05-30-1995 Special MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
PENSION BOARD MEETING
MAY 30, 1995
• A special meeting of the Miami Shores Village Pension Board was held on May 30, 1995 at the
Miami Shores Village Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Louis Imburgia, Jr. at 8:02
A.M.. The following were in attendance:
•
Board Members:
Also Present:
Louis Imburgia, Jr., Chairman
Michael R. Couzzo, Jr., Secretary
Joseph Charles
Tim Dearden
William Heffernan
Walter Latimer
Richard Trumble
Patricia Varney, Plan Administrator
Scott Davis, Personnel Director
Sgt. George Manos
1. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS TO SGT.
GEORGE MANOS,
Ms. Patricia Varney asked for approval for disability benefits to Sgt. George Manos in the
amount of $2,351.36 per month effective June 1, 1995. Mr. Walter Latimer inquired as
to why surgery has not been an option. Sgt. Manos replied that after his consultation with
Dr. Stein, it was his understanding that surgery would not repair the damage. It would
only reduce the pain. Due to the injury having been a complete tear and due to the length
of time related to the injury, the tendon has pulled further away from the point of
reattachment. Surgery had been a consideration earlier. However, at that time, the
prognosis was only 50/50.
Mr. Joseph Charles inquired as to how disabled a person had to be in order to receive
disability pension. Ms. Varney explained that the ordinance states a police officer is
considered totally disabled if, in the opinion of the Pension Board, he is wholly prevented
from rendering useful and efficient service as a police officer. Mr. Charles stated that
most pension plans do not have a disability clause. This is usually carried under insurance.
Since, the police officers opted to have disability carried under the pension plan, disability
payout can become very expensive on this basis.
Mr. Charles stated that the Board must determine whether Sgt. Manos is totally disabled.
He noted on Dr. Stein's report that Sgt. Manos is only 5% disabled. Therefore, the
Pension Board must determine that he is totally disabled. Mr. Charles stated that based on
Dr. Stein's report, he does not believe that Sgt. Manos is impaired or unable to do any
other work. He asked if other arrangements could be made within the police department
for Sgt. Manos to be able to do other functional work.
In reply, Mr. Couzzo stated that Sgt. Manos has a right to request that the Pension Board
consider his disability. Per the requirements, under the police negotiated arrangements,
he is unable to perform services on a regular basis as a uniformed police officer.
Therefore, Sgt. Manos still meets the criteria for disability.
Mr. Heffernan inquired as to retirement benefits available to Sgt. Manos. Since there are
still six years left to his retirement, Sgt. Manos is opting for early retirement. Once a
police officer receives disability benefits, no other benefits are available. Mr. Heffernan
was concerned that the amount to be given to Sgt. Manos exceeded 25% of his average
monthly earnings. Ms. Varney explained, according to the ordinance, when a police
officer goes on disability (not job related) payment cannot be less than 25%. Mr.
Heffernan asked what retirement benefits would be if Sgt. Manos waited another six years.
Ms. Varney stated that would amount to approximately 14% more in benefits. Mr.
Heffernan inquired if disability benefits had been granted to any other police officers. Ms.
Varney replied that two other officers, Koons and Newby, applied for disability and were
granted benefits by the Board. However, both officers were on permanent job related
disability. Mr. Imburgia inquired as to the length of time that the disability benefits were
under the pension plan. This has been the case for approximately three years.
Mr. Heffernan moved for approval of disability benefits to Sgt. George Manos in the
amount of $2,351.36 per month. Mr. Richard Trumble seconded the motion and it was
passed unanimously.
Mr. Couzzo thanked Sgt. Manos for his nineteen years of dedicated service to the Miami
Shores Village.
Mr. Heffernan inquired if pension disability was the norm in the public sector. Mr.
Couzzo stated that the contract was negotiated in 1992. The Board can reevaluate this
policy if they choose.
Mr. Latimer inquired if there was a difference between non service related and service
related benefits. Ms. Varney replied that the difference was no less than 25% for non -
service related benefits and no less than 42% for service related benefits.
Mr. Heffernan asked if the language of the contract was also negotiated in terms of the
percentage of impairment rather than 100% disabled. Ms. Varney said that the
ordinance states what is reflected in the P.B.A. contract. If the applicant can no longer
work as a police officer, then he is to be considered totally disabled.
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2. REQUEST APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO DR. JAY STEIN FOR EVALUATION
OF SGT. GEORGE MANOS.
A motion was made by Mr. Walter Latimer to approve payment to Dr. Jay Stein in the
amount of $315.00 for evaluation of Sgt. George Manos. Mr. Tim Dearden seconded the
motion and it was passed unanimously.
3. REQUEST APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO BARNETT BANK
Mr. Latimer moved to approve payment to Barnett Bank in the amount of $868.00 for
administrative fees for the period 10/1/94 - 3/31/95. Mr. Dearden seconded the motion.
It was passed unanimously.
4. REQUEST APPROVAL OF MAY 11, 1995 MINUTES
Mr. Dearden moved to approve the May 11, 1995 Pension Board meeting minutes. Mr.
Latimer seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
5. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:23 A.M..
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Louis S. Imburgia, Jr., Chairp;; .on