6.  Review of Budget Processes:  The Committee shall monitor all aspects of the Budget process and make recommendations to the Board as appropriate;

7.  Review of Board Responsibilities:  The Committee shall monitor the performance of the Board’s Responsibilities set forth in the Strategic Services Resolution and make recommendations to the Board, as appropriate; 

8.  Review of Board Support Services:  The Committee shall monitor staff’s performance of the Board Support Services set forth in the Strategic Services Resolution and make recommendations to the Board, as appropriate;

9.  Review of Management Services:  The Committee shall monitor staff’s implementation of the components of SamCERA’s Management Services Plan set forth in the Strategic Services Resolution, with particular emphasis on matters related to SamCERA’s Administrative Budget, Contract Management and Business Continuity (Disaster Recovery) Planning, and make recommendations to the Board, as appropriate; Be it further

Resolved that the Chair may appoint the members of the Audit Committee per Regulation 1.1.  Be it further

Resolved that the Chief Executive Officer is hereby instructed to provide the Committee with access to all appropriate County and SamCERA resources and records, so long as such access is consistent with sound fiduciary practices.  Be it further

Resolved that the Chief Executive Officer is hereby authorized to provide compensation of $100 per meeting for not more than two meetings per month to the members of the Committee eligible for such compensation, per GC§31521.  Be it further

Resolved that the Board hereby reserves it itself sole authority to accept, modify, or reject the recommendations which the Audit Committee may present from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Resolution, per Regulation 2.3.

   

0411.7.3

Acceptance of Auditor’s Report and Acceptance of SamCERA's Financial Statements:  Mr. Clifton presented agenda items 7.3 and 7.4 simultaneously.  He introduced and commended Mabel Wong, Management Analyst, on her work with SamCERA’s PAFR.  He requested that the Board permit staff to include the results from the June 30, 2004 Actuarial Valuation in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report despite the results having yet to be finalized to date.  As indicated by Mr. Summer earlier in the meeting, the full Valuation report should be available for staff sometime between December 7th and 14th formatted for the CAFR.  Mr. Clifton then indicated that he will then forward the information to the Association’s auditor, Brown Armstrong, so they may render an opinion on the CAFR and finalize the audit.  He will request Brown Armstrong’s presence at the January Board meeting.

Ms. Stuart showed a concern regarding the Board organization contained in the PAFR which led to a discussion whether or not the PAFR should include organizational information as of June 30, 2004 or as of date of print.

Given the length of the document, Mr. Buffington recommended that the CAFR be placed on SamCERA’s website for interested individuals’ easy access rather than printing several extensive hard copies.

Mr. Hooley requested that information regarding the average employer contribution rate for the fiscal year June 30, 2004 be included in the CAFR.

The acceptance of the Auditor’s Report along with SamCERA’s Financial Statements, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Popular Annual Financial Report will be postponed until the January Board meeting.

   

0411.7.4

Acceptance of SamCERA’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report & Popular Annual Financial Report:  See agenda item 7.3.

   

0411.7.5

Review, Revision & Reaffirmation Code of Fiduciary Conduct:  Mr. Lewis indicated that this item was placed on the agenda by Ms. Salas, Chair.  Mr. Buffington opined that the item was unnecessary.  Due to Ms. Salas’ absence, Mr. Bryan asked that this agenda item be deferred to a future Board meeting.

   

0411.7.6

Consideration and Action Regarding Approval of Change in December 28, 2004 Meeting Date:  This agenda item was discussed under item 5.3.  No Action was taken.

   

0411.8

Approval or Acceptance of Reports

   

0411.8.1

Chief Executive Officer's Report:  Mr. McCausland thanked the Board, indicating that this meeting was his last.  He praised Mr. Clifton’s outstanding work during the complex and accelerated transition of assets as part of SamCERA’s portfolio restructuring.  He also commended Mr. Hood and Ms. Dames for their outstanding Ventura Implementation efforts.  He noted that SamCERA has a staff of dedicated, self-starter professionals of which the Board should be very proud. 

Mr. McCausland then reported that $201,351 of the Sheriff Ventura overpayment has been returned to SamCERA with the remaining $43,486 being recovered from six individuals through voluntary installment payments over the next 60 months.  He estimated the opportunity cost of the Safety Ventura overpayment at $5,300. 

He stated that the Ventura project is running behind schedule due to the extra help staff being offered permanent jobs in other departments.  He estimated that the project will extend through February or March. 

Mr. McCausland reported that he has received several questions and requests for refund of the VenturaMember Contribution, as well as challenges to the results of staff’s Venturaresearch.  He opined that, as of this date, no individual has raised a legitimate legal basis to challenge SamCERA’s Ventura Implementation Plan, nor staff’s execution of that plan.  In response to a question from Ms. Tashman, Mr. McCausland noted that he will be on full salary until his retirement on March 31st and a monthly retainer through September, so that he will still be able to oversee the Venturaproject if so requested by Mr. Bailey. 

Mr. McCausland reported that he is in regular contact with Mr. Bailey, SamCERA’s new CEO,and that the entire staff has had the opportunity to meet him.  He commended the Board’s selection and opined that the transition to the CEO will run smoothly.

Ms. Stuart expressed her appreciation to Mr. McCausland for his excellent performance as SamCERA’s Chief Executive Officer, extending the trustees’ vote of thanks for all his efforts on behalf of SamCERA and the Board.

   

0411.8.2

Assistant Executive Officers’ Report:  Mr. Hood reported that, per Mr. Buffington’s recommendation, staff met with Warren Slocum regarding SamCERA’s EDMS project.  He reported that Mr. Slocum has offered SamCERA access to the Assessor/County Clerk/Recorder’s FileNet EDMS system. 

He then reported that he will provide year-end statistical data at the next Board meeting.   

Mr. Bryan thanked Mr. Hood for the reformatting of the disability reports to the Board.

   

0411.8.3

Investment & Finance Manager’s Report:  Mr. Clifton reported that SamCERA has terminated its eight-year relationship with Bank of Ireland Asset Management and its four-year investment in the BGI Russell 2000 Index Fund at month-end. 

   

0411.8.4

County Counsel's Report:  None.

   
 

Mr. Lewis recessed the Public Session at 3:37 p.m. and reconvened it at 4:15 p.m.

   

0411.8.5

Report on Actions taken in Closed Session:   Mr. Hood reported that Mr. Lewis convened the Board in Closed Session at 3:37 p.m. with all trustees present for roll in attendance.  The Board conferred with Counsel on the Terms of Employment of new Chief Executive Officer.  The Board approved the contract for the CEO.  There being no further business, the Closed Session was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.  

   

0411.9

Adjournment in Memory of the following Deceased Members:  There being no further business, Mr.  Lewis adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m. in memory of the following deceased members:

   
 

Countryman, Fred

October 1, 2004

County Manager’s Office

 

Santistevan, Carleen

October 7, 2004

Probation Department

 

Aker, Virgil

October 9, 2004

Beneficiary Of Eileen

 

Joseph, E. Marie

October 11, 2004

Department Of Social Services

 

Glick, Anna

October 12, 2004

Beneficiary Of Jay

 

Pecharich, Joseph

October 12, 2004

Architecture & Engineering Department

 

Lee, William

October 13, 2004

Department Of Community Services

 

Shea, James

October 20, 2004

Beneficiary Of Kathleen

 

Freeman, Norma

October 21, 2004

Sheriff’s Department

 

Ringo, Lorraine

November 3, 2004

Crystal Springs Rehabilitation Center

 

Frazier, Thomas

November 6, 2004

Probation Department

 

Martinet, Blanka

November 6, 2004

Chope Hospital

Kenneth A. Lewis, Vice Chair

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