Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Board of Trustees met Aug. 17

Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Board of Trustees met Aug. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund (HFRRF) Board of Trustees convened at the Fund offices at 4225 Interwood North Parkway, Houston, Texas 77032, at 10:04 a.m.

Trustees present were Brett R. Besselman (Chair), Stephen R. Whitehead (Vice Chair), Gerard L. Daniels, Pete Ng, David Riegor, David O. Lantrip, and Albertino “Al” Mays (Citizen Member). Trustees absent were Lisa R. Slagle (Secretary), Arif Rasheed (City Treasurer Designee), and Earnest W. Wotring (Mayor’s Representative). Also present were staff members Ralph D. Marsh (Executive Director), Ajit Singh (Chief Investment Officer), Claudia McInnis (Director of Finance and Administration), Andrea Sharayha (Director of Human Resources), Dalia “Dolly” De La Cruz (Director of Member Services), and Adam E. Smith (General Counsel).

The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.

The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence. The Chair invited comments from the public. No comments were received.

The Chair introduced to the Board the newly hired employees, Tina Asuncion, Tariq Wajid, and Shannon Wacker, who will assist in the Member Services and Finance and Administration departments.

There was a motion by David O. Lantrip, seconded by Albertino “Al” Mays, to approve the following items listed on the Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday July 20, 2021.

B. Approval of the minutes of the Special Board meeting held on Tuesday August 10, 2021.

C. Approval of the report of the Pension Benefits Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.

D. Approval of the report of the Budget and Audit Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.

E. Approval of the minutes of the Investment Committee meeting held on Tuesday July 20, 2021.

The motion carried.

The Vice Chair, who is leading the ad hoc search committee, provided an update on the Executive Director search noting that virtual interviews were held with three candidates. Another applicant’s credential is currently being reviewed by the executive search firm. In-person interviews follow when final candidates are determined.

The Chair announced that pursuant to Texas government code section 551.074, the Board is going into closed session to discuss personnel matters related to hiring of a special advisor to the Fund.

The Board went into closed session at 10:10 a.m. and resumed open session at 10:18 a.m. The General Counsel provided an overview of the PROP B litigation.

The General Counsel provided updates on the Fund’s lawsuits against the City of Houston and City officials related to Senate Bill 2190 in the 85th Texas legislature and on the declaratory judgment relating to informal marriage.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Chair thanked Ralph D. Marsh who plans to retire in October 2021, for his service and dedication as the Executive Director from 2014-2021. The Board applauded and presented him with a plaque of appreciation. Mr. Marsh expressed appreciation to the Board and staff for their support and the honor to have the opportunity to serve the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund membership.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:33 a.m. on a motion by David O. Lantrip, seconded by Pete Ng. The motion carried.

https://www.hfrrf.org/files/lists/6894/Minutes%20Board%20August%2017,%202021.pdf