Agenda 03-16-16 PD&FD BOYNTON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS' PENSION FUND
AND THE FIREFIGHTERS' PENSION FUND
SPECIAL JOINT BOARD MEETING
WEDNESDAY,April 13. 2016 (ai 9:00AM
Renaissance Commons Executive Suites
1500 Gateway Blvd., Suite#220
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER—Toby Athol, Chairman - Police
Matt Petty, Chairman -Fire
II. AGENDA APPROVAL -
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES— N/A
IV. FINANCIAL REPORTS: N/A
V. CORRESPONDENCE— N/A
VI. OLD BUSINESS—
A) Review and discussion of the RFP and presentations for Administrative
services for the Pension Funds.
VII. NEW BUSINESS: N/A
VIII. PENSION ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: N/A
IX. PUBLIC AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
(Limited to three (3) Minutes)
X. ADJOURNMENT:
If you cannot attend, please call Barbara @ 561/739-7972.
Next Meeting Date
Fire Pension, FRIDAY, Apr 29, 2016 @9:00 AM
Police Pension, TUESDAY, May 10, 2016 @ 10:30 AM
NOTICE
IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE FIREFIGHTERS' PENSION BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER
CONSIDERED AT THIS MEETING,HE/SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND,FOR SUCH PURPOSE,HE/SHE MAY NEED TO
ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON
WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. (F.S.286.0105)
1
THE CITY SHALL FURNISH APPROPRIATE AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES WHERE NECESSARY TO AFFORD AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A
DISABILITY AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A SERVICE,PROGRAM,OR ACTIVITY CONDUCTED
BY THE CITY. PLEASE CONTACT CITY CLERK'S OFFICE (561)742-6060 AT LEAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM OR
ACTIVITY IN ORDER FOR THE CITY TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE YOUR REQUEST.
THE BOARD (COMMITTEE) MAY ONLY CONDUCT PUBLIC BUSINESS AFTER A QUORUM HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. IF NO QUORUM IS
ESTABLISHED WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES OF THE NOTICED START TIME OF THE MEETING THE CITY CLERK OR DESIGNEE WILL SO NOTE
THE FAILURE TO ESTABLISH A QUORUM AND THE MEETING SHALL BE CONCLUDED. BOARD MEMBERS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE FURTHER
EVEN WHEN PURPORTEDLY ACTING IN AN INFORMAL CAPACITY.
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Pension Administration Proposal ;�°-
► Submitted to
Boynton Beach Firefighters
Pension - and and
Boynton Beach Police Officers'
Pension Fund
.
3810 Inverrary Blvd.,Suite 303,Lauderhill,FL 33319
(954)730-2068 Phone (954).730-0738.Fax
BENEFITS USA, INC.
A Third Party Administrator of Public Pensions
January 25,2016
TO: BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOYNTON BEACH FIREFIGHTERS' PENSION FUND AND
BOYNTON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS' PENSION FUND
RE: RFP
PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL PLAN ADMINIS 1'RATION SERVICES
To Whom It May Concern:
It is our pleasure to provide this proposal for the provision of professional administration
services for the Boynton Beach Firefighters' Pension Fund and Boynton Beach Police
Officers' Pension Fund.
Benefits USA,Inc.is a full service Third Party Pension Administrator,who is committed to
meeting the needs of your current and future members through highly responsive,
personalized,and technologically savvy customer service.
The principal business of Benefits USA,Inc.is the administration of public pension funds in
Florida. Our established background,extensive education,and years of professional
experience in this field,makes us an unusually well-qualified company to provide your
administration services. As you can see from the number of pension Boards that we serve,
Trustees recognize our ability to provide experienced professional services to your fund.
We hope that you will find the enclosed information of interest and that we will receive
favorable consideration for provision of services as your plan administrator.
Please feel free to contact me directly should you have any questions regarding our
submission.
Sincerely,
Peter K.Prior,President
enclosures
3810 Inverrary Blvd.Ste.303 Lauderhill,FL 33319 954-730-2068 fax 954-730-0738
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Table of Contents
1
Specific Proposal Submission Requirements
and Fee Proposal Tab 1
About Benefits USA
Our Beliefs & Philosophy Tab 2
Our Ethics Policy Tab 2
Our Services Tab 3
Our Service Partners Tab 3
Our Communications Tab 4
Our Clients & References Tab 5
Our Principals & Staff Tab 6
Certifications & Insurances Tab 7
New Client Checklist Tab 8
gr1BFl.YEF1TS USA
Fee Proposal
➢ The monthly flat fee that we propose is $2, 100
for Fire and $2,300 for Police, or $4,200 -
$4,400 combined , plus a one time charge of
$1 ,500 - $2,000 for data input.
➢ Benefits USA, Inc. will be responsible for
telephone expenses, routine copies and postage
(with the exception of mass mailings), and basic
computer programming. Benefits USA, Inc. will
not be responsible for the cost of printing ,
postage for mass mailings and non-routine
major expenses for special tasks requested by
the Trustees.
;BENEFITS USA
1, Fee Proposal (continued)
Termination
➢ We agree to a thirty-day notice of termination by the Board. We
further agree to provide ninety days written notice to the Board in
the event of termination by Benefits USA, Inc. In the event of
termination, participant records will be turned over to the Trustees or
a new administrator in electronic and/or paper format.
Public Entity Crimes
➢ Neither the entity submitting this proposal, nor any officers,
directors, executives, shareholders, employees, members or agents
who are active in management of the entity, nor any affiliate of the
entity, have at any time been charged with and/or convicted of a
public entity crime.
Litigation
➢ No legal action has been taken against Benefits USA, Inc. for any
reason. No claims have been filed that have been settled or that are
pending.
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Our Beliefs and Philosophy
0 • The mission of Benefits USA is to deliver the highest
quality pension benefit administration services to our public fund
clients. We will strive to always respond to our clients' needs and
requests not only with speed, but with integrity and with actions
totally for the benefit of the client and the benefit recipient.
• The philosophy of Benefits USA mirrors that of author
David Everett who wrote: "Tall oaks from little acorns grow." In this
same spirit, Benefits USA has grown since its inception in 1997 to a
firm well respected in the public pension arena for the knowledge of
our staff, the quality of our service, the integrity of our actions, our
accessibility to our clients, and our commitment to continue to grow
ourselves by finding new, innovative, and ever more efficient ways to
provide pension administrative services.
'BENEFITS USA
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Our Ethics Policy
E,
I. I will put the interests of the client above my own.
II. The interests of Plan Participants will take precedence over any
other form of service I may be expected to perform, particularly in
those cases where the participant has not been exposed to a
business or a professional background.
III. I will maintain high ethical standards at all times even though it may
be expedient to resolve some pending matter, however minor on its
face, UNETHICALLY.
IV. I will not accept instructions from any client, directly or indirectly, to
commit ethical wrongdoing even though I will lose the client if I do not
comply.
V. I will prepare myself through continuing education to perform the
duties of my occupation in the utmost knowledgeable and
professional manner, and I will make such knowledge and
professionalism available to all those I serve.
VI. I will not violate any law duly enacted by any governmental body
whose authority has been established by law.
Adopted December 4, 1997
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Our Services
For Pension Board / Trustee Meetings we will
➢ Prepare and distribute Agenda and backup
paperwork
➢ Make all public & trustee notifications of time/place
➢ Coordinate all pending matters with Chairperson &
Plan Counsel
➢ Prepare and distribute minutes
➢ Carry out Board instructions subsequent to the
meeting
Y$EVEFITS USA
Our Services (continued
Monitor monthly custodian statements and reports to
determine:
➢ Were contributions transferred for investment on
timely basis?
➢ Do assets listed on custodian report correspond to
assets listed on investment managers reports?
➢ Are benefit payments, expense payments and other
deductions from assets correct?
➢ Are fee invoices in accordance to the terms of the
contract for services?
33ENEFITS USA
Our Services (continued)
Review Investment Manager & Performance Monitor
reports to determine:
➢ Is asset allocation in line with fund's Investment Policy?
➢ Are asset quality and type inline with Investment
Policy?
➢ Has investment manager been notified and
subsequently invested any new money (contributions
and/or other cash received)?
➢ Is cash or cash equivalent amount reasonable?
➢ Are fee invoices in accordance to the terms of the
contract for services?
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1 Compliance Items
➢ Is current Investment Policy, signed by each manager
and financial service provider, on file?
➢ Have Trustees evaluated the services of custodian,
investment consultant and investment manager for
compliance with agreements and expectations?
➢ Provide Actuarial Valuation to State Actuary Division
of Retirement for Chapter 175 / 185 Plans.
➢ Distribute annual pension benefit statements to
participants.
➢ Distribute Summary Plan Description as required.
BENEFITS USA
Our Services (continued)
Audit Items
➢ Maintain expense records paid during plan year for plan
auditor
➢ Provide manager and custodian reports to plan auditor
➢ Assist auditor as needed to obtain necessary records
➢ Assist auditor in determining accuracy and transfer of
contributions
➢ Distribute auditor's completed report to trustees, other
interested parties, and as part of annual Division of
Retirement Annual Report (for Police / Fire plans)
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Our Services (continued)
We will coordinate with your Actuary by providing
➢ Updated listings of active employees with pertinent data
such as new hires, vested and non-vested terminations,
annual salary and contributions, refunded contributions,
social security numbers, dates of birth, and dates of hire
➢ Updated listings of Early, Normal or Disabled retirees in pay
status at plan year end
➢ Record of beneficiaries who have selected Joint and
Survivor or 10 Year Certain Life options
➢ Status of terminated participants who did not withdraw
contributions
➢ Deaths during plan year
➢ Current audited financial statement
>BF.IVEFYTS USA
1, Our Services (continued
Miscellaneous Services
➢ Obtain insurance premium quotes for Fidelity Bond /
Trustee Fiduciary Liability / General Liability
➢ Arrange for attendance at educational programs such as
FPPTA, NCPERS, and Florida State Conference for Police
& Fire
➢ Develop computer programs for Trustees' and members'
information and education
➢ Arrange pre-retirement seminars for plan members
➢ Report items of general interest occurring in the employee
benefits field
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Post-Retirement Investment Option Resources
Benefits USA can help your DROP retiree with
post-DROP Investments
➢ We can offer institutional grade portfolio management to individual
investors through an external investment partner, giving individual
investors the highest levels of institutional quality management.
➢ This portfolio assistance is available to participants taking a distribution
from a DROP plan and looking for the best way to minimize risk in a
broadly diversified portfolio.
➢ The process begins with one-on-one personal consultation with an
investment professional to design a plan based on the participant's time
horizon, objectives and ability to handle risk.
➢ This service is aimed at individuals who are not high-risk investors. Their
primary concern is preserving capital, growing the value of the assets,
while minimizing risk and tax consequences. The final investment
portfolio is a comprehensive fee-based investment program offered by an
independent 3rd party investment firm, through Benefits USA. O' BENEFITsusa
Communications
We will assist you with communications to
➢ Trustees
➢ Service Providers
➢ State of Florida
➢ Active Employees / Plan Participants
➢ Active Retirees / Beneficiaries
➢ Legal Counsel
➢ Plan Sponsor
➢ Finance Department
➢ City Clerk's Office
ciENEFITS USA
Communication with Trustees
➢ Meeting Minutes & Agendas
➢ Back Up Materials
➢ Completed Financial Audit Reports
➢ Completed Actuarial Reports
➢. Upcoming Educational Events
➢ Custodian and Investment Manager reports
and presentation materials
➢ RFP Preparations and Responses
'BENEFITS USA
Communication with
Service Providers
➢ Board Meeting Dates and Agendas
➢ Requests for Presentations to Board Members
➢ Requests for Financial & Other Written Reports
➢ Requests for Benefit Distributions
➢ Requests for Expense Payments
BENEFITS USA
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Communication with the
State of Florida
➢ Provide Actuarial Valuation of plan to State Actuary
(175/185 Plans)
➢ Provide Division of Retirement Annual Report for
Police Officers and Firefighters, including copy of
audited financial report
*FITS USA
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Communication with
Active Employees/Plan Participants
➢ Summary Plan Description as required under Florida law
➢ Updated financial & actuarial information in years SPD not
required
➢ Annual pension benefit statements
➢ Newsletters — as desired by Board of Trustees
➢ Reminders to report address changes and/or marital
status changes
➢ Explanation of benefit options and estimate of benefits
➢ Applications and other necessary forms for Early/ Normal
Retirement
ABENEF/TS USA
Communication with
E Retired Participants/Beneficiaries
➢ Respond to calls for assistance with lost checks,
address changes, changes in banks for direct deposit,
changing in withholding tax or insurance premium
deductions
➢ Provide same communication materials furnished to
active employees
➢ Determine that annual Form 1099R is provided and
reflects correct information
➢ Administer COLA provisions as applicable
BENEFITS USA
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j Communication with Plan Sponsor
P
ee
➢ Receive payroll data
➢ Provide information for posting to City's general ledger
➢ Exchange required information during annual audit
➢ Receive copy of transfer of contributions to custodian
bank
➢ Receive advice of contributions/salaries of
terminated/retiring employees
➢ Furnish minutes & other required documents to City's
custodian of records
➢ Furnish agendas and meeting notices as specified by
ordinance or other rules of procedure applicable to public
meetings
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BENEFITS US
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Our Clients and References
Since our firms formation in December 1997, Benefits USA has been privileged to
acquire the following pension funds as clients, with others currently pending:
➢ City of Aventura Police Officers' Retirement Plan
➢ City of Cooper City Firefighters' Pension Fund
➢ City of Coral Gables Police Pension Fund
➢ City of Deerfield Beach Non-Uniformed
Employees Retirement Fund
➢ City of Florida City Police Officers' Pension Fund
➢ City of Hialeah Firemen's' Relief and Pension Fund
➢ City of Hialeah Police Pension Fund
➢ City of Homestead General Employees Pension Fund
➢ City of Homestead Firefighters Pension Fund
➢ City of Homestead New Elected Officials & Senior Management
➢ City of Homestead Municipal Police Officers' Pension Trust Fund
• City of Lauderhill Confidential and Managerial Employee
Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
➢ City of Maitland Police Officers' and Firefighters Pension Trust Fund
➢ City of Miramar General Employees Retirement System
BENEFITS USA
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Our Clients and References
(continued)
➢ City of Oakland Park Police and Firefighter Retirement System
➢ City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters Retirement Trust
Fund
➢ City of Plantation Police Officers' Retirement System
➢ City of Port Orange General Employees' Defined Benefit Plan
➢ City of Riviera Beach General Employees' Retirement Fund
➢ City of Riviera Beach Police Officers' Pension Plan
➢ City of South Miami Police Pension Plan
➢ City of Sweetwater Police Officers' Pension Fund
➢ City of Tamarac Police Officers' Pension Trust Fund
➢ East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District
➢ Fort Lauderdale Firefighters' Insurance Trust Fund
➢ Sarasota Firefighters' Insurance Trust Fund
➢ Town of Golden Beach Police Pension Fund (supplemental plan)
➢ Town of Golden Beach Police & General Employees'
Retirement Plan
➢ Village of Bal Harbour General Employees' Pension Plan
BENEFITS usa
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of Zai. EAST LAKE TARPON SPECIAL FIRE CONTROL
- �„� N. N, DISTRICT FIREFIGHTERS' RETIREMENT FUND
i do Benefits USA,Inc.
11 3810 Inverrary Blvd.,Ste.303
Lauderhill,FL 33319
Phone:(954)730-2068 Toll Free:(800)452-2454 Fax:(954)730-0738
Last Lake Pension Trust Fund
April 7,2009
Reference: Benefits USA,Inc.
To Whom It May Concern:
Our Pension Board engaged Benefits USA,Inc.to administer our plan nearly two years ago.
During that time,they have proven themselves to be very competent,responsive and
professional. The members can contact the administrator by telephone,fax,email or US mail
whenever they need service and someone always promptly responds to their request.
The Pension Board is satisfied that our records are accurately kept up to date and promptly
turned over to the auditors at the end of the fiscal year. Benefits USA,has also been very helpful
with their extensive knowledge and background to help keep our Fund operate efficiently.
The Board of Trustees' does not hesitate to recommend Benefits USA,Inc. as an administrator
as they have proven time and time again they are top in their field of pension plan administration.
Sincerely,
47l
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oug Stryjewski
Secretary
East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District Firefighters'Retirement Fund
Our Principals & Staff
Although Benefits USA has only been in existence as a firm since 1997, our
principals have extensive backgrounds in the employee benefits field.
Benefits USA President, Peter Prior's experience as a public pension trustee
dates back to 1977. Althea Leigh-Lodge has been a benefits administrator
since 1996. Each of these individuals has continued his or her education in
the benefits and insurance fields and will be responsible for your pension
fund.
In addition to these two principals, other staff members include Livia Nixon,
Mei Fang, Leticia Perez, Liz Andrews, Laurel Patterson and Michael Lurch.
Ms. Nixon has been with our firm since 2005 and has worked in the
municipal pension field since 1990. Ms. Fang and Mr. Lurch have been with
Benefits USA providing technical and administrative support. Ms. Perez has
worked in various industries including the insurance industry and was
rehired after working with us for two years. Ms. Andrews has over 24 years
of municipal government experience, which includes 17 years specializing in
the pension area. Ms. Patterson has over 20 years of experience in
business administration and has handled all aspects of retirement. These
individuals are dedicated to client support and available to assist you with
your benefit needs. As we grow we will continue to look for additional
qualified individuals who share our values and commitment to our clients
and their continued satisfaction.
,1,J3ENEFITS USA
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PETE PRIOR
pete@benefits-usa.org
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1975—2004 Tamarac Fire Department—Fire Lieutenant
[ Tamarac, FL
C� Education
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1979-1982 Broward Community College
Associate Degree in Fire Science.
1991-1994 Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale,Fl.
Bachelors Degree in Business and Professional Management with a specialty in Public
Administration.
1994-1996 Masters Degree in Human Resource Management.
Many seminars on Collective Bargaining from the International Association Of Firefighters and
Florida Professional Firefighters Business Affiliation
1997 to present President, Benefits USA, Inc., Lauderhill, FL
ORGANIZATIONS 1976-Present
Division Vice President for Local 3080, 1992-1996
Tamarac Professional Fire Fighters Local 2600, President 1976-1986
BCCPFF- Division Vice President for 3 years
BCCPFF- President for 5 years starting in 1985-1987, 1990-1992
BCCPFF-Treasurer since 1994-2000
Tamarac Pension Board-since 1977. Past Chairman/Vice-Chairman of the Tamarac Pension Board
Trustee for Hialeah Gardens Police Pension Fund, appointed in 1997
Past Division Vice President for the AFL-CIO &past Trustee for the AFL-CIO representing public employees
Current Director of the Florida Public Pension Trustees Association (FPPTA)since 1995/Chairman of the Board
Past Chairman of the FPPTA Audit committee
Member of the FPPTA Education Committee for the CPPTA Program
Chairman of the Benefits Committee for the FPPTA
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Certified Public Pension Trustee(CPPT)
Participant in Global Investment Strategies in Copenhagen, Denmark
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ALTHEA LEIGH-LODGE
althea@benefits-usa.org
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
8/2002-Present Employed by: Benefits USA, Inc.
Providing full Customer Service to Boards of Trustees and their participants for a third party administrator of
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Supplemental Plans.
7/97-12/99 Employed by: First Benefits Services, Inc
CSR/Claims Representative. Provided Customer Service for a third party administrator of Municipal Pension
Plans, Health &Welfare Trust Funds, Section 125 Cafeteria and Flexible Spending Account Plans, and Self-
Funded Employee Group Medical and Dental Plans. Duties included verification of benefits, claims status,
accounts payable, checks disbursements and wire transfers to Account Holders, bank reconciliation, Liaison to
Group Administrators, and coordination of Medical and Dental Benefits.
EDUCATION
1977— 1979 Miami Dade Community College
Degree: AA Nursing
ORGANIZATIONS
2000—2003 Soccer Mom
2001 —2002 President- PTA
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LIVIA G. NIXON
Iivia@benefits-usa.org
CAREER SUMMARY
Extensive background as an Administrative Assistant in Employee Benefits/Customer Service. Committed to
standards of professional performance.Word processing skills in Microsoft Word and Excel-Reliable-
Problem Solver-Organized-Quality Service Team Player.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2005 to present Benefits USA, Inc.
Working as administrator on Pension Plans. Coordinate Pension Board meetings and taking minutes. Providing
full customer service to Boards of Trustees and their participants for a third party administrator of Defined Benefit
Pension Plans and Supplemental Plans.Tasks include working with legal, investment management,accounting,
actuarial, consulting and other professional advisors with respect to Trustee services.
1998 to 2005 Salem Trust Company, Account Associate
Responsible for daily Data Input of Contributions and balance sheets; bank deposits, distributions from Trust
accounts, monthly reporting for pension payments, payments of invoices, account reviews, assist in processing
year end 1099R tax forms.Work directly with retirees, clients and Benefit Providers.Worked with outside auditor's
in providing them information relating to various municipal pension plan audits. Monthly statement downloading for
outside investment managers.Work with legal documents and interaction via phone contact with various attorneys.
Capable of working with little or no supervision.
1990—1998 Barnett Bank Trust Company,Administrative Assistant
Supported three(3)Trust Officers in Corporate Trust Dept. with (401)K and pension accounts. Responsible for the
processing of lump sum distributions and monthly pension disbursements. Daily processing of contributions to trust
accounts. Provided phone communication with clients and investment managers regarding trading issues, account
balances and overdrafts.
EDUCATION
Exceptional Assistant Seminar
Grammar and It's Usage Seminar
American Society for Pension Actuaries
Financial Accounting Course (PBCC 3.0 GPA)
OFFICE SKILLS
Word Processing: Microsoft Word and Excel
Phone Etiquette
SunGard Trust System Series 11
Independent Self Starter ;?.BENEFITSUSA
MEI FANG
I mei@benefits-usa.org
EXPERIENCE:
Administrator, Benefits U.S.A. 10/2007 - Present
Providing full Customer Service to Boards of Trustees and their participants for a third party
administrator of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Supplemental Plans
Customer Service Specialist, Grampus Enterprise Inc. 09/1999— 10/2007
Responsible for Pro-sale customer service for both individual consumers and wholesale dealers
for warranty repair and replacement of merchandise.
Organize and categorize customer claims and generate analysis reports to management.
Inspect arriving and departing loads coming in & out of the gates.
Review and processes vendor payments.
Assist in planning and presenting employer training.
Maintain computerized and manual files and records.
EDUCATION:
9/2002— Present Florida International University
9/1988— 07/1998 Yunnan University of Finance and Trade
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LIZ ANDREWS
Liz@benefits-usa.org
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Benefits USA, Inc. Present
Provide customer service to Boards of Trustees and their participants for a third party administrator of Defined Benefit
Pension Plans and Supplemental Plans
•CITY OF HIALEAH, FL 1986-2010
•Director, Retirement Division 12/6/04-6/4/10
Managed the daily operation of the Retirement Division and acted as liaison between the Board & City Administration,
public officials, governmental agencies, employees, retirees, insurance agents and attorneys. Duties included processing
retirement applications, computed eligible retirement dates and amounts of pension benefits to be paid. Answered
inquiries from active and retired members concerning pensions, loans and other services provided. Assisted in the
preparation of data necessary for actuarial valuations and annual audits, prepared and submitted reports required by State
and Federal governments, prepared Retirement System budget with the Board Chairman. Worked closely with the Board
Attorney, Actuary, Investment Advisor, investment managers, financial custodian, medical board doctors and auditors who
provide services to assure the smooth and efficient operation of the Retirement System's functions and responsibilities.
Responsibilities as Clerk of the Board included coordination and preparation of monthly board agendas, recording,
transcribing and maintaining minutes of all Board meetings, ensured compliance with Sunshine Law, disbursed monies
authorized by the Board for pension payrolls and all other necessary expenditures.
•Acting Director, Retirement Division 7/2/02-12/5/04
•Junior Accountant 3/19/00-7/1/02
•Department Head Secretary 4/5/98-3/18/00
•Clerk of the Code Enforcement Board 1/27/86-4/4/98
•INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Miami, FL 1983-1986
•Clerk for Employee Plans/Exempt Organizations Division
•Education
•Florida International University, Miami, FL 1986
•Bachelors Degree in International Relations
•Miami Dade College, Miami, FL 1981 x`cBENEFITSUSA
•Associate in Arts Y:"
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LETICIA E. PEREZ
Letty.perez@benefits-usa.org
EXPERIENCE:
3 Administrative Staff Benefits U.S.A. 02/10 through present
03/05 through 08/07
Attend meetings, help prepare and send out agenda packages for trustees.
Inputting data into spreadsheets for company.
Answer phones,filing and assisting in special projects as needed.
Sales Associate Ross Dress for Less 08/00 through 12/05
Work with the company opening stores in other states such as Georgia and South Carolina.
Work in the stores Cash Office handling stores receipts and deposits.
Work in Customer Service handling customer's purchases and returns.
Work in any other parts of the store where the manager needs my assistance.
Data Entry Clerk People's Telephone Company 10/97 through 6/99
Handling customer's issues and concerns.
Analyzing reports from Sprint and AT&T.
Set up accounts with Sprint and AT&T for new customers.
Submitted information to AT&T and Sprint on a daily basis to keep customers database current.
Sending out packages to new customers.
Customer Service and general filing.
Office Clerk First Benefits,Inc.of Florida 09/93 through 03/96
General filing
Sorted,alphabetized, filed and distributed the mail.
Prepared and mailed the checks for accounts payable and pension.
Assisted the medical department in writing letters for collection.
Assisted administration in special projects as needed.
SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Bilingual
EDUCATION: BA in English, Florida International University 2006
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LAUREL K. PATTERSON
Lauri@benefits-usa.org
11 SUMMARY:
• Over 20 years of experience in benefits administration
{ • Proven success in positions that require confidentiality and handling of sensitive information
1, • Spearheaded several projects including changing of health/welfare plans and employee recognition for 850
employees
• Strong professional work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills
• Maintained and administered all leaves such as LTD, STD, FLMA, PTO & LOA
• Handled all aspects of retirement, enrollment and loan distributions;worked closely TPA
• Delivered weekly New Employee Orientation
SKILLS:
Strong problems solving skills Literate in MS Office Products 14 years ABRA database
Maintained 6 vendor databases KRONOS HR Certificate Employee issues/problem
EDUCATION:
Jan 2008—April 2008 FAU Fort Lauderdale, FL
Humans Resources Management Certificate
Aug 1978—Aug 1979 Miami Dade Medical Center Miami, FL
Operating Room Technician
Aug 1976—Aug 1978 Miami Dade Community College Miami, FL
Associate Degree—Pre-Nursing
EXPERIENCE:
Sept 1998—Dec 2011 Community Blood Centers of Florida Lauderhill, FL
Benefits Manager
Dec 1993—Sept 1998 American Red Cross Blood Services Miami, FL
Education Coordinator
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,,BENEFITS USA
April 1988—Nov 1993 Bradman Therapy Centers Plantation, FL r'?,
Administrator
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11 Insurances
➢ Benefits USA, Inc. acknowledges that it is a fiduciaryof
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the plan pursuant to Section 112.656, Florida Statutes.
➢ Benefits USA, Inc. agrees that this Agreement shall be
construed under the laws of the State of Florida and
federal law, where applicable.
➢ Benefits USA, Inc. agrees to the venue for any judicial
proceeding to be in the County in which the Board sits.
➢ Benefits USA, Inc. carries Third Party Administrator's
Errors & Omissions insurance with a limit of $1 ,000,000
and a Fidelity Bond in the amount of $250,000. In
addition, we carry General Liability with a limit of
$1 ,000,000.
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BElVEF1TS USA
11 Addendum
The request asks us to provide the name of the contact person that will
be assigned to the Fund. The principal representative will be Pete
Prior.
As for internal control procedures for the processing of disbursements:
this is done through a warrant system. We will furnish the
appropriate trustee/s with a warrant containing the accounts and
amounts to be paid above their signatures. Any invoices paid
between meetings will be listed on the consent agenda at the next
meeting for ratification.
We recommend that the custodian process the pension checks for the
retirees and beneficiaries. As a Trust Company, they are fully
equipped to process the checks and provide alternative methods of
distributing pension checks during a time of crisis.
After reviewing your service providers, we do not have any relationship
with your vendors other than strictly a working relationship with other
clients.
b-,BEMEFITS USA
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New Client Check List
➢ Legal name of Plan
➢ Copy of Ordinance and Summary Plan Description
➢ Names, telephone and fax numbers or pager numbers of Board of Trustees
and preferred addresses for receipt of communications from the administrator —
the Fund office address will be the address provided to participants and
professional advisors unless the individual Trustee directs otherwise. (Home
addresses of Trustees are not given out without authorization of the Trustee.)
➢ Same information for all Fund professionals:
➢ Actuary - need copy of most recent valuation
➢ Attorney
➢ Auditor — need copy of most recent audited financial statement for each Fund
➢ Investment Performance Monitor — need copy of most recent performance
report
➢ Investment Manager(s)
➢ Custodian
➢ Commission Recapture Company(s)
➢ Plan Sponsor Contacts — will administrator need to have contact with City
departments? Identify key individuals. (City Clerk, Finance Director) and their
phone & fax numbers.
➢ Are there existing files for Active and Retired participants?
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New Client Check List (continued)
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➢ Is there a regular set time, date and location for Trustee meetings?
[1> Do Board members want agenda packets in advance of the meeting?
➢ Is there an existing Operating Rules and Procedures manual?
➢ How is Administrator advised of new hires and terminations?
➢ Are beneficiary designation records up to date?
➢ When was Summary Plan Description issued last?
➢ Letter is needed authorizing other parties (particularly the custodian) to
accept instructions from Administrator? Letter should specify that the
Administrator is not authorized to transfer funds out of accounts. Who is
authorized to sign disbursement requests?
➢ Need copy of Investment Policy Statement
➢ Need copies of all forms used for pension plan: refund of contributions,
retirement applications etc.
➢ Do all service providers have current executed contracts on file?
➢ Tax ID# of Trust Fund?
➢ Will the administrator perform the fund accounting? If so, this will have to be
re-constructed to the beginning of the fiscal year in order to be able to
provide the auditor the records they will need. Obtain past monthly reports
from custodian.
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