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OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (OPEB) BOARD
The Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Board meeting was held on February 26, 2014 at
9:00 a.m with Chairwoman Mitchell presiding. Members present were Mr. Hare, Mr. Koenig, and
Mrs. Hawkins. Mrs. Williams was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hare moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Koenig and
unanimously carried.
Approval of Minutes - OPEB Board Meeting of November 14, 2013
Mr. Hare moved for approval of the minutes of the OPEB Board meeting of
November 14, 2013, seconded by Mr. Koenig and unanimously carried.
Quarterly Performance Review (Quarter Ending December 31, 2013) (Milliman, Inc.)
Mr. Jeff Marzinsky, Principal and Employee Benefits Consultant, Milliman, Inc., reviewed the
Quarterly Investment Monitor Summary Report for the Quarter Ending December 31, 2013.
Referring to the Board Meeting Notes dated February 12, 2014, he noted that the plan had a return
of approximately 4.4% for the quarter and approximately 9.65% for the year, which exceeded the
portfolio’s index. He indicated that the asset allocation was in line with target allocations.
Referring to Page 3 of the report, Market Indices - 4th Quarter 2013, Mr. Marzinsky explained that
equities were positive for the year for most U.S. stocks. He stated that a number of bond asset
categories had negative returns, especially long-term bonds, and emerging markets did not perform
well. Year to date, markets were mixed in the U.S. The Dow Jones industrial average was down
approximately 2% year to date, although there had been a comeback since the end of January 2014.
The Standard and Poor (S&P) index was approximately even for the year and equity markets were
leveling out following a decline at the end of January 2014. Interest rates were decreasing slightly,
which led to an increase in bond performance.
In reference to Page 9, Asset Allocation, Mr. Marzkinsky indicated that fund balances were in line
with targets. He reminded members that the portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and when contributions
occur. He indicated that the plan had approximately $16.4M in assets, which was an increase from
a balance of approximately $12M as of December 31, 2012 and the result of a combination of gains
in investments and contributions made to the plan.
Referring to Page 10, Investment Policy Review - Active Management, Mr. Marzinsky stated that
plan investments had positive returns across the equity asset categories. He noted that the PIMCO
fund was experiencing a management issue in that its Chief Executive Officer would be leaving the
firm within the next couple of months and PIMCO was restructuring its research and upper
management sections. Mr. Marzinsky indicated that Milliman would monitor this situation. He
noted that the Target Small Capitalization Value T Fund had slight underperformance due to
overweighting in industrial and consumer goods and that this would also be monitored by Milliman.
In reference to Page 12, Investment Option Return Summary, Mr. Marzinksy stated that the three (3)
month return for the portfolio was approximately 4.4%, which exceeded the index of 3.71%. The
one (1) year return was 9.65%, compared to the index of 8.94%. He noted that equity returns were
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OPEB MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 2
considerably higher for the year, but reminded members that the OPEB portfolio was a balanced
portfolio consisting of approximately 60% - 65% equity and 40% fixed income investments.
Mr. Marzinsky advised members that the Harding Loevner Global Equity Institutional fund had
slight underperformance over the last few years and a potential change was recommended. He
indicated that this fund was placed in the OPEB fund portfolio by the previous financial advisor as
a non-U.S. equity developed markets investment; however, after reviewing its holdings, it was
determined that the fund consisted of approximately 50% - 60% U.S. stocks, creating overlap
between this fund and other fund investments. As a result, Mr. Marzinsky recommended that this
fund be replaced. Referring to the Competitor Analysis Report, Mr. Marzinsky stated that Milliman
had considered two (2) potential replacement funds, including the MFS Institutional International
Equity Fund and the Oppenheimer International Growth Y Fund. He indicated that MFS focuses on
large, growing international companies and that Oppenheimer International Growth targets
companies with good three (3) to five (5) year track records which are focused on new technologies,
infrastructure, and sustained growth. Noting that the Oppenheimer Fund had better returns, rank
compared to its peer group, and risk analytics, Mr. Marzinsky recommended that this fund be chosen
as a replacement for the Harding Loevner fund. He indicated that, should members accept the
recommendation, the fund would be replaced at the time of the quarterly rebalancing of the portfolio.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Mr. Marzinsky confirmed that the Oppenheimer fund had historically been
a good performer. Returns over the year to date, one (1) year, three (3) years, five (5) years, and ten
years were strong compared to the fund’s index. In addition, the fund ranked in the top 1% of funds
in its asset category with a comparable expense ratio to the Harding Loevner Fund.
Mr. Koenig moved to replace the OPEB Fund’s investment in the Harding Loevner Global
Equity Institutional Fund with the Oppenheimer International Growth Y Fund, as
recommended by the investment manager, Milliman, Inc. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Mr. Koenig moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.
Donna S. Mitchell
Chairwoman
DM/JS/dd
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