Lawrence Allen

The meeting agenda included action items related to the Post-Retirement Trust, specifically formalizing practices by approving the purchasing manual and Resolution 2318, which delegates the utilization of commission procurement staff for the trust's business needs, such as procuring services from investment advisors and legal counsel. Additionally, the commission addressed historic preservation by requesting approval for listing the Edward UT Taylor School to the master plan. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing and seeking approval for revisions to the agency's one series practices, which outline the organization and functional practices for operating departments, including planning departments and departments of parks and recreation. Benefit plan updates for 2024 were presented, detailing changes to the dental plan design to encourage in-network utilization, adjustments to deductibles and out-of-network reimbursement, an increase in the flexible spending account maximum, various medical and life insurance rate changes, and the introduction of a new voluntary benefits program including student loan assistance and caregiver support. The commission also approved removing the open enrollment deadline for retirees.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the adoption of Resolution 26-01 for the University Boulevard Corridor Plan. General announcements addressed the upcoming Presidents' Day Holiday, Black History Month, and the Financial Disclosure Filing Requirement deadline. Committee reports included receiving the Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes from December 2, 2025, for information only. The agenda also scheduled a closed session to conduct collective bargaining negotiations. Officer reports included the Executive Director's presentation of the CIO's Quarterly Report and the Quarterly Late Evaluation Report, along with the General Counsel's Litigation and Administrative Hearings Report and a Legislative Update.

The Board of Trustees meeting included the approval of the December 2, 2025 Consent Agenda. Discussion items included a summary report on 2025 Trustee Training Hours and an announcement regarding the retirement of the Prince George's County Open Trustee effective December 19, 2025. The Investment Monitoring Group presented an overview of the ERS's performance for the month ending October 31, 2025, noting plan assets stood at approximately $1.3 billion and slightly underperformed the Target Policy Index amidst market volatility. Committee reports covered the 2026 work program for the Investment Monitoring Group, which will include educational topics and manager due diligence, and the Personnel Committee's review of financial statements as of September 30, 2025, and the RFP evaluation process for the Organizational Assessment. The Executive Director reported on the publication of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the renewal of the $5 million Cyber Insurance Policy, and the ongoing distribution of member annual statements. The Board convened in a closed session to consider matters concerning the actual investment of public funds and consultation with counsel related to such investments.

The Commission Meeting addressed several items including the approval of the Consent Agenda, which featured resolutions concerning the West Hyattsville-Queens Chapel Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment, the Timberlawn Historic Site Master Plan Amendment, and Collington Stream Valley Park Easements. General announcements covered holiday events and Diversity Council openings. Committee and Board Reports included information on the Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees Minutes. Action and presentation items involved a discussion on Maryland's Time to Care Act (FAMLI), approval of the FY27 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets, and a recommendation for appointing new Investment Managers for the Employees' Retirement System. Officer reports included updates on purchasing statistics and litigation.

The Commission meeting covered several key agenda items and reports. The Inspector General presented the Fiscal Year 2025 annual report, detailing activities such as completed engagements, OIG services provided, governance structure, and a review of concerns identified across audits. Major concerns highlighted a lack of policies or procedures coupled with insufficient oversight, resulting in numerous audit recommendations focused on improving effectiveness and efficiency, particularly concerning cash handling and internal controls. The Inspector General also noted an increase in Fraud, Waste, and Abuse investigations due to enhanced training and awareness. Other reports included information on Community Planning Month, the upcoming Veterans' Day Holiday, and the Audit Committee's Annual Activity Report.