John A. Alston

Key topics discussed during the meeting included the introduction and welcoming of new Board members, the election of officers where Matthew Watson and Robert Post were elected Chair and Vice-Chair respectively by acclamation, and the approval of the Proposed 2025 Meeting Schedule. The Board also discussed plans to draft and deliver the Annual Report to Alders and the Mayor's Office.

The meeting addressed administrative matters including a presentation from Bleichmar Fonti & Auld and the renewal of liability insurance, during which the need for a procurement policy was suggested. Information was provided regarding a scheduled COLA increase effective July 1, 2024. The agenda also included informational items on several Age Annuity/Rule of 80/Early Retirement cases and multiple Contribution Withdrawals due to resignations. Additionally, several deaths after retirement and survivor deaths after retirement were noted for informational purposes. The Trustees approved the payment of bills, which included $6,000.00 for legal expenses to Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP.

Key discussions included the Investment Report presented by Raymond James, where a trustee requested exploration of alternative security firms. Administrative matters addressed an overpayment identified from Mutual of America, which will require further confirmation and actuarial calculation. The meeting processed several Age Annuity Retirement applications for informational purposes. One application for Age Annuity Retirement and Service-Connected Disability for Christopher Forslund was taken off the table and approved. An application for Service-Connected Disability for Derrick Akel was taken off the table and then tabled again pending evaluation by a third independent medical examiner. Information only items covered deaths of active members, retired members, and survivors. Finally, the payment of bills, including significant legal and investment expenses covering the period of October through December 2025, was approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the municipal solid waste and recycling tonnage reports for May 2025, noting that the Authority was on track to meet the current fiscal year tonnage goal. The Board approved the draft fiscal year 2025-2026 annual budget and the Annual Plan. In the Executive Director's report, updates were provided on facility improvements, including the replacement of a gate arm sensor, face lift of the transfer station office (painting, flooring, ceiling tile replacement), and the commencement of PC scale upgrades. The Board also addressed required repairs by CWPM in their area. Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters, the Board approved an increase to the annual health insurance reimbursement for the Executive Director to $6,600 per year, effective immediately, and instructed consultation with legal counsel regarding compliance.

The board meeting addressed several key new business items concerning the sale of city-owned sliver lots to MT. Calvary Hold Church of America, Inc. The first item involved the sale of 54 Greenwood Street (1280 square feet) to the church for non-profit pricing ($1.00 per square foot), which will be used as an entry/drop-off area for an adjacent daycare. The second item concerned the sale of 400 Legion Avenue, a paved and fenced lot currently used by the church as parking, also at non-profit pricing. The third sliver lot sale, 21 Haven Street, was approved for an adjacent owner-occupant at $0.25 per square foot for use as a side-yard and off-street parking. Further discussions regarding PAD Guidelines/Motion to amend and the election of officers were passed over without action.