HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board - 9/14/2021MINUTES
PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL RETIREMENT SYSTEM
REGULAR SESSION
September 14, 2021
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUILDING
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 1:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Gephart called the meeting to or order at 1:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: David Gephart, Chair
Carmen Trevizo, Member
Roger Reynolds, Member
Richard Tracy, Member
Katherine Beck, Member
Staff Present:Carrie Rowley, Local Board Secretary
Attendees: Thomas Benavidez, Benavidez Law Group, Local Board Legal Counsel
Steve Coleman, Pierce Coleman, Employer Legal Counsel
Merle Joy Turchik, Turchik Law Firm, Dan Smith Legal Counsel
Dan Smith, Petitioner, Agenda Item 1
Member Trevizo arrived at 1:09 p.m.
Merle Joy Turchik and Steve Coleman attended via videoconference.
CALL TO AUDIENCE
Chair Gephart opened the call to audience. No comments were received.
Notice of Possible Executive Session
Pursuant to ARS § 38-431.03 (A)(2)(3), the Board may vote to convene in executive session to discuss or
consider confidential records exempt by law from public inspection, and/or to consult with the Board’s attorney for
legal advice and to consider the Board’s position and to instruct the Board’s attorney regarding its position in
contemplated litigation regarding Agenda Items 1, 3, and 4. The Board will take action on these items in open
session.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
1.REHEARING ON THE BOARD'S ACTION TO VACATE THE MEMBERSHIP OF DAN SMITH IN THE
PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL RETIREMENT SYSTEM
ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 1 of 8
ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chair Gephart read the notice of Executive Session for the Board to convene for legal advice.
Motion by Chair David Gephart, seconded by Member Katherine Beck to enter Executive Session at
1:04 p.m. pursuant to ARS § 38-431.03 (A) (3).
Chair Gephart instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All members voted yes during the
roll call vote.
Vote: 4 - 0 Carried
ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Chair David Gephart, seconded by Member Katherine Beck to adjourn Executive Session at
1:19 p.m.
Chair Gephart instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All members voted yes during the
roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
Chair Gephart reconvened the meeting by recognizing Mr. Dan Smith and his attorney Merle Joy
Turchik. Chair Gephart informed the Board Ms. Turchik would be presenting the request, and they
would hear testimony from Mr. Dan Smith and other witnesses. Chair Gephart asked the Board if they
had any comments or questions. There were no comments or questions and the floor was open to Ms.
Turchik.
Ms. Turchik introduced herself to the Board and explained her role in representing Mr. Dan Smith at
today's meeting. Ms. Turchik stated the reason they were here today was to seek a reversal of the Local
Board's January 24, 2020, decision which found Mr. Smith ineligible to participate in the Public Safety
Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) retroactive to his original hire date of May 30, 2013, because,
reportedly, he was not regularly assigned to hazardous duty.
Ms. Turchik stated they would present evidence to substantiate their belief the Board's prior
determination was made based on an incomplete presentation of the facts by former Interim Human
Resources Director, Kathleen Haggerty. The Board would hear how Mr. Smith's position was recruited
through the Oro Valley Police Department, how he was hired by the Police Department, and that he
underwent the same processes (including FTO training) as any other lateral hire police officer would
undergo. He was required to maintain his AZPOST certification, and upon hire, he received badge
number V243, a service weapon, taser, pepper spray, baton, book of Arizona traffic laws, a map book of
Oro Valley for use on patrol and authorization to purchase a ballistic vest and police uniforms. He was
paid as a police officer, he was listed on Police Department staff rosters and when unavailable to work,
his position as Bailiff was covered by other Oro Valley police officers. Additionally, prior Bailiffs hired for
the court were all police officers, and when he was hired he was informed he would be eligible to
participate in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
Ms. Turchik reviewed the PSPRS eligibility requirements that a Local Board is required to use when
making a determination of eligibility, specifying two key components. One being a municipal police
officer and certified peace officer and two being regularly assigned to hazardous duty. With regard to
hazardous duty, Ms. Turchik clarified Mr. Smith's duties as a police officer were in place from May 30,
2013 to January 24, 2020, after which time he no longer performed police officer duties. Prior to January
24, 2020, Mr. Smith was called upon to take police action if he saw anything within the Town municipal
complex including responding to calls within the complex, overseeing child custody exchanges which
would normally be assigned to a police officer, transportation of prisoners, and leading a weekly warrant
detail in which he and two other police officers would issue warrants and make arrests. Additionally, he
responded to calls as needed, outside the Town's municipal complex and covered patrol shifts when the
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 2 of 8
Police Department was short on staffing.
Ms. Turchik concluded her introduction by pointing out the evidence the Board received in their binders
which included several exhibits and letters from former coworkers corroborating Mr. Smith's assertion
that he met the eligibility requirement to participate in PSPRS. Ms. Turchick requested permission to call
a witness. Chair Gephart granted permission and Ms. Turchik called Mr. Dan Smith.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to state his full name for the record. Mr. Smith replied his full name is
Danny Ray Smith. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to state his hire date and explain his understanding of
the position he was applying for and was hired into. Mr. Smith stated his hire date was May 30, 2013,
and it was his understanding he was applying for a certified peace officer position. He also stated he
was leaving an existing certified peace officer position to begin employment with the Town of Oro Valley
as a Bailiff.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to draw his attention to Exhibit 1, a cover letter from Dan Smith addressed
to the Oro Valley Police Department expressing interest in and applying for the position of Bailiff. When
asked why it was addressed to the Police Department, Mr. Smith stated the job posting was through the
Police Department. Mr. Smith identified the second page in Exhibit 1 as a background questionnaire
used by the Oro Valley Police Department which was a standard AZPOST form used in conducting
background investigations for police officers. Mr. Smith clarified he underwent the full standardized
AZPOST background investigation which is required of all certified peace officers. Ms. Turchik asked
Mr. Smith if he underwent the same process as would be customary for any police officer hired by the
Oro Valley Police Department, to which he stated “yes.”
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to turn to the next page of the exhibit which was a job offer letter from
Officer Jodi Stevens, Training Coordinator for the Oro Valley Police Department. Ms. Turchik asked Mr.
Smith if any of his job offer correspondence came from the Court, and he answered “no.” He further
stated after being hired, his first three months were not in the Court, but within the Police Department
for his field training. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to turn to the next page which was an AZPOST
appointment/certification form. She asked him to identify which agency he was certified under and what
his appointment dates were. Mr. Smith stated the certification was under the Oro Valley Police
Department from May 30, 2013 to January 24, 2020. Mr. Smith was directed to turn his attention to the
next page of the exhibit which was the Town's employee action form and to identify what position was
written on the form. Mr. Smith identified the position as Police Officer (Bailiff) and confirmed the pay rate
as being step one of the police officer pay plan. Mr. Smith turned to the next page in the exhibit, which
was the original PSPRS membership form acknowledged by the employer. Ms. Turchik asked Mr.
Smith to explain who Barb Harnish was. Mr. Smith stated Ms. Harnish worked in HR with the
insurances, and she met with him to ensure he was placed appropriately since he was already retired
from one job.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to turn to the next page noting the Oro Valley job description for Bailiff. She
asked Mr. Smith if he was able to find the original job description from 2013. Mr. Smith stated he could
not obtain a copy of the 2013 job description. However, this job description revised in 2018 was the
same as the original job description. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to read the minimum qualifications for
the job as it related to peace officer and AZPOST certifications. Mr. Smith identified the minimum
qualifications as completion of police academy, possess at time of application and maintains an
AZPOST certificate, and successfully completes Field Training Officer (FTO) process with the Police
Department. Mr. Smith also pointed out under the required knowledge, skills, and abilities section of the
job description the ability to pass the physical testing required for AZPOST certification; and the ability to
maintain physical conditioning adequate to effect an arrest or subdue a defendant.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith if he was in the field training officer process during his first three months
of employment. Mr. Smith replied “yes.” Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to describe the equipment he
received after successfully completing the FTO process. Mr. Smith stated he received vouchers to
obtain full Oro Valley Police Department uniforms, a badge, ballistics vest, and web gear, and he was
issued a taser, service weapon, radio, citation book, victims’ rights book, gas mask, personal protective
equipment, and all other necessary equipment to be a fully functional police officer. Mr. Smith stated he
received all the equipment and vouchers prior to beginning the field training process because he would
be working in the field as a police officer during the FTO process.
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 3 of 8
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to turn to Exhibit 2 and identify the photo that most accurately described
him when he went to work. Mr. Smith identified the photo of himself in full police officer uniform
receiving his five-year service award from the Town of Oro Valley. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to
describe the two certificates of competency he'd received, also contained in the exhibit. Mr. Smith
identified them as Traffic Lidar Operator and Doppler Traffic Radar Operator. When asked if he would
use those certifications as a Bailiff, Mr. Smith replied “no,” these certifications were necessary solely for
patrol officer purposes.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to turn to Exhibit 4, and asked him to describe his interactions with the
Police Department. Mr. Smith stated his interactions were fine, and he got along good with everybody. It
was a professional environment and the Police Department and Court worked well together. Ms. Turchik
asked Mr. Smith to explain the memos contained in the exhibit which looked like requests for contact
information updates. Mr. Smith explained that his contact information was maintained by the Police
Department in order to contact him if they were short-staffed on weekends and needed him to fill in as a
patrol officer, also when he was on patrol they would be able to reach him at any time. Ms. Turchik
asked Mr. Smith to explain the memorandum sent to Sgt. Dean Nesbitt dated August 26, 2016,
regarding Patrol Supervision. Mr. Smith explained this was intended to allow one Sergeant to keep track
of his patrol hours. If he applied for any other positions, the department would have record of his time
on patrol. This was because as a fill-in officer, he would work under different Sergeants and no one was
tracking his time or doing performance evaluations on him annually. The performance evaluations were
handled by his supervisor in the Court. Mr. Smith went on to say the number of hours (350) contained at
the bottom of the memorandum was his field training hours and not his total hours working patrol since
his hire date. He also stated that shortly after this was implemented, Sgt. Nesbitt was reassigned and
no one picked up the responsibility to track his hours.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to turn to the personnel rosters included in Exhibit 4 and asked him to
locate his name on those rosters. Mr. Smith identified his name and confirmed he was included with the
other certified personnel. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to explain the next documents within the exhibit.
Mr. Smith stated this was a memo to Judge Dunscomb from Lt. Schaefer with a letter of appreciation
from the Marana Police Department. The documents were to be included in Mr. Smith's personnel file.
Mr. Smith explained he was at another officer's house and a domestic violence situation occurred in the
street in front of the officer's house. Both Mr. Smith and the other officer intervened and detained the
subjects until the Marana Police Department could respond and make an arrest.
Ms. Turchik stated she wanted to review with Mr. Smith the range of duties he performed as Bailiff. Mr.
Smith stated his duties as a Bailiff included protecting the Judge, staff, and other individuals within the
Court, security checks on individuals appearing in court, including checking those individuals for
warrants. If there were any active warrants, Mr. Smith would call for backup from Oro Valley PD, and he
and his backup would arrest the individual. Mr. Smith would then transport them to Pima County jail and
book them. He pointed out as a police officer he could perform this function, however if he'd been
simply a security guard for the Court he would not have been able to. Another primary function was to
maintain security for the Court and keep up on warrants including locating suspects, serving warrants
and making arrests. Another part of Mr. Smith's duties included transporting defendants to and from jail
on Tuesdays. During the time he was transporting defendants, another Oro Valley police officer would
cover for him as Bailiff. Additionally, when taking vacation or sick leave, his position was covered by an
Oro Valley police officer. Mr. Smith would also handle any defendants that were unruly in court, arrest
them and take them to the Pima County jail. Mr. Smith also explained how he was tasked with
developing and spearheading a warrant sweep program on Thursdays in which he and other officers
would locate suspects with outstanding warrants, serve warrants and arrest the individuals. This warrant
sweep program was completed with the help of Sgt. Zach Pierce, Sgt. Matt Horetski and Officers TJ
Steele and Christopher Knapp.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to explain his understanding of what authority the Police Chief had over
him. Mr. Smith explained Judge Dunscomb communicated to him that as long as the Court was covered
and safe, the Police Department would come first, and he was to provide police officer services to the
Department when needed. Mr. Smith stated he used his Spillman computer in his office at the Court to
monitor police calls. When he noticed calls were stacking up, if nothing was going on at Court, Mr.
Smith would check out a patrol vehicle and would be considered on patrol at large. This meant he was
not assigned to a specific beat, but rather at large and could respond as a patrol officer to any calls
received by the Department's dispatchers. Mr. Smith also had a police radio, and he would monitor the
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 4 of 8
radio traffic and respond to any issues occurring at the Town's municipal complex.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to explain Exhibit 3. Mr. Smith explained this was a small section of the call
logs and his activity as a police officer prior to his separation from service on January 24, 2020. He also
backtracked and explained that on warrant sweep days he and the other officers would set aside their
warrant sweeps and serve on patrol at large if the Department had a need.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to explain what changed in the duties he performed after January 24,
2020. Mr. Smith stated after that date he did not do any patrol functions, he was unarmed, and he did
not wear a uniform. Because there were no policies in place for this change, Mr. Smith mainly took care
of administrative and security functions solely within the Court. Ms. Turchik then asked Mr. Smith to turn
to the section containing the employer's report initially provided to the Local Board by Interim Human
Resources Director, Kathleen Haggerty. Ms Turchik asked Mr. Smith if he'd had a chance to review the
memo written by Ms. Haggerty to which he replied “yes.” Ms. Turchik also asked Mr. Smith if this memo
provided an accurate description of his job as a Bailiff. Mr. Smith replied “no,” and went on to explain that
Ms. Haggerty implied he was a volunteer reserve officer which was not the case. Mr. Smith stated if he'd
been a volunteer reserve officer he would not have been able to work police patrol at the level he'd
functioned at. He further stated each and every day he reported to work he was suited up as a police
officer, and as per Judge Dunscomb, his job was a Police Officer assigned as Bailiff to the Court.
In Ms. Haggerty's memo on page two, the final paragraph references contact with Phil Coleman of
PSPRS. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith to explain any conversations he might have had with Phil Coleman
after the Local Board's initial decision. Mr. Smith stated after the Board met, he received an email
notifying him of the Board's decision to vacate his membership within PSPRS retroactive to his hire
date, and he needed to enroll in ASRS as soon as possible. He stated the email contained no recourse
information or additional steps. He then contacted Mr. Coleman at PSPRS and Mr. Coleman explained
to Mr. Smith he had appeal rights and that he could consider consulting with an attorney. Shortly after
this, Mr. Smith received a certified letter notifying him of the Board's decision and explaining his appeal
rights. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith if during his conversation with Mr. Coleman did Mr. Coleman
indicate he agreed with Ms. Haggerty's report and recommendation. Mr. Smith stated Mr. Coleman told
him he'd not reviewed any documents, he'd had a hypothetical conversation with Ms. Haggerty and
provided an opinion. Mr. Coleman went on to cite another similar case in Northern Arizona where a
Police Officer/Bailiff was separated from police duties and offered the opportunity to either transfer to
the Police Department as an officer or remain as a Bailiff. This individual elected to remain a Bailiff and
would, under this circumstance, no longer be eligible to participate in PSPRS. Mr. Smith also
acknowledged that after his police officer duties were removed in January 2020 he no longer met the
requirements to participate in PSPRS, but prior to January 2020 he met the requirements.
Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Smith if he had anything else he wished to say to the Local Board. Mr. Smith
stated that every day he reported to work as a police officer, and that he felt his position was no different
from that of a Community Resource Officer or School Resource Officer. Those officers, like himself,
may not be patrolling on a daily basis, but they are obligated to respond to situations and to protect and
serve under the same standards as any other police officer. Each day they put on the uniform they are
in harm’s way or could be at any moment.
Mr. Benavidez asked if Attorney Steve Coleman had any questions for the witness. Mr. Coleman
introduced himself and identified himself as outside counsel for the employer, Town of Oro Valley. Mr.
Coleman stated there was new information learned since the Board's initial decision in January 2020. In
light of this new information, the Town would remain neutral in this case and would not be presenting
any evidence in opposition to Mr. Smith's request. The Town wanted to ensure the Board had all the
information needed to make a decision regarding this request. Therefore, the Town's representatives are
present today to answer any questions the Board members may have and to provide assistance, but will
not be presenting any opposing evidence. Mr. Benavidez asked Mr. Coleman if he had any questions
for Mr. Smith. Mr. Coleman asked Mr. Smith to give a ballpark estimate of the percentage of time he
spent performing police officer duties outside the courtroom versus inside the courtroom. Mr. Smith
replied with the estimate of about 25%. Mr. Coleman had no further questions.
Chair Gephart asked if any of the Board members had any questions for Mr. Smith. Member Tracy
asked Mr. Smith if he knew why, after the Arizona Supreme Court's determination, the Police
Department did not bring him back over as a police officer. Mr. Smith replied that he did not know why
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 5 of 8
he was not transferred back over to the Police Department. Mr. Smith explained after his separation
from service, he eventually returned to the job he'd retired from as a Criminal Investigator with the state
of Arizona's prison system. He said his AZPOST certification meant more to him than any money, and
he wanted to maintain that certification. Under AZPOST standards he had not had any lapse in service,
so in November 2020, he returned to his former job within the prison system. Mr. Tracy asked Mr. Smith
what retirement system he is now in, and Mr. Smith replied he was in ASRS. Mr. Smith and Ms. Turchik
provided additional clarification that their request before the Board today was to reinstate Mr. Smith's
membership in PSPRS from May 13, 2013 to January 24, 2020. This would allow Mr. Smith to keep his
vested retirement in that system and draw from it or transfer it at a later date as opposed to potentially
losing what he'd contributed to the system.
Chair Gephart asked Mr. Smith, as a “lateral hire,” how many years he had in PSPRS prior to his
employment with the Town of Oro Valley. Mr. Smith stated he had zero prior years in PSPRS. He stated
he'd been in the CORP retirement system which he'd retired from prior to beginning employment with
the Town.
Chair Gephart asked if there were any other witnesses, and Ms. Turchik asked if she could briefly call
Officer Brown. Ms. Turchik asked Officer Brown to state his name for the record, his position and how
long he'd been in his position. Officer Brown stated his name is Timothy Brown, he is a police officer
with the Oro Valley Police Department, and he'd been in his position for just under 20 years. Ms. Turchik
asked Mr. Brown if he knew Dan Smith and Mr. Brown answered “yes,” that he was Mr. Smith's Field
Training Officer. Ms. Turchik asked Mr. Brown if he'd done anything different with Mr. Smith during his
field training that he would not have done with any other police officer. Mr. Brown stated “no,” there was
no difference in Mr. Smith's field training. He further stated that prior to Mr. Smith's employment as
Bailiff, other police officers from the Oro Valley Police Department had applied for and been employed in
the position. Mr. Brown also confirmed he served on patrol with Dan, he served on warrant sweeps
which Dan led, and that Dan served as any other police officer with the Town. Ms. Turchik had no
further questions for the witness. This witness was excused.
Chair Gephart asked the other Board members if they had any thoughts, comments or questions.
Member Trevizo asked in general discussion what happened that Mr. Smith's position as Bailiff had to
get changed or remedied from being a sworn peace officer position to a purely civilian position. Mr.
Benavidez explained this was determined by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2020, and there needed to
be a separation of powers between the executive/enforcement branch and the judicial branch. It was not
a clear separation of powers to have a sworn police officer serving under a judge within the court system.
Mr. Benavidez further clarified this change was instituted by the Supreme Court which regulates the
municipal courts and the judges.
Member Trevizo asked what new information the Board was given versus the information the Board had
at its initial meeting in January 2020. Mr. Benavidez stated the Board had not heard from Mr. Smith and
had not been provided with police call logs and other detailed information concerning his specific job
duties. Member Trevizo asked Human Resources Director Judith Boros how HR remedied the job
description issues in question for the Bailiff position. Ms. Boros stated the Town no longer has the job
title of “Bailiff” within their job descriptions or salary plans. The Town has a position of Court Security
Officer which became effective January 31, 2020. Member Trevizo asked for clarification on how Mr.
Smith's position could be required to have AZPOST certification and no longer be eligible to be in the
PSPRS system. Ms. Boros stated although not an attorney, she did not believe AZPOST certification
was the qualifying issue in determining PSPRS eligibility. Ms. Boros further stated having worked in the
Phoenix market, she had created positions and job descriptions that required AZPOST certification, but
were civilian positions performing other monitoring and transporting duties.
Member Tracy asked Ms. Boros what the Court Security Officer position does and if it is a police officer
position. Ms. Boros stated the Court Security Officer position is a civilian position that provides security
services for the court, is not a police officer, does not carry a weapon, is not in uniform and is not an
AZPOST certified position.
Member Reynolds stated Mr. Smith's AZPOST certification was not in question and although a
component in this case, it was not the main factor in determining PSPRS eligibility. Member Trevizo
stated she felt the full requirements of the job description, including AZPOST certification, placed Mr.
Smith in a position to potentially be eligible for PSPRS since he'd not previously been a member of that
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 6 of 8
retirement system. Member Trevizo stated this situation seemed to be a mess-up at the hiring onset.
However, she'd worked with Mr. Smith over the years and was very familiar with his duties and his
service as a police officer on occasion. Member Trevizo acknowledged that by the letter of the statute
Mr. Smith was not on a regular assignment to hazardous duty. However, there is no clear definition of
what regularly assigned to hazardous duty means. For example once per week, once per month, etc.
Member Trevizo acknowledged other police officer positions not regularly assigned to patrol, such as
School Resource and Community Resource Officers, but at any moment those assets could be pulled
back into regular patrol. That being said, Member Trevizo felt the spirit of the law versus the letter of the
law should be considered. Member Trevizo stated she did not feel it was fair to Mr. Smith that the
Department used him as a full police officer when it was convenient and pulled his service when it was
no longer convenient. Member Trevizo felt the spirit versus the letter needed to be considered when
voting on this issue. Furthermore, if the Board had been given all the information and transparency
during its initial decision they may not be in this situation now.
Chair Gephart asked Ms. Boros if during her time in Phoenix creating AZPOST certified civilian job
descriptions and positions how many of those positions were PSPRS eligible and if any of those
positions backed up regular police officers. Ms. Boros stated any positions which would back up police
officers would have been PSPRS eligible positions. The AZPOST certified job descriptions and positions
she created were to transport or monitor only and not to back up police officers. If anything happened
involving public safety, those positions were to contact the Police Department for response.
Chair Gephart asked the Board if there were any other questions. No other questions or comments
were brought forth.
Motion by Chair David Gephart, seconded by Member Katherine Beck to reinstate Mr. Dan Smith's
membership in the PSPRS system from May 30, 2013 to January 24, 2020.
Chair Gephart instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All members voted yes during the
roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
2.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 31, 2021 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES
Members reviewed the minutes as written with no discussion.
Motion by Member Richard Tracy, seconded by Member Roger Reynolds to approve the August 31,
2021 regular session meeting minutes.
Chair Gephart instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All members voted yes during the
roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
3.REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON PRE-EXISTING CONDITION FOR RYAN CAPOTOSTI
Secretary Rowley stated a letter was sent to Mr. Capotosti on July 19, 2021 via certified and regular
mail. The letter provided notice of the Board's finding of a possible pre-existing condition, what the
condition was, and invited Mr. Capotosti to provide any additional information to the Board at the
September 14, 2021 meeting. Secretary Rowley further stated she had not received a response or any
additional information from Mr. Capotosti as of this meeting date. Member Beck asked if the records
would remain in Mr. Capotosti's membership file, to which Secretary Rowley stated "yes". There were
no additional questions or discussion.
Motion by Member Carmen Trevizo, seconded by Member Roger Reynolds to affirm the membership
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 7 of 8
Motion by Member Carmen Trevizo, seconded by Member Roger Reynolds to affirm the membership
for Ryan Capotosti as it stands and note the Board's finding of a pre-existing condition as noted in the
medical examination report.
Chair Gephart instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All Members voted yes during the
roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
4.MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL AND REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR
LATERAL TRANSFER OFFICER ZACKERY SCHMITZ WITH A HIRE DATE OF AUGUST 9, 2021.
Members reviewed Mr. Schmitz's membership application and medical reports. There were no
discussion items or questions concerning this membership.
Motion by Member Roger Reynolds, seconded by Member Carmen Trevizo to approve the membership
for Zackery Schmitz without pre-existing conditions.
Chair Gephard instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All members voted yes during
the roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Board Attorney, Thomas Benavidez, brought forth new legislative changes taking effect in January 2022 that
will affect PSPRS Local Boards.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Chair David Gephart, seconded by Member Katherine Beck to adjourn the meeting at 2:59
p.m.
Chair Gephart instructed the Board Secretary to conduct a roll call vote. All member voted yes during the
roll call vote.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular session of the
Town of Oro Valley Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 14 day of
September, 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
___________________________
Carrie Rowley
Local Board Secretary
September 14, 2021 Minutes, PSPRS Local Board 8 of 8