Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Board of Trustees met April 21

Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund Board of Trustees met April 21.

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 10:02 a.m.

Trustees present were Brett R. Besselman (Chair), Stephen R. Whitehead (Vice Chair), Lisa R. Slagle (Secretary), Gerard L. Daniels, Pete Ng, David O. Lantrip, Arif Rasheed (City Treasurer Designee), Earnest W. Wotring (Mayor’s Representative), and Albertino “Al” Mays (Citizen Member). Trustee absent was David Riegor. Also present were staff members Timothy Schauer (Executive Director), Claudia McInnis (Director of Finance and Administration), Dalia “Dolly” De La Cruz (Director of Member Services), John D. Moore II (Director of Technology and Building Services), and Deborah Hernandez (Conference Center Manager).

The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.

The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence. The Chair invited comments from the public.

Retired Fund member Lance Stahl addressed the Board.

The Conference Center Manager introduced the newly hired part time intern, Jessica Henderson. She and Brianna Scott (who couldn’t attend the meeting) will assist in the communications strategy project. The Conference Center Manager also introduced part time event captain, Reed Roberts.

There was a motion by David O. Lantrip, seconded by Gerard L. Daniels, to approve the following items listed on the Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

B. Approval of the report of the Pension Benefits Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

C. Approval of the report of the Budget and Audit Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

D. Approval of the report of the Memorial Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022

E. Approval of the minutes of the Investment Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

The motion carried.

On behalf of the General Counsel, the Chair 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.

The Director of Finance and Administration reviewed the Fund’s consolidated financials and highlights for the third quarter fiscal year 2022 ending March 31, 2022, noting the Plan’s Net Position at approximately $5.5 billion. She also reviewed several financial trends between fiscal year 2022 and previous fiscal years.

The Conference Center Manager discussed the Greer & Lowdermilk Conference Center rental rates. After some discussion, there was a motion by Albertino “Al” Mays, seconded by Lisa R. Slagle, to increase the Greer & Lowdermilk Conference Center rates for a 12-hour rental to $3,500 on Sunday - Friday and $4,500 on Saturday. The member discount was raised to 35%. The motion carried with David O. Lantrip opposing.

The Executive Director provided an update on the sale of memorial benches. Thirteen benches are being finalized and constructed with installations expected in approximately 6-10 weeks.

The Executive Director discussed the Communications Strategy project explaining his goals and what he expects to achieve.

Lisa R. Slagle, with additional comments from the Chair, gave an update on the visit to the State Capitol. Additionally, the Executive Director, with additional comments from Stephen R. Whitehead, provided an update on the U.S. Capitol visits.

For future agenda items, Stephen R. Whitehead asked to review the social media policy.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m. on a motion by Lisa R. Slagle, seconded by David O. Lantrip. The motion carried.

https://www.hfrrf.org/files/lists/7027/Minutes%20Board%20June%2021,%202022.pdf