Kami Bennett

The meeting addressed the rescheduling of the session from the previous Monday due to snow. Key discussions revolved around the status of prior meeting minutes (June 23rd and January 29th), which were deferred for later approval. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public comment period where a guest addressed concerns regarding public records, specifically the timely provision of closing statements for past meetings and the quality of video recordings, referencing prior findings by the Open Meetings Compliance Board. The Board also discussed the legal mandate that video recordings serve as the official minutes and explored potentially simplifying written minutes to timestamped bullet points to align with the video record, while also noting budget constraints regarding improving audio/video quality for future meetings.

The meeting commenced with the announcement of two resignations from the Board: the Chairperson, who resigned to focus on a scholarship program, and another member who relocated. The Board addressed succession planning and the need to elect an interim Chair in the next session. The agenda was adjusted to include presentations on Coronavirus Infection and the Budget-Spending Affordability Advisory Committee. Subcommittee reports were tabled until the following month, with discussion centering on whether outside individuals could assist and clarifying the scope and authority of subcommittees under the Open Meetings Act. Board members agreed to prioritize health disparities/equities, data science, and mental health services subcommittees, and were tasked with bringing recommendations to the next meeting. The Health Officer provided updates on local health initiatives, including visioning sessions for behavioral health services and presented data regarding the Coronavirus threat, alongside a budget review showing the proportion of HCHD funding from state versus county sources. An ad hoc committee was formed to review and edit the Bylaws, which will subsequently undergo final review and public comment periods.

The meeting commenced with the call to order. Key discussions focused on a reflection on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s writings, and an agreement that each commissioner would share a quote at future meetings. The Executive Secretary update included announcements regarding the selection of schools for MLK Contests and award recipients, and that the FY2026-27 Budget would be addressed in November. The importance of the Commission's Rules of Procedure was reviewed. The commissioners reviewed the 2025-26 timeline action items, including recruitment, service activities, and preparations for the Celebration performances. Budget allocation updates for FY 2025-26 were presented. Celebration reports involved reviewing a sub-committee tracking dashboard, selecting a caterer (Anegada Delights) with a possible tasting in November, and planning for the script and run-sheet. Day of Service reports included plans for a Virtual Reality activity, inviting the founder for a presentation in November, securing event space, identifying someone to sing the Black National Anthem, and organizing grocery store food donations and volunteers. An announcement regarding HoCo Pride Sunday was made before the meeting adjourned.

The joint meeting of the Retirement Plan Committees addressed several administrative and investment matters. Key discussions included the announcement of Sandra Tello as the new Employee Representative for the Howard County Retirement Plan and recognition of the outgoing representative, Jeff Bronow. The committees reviewed Pension Statements of Revenues & Expenses for the period ending June 30, 2025. Investment consultants provided overviews of Securities Lending options for BlackRock and State Street, as well as the August 2025 investment Flash Report. Artisan Partners presented an update on the High-Income Trust growth investments. Additionally, the Retirement Coordinator proposed amendments to the Disability Retirement Forms to enhance information gathering from applicants.

The joint meeting of the Retirement Plan Committees addressed several critical financial and operational matters. Discussions included the revision and approval of the February meeting minutes. The Committees entered closed sessions to discuss the investment of public funds. Following the closed session, the Joint Committee resolved to accept the recommendation to invest $20 million in the TA Realty Core Property Fund, pending legal due diligence. A preliminary performance report for February 2022 was presented, noting a total fund loss of 1.6% for the month and a market value of $1.43 billion as of January 31, 2022. The committees also reviewed the Plans' exposure to Russia and Ukraine as of February 28, 2022, and discussed proposed asset allocation changes, including a $23 million reduction in fixed income offset by increases in US small/mid cap, international equity, and real assets allocations. Additionally, the Committees reviewed and suggested minor changes to the proposed ESG Policy Language and received information regarding the cost of living adjustments (COLA) for retirees effective July 1, 2022.