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John Bartell displayed a PowerPoint presentation addressing reasons for the current situation including <br /> Investment Losses, Enhanced Benefits, Contribution Policy at CALPERS, and Demographics. He <br /> reported many clients think of this as an unfunded liability, but he sees it as a cashflow problem; a <br /> contribution problem. Mr. Bartell noted high expectations that the City's unfunded pension liabilities will <br /> be paid off, but it will be painful, will have a serious impact on the City's budget and on the City's ability <br /> to provide other services. He addressed CALPERS changes including contribution policy changes, <br /> assumption changes, and changes to the discount rate. <br /> Councilmember Brown indicated CALPERS is returning 6.1% but they are stating 7% and stated she <br /> read an article stating CALPERS is looking 50 years into the future and asked for clarification. <br /> Mr. Bartell reported CALPERS has information from their outside advisors that investment returns, over <br /> the next decade, will be approximately 6.1%. He addressed the actuary approach compared with the <br /> CALPERS approach and they believe, after the next decade, investment return will be more than 8%. <br /> They combine the information and generate an average expected return of 7%. He opined the <br /> expectation may be more optimistic than it should be and worried there is not enough conservatism. <br /> In response to Councilmember Olson's question, Mr. Bartell reported CALPERS staff expects a 6.1% <br /> return for the next decade and recommends the Board adopt a 7% discount rate. Mr. Bartell reported <br /> his company makes projections using return assumptions over the next decade, that are not quite as <br /> low as 6.1%. <br /> Councilmember Narum asked whether the City will see a bit of a surplus and Mr. Bartell explained the <br /> City will see a range in terms of contribution projections if the expected happens, and if the returns are <br /> worse than expected. He noted there is a difference between actual return and expected future return. <br /> Councilmember Pentin confirmed the City will anticipate losses, thereby paying more, but will set its <br /> numbers based on what is anticipated in losses. Mr. Bartell agreed and suggested the City could set its <br /> budget rates, higher, or put money aside, pay the rates CALPERS is asking and use the money in case <br /> rates are higher. <br /> Mr. Bartell continued with the report addressing Risk Pool Changes and Risk Mitigation Strategy and <br /> the Discount Rate used as of Actuarial Valuation Date. CALPERS is recognizing the system is loaded <br /> with a high percentage of retirees and have a Risk Mitigation Policy designed to make investments <br /> more conservative. He provided a summary of miscellaneous demographic information, members <br /> included in valuation, and plan funded status. <br /> Councilmember Narum observed the Market Asset Value from 2013 to 2016 went down and asked <br /> whether the market was going up. Mr. Bartell reported in June 30, 2016, the market did not do well and <br /> listed items that drive up asset value including returns, contributions, and benefit payments coming out <br /> of the trust. <br /> Mr. Bartell addressed the Funded Ratio and changes because of the .com bubble and the recession <br /> and reported the 2016, 2017 and 2018 funded ratio will be impacted by the decrease in the discount <br /> rate. He presented the Funded Status, and Contribution Projections. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted the report states CALPERS will work towards a 6% discount rate and <br /> asked for clarification. Mr. Bartell explained the reduction has been built into the contribution <br /> projections. <br /> Councilmember Narum asked whether PEPRA employees are considered as well and Mr. Bartell <br /> reported as time goes by, the City will hire more and more PEPRA employees and eventually, classic <br /> employees will retire or leave. He reported that has been factored into the projections. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 10 December 19, 2017 <br />