MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING

FOR CORRECTIONS OFFICER RETIREMENT PLAN LOCAL BOARD

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

A Public meeting of the Corrections Officer Retirement Plan Local Board for the Department of Corrections was convened, Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at 9:00 a.m., in the Human Services Building, 1831 West Jefferson, Second Floor Training Room, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Present at the meeting were the following individuals:

I.          Call to Order – Local Board meeting called to order by P. Scherden, Chair, at 9:06 a.m.,

            Wednesday, July 25, 2007.

II.        Approval of Minutes – A motion for approval of Wednesday, June 20, 2007 Public Meeting Minutes was made by M. Proto and seconded by B. Rollins.  Approved unanimously.

III.       Disability Retirement – There were no new applications for disability retirement.

IV.       Normal Retirements – The following applications were presented for consideration of retirements effective:

a.   July 1, 2007.  A motion to approve items 1-3 was made by B. Rollins and seconded by M. Proto. Approved unanimously.

                  1.    Andres Betancourt

                  2.    James E. Billingsley

                 3.     Manuel O. Ramirez

b.  August 1, 2007.  A motion to approve items b and c was made by B. Rollins and seconded by M. Proto. Discussion: B. Rollins inquired as to the purpose for the retroactive date for item c. D. Gannon, Secretary, explained the geographic challenge of the member, deployed to Iraq since 2005. His initial request was received on April 13. He was unable to complete all forms until his return on June 26. Approved unanimously.

1.       Enrique Duron

c.  May 1, 2007 (Retroactive)

1.   David M. Goff

V.                Survivor Benefits - The following applications were presented for consideration.  The Chair noted that there was not a completed packet on behalf of item a. The stated alternatives were to either table or approve the request, contingent upon receipt of all signed documents. The Secretary explained that the latter alternative would be less desirable due to concerns regarding service credit. The member was on his second deployment to the Middle East at the time of his death. Until confirmation of credit for the first tour of duty, in accordance with ARS 38-907.C, can be made, it may be prudent to wait. A motion to Table item a. was made by R. Burgher and seconded by P. Scherden.  Approved unanimously.  Discussion: B. Rollins inquired as to the purpose of having item a. on the agenda. Secretary explained the intent was to be proactive in hopes that the packet would be completed in a timely manner. This is to prevent an additional delay of one month for a payment to the widow. Unfortunately, she was not able to submit the documents. Motion to approve item b. was made by R. Burgher and seconded by M. Proto. Approved unanimously.

a.                  Charles R. Browning (Lisa)

b.                  Herbert R. Smith (Sherry)

VI.             Death Benefits - The following applications were presented for consideration.  A motion to approve items a-b was made by B. Rollins and seconded by R. Burgher.  Discussion: B. Rollins inquired as to the validity of a death certificate generated in a foreign country. Secretary explained that if there is a need, or questions arise, an interpreted is consulted. Approved unanimously.

a.               James C. Kinsey (Testamentary Trust)

b.               Daniel A. Rivero (Gloria, mother)

VII.          Request to Remain in ASRS/CORP – The following applications were presented for consideration.  R. Burgher made a motion to approve items a-c and was seconded by M. Proto.  Discussion: R. Burgher inquired if Ms. Andrews’ position requires inmate interaction. B. Rollins explained that it did. While there is discretion in placing members in either retirement system, it is important to exercise discretion and consistency. Approved unanimously. 

a.            Nina Andrews (ASRS)

b.            James E. Roney (ASRS)

c.             William Tillman (ASRS)      

VIII.       General Discussion – The following items were discussed. A motion to approve items a-c was made by B. Rollins and seconded by R. Burgher. Approved unanimously.  A motion to approve item d. was made by B. Rollins and seconded by R. Burgher. Discussion: B Rollins stated that there has been a push to gain consistency and alignment in the designation of the position. Seven of the ten employees are in CORP. The remaining three are in ASRS and would be given the option to switch. Once vacated, the three positions would revert to CORP, regardless. Approved unanimously.

 Chair directed, at 9:30 a.m., that the Board would enter into Executive Session for legal counsel in order to discuss item e. 

a.                  DC Psy Nursing Coordinator (AUN07523)

b.                  DC Corrl Registered Nurse Supervisor I (AUN09035)

c.                   DC Corrl Registered Nurse Supervisor II (AUN09036)

d.                  Correctional Food Service Liaison, (ACV32735)

e.         Disability Retirement #03-04.

The Board reentered Public Session at 9:55 a.m.  R. Burgher made a motion in two parts. First, the information received regarding Disability Retirement #03-04 should be forwarded to the Attorney General for review and follow-up. Second, an independent medical evaluation (IME) should be requested on behalf of the recipient of #03-04. Motion was seconded by M. Proto. Discussion: B. Luse reminded the Board of the necessity to maintain the right of privacy for all concerned and/or obtain waivers.  R. Burgher suggested that the Board consider the necessity to reevaluate recipients of disability benefits for additional IMEs. If appropriate, it may be a future agenda item.

IX.      Call to Public – No items. By direction of the Chair, a complete list of the present recipients of disability payments will be reviewed and provided to the Board.

Meeting adjourned at 9:58 a.m.

Transcribed this 25th day of July 2007.

 ______________________________________
Dan Gannon, Board Secretary