Fire Pension Board

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB Special Meeting of the DeKalb Firefighters Pension Fund June 28, 2022 ROLL CALL At 9:03 a.m., President Bill Lynch called the roll. Members present were Bill Lynch, Bob Terry, Carrie Dittman, and Bill Kalal; member absent were Ray Krueger. City employees present were Office Associate Rachel Sauber, as recording secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Bob Terry moved to approve the agenda; Carrie Dittman seconded. A voice vote was conducted. Aye votes were voiced by all present members. The motion passed. NEW BUSINESS 1. Motion to terminate the professional relationship with Collins & Radja and retain the legal services of Asher Gittler & D'Alba and execute the retainer agreement for said services. Bill Lynch cited a mistake in benefit administration and lack of communication as the chief reason for terminating the professional relationship with Collins and & Radja. He mentioned that many of his emails to the firm were never returned, and the firm offered little support when called upon to solve the benefit administration issue. Carrie Dittman inquired as to if any additional firms were considered before Asher Gittler & D’Alba were chosen. Bill Lynch advised that they considered other firms, but that union members and their network of other pension boards overwhelmingly recommended this firm. There was no formal communication with other firms. Carrie Dittman asked if they have considered a Request for Proposals in the future. Bill Lynch said that will be considered if the retainment with Asher Gittler & D'Alba does not work out. Carrie advised that the board approve this firm on a trial basis as the contract can end at any time. She advised that if the partnership does not go well, the board use a RFP to hire new representation. Carrie Dittman advised that the issues with pension benefit execution be discussed with the new firm. She asked if there are any rules and regulations that would prevents this mistake from happening in the future. Bill Lynch answered that the bylaws do not go that in depth, and Bob Terry stated that they will look into amending the bylaws, so this type of mistake does not happen in the future. Bill Kalal moved to terminate the professional relationship with Collins & Radja and retain the legal services of Asher Gittler & D/Alba and execute the retainer agreement for said services. Bob Terry seconded. A roll call vote was conducted. Members Bill Lunch, Bob Terry, Carrie Dittman, and Bill Kalal voted aye. Zero nay votes were recorded. The motion passed. ADJOURNMENT Bob Terry moved to adjourn the meeting. Carrie Dittman seconded the motion. A voice vote was conducted. All members present voiced aye votes. The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 a.m. _____________________________ Rachel Sauber, Recording Secretary Minutes approved by the DeKalb Firefighters Pension Board October 13, 2022